Hawaii

A week in Hawaii on the island of Kauai.

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Kauai

Waimea Canyon

Nā Pali Coast

Beach at Kauai Shores hotel

This was my second trip to Kauai. We have visited Oahu, Hawaii and Maui. Kauai has the most wild and green feel to it. My first trip was just a day trip, but this time we visited for a full week. Our favorite spot was along the north coast in and around the town of Hanalei and we all completed our SCUBA certification for open water dives.

In general, getting to Kauai from the San Francisco area and finding a hotel were straightforward - we just searched for deals on airfare and lodging. We stayed at Kauai Shores and really like the convenience of the location being near the airport and lots of food options. The beach at the hotel, and the restaurant next to the ocean, were beautiful and we spent time in the sand, on the grass lawn and in the pool. I would definitely stay there again.

We spent time exploring the different sides of the island. Waimea Canyon was incredible with its many viewpoints and waterfalls. We ended up not hiking too much but we took in the views. We loved stopping at Red Dirt Falls to explore a bit and making our way up to the various lookout parking lots. Maybe on a return adventure we'll explore hiking down into the canyon.

We also went the other direction to the Nā Pali Coast. We had to make a reservation to visit Ha'ena State Park since transportation was limited to shuttles only. We explored the beach near the Kalalau Trailhead and then headed on the hike to Hanakāpī‘Ai beach. What a hike! It was a rolling hike along the iconic Kauai coast through lush jungle and cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. And it was packed! Very crowded as everyone made their way along. The beach is a great destination, with its small lagoon and the stream and various nooks among the rocks and cliffs. After a short break at the beach, we retraced our steps back to the trailhead.

Getting to SCUBA in Kauai was also a treat - a different kind of outdoor adventure that took us to the underwater world. I loved seeing the turtles, and our instructors were VERY excited to spot a kangaroo nudibranch.

Oahu and Hawaii

Lanikai Pillbox View, Oahu

Rainbow Falls, Hawaii

Kīlauea Iki Crater, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Willie Goat at Kīlauea Iki Crater

Ka‘ena Point State Park, Oahu

Albatross at Ka‘ena Point, Oahu

Trail to Manoa Falls, Oahu

Highlights

• Visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was unique and unforgettable. I love exploring the park and walking across the Kīlauea Iki crater felt like walking on another planet. So cool.
• I love seeing turtles!! They are my all time favorite wildlife and seeing them bask in the sun, glide in the surf, it is like a dream come true. Seeing turtles against the black sands of Punaluʻu Beach in Hawaiʻi was a stand out.
• Lots of lush island jungle and waterfalls to explore. Rainbow Falls on Hawaiʻi was spectacular and very easy to get to. I also love hikes to get up and see the views, like the very popular Lanikai Pillbox hike on Oahu.
• We have visited the island of Oahu more than any other. When we go there, we love finding a spot in Waikiki, like the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We can book flights for day trips to other islands, or rent a car and explore the North Shore, or just hang on the beach.

Trips in paradise. So grateful for these adventures!