The { travel } life: The Garden Island – Kauai
Kauai, the oldest island of the Hawaiian Islands, is a place where worries vanish in the trade winds, warm saltwater laps the golden sands of Kauai’s Beaches and the rain-forests of Koke’e host earth’s rarest plants and birds. Here you will experience the secrets of The Garden Island as you dive into the beauty Kauai has to offer. From the moment you step off the plane the balmy trade winds will remind you, there is no place like the Garden Isle of Kauai. E Komo Mai.
Where to Stay:
The St. Regis Princeville Resort
The St. Regis Princeville Resort located on the exclusive North Shore of Kaua’i is the focal point of Princeville at Hanalei. A luxurious haven, overlooking Hanalei Bay explore the quaint communities of Kilauea and Hanalei.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
One of the best luxury resorts on Kauai, the 602-room Grand Hyatt Kauai draws guests with spacious, Hawaiian-inspired rooms, three incredible pools, a behemoth saltwater lagoon, 10 dining options, including a host of high-end restaurants, a renowned spa, a twice-weekly luau, and immaculately kept tropical grounds.
The Best Beaches
Hanalei Bay
Located on Kauai’s North Shore, Hanalei Bay is a beach like no other. With more than two miles of soft white sand and set among a backdrop of majestic mountains, Hanalei offers a little bit of paradise for everyone. Experienced surfers have the luxury of large waves, while beginners are treated to smaller waves that lap closer to the reef.
Poipu Beach
There truly is something for everyone at this South Shore beach. Crowned America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel, Poipu Beach is naturally split into two smaller bays by a sand bar, which usually is the napping spot of a Hawaiian monk seal. To the west of the sand bar is what is known as Baby Beach, a protected cove perfect for very young children. The eastern section is a beachgoers paradise with loads of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and snorkeling to boogie boarding and surfing.
Tunnels Beach
One of the best snorkeling destinations on Kauai, especially during the summer months when the ocean is at its calmest. Running two miles long from Hanalei Colony Resort to Haena Beach Park, this North Shore beach is famous for its huge half moon-shaped reef located just 1/8-mile offshore. Deep-water caverns located close to shore also make for a great diving site, while swimmers and families with young children enjoy the shallower, calmer areas of the beach.
Polihale State Park
Known for its 7-mile stretch of white sand beach and hot cloudless days, Polihale is the spot to dry out when the rains come. Framed by the west end of the Na Pali cliffs, sweeping sand dunes and a Ni’ihau capped ocean, Polihale can be a breath-taking experience.
Activities not to be Missed!
Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Perhaps the best hike you will ever do, ever. Situated at the North East tip of Kauai, this trail begins where the road ends. 11 miles of hiking along the Na Pali Coast on the North Shore of the island of Kauai. This is one of the most famous hikes in the world.
ATV/Buggy Tours
Kauai ATV adventure takes you through historic plantation lands. Experience 23 miles of diverse off-road trails including amazing panoramic views, famous movie sites, lush Hawaiian jungle, and a remarkable hidden tunnel. The Kauai ATV Waterfall Tour begins near the old Koloa Sugar Mill and ventures to the benches of Kahili Ridge where our waterfall and historic WWII bunkers await.
Snorkling / Scuba
Kauai Down Under Dive Team and its trained scuba divers have been the place to go for scuba diving in Kauai for years. Whether you’re a beginning scuba diver that needs some training in the pool, or if you’re an advanced certified scuba diver, we have the right diving spots for you.
Golfing
Kauai is home to the renowned Makai Golf Club at The St. Regis Princeville Resort as well as the Poipu Bay Golf Course (which was part of the PGA Gram Slam of Golf).
Kauai Zip Line
Imagine the thrill of soaring and flying like a bird over a pristine rain forest! At Kauai Backcountry Adventures, you can “get high” on this exhilarating experience! Fly across seven ziplines which descend a mountain side. Feel the rush as you glide over lush tropical forests and deep valleys below. With exclusive access to over 17,000 acres of former plantation lands, Kauai Backcountry can offer you a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Na Pali Coast Sailing
5 to 5½ hours of Na Pali, sailing, snorkeling and fun! You’ll see spectacular sea cliffs, enchanting waterfalls and timeless lava tubes. Enjoy the history and legends of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited these verdant valleys. Plus, we’ll anchor at a tropical reef to snorkel and explore an underwater ecosystem.
Where to Eat
Kauai Grill
A comfortable yet elegant hideaway — signature Jean-Georges sophistication realized far from home. Sweeping views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai surround Kauai Grill, the latest in creative dining experiences from Michelin awarded Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Kauai Grill is guided by the talented, Noelani Planas, Chef de Cuisine.
Tidepools
Embrace the tempting combination of contemporary Hawaiian cuisine served in a unique Hawaiian setting. Thatched-roof bungalows float above a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall to create romantic ambiance. Inspired by local ingredients and the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, Tidepools will dazzle you with the freshest of fish and steak prepared with unique island flair
The Beach House
The philosophy at the Beach House is simple – take some good old-fashioned Hawaiian hospitality, blend it with a Pacific Rim food experience and add an outstanding view to deliver an experience that delights all the senses.
Wailua Shave Ice
A Hawaii staple, enjoyed by kids and adults alike is Shaved Ice. A kauai native, who was a chef at NYC’s Per se for 3 years moved back to Kauai and open Wailua Shaved Ice, a 100 % All Natural Hawaiian Style Shave Ice made with Fresh Local Fruit & Ingredients.
By Brian Dickinson For Claudia Saez-Fromm