turtle on kauai beach

For many, Hawaii is a bucket list destination—a place you dream of visiting someday, though it often feels far from guaranteed. This was definitely the case for me, until this past summer when a friend asked, “Hey, I’m going to Hawaii. Want to join?” How could I say no, right? Her trip was set for September, which meant I did not have much time to plan.

Surprisingly, I found an affordable ticket on Momondo, which I booked directly through Delta. Hawaii has a reputation for being expensive, largely due to its isolation. This chain of islands, with seven inhabited islands and about 130 uninhabited ones, depends heavily on imports from the U.S. mainland. However, I was thrilled to find rental cars were reasonably priced; I booked one through Rentalcars.com. Flying from Belgium to Hawaii, that’s crossing 12 time zones! Hello jet lag! You’ll find some tips to prevent or overcome a jet lag here.

As a European, you need an ESTA to travel to Hawaii. When flying to Hawaii you’ll have a layover in the U.S. mainland—there are no direct flights from Europe. Fortunately, my ESTA was still valid from a previous trip to the USA (it’s valid for two years!), and my passport was up to date. With all the paperwork in order, just a few weeks later, I was on my way to Hawaii!

Most flights to Hawaii arrive in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. But this was not our destination. We are flying to Kauai, the westernmost island in the chain of major islands. Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle” for its lush and often rugged nature. It is hands down one of the most beautiful places I have ever been!

Best time to visit Kauai

You can visit Kauai year-round. From May to October, the weather is typically drier, making these months more pleasant for outdoor activities. In the winter months, however, you’ll have the chance to spot whales, and the waves are ideal for surfers. Truly, there’s no bad time to visit Kauai, as temperatures are comfortable throughout the year.

Where to stay on Kauai

Don’t expect budget accommodations on Kauai—it’s an expensive destination! I found a good option in Kapa’a through Booking.com, a hotel called The ISO. This hotel is beachfront, has a pool, offers morning yoga sessions, and includes breakfast. Sharing the room with a friend, we each paid €95 per night. This hotel wasn’t available the first night, so I booked a night in the Banyan Harbor Resort. It turned out to be a huge apartment in Lihue, close tho the airport and the ocean. This was a bit more expensive, I payed €110 for one night. Booking.com and Airbnb both offer a range of hotels and apartments. You can even book a stay in a rooftop tent!

Kapa’a is an ideal base for exploring Kauai. While Kauai is one of the larger Hawaiian islands, it’s still easily navigable in a short amount of time. From Kapa’a, you can reach the northern point where the road ends in less than an hour. This is because of the unique geography of Kauai. No roads lead to the island’s western side. This helps preserve the Na Pali coast as a pristine, road-free area. Heading south from Kapa’a also takes less than an hour. Kapa’a itself is a lively town. It has a vibrant, welcoming vibe. It’s a great spot to return to after a day of exploring.

Eat like a Kauai’an

When it comes to food in Kauai, it’s easy to sum up: it’s incredibly expensive! We arrived and picked up a loaf of bread at the local supermarket. I noticed just a bit too late that it cost $13! Dining out at a restaurant was not within my travel budget. Thankfully, there’s a great alternative: food trucks! You’ll find them all over the island, offering delicious and affordable food. In places like Kapa’a and Hanalei, you can also find alternative spots serving amazing food. My favorite? That was Wishing Well in Hanalei!

One of the must-try foods of Kauai is shave ice, no not shaved ice! Shave ice is a popular Hawaii dessert. It is made from shaving blocks of ice and topping it with fruit syrups, cream, fruits,…

Do you like poké bowls? Yes? Hawaii is the place to be for you! Poké means ‘to slice’ in Hawaiian. When you order real ‘poké’ in a restaurant, you’ll get delicious raw fish cut into pieces. The popular bowl version consists of rice with a very colorful topping, often including raw fish.

I expected more American influences in Hawaiian cuisine, but nothing could be further from the truth. The islands were inhabited by Polynesians and were free of Western influences until James Cook set foot here in 1778. Cook was not welcome and ultimately paid for his discovery with his life. It was not until 1959 that the islands were incorporated into the U.S. as the 50th state.

Things to do on Kauai

Kauai hikes and trails

If you love hiking, Kauai will be an absolute treat. There are numerous trails varying in length and difficulty. The popular Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast spans 22 miles. It is highly challenging. It’s also regarded as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park offer a variety of trails. These range from short to long, catering to all skill levels. Elsewhere on Kauai, you can immerse yourself in the island’s stunning natural beauty by walking right into it. You can find more information about the different hikes here.

Best beaches in Kauai

Kauai’s coastline stretches 177 km. It offers some of the most stunning beaches, from white sandy shores to rugged cliffs including the iconic Na Pali Coast. In the south, you might even stumble upon a sea turtle napping in the sun. Hawaiian monk seals can also be found lounging on the beaches. They’re unbothered by tourists, as volunteers ensure these animals have a bit of space on the sand. The ocean is tempting for surfers, snorkelers, and swimmers, but each year, people lose their lives underestimating its dangers. Always follow the guidelines on the beach signs to avoid surprises! You find the must visit beaches here.

Mountain tubing

Mountain tubing is probably the most popular activity on Kauai, though not the cheapest. It involves floating for an hour on an inner tube through the irrigation channels of a former sugar plantation. This might not sound very thrilling at first. But when you realize that two-thirds of the course runs underground, it becomes much more exciting! The occasional rapid in the channels adds to the thrill. The tour starts at the Kauai Backcountry Adventures office in Lihue. The open truck ride through Kauai’s breathtaking landscape is a treat in itself. After a short introduction, you’ll join a small group and a guide. You will spend the next hour laughing, screaming, and discovering Kauai from a completely different perspective. If you’re interested in this activity, book your tickets well in advance. Groups leave every 20 minutes, but spots are often fully booked long ahead of time!

Helicopter flight

One popular but not inexpensive way to explore Kauai is by helicopter. I hesitated at first because of the price, but then decided it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and I have no regrets. It was so fantastic it almost felt unreal. Seeing the island from a completely different perspective, flying through canyons, over impressive waterfalls, and into the crater of the 1,598-meter-high Kawaikini volcano, also known as the wettest place on earth, was a dream.

Many companies offer helicopter tours. Only Island Helicopters has a permit to land at Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as the ‘Jurassic Park falls.’ Personally, I didn’t find this a must, as every tour flies over the waterfall regardless. We chose Jack Harter Helicopters. Jack Harter is the pioneer of helicopter tours on Kauai. Not only did he provide tourists with an unforgettable experience. He was also involved in search and rescue operations, transported scientists to remote parts of the island and assisted in fighting wildfires. To this day, the company collaborates with government services to help preserve the island’s beauty.

Boat tours

One of the best ways to explore the Na Pali Coast is by boat. Many companies offer boat tours, and you can depart from either the north or the south. Departing from the north gets you to the Na Pali Coast faster, but the sea is much rougher, and during winter months, tours from the north aren’t even possible. From the south, departing from Waimea or Port Allen, the sailing time is much longer, but the sea is calmer. Calm is relative, though! We took two tours. One was in the morning with Makana Charters. The other was a sunset tour with Kauai Sea Tours. There were quite a few seasick passengers on board. I found it manageable, but if you have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to take some medication. Medication is available at the tour desks! The coastline is breathtakingly beautiful, and you also get a view of the forbidden island of Ni’ihau.

Kauai travel tips

Rent a Car Early: Kauai is best explored by car, but rentals can book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Reserve your car well in advance. Consider a 4WD if you plan to visit rugged spots or venture off the main roads.

Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Hawaii has strict laws about sunscreen to protect coral reefs. Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen (free of oxybenzone and octinoxate) or buy it locally. Not only will you be protecting Kauai’s environment, but you’ll also avoid fines.

Plan for Limited Cell Service in Remote Areas: Kauai’s rugged terrain can make cell service spotty. This is particularly true on the Na Pali Coast and in Waimea Canyon. Download offline maps and have printed directions for some of the island’s more remote destinations.

Book Permits in Advance for Popular Trails: The Kalalau Trail, one of Kauai’s most famous hikes, requires a permit, and they sell out quickly. Check online a few months in advance to secure your spot. This is especially important if you plan to hike beyond Hanakapiai Falls to Kalalau Beach.

Check Ocean Conditions Daily: Kauai’s beaches can be risky. Strong currents and rough waves are common. This is especially true in winter on the North Shore. Check the Hawaii Beach Safety website or local lifeguard reports for current conditions before swimming or snorkeling. Please be careful! Places like Queens bath in the north are extremely dangerous (and extremely beautiful).

Bring Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in Kauai’s lush, tropical areas, especially near waterfalls or after rain. A good insect repellent will keep you comfortable and allow you to enjoy hikes and outdoor activities without bites.

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