A perfect spot to snorkel and spot sea turtles! Also, for the best Frozen Mai Thai’s on the island, swing by the Marriott’s bar— right on the beach!

Head up to the Grand Canyon of Kauai for a view that you’ll have to convince yourself is real. Make sure to stop at a few of the many lookouts on the drive, and head over to the Kokee Lodge on your way back down the mountain for some delicious chili and rice, tap beer, or coffee. Pro-tip, enjoy some of the board games or Jenga with your family while you wait for your food!

Want to see the “land called Hanalei” where the mountain range inspired the creation of Puff the Magic Dragon? Visit the surf town of Hanalei! You may even run into Bethany Hamilton, the woman of the true story movie, “Soul Surfer”!

Spend the day at Hanalei!:

- Check out the local hidden gem, the Village Snack Shop and try their chili pepper chicken.

- Craving a pick-me up? Head on over to Wishing Well Coffee and be sure to grab one of their amazing collectible cups!

- Stop by Tahiti Nui for their famous Mai Thai (loved by George Clooney and actually viewable in the movie “The Decendants”). Note, their hours are weird, so good luck catching them!

- If time allows, continue North over the many one-lane bridges and numeral beaches to find Maniniholo Dry Cave, aka Haena Dry Cave! Watch out for bats! (Just kidding…)

Want to go on a rum train tour on the beautiful island of Kauai? Check out Koloa Rum Company’s epic rum tour! With delicious rum tastings and gorgeous scenery, you’ll get the full experience.

Enrich yourself in Kauai’s performative history and food. From the Imu (Koloa Pork Pig) to the jaw dropping fire-breathing, the Smith Family knows how to make a real Luau. Admire gorgeous peacocks and wild chickens on the land, watch how Imu is traditionally made, experience the ancient hula, and inhale the mouthwatering traditional Hawaiian dishes! Also, enjoy the unlimited bar with your qualifying ticket! Definitely worth the cost.

This is a one of a kind, tropical mini golf experience! Challenge your group to a round of extravagant minigolf while admiring the beauty that nature provides in the botanical scenery. If you’re feeling peckish, feel free to swing by their snack shop. Afterwards, head across the street to the tranquil Stone Dam, and bring your bathing suit to take a quick dip! If you’re feeling adventurous, take a chance on the rope swing to make a big splash!

Explore the scene straight out of the O.G. Jurassic Park! With dramatic scenery, lush forestry, and familiar landscapes that seem to be jumping right out of cinema, take the moderate trail to “Alanah Falls” aka a beautiful waterfall and pond with a rope swing along the way! (Please be cautious and do not climb up the slick falls, even if it looks tempting. Take my word for it).

Want to see yet another scene right out of Jurassic Park? Be sure to pack some Dramamine and hop on a boat tour around the Na Pali Coast! Enjoy a fun atmosphere with an experienced sailor and tour guide, and cruise on the Pacific Ocean to see some of the most breathtaking sights. And, who knows, you might even get to see some wild marine life!

With so many different tours running, it’s hard to find the one that suits you best. I’ve linked the most well known tour here, but back in 2019, I went on the Na Pali Craze tour. It is an absolute blast! 10/10 recommend taking the boat tour.

Hop on a scenic hike and trek to the coast of Princeville, Kauai to see the aptly named “Queen’s Bath.” On a stormy day, the lava rocks shine like obsidian and the waves crash with a vigorous roar. It truly is a sight to behold. On a calm and sunny day, there’s even a lagoon that you can take a dip in and lounge like a queen.

Dip your toes in the water at this jaw-dropping beach. Walk through a bit of forest to find Gillin’s beach waiting for you! Keep an eye out for horses on the way, though, as some horse tours trek along the trail. With a beautiful little lagoon, kids can safely enjoy the refreshing ocean. Also, keep a sharp eye out for seals! They love to shore up on this beach.

Although golf isn’t really my game, it might be yours! Play a round with the gorgeous views that Lihue has to offer. There’s a little path that goes along the golf course, leading to a little spot on the island with some pond stones. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

For any things that you are interested in, be sure to double check hours. They can be pretty random.

- Wailua Shaved Ice

- Açaí Bowls (Aloha Always in Kapa’a, Kalalaea Juice Hale, Anakes in Poi’pu, G’s Juice Bar in Waimea).

- Lawai Fish Company for the best plate lunch, poke, and Smoked Marlin Dip (it’s freaking GOLD).

- Konohiki’s for plate lunch! If you want to try their stuffed malasada’s— BUT BE THERE EARLY! They sell out fast.

- Sensei Sushi for the best, most affordable sushi and bento’s on the island! 10/10 recommend!