In early April, I traveled to Kauai with my folks. It was my first time in Hawaii, and I had a blast visiting this gorgeous, magical, lush island.
We went during the last bit of their rainy season (it typically lasts through the end of March). According to locals, the island hadn’t experienced rain for a couple of years, so they were happy about it! I will say that if you plan on traveling to Kauai during the rainy season, bring a light jacket! The rain showers come unexpectedly and last 15 minutes to an hour, so be prepared.
Despite the rain, we had the best time! I miss waking up early to the sound of wild roosters, morning runs, fresh acai bowls, and lounging on the beach. I cannot wait to come back!
Where to Stay
Princeville/Hanalei Bay
We stayed on the North Shore in Princeville. The North Shore is lush and rainier, while the South Shore has more sunshine and easier access to restaurants. We went for the former option, since it felt more adventurous.
In Princeville, we stayed at Ali’i Kai Resort, which we booked via Airbnb. However, you can book directly with them, too. They offer premium condos with the best accommodations, making for a relaxed stay: on-site parking (perfect for our rental car), entertainment amenities, a kitchen with plenty of cookware, and even beach must-haves (chairs, beach towels, and a cooler). Everything was absolutely spotless, and it was a joy to relax at home after a long day on the beach.
Plus, it’s about a 10-minute drive to Hanalei, the main town.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
I’m still dreaming about their acai bowls. Every morning, I would have their Go Nuts bowl with acai, topped with organic granola, plenty of fresh fruit, and, of course, a drizzle of peanut butter and a hefty amount of almond butter. It was the most magical way to start the day!
This coffee truck is located near The Cliffs in Princeville. I have to give a big shout-out to the owner, Breezy, who is such a ray of sunshine! She truly makes the best coffee on the island.
She also offers breakfast sandwiches and burritos, and pastries, including a delicious banana bread!
A great spot to carb up before spending the rest of the day adventuring. The hit was their breakfast burrito, which has roasted bell peppers (my favorite) and guac. They also have an assortment of pastries available – try something with passionfruit. You can’t go wrong with this classic island flavor!
Bites and Treats
Visit this food truck for fresh donuts that literally melt in your mouth. For the pillowy dough, they use Hawaii-grown taro as the base.
A trip to Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without refreshing shave ice. This place serves locally sourced fruits and syrups, bringing the tastiest flavors.
An island favorite for a reason: friendly and fast service, delicious hot dogs, and the best vibes. Turns out, this place was also featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show No Reservations. No wonder the line was so long!
The hot dogs are customizable, so you can have fun with the different garlic lemon sauces and tropical relish styles they offer.
Handmade waffle cones? Say less. The Banana Mac-Nut Brittle flavor was so delicious!
Dinner
Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired dishes and tropical cocktails in a vibrant environment. Apparently, their Mai Tai is the best, so be sure to try it!
Hands-down, this was my favorite spot for dinner. It’s a Spanish tapas place, so come here ready to share small plates with your party! We celebrated my mother’s birthday here, and its rustic, yet elegant, ambiance made her celebration extra special. Highlights were: Papas Ajo, Moorish spiced Lentils, Grilled Lamb Riblettes, and the Blackened Hawaiian Fish.
We heard raving reviews about this ramen restaurant, so we checked it out. Their ramen was hearty and delicious. They also serve a tasty Ube Cream Soda, a mocktail topped with coconut foam. Dine here closer to golden hour, so you can take photos outside on their lawn. The views are breathtaking!
This place has a variety of poke styles to choose from. The menu can seem a bit overwhelming, but it gives you room to play with some unique flavors and various toppings.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a sanctuary! Situated between the lush mountains and the blue sea, this place screams serenity. We popped over for drinks at their rooftop bar.
Get there for golden hour to catch the gorgeous sunset. You won’t regret it!
Where to Beach
Hanalei Bay
This is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai. It’s family-friendly, making it a great place to swim and catch waves, whether you’re surfing or bodyboarding.
Anini Beach
This beach is much quieter. I would recommend this beach only if you want to escape the crowds. There are also plenty of trees along the shore, so you can easily find a shaded area to rest and relax.
On the day we were there, it was very windy! So, keep track of the weather reports and choose your beach wisely.
Poipu Beach
Now, your trip to Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without seeing turtles! Poipu Beach is perfect for that. You’ll see turtles and even Hawaiian monk seals!
The water is shallow, so it’s a calm area for swimming. Pro tip: have water shoes to enter the water easily. It’s quite rocky! Also, if you enjoy snorkeling, don’t forget your gear! A lot of folks spoke highly about the incredible sea creatures they saw.
Hawaii is a magical place, and I felt so well-rested when I returned home. If you’ve been, what island did you travel to, and what was your favorite part? I’d love to hear about it. Until next time! xoxo
torimuser 