KAUAI,THE GARDEN ISLE
KAUAI – THE GARDEN ISLE
SNUBA® International recently explored the lush island of Kauai, and it left us breathless, in every sense of the word. From stunning hikes through emerald valleys to the rich sounds and flavors of the local culture, every moment was unforgettable. We capped off our adventure with an incredible underwater experience alongside the experts at SNUBA® Tours of Kauai.
While Maui and Oahu often steal the spotlight, we’re here to say: Kauai is the true hidden gem of the Hawaiian Islands, wild, vibrant, and absolutely unmissable.
DUKE’S KAUAI, LIHUE
Touch down at Lihue Airport and head straight to Duke’s Kauai, it’s practically a rite of passage. Soak up the aloha spirit and the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku as you settle in at this iconic beachfront spot.
Savor locally sourced island cuisine, sip a handcrafted cocktail at the breezy Barefoot Bar, and take in sweeping views of Kalapaki Bay and the majestic Hoary Head Mountains. From fresh-caught seafood to vibrant garden salads, the menu delivers—but don’t leave without trying the legendary Hula Pie. It’s a must.
DUKE’S Café Portofino
HANALEI BREAD COMPANY
Before you conquer any epic hike or jungle adventure, there’s one sacred ritual you must observe: Fueling up at the legendary Hanalei Bread Company.
Tucked into the heart of Hanalei, this locally-owned gem is more than just a bakery; it’s a rite of passage. Hanalei Bread Company serves up organic, house-made breads, flaky pastries, artisan coffee, and unforgettable breakfast and lunch dishes, all crafted fresh daily.
Pro tip: Don’t even think about hitting the trail without first indulging in their iconic peanut butter toast. It’s rich, toasty, perfectly salted, and just the right kind of fuel to power your island adventure. And trust us—get there early. This place is no secret.
HĀʻENA STATE PARK
Hāʻena State Park isn’t just a destination—it’s an unforgettable experience. From trekking the legendary Nā Pali Coast trails and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, to exploring ancient Hawaiian temples and taro fields still cultivated today, this park blends raw adventure, rich culture, and responsible conservation. Whether you’re chasing the mist of hidden waterfalls or watching the sun melt into the sea beneath Bali Hai, Hāʻena is pure magic—a true crown jewel of Kauaʻi.
Pro tip: Hāʻena’s popularity means spots fill fast—reservations are a must. While there are several ways to secure entry, the Shuttle + Entry Pass from Waipā Park & Ride is hands down the easiest, most stress-free way to get there. Let someone else do the driving while you soak up the scenery.
NĀPALI COAST
STATE WILDERNESS PARK
THE HIKE TO HANAKAPIAI FALLS
The hike to the legendary Hanakāpīʻai Falls is an 8-mile round-trip hike that kicks off at the entrance to Hāʻena State Park, but just steps away lies another gem: the breathtaking Kēʻē Beach.
Looking to skip the hike and soak up the sun instead? Kēʻē Beach delivers the ultimate beach day. With its soft golden sand, calm shallow waters, and gentle waves, it’s a dream spot for families—especially those with little ones in tow.
Bonus: Kēʻē Beach is one of the few North Shore beaches with a lifeguard on duty, giving you added peace of mind while you relax in paradise.
KĒʻĒ BEACH TO HANAKĀPĪʻAI BEACH
The first two miles of the Kalalau Trail lead you through lush jungle, dramatic coastal cliffs, and peaceful valleys. Don’t miss the chance to take a refreshing dip in one of the streams you’ll cross—it’s the perfect way to cool off, especially during the sun-exposed sections of the hike.
Eventually, the trail descends to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, offering breathtaking views of the Nā Pali Coast. But admire with caution—this beach is stunning but treacherous. Strong rip currents, pounding surf, and unpredictable shore breaks make it far too dangerous for swimming.
For many, this is the turnaround point—an epic but manageable 4-mile round-trip adventure. But the call of Hanakāpīʻai Falls was too strong to ignore, and we knew we had to keep going…
HANAKĀPĪʻAI BEACH TO HANAKĀPĪʻAI FALLS
The trail from Hanakāpī‘ai Beach to Hanakāpī‘ai Falls is not for the faint of heart—steep, muddy, and rugged, it demands creek crossings, boulder scrambling, and steady footing. Winding alongside the Hanakāpī‘ai Stream, the path cuts through towering cliffs and whispering bamboo groves, immersing you in wild, untamed beauty.
But the reward? Absolutely worth it. Hanakāpī‘ai Falls crashes 300 feet into a crystal-clear pool encircled by lush jungle and sheer rock walls—a hidden paradise. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe deep, and stay awhile. We took full advantage, diving into the cool waters for a long, blissful swim before facing the 4-mile journey back.
TAKE IN THE SUNSET AT 1 HOTEL HANALEI BAY
If you’re looking for a place to kick back with a great cocktail and an incredible meal made with local island ingredients, head to Welina Terrace at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Perched with panoramic views of Mount Makana, this is where the sunsets are magical. Settle in, enjoy the company, and let the view do the rest.
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE NĀPALI COASTLINE
Kauai’s pristine NāPali Coast stands out among Hawaii’s many beautiful coastlines for its rugged and striking beauty. Majestic cliffs rise out of the ocean to heights of over 4,000 feet. This is pure, untamed Hawaii and no visit to Kauai is complete without a view of Kauai’s northern side.
Since much of this 17-mile stretch of coastline is completely inaccessible by land due to its remote location, you’ll need to book a tour with one of the many tour companies in order to view the hidden valleys, sea caves, and pristine beaches that guard the coastline.
THE HIKE TO QUEEN’S BATH
If you’re after a shorter, easier hike with a big reward, the trail down to Queen’s Bath checks all the boxes. It’s only about 15 minutes, but don’t be fooled—slippery lava rocks make grippy shoes a must. Once you reach the end, though, you’re in for a treat. This natural tide pool, once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, is now the perfect spot to splash, swim, and soak in the view. The water is warm, crystal clear, and the ocean backdrop is Kauai level amazing.
SMITH’S GARDEN LUAU
Smith’s Garden Luau isn’t just the best luau on Kauai — it’s a beloved island tradition.
Tucked in the lush Wailua River Valley, this family-run experience has been sharing the spirit of aloha for over 50 years. What began as a humble celebration in a tropical garden has grown into a world-renowned cultural experience. Today, four generations of the Smith family continue to welcome guests with warm hospitality, mouthwatering food, and an unforgettable evening of Hawaiian music, dance, and storytelling.
SNUBA TOURS OF KAUAI
If you’re looking for the perfect family adventure, one that lets you explore the wonders of the ocean without the hassle of certifications or long training sessions, then SNUBA® is for you.
Our experience began just across the street from the Beach House Restaurant, where we met our friendly and knowledgeable SNUBA® Guides. They walked us through the entire process, outfitted us with top-notch gear, and gave a thorough, easy-to-understand safety briefing.
Once we were set, it was time to SNUBA® on!
The SNUBA® Guides at SNUBA® Tours of Kauai are top-notch. The equipment was in perfect condition, and safety was clearly their top priority. After the dive, our guides took time to chat with us about the fish we saw, even pulling out a marine life book so we could identify each one by name. It was a thoughtful, educational, and unforgettable experience.
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