The Na Pali coast took my breath away. I wish we had time to do the full trail – Googling now, I think the trail was the Kalalau trail. We discovered it near the end of the trip and didn’t have preparations for a full day hike. The short part of the walk I did get to experience was only a little taste – the full trek would have passed waterfalls and beaches and maybe even caves.
Kauai will always have a special place in my heart – I left there knowing I would like to live in Hawaii one day. Something magical about its natural beauty and the relaxed island life really appeals to me.
Waimea canyon was very accessible by car, it was only a short walk from the parking lot to some nice view points.
Taking a dip in the fresh water pool at Hanakapiai beach.
Driving around
It was wonderful cruising around the island in a convertible mustang – it’s such a touristy thing but there’s nothing like having the sun on you while exploring the island with its curling roads.
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Gorgeous sunsets
Nothing quite like sunrises and sunsets – and we get one of each every day if we wake up early enough for it. The ones in Hawaii were worth stopping the car at the side of the road to watch. I think perhaps of all sunsets I’ve watched, the only challenger to the Kauai ones are the ones I’ve seen in Croatia.
Snorkeling
Kauai is magic for me because it was the first place I learned to snorkel. It’s kind of silly to snorkel first when you don’t know how to swim but I had a good coach. I got to see loads of fish and also danced pretty close to a turtle – it was the coolest thing to just float and watch marine life do their thing.
Not-so-wild life
Luma the cat, who I spent some downtime with in our Airbnb in Princeville
Saw a sea snake while checking out some rockpools
butterflies fluttering around
Helicopter tour
Took a helicopter tour – and the option was to have the doors on or off. The idea of doors off made me queasy (fear of heights) but I am so glad we did. From the air is such a different view of the island, and I can see why Jurassic park was filmed here. The untouched geography looks like it has remained same since when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. My sad photos don’t do mother nature justice! I am very thankful to have visited Kauai and would love to return.
