Going back to my OG blog days- travel blogging. Thought I would offer some spice to my websites normal writing schedule and give you a little taste of paradise. Plus I would love a reason to go back to this Island- so low key hire me for your elopement or wedding!

I also wanted to be a travel agent at the beginning of 2020- little did I know that the world as I know it would never be the same. So I pivoted into photography. One day maybe I will be able to collide those passions. So without further ramble- let’s get into it.

Waimea Canyon – it is the “Grand Canyon” of the Pacific! Start your day off with watching the sunrise over the mountains! Practically no one else will be there which will you give you the park to yourself for a couple of hours! Although the best time to see the canyon is at noon, when the sun is directly over it! Lots of trails to explore and the lodge cafe for coffee!

Hanalei Bay- the most perfect place to go swimming in the ocean! The bay is huge which makes the waves almost non existent- feels more like an intense lake! People surf, snorkel and relax here! There are restrooms, a pier with a cover at the end, and plenty of space for everyone! The mountains are beautiful! Go to Chicken in a Barrel for lunch and shop at Sunrise Emporium!

Poipu Beach- now talk about a very crowded touristy beach! It isn’t as big as Hanalei but it might be cooler for some people! Since it is rocky that means the snorkeling is next level! Seemed that is what everyone was doing there. There is one sandy spot that is really shallow! We also saw two Hawaiian Monk Seals beached. Apparently they are endangered with 1,000 (majority) on Kauai.

Keoki’s Paradise- has to be the best restaurant on the island. The inside is so fun with a tropical vibe and open walls to the outside. The food is also amazing. Especially the special monchong with Keoki’s sauce. That sauce was a sweet tomato delight. We could not get enough. I got a drink in a coconut and left it there which I am extremely bummed about but can’t blame them I guess.

Allerton Botanical – it is a huge property filled with wonderful architectural elements. You can check out the “teaser” garden for free or you can pay the $35 to do a self guided tour on the Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. On Wednesday and Friday you have to do the guided tour $65. I recommend going on Thursday because there is a farmers market on that day!

Sand Pond Beach- this place is most definitely the local hang out! You will notice not many tourists but a whole lot of Hawaiians having a family gathering or celebration. You can camp on one part of the beach. There are bathrooms and a lifeguard but that’s basically it. I loved swimming here because it was sandy as stated and it had jetty’s to help with waves. A great vibe.

Duke’s Restaurant- so if you want to get some hang loose vibes then eat here. A Hawaiian chain experience! They had a whole tropical landscape inside with water. A man was playing music and it was honestly the best first meal hitting the island. Right outside of the Lihue airport. Kalapaki Beach is right next to Duke’s as they are always on the water. So you could catch a wave before eating.

Shipwreck Beach- this is near Poipu and is tucked in between resorts and condos. A small parking lot and not much around this beach is quite cool. I only spent like five minutes here because you can’t see the sunset from the beach. It does have cool rock cliffs and is probably really fun to explore. Not really protected by land the waves are a little harsher. Felt like where the hipsters went.

Spouting Horn Park- this is right near the botanical gardens. You can go right after you spend your day at McBride Gardens. It is a short walk on pavement to the overlook. Tides will play a part on how spectacular the blow hole is. There are bathrooms and it is a relatively short stop on your trip.

Koana Coffee- this is on the way to the airport from Poipu to Lihue. It is not only on the side of the road in a truck but it is next to a donut shop in an airstream. This place has trend written all over it but I promise it is also equally as good. Stop here and get yourself a treat.

Well, there you go, not you know what to do while you are on Kauai. You are welcome. I kid I kid. I am so happy to be writing this because it means that I went and had a great time. This place is such a vibe and I wish I had more time. If you are able spend at least five full days. I have 3.5 days.

This island is the chicken, chill, sleepy and garden island as everyone calls it. I can confirm that that is not wrong. It is a wonderful place to vacation. Don’t sleep on this island. Message me if you are going to the other three main islands as I have advice for those as well.

PS I stayed at the Sheraton in Poipu Beach- the sunsets alone are worth it.