Kauai Beaches Archives

Photos and stories of Kauai’s beautiful beaches

Love Hanalei? Help Save the Pier

Hanalei 1967

Anyone who has been to Kauai is familiar with the Hanalei Pier. The Hanalei Pier is not only a historical landmark, but a large part of our island history, culture and lifestyle. The Hanalei Pier or for historical reference The Hanalei Landing has graced the cover of many magazines, Hollywood movies, music videos, backdrop to thousands of wedding photos and the perfect place to just relax and watch the the sunset slide slowly behind Mount Makana (Bali Hai) and into the blue Pacific.

The Hanalei Pier to many is just that, a landmark, an object that frames up the perfect postcard, but to many it is the memories of the first time you gathered the courage to finally jump from the pier and climb the ladder back up unassisted, the long summer days spent with our families surfing, fishing and picnic lunches. It is watching our children years later follow in our traditions, their smiles, laughter and the feeling of nostalgia rushing back as if it were yesterday.

“Save The Pier” Photo taken in 1967

The pier still stands, but the dry rot, vandalism and mere age of the pier has altered the appearance of this symbolic landmark. Built in 1892 Hanalei Landing was at one time the center of transportation of goods to and from the island. The Hanalei Pier at the turn of the century was an essential part in the shipping trade to and from Kauai the outer islands and the mainland. For the last 70 plus years the Hanalei Pier has been a recreational treasure for locals and visitors alike and now needs the help of many to bring it back to what it should be. A beautiful and safe symbol of Hanalei.

The Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay has initiated “SAVE THE PIER” a project that has been the combined efforts of the State of Hawaii, the County of Kauai as well as leading architectural and construction firms to raise funds to repair the pier. If you would like to be part of this exciting project and community effort please donate.

To make a donation to the “Save The Pier” Contact:
Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay
Post Office Box 149
Hanalei, HI 96714

Viewing Green Sea Turtles on Kauai’s South Shore

Photo: Claire Fackler, NOAA, NMS

If you just cannot wait to see a Green Sea Turtle on your trip to Kauai, you are not alone. Encountering a Green Sea Turtle in its natural environment is an exciting and memorable experience.

On Kauai’s South Shore, there are a number of areas where turtles can be viewed safely from shore. Green Sea Turtles tend to congregate around feeding areas that grow marine algae and sea-grass or provide the turtles with shelter, and the necessary species to set up cleaning stations.

If you are lucky enough to see a turtle up close and personal, just remember that sea turtles are protected by state and federal laws, which prohibit you from harassing them. Here are some responsible viewing guidelines recommended by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Hawaii:

• Always keep a safe distance. Do not chase, approach, swim with, try to touch or ride a turtle.
• Never try to feed or entice a sea turtle.
• Remember that loud noises and abrupt movements can startle a sea turtle.

Best South Shore locations for viewing turtles from shore:

Sea turtles can be easily spotted from shore near Brennecke’s Beach. You can either cross the grass at Poipu Beach Park where you can overlook Brennecke’s beach to the left, or walk along the road past Brennecke’s and look back toward the beach. Either way, you are nearly certain to see turtles.

Turtles can also be viewed from the Whaler’s Cove overlook. From the traffic circle in Poipu, take the leg that exits toward the Sheraton. Just past the gravel road that leads to Koloa Landing on your right, find parking and stand by the cement wall where you can overlook the cove.

In fact, most of the rocky shoreline on the South Shore provides feeding habitat for turtles. So no matter where you are, if you are patient, you are likely to see one. One of these places is just past Lawai Beach on the way to Spouting Horn. Pass the beach and the resort and park along the side of the road. You will see a large rock wall on the ocean side of the road that separates the beachfront homes. This is another great turtle viewing location.

You may also encounter sea turtles while swimming or snorkeling. One note of caution however is that millions of years of evolution have made sea turtles remarkably adapted for life in the ocean. As a resulted, turtles can safely feed in rough surf. However, these areas are extremely dangerous for snorkeling and swimming. Snorkel in areas that are safe and you may still get lucky enough to encounter a turtle.

If you want to see turtles in the water, Lawai Beach is your best bet. Just be careful where you snorkel, following a sea turtle too far out can get you in trouble. For more info about snorkeling at Lawai Beach, check out the Best Place to Snorkel on Kauai’s South Shore.

If you want to learn more about Hawaii’s Sea Turtles, check out the following titles: The Book of Honu by Maui authors Peter Bennett and Ursula Keuper-Bennett, Sea Turtles of Hawaii by Kauai author Patrick Ching or for your Kindle, Hawaii’s Green Sea Turtles by Kauai Author Monika Mira.

Best Snorkeling on Kauai’s South Shore

Some of the best snorkeling on Kauai can be done from shore right next to the Beach House Restaurant in Poipu. The abundance and diversity of fish here is unsurpassed. Here a few guidelines to follow if you want to have the safest and most enjoyable experience at this location.

The winter months (October through April) are the best months for snorkeling at Lawai Beach. This is because southern facing beaches can experience strong surf during summer months. If you see a lot of surfers taking advantage of the waves here then it is probably a good day to find a calmer location. There is also no lifeguard posted here, so you might want to check in with lifeguards posted at nearby Poipu Beach if you are uncertain of the conditions. However, it is possible to take advantage of days when there are calmer conditions. The inside reef is fairly protected, so when surf is small, Lawai Beach is the best choice for snorkeling on the South Shore.

Entering and exiting the water here is easy if you look for the patch of sand in the center of the beach. On either side of the sandy area it is quite rocky, which makes entry not only difficult but unsafe as well. Take a moment to observe where others are entering the water and if they are doing so with ease. When you enter the water, notice where you are, so that when you return to shore, you know where to get out.

You will begin to see fish here as soon as you put your face in the water. Rainbow colored Wrasses, Butterfly fish, and Convict Tangs can be spotted immediately. Swim further from shore and you will begin to see some healthy patches of live coral. You may see some cleaning stations set up over the coral heads where fish come to have parasites removed by the vividly colored Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse. If you move slowly by simply floating, you are likely to see more of what is hidden on the reef. Devil Scorpion fish look just like the rocks and octopus are equally well hidden, but if they move, you are sure to be delighted. Remember, never touch or step on the coral in order to preserve it for the creatures that live there.

Devil Scorpion fish

There is a strong current that runs east to west away from the Beach House Restaurant. The safest way to avoid this, is to look at the resort across the street and make note of the “Lawai Beach Resort” sign. This is an important landmark. Do not allow yourself to drift west beyond this sign, because this is where the current becomes extremely strong and dangerous. If you can stay on the eastern side of this landmark it can help keep you out of trouble.

There are plenty of fish to see at Lawai Beach, and many of them are very unique. Did you know that nearly a quarter of the fish found in Hawaii are found nowhere else in the world? Relax and enjoy the bright blue Parrot fish, the long-nosed Bird Wrasse, schools of Orange Band Surgeon fish and Convict Tang feeding on filamentous algae, the Rock Mover Wrasse digging through the rubble, Damsel fish defending their territory, and Butterlyfish as bright as the sun.

If you are lucky enough to spot a turtle, remember that they are protected by law and you must keep your distance. The best way to enjoy a turtle is to float motionless where you are and observe. Of course, you might want to have your camera ready.

Remember, always swim with a partner and don’t forget to check out our articles on snorkeling tips and reef etiquette. Enjoy your time in the water and follow the snorkelers motto, “take only pictures, leave only bubbles.” If you are traveling with your family and want to learn more about the fish that you see, be sure to pick up a copy of The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book by local author Monika Mira.

What to Do with 7 Days on Kauai?

What to do on Kauai? If you have to ask yourself this question it is probably your first visit to Kauai. The Garden Island offers some of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, a nature lovers paradise with white sand beaches, countless hiking trails, waterfalls and an endless list of things to do and discover. Here is a sample itinerary with some of my favorite Kauai sites and activities.

Day 1: Arriving and Getting Settled

After settling into your hotel or vacation rental, head for the beach. On the South Side Poipu Beach Park is a great choice to get your feet wet, try a little snorkeling and watch the sunset. Lydgate Beach Park if you are staying on the East Side, Hanalei Bay or Anini Beach on the North Shore.

Day one is a great day to book your Kauai luau. No need to do any thinking. Just sit back enjoy the rhythm of the islands, the dance of the Hula and the taste of Polynesia while sipping a Hawaiian Mai Tai.

Day 2: Kauai a Bird’s Eye View and Touring the North Shore

A helicopter tour is a spectacular way to see the eighty percent of Kauai’s interior that is otherwise not accessible. Book this early then head out to the North Shore. (Flights take off from Lihue or Princeville airport) Drive all the way to the end of the road to Ke’e Beach. Plan to hike a little on the famous Kalalau Trail in Napali Coast State Park — bring hiking shoes or closed-toe tennis shoes. A half-hour on the trail will give you an idea of the spectacular coastline. The hearty may want to hike all the way to Hanakapiai Falls, a 3-hour trip one-way. After your hike, snorkel a bit at Ke’e Beach. Head back into the town of Hanalei for lunch, take it to-go and head down to Hanalei Bay to have lunch. On your way back south head to the Kilauea Lighthouse for a spectacular view and some wildlife spotting.

Day 3: Discover the Napali Coast

The Napali Coast is one of the top attractions and must see places on Kauai This spectacular 17 mile coastline will leave you in awe as your eyes wander from sea level toward the hanging valleys and razor back ridges thousands of feet above the ocean. Experience the exhilarating adventure of a Kauai dolphin and whale watching adventure while relaxing in the sun and soak up the beauty as your captain and crew guide you along secluded beaches of Kauai and the spectacular Napali coast. For those who seek the most exhilarating day on the water book an adventure to the forbidden island of Niihau, where you will explore the Na Pali Coast and the islands of Niihau and Lehua offshore from Kauai’s West Side.

Day 4: Visit the West Side

Get an early start watch the sunrise if youare on the east side and set off for a day of exploring the laid back and historical towns of Hanapepe, Waimea and Kekaha. The scenic drive up the winding roads to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, will give you ample opportunities to stop at the scenic lookouts, take photos and take in the this amazing beauty of the canyons and scenic overlooks into the valleys of the Napali Coast.

Bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, hikers, and sightseers will love wandering around this park. Be sure to stop by the Kokee Natural History Museum and have lunch at the Kokee Lodge that is open till 4:00. Make sure to drive to the end of Hwy. 550 and enjoy the breathtaking lookout into Kalalau Valley.

Day 5: Explore Kauai’s Jungle Interior

Most of Kauai’s lush interior is not accessible by car. There are many fun and exciting ways to explore this part of the island. Paddle into the lush jungle along the Huleia or the Wailua River, hike to a waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch on a kayak tour or Tubing Adventure Tour.

If you are looking for a bit more speed, booking an ATV tour is a surefire way to have fun. Ride through the forest and private ranch land while you explore breathtaking views of the Huleia River and many movie locations – Jurassic Park, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean and the spectacular view into Kipu Kai as seen on The Descendants. Other fun tours to explore Kauai’s interior are the zipline tours and the tubing adventure.

Day Six: Explore Your Kauai

By now you have seen most of Kauai, either by land, air or sea. Now you can pick your favorite side of the island and explore more Kauai attractions, hikes and beaches . If you are feeling like doing nothing but relaxing, just stay put at your resort or vacation rental and enjoy a good book and some Hawaiian sunshine.

Day 7: Kauai Favorites and Souvenirs

Time to get pampered and shop for souvenirs. If you choose to be pampered there are many spa choices on island. An amazing experience not to miss out on is a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi or hot stone massage.

For the shopping enthusiast check out some of the favorite local boutiques. The Kauai Museum is filled with many historical treasures as well as a beautiful gift shop with many unique Kauai made products. Check out the Kilohana Plantation shops and train tour. If you haven’t already discovered shave ice then definitely make this a mission to try one before you leave.

Ideas for gifts to bring home:
Hawaiian chocolate-covered macadamia nuts
Dried Fruit
100% Kauai coffee
Ukulele
Local Jewelry & Art

Lydgate Beach Park, Boys and Sticks

If you are the parent of a toddler or preschool boy you are familiar with the joy that a simple stick can bring. You can replace the stick or alter the stick but it seems ironic with all the fancy toys they have they are pretty content when they find their perfect stick. This is because the stick is his defense, his weapon, gun, cannon, sword, poker- digger and best friend.

Now, imagine a place with a long stretch of white sandy beach, crystal clear water and an endless supply of sticks. This place exists and it is located on the East Side of Kauai just south of the Wailua River. The river is the source of a driftwood stick haven, carried down during heavy rain and then deposited onto the sand. The sticks come in all shapes and sizes guaranteeing a satisfied stick aficionado and hours of free entertainment.
With the sheer number of sticks and logs available the shoreline, a weapon might not be the only use your boy will find for his stick. In fact, you might be delighted to see him being quite creative building a fort, a seat, or a pirate ship out of those sticks. If you think this kind of behavior is silly, think again. Early childhood educators and child psychologist agree about the importance of imaginary play. Imaginative play has been shown to foster social and emotional skills, creative problem solving, language skills, cognitive thinking skills, and even helps builds self-esteem. That’s right, you can actually help your child’s overall development by having a fun time playing with sticks on the beaches in Hawaii.

If however you tire from building forts and sword fighting, the nearby Lydgate Ponds offer safe snorkeling for beginners. The playground at Lydgate Park is the largest playground on the island and can offer your family hours of imaginative play. The beach park also offers facilities, a lifeguard, and shade pavilions for the perfect picnic. If you are vacationing with children of any age, make sure that Lydgate Beach Park is on your list of places to visit. Be warned however, you might find that trusty stick tucked away in your boy’s suitcase when you get home.

Best Kauai Beaches

What are the Best Beaches on Kauai? Well that depends what you’re looking for. Are you looking for seclusion, long walks, snorkeling, kid friendly or just the perfect mixture of sand and water to soak up some rays? The Garden Island of Kauai has more than just gardens. Kauai has more beach per coastline mile than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. Kauai is truly a beach-lover’s jackpot of pristine, soft, white sand – perfect for sunbathing, castle-building, shell hunting – beaches.

Best Beaches on Kauai

Haena Beach is simply put- a piece of heaven. Tropical jungle meets turquoise waters and white sand beaches. During the summer months Haena Beach Park offers good snorkeling, beach strolling and sunbathing. This beach has a backdrop that is very recognizable. Mount Makana (Bali Hai) looms mysteriously and offers a spectacular backdrop for sunsets and photo opportunities. Across the street from Haena Beach Park is the Maniniholo dry cave one of Kauai’s many natural attractions.

Mahaulepu Beach is a special place all of its own. This is a treasured part of our Island heritage and the last stretch of beach on the south side that is not developed. This magical stretch of coastline is so deserving of preservation. To access this gem of a beach you must drive down a unpaved dirt road or hike the coast along the Mahaulepu Beach Heritage Trail. The trail begins at the east end of Shipwrecks beach and winds along a coastline of sand dunes, lava tubes, tide pools and stretches of white sand beaches perfect for beach combing.

Salt Pond Beach Park on the West side of Kauai is often overlooked. Salt Pond has a number of protected shallow pools that offer great snorkeling. The water is generally quite clear here and the fringing reefs help keep the water fairly calm. Explore the tide-pools and discover additional Hawaiian marine life and always a beautiful spot for viewing a Kauai sunset. A lifeguard is posted here and you will find restrooms, showers and shade pavilions in the park. Adjacent to the beach park are the salt beds where only certain families are allowed to harvest the salt.

Hanalei Bay by far the most popular beach, especially with the 2011 filming of the movie “The Descendants” starring George Clooney used this as the backdrop and filming location.The two mile long crescent shaped bay offers activities for the whole family. The center of the bay is known as Pavilions and is a popular beach for swimming, surfing and boogie boarding. Lifeguards man this section of the beach. A large pavilion, restrooms, showers and BBQ areas make this an easy spot for the whole family to enjoy a day at the beach. Visit Hanalei Bay in the summer, where sailboats from around the world anchor in the bay, on there last stop before heading back to the west coast from Mexico or the South Pacific.

Poipu Beach will satisfy a wide range of interest. The beach park is perfect for families with children of all ages. A fun playground structure sits above the shoreline and offers hours of fun. Across the street from the beach you will find food and a cool treat of Hawaiian shave ice and ice-cream. Adjacent to the beach park Brennecke’s Beach has exciting waves for boogie boarding. West of the park several beachfront hotels offer surfboard rentals and lessons as well as a nice place to sit and enjoy a meal while watching the sunset into the Pacific.

Polihale Beach Park Definitely off the beaten path Polihale Beach is a magical place that offers a get away from it all vibe. Best for beach walks and watching the sunset.

While each of the beaches on Kauai have their similarities, they also have their differences. Some are more apt for surfing, some for snorkeling, some for swimming or just a perfect place to relax and watch the the most remarkable sunsets. Seasonal weather fluctuations that Kauai experiences can cause drastic differences in the ocean’s conditions. As beautiful as the beaches are, it is extremely important to know about the particular beach you’re visiting before heading into the water. Always ask a lifeguard for the best place to swim and current water conditions.

During the summer season (May – October), North Shore beaches usually mild conditions where you can expect flat and small waves except for a few specific areas that are exposed to the trade wind waves. East Side beaches have pleasant trade-winds that blow fairly consistent off the water during the year and can create larger waves with accelerated trades. The south and west sides of Kauai side surf conditions during the summer bring larger waves and frequent swells creating a deceptively high and powerful surf.

During the winter months (November-April), the North Shore beaches experience a pretty consistent bombardment of huge, fairly dangerous swells. On Kauai’s East Side waves stay relatively similar to the summer months. The south side surf usually flattens out and the sunny weather and light trades offer great opportunities for snorkeling and beginning surf lessons.

Many of the beaches on Kauai are equipped with facilities – public restrooms, drinking water, showers, outdoor picnicking areas with nice tables, seating, waste and recycle receptacles, ample parking, and some with lunch and dining facilities within walking distance. Lifeguard beaches are located on each side the island. Of course you can explore a much more secluded shoreline, where facilities are non-existent, but a surrounding landscape gives you the feeling of being on an untouched tropical island paradise. Always use caution when exploring Kauai beaches.

Best Things To Do On Kauai

You could spend a great deal of your life and your savings traveling the world to find that perfect vacation getaway. Kauai is synonymous with beauty and this tiny island in the Pacific has been voted by National Geographic as one of the Top 50 Places in the World to Live and Play. After exploring Kauai you may just forget about the rest of the world. I am often asked, “What are the best things to do on Kauai?” so here are my top picks for your Kauai getaway.

Hiking the Napali Coast

The Napali Coast is a fifteen mile coastline that stretches the from the north end of the island at Kee beach to the west side at Polihale beach. The Napali coast is accessible only by boat with the exception of the 12 mile stretch of coastline along the Kalalau Trail. This remarkable coast carved out by years of erosion is made up of sheer sea cliffs rising sharply out of the ocean to heights of 4,000 feet, hanging valleys, sea caves, and cascading waterfalls that make their way to the ocean from thousands of feet above.

The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the Napali Coast on Kauai. The Kalalau Trail begins at Kee Beach in Haena and ending after a challenging 11 miles at Kalalau Beach. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crisscrosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys, dropping to sea level on the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s.

Don your hiking shoes and trek the first two miles into Hanakapiai Beach, kayak the coast during the calm of the summer months or book a boat trip to experience one of the many wonders of Kauai.

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge started in 1985 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is marked by its towering lighthouse. The ocean cliffs and tall grassy slopes of a dormant volcano provide a protective breeding ground for many Hawaiian seabirds. It is also one of the few locations where you can observe the Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Albatross, Wedge-tailed Shear-water amongst other Kauai wildlife in their natural habitat. The coastal front also provides a safe haven for the Hawaiian monk seals, green turtles, and the humpback whale.

Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is the largest canyon in the Pacific and will undoubtedly capture your gaze, with its 10 mile long stretch at a mile wide and measuring more than 3,500 feet deep. The history of Kauai can be seen in the walls and crags of the canyon as you explore the more than 45 miles of trails. This is truly a remarkable sight, offering numerous scenic overlooks and photo opportunities. Surrounding the Waimea Canyon is the Kokee State Park which occupies 4,345 acres of land. Norfolk pines, Koa hardwoods, native plants and wildlife are just a small fraction of what you will see here.My favorite way to explore the canyon and the Kokee State Park is to hit the trails. There are dozens of hiking trails for every level of expertise. My favorite hike is the Pihea Alakai Boardwalk Trail is a must do while visiting Kauai. This hike is a challenging yet rewarding hike that will take you to the edge of one of the most spectacular valleys and on a clear day vistas of Hanalei Bay and as far as the Kilauea Light House.

State operated cabins are available year-round with advance reservations. Waimea Canyon hiking maps can be found at the Kokee Natural History Museum.

Wailua Falls

The Wailua Falls are one of Kauai’s little secrets known not only for its flowing beauty, but also ease of access. This 140 foot waterfall appears on many postcards, print and media collections and was used as the opening scene for the 1970’s Television series Fantasy Island. The Wailua falls are located off Maalo Road or Hwy 583and is easily accessed. These easy to photograph falls will involve no hiking. The size and appearance of the falls is determined by the amount of rainfall further up the mountains.

Hanalei Valley and the North Shore

Hanalei Valley is one of the most beautiful and lush places in all Hawaii and some argue the world. Hanalei is surrounded by majestic mountains and countless cascading waterfalls that drain into the lush valley, taro fields, and rivers below. If that doesn’t bring you to your senses then perhaps Hanalei Bay with its perfect swimming waves and soft white sand may entice you. You will also want to spend some time on the Hanalei Bay and explore the eight mile scenic drive from the town of Hanalei to the end of the road at Kee Beach.

Polihale Beach

Polihale Beach is the longest stretch of white sand beach in Hawaii. Located at the end of an old dirt cane haul road off the last stretch of highway on the West Side. This is a favorite and beautiful beach for long walks, amazing sunsets and camping with the proper permits. Ocean conditions can be dangerous especially during winter months and high swells. Polihale is exposed to open ocean with no protective reefs and no lifeguard.

Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

As part of a special dedicated stretch of coastline The Mahaulepu Coastal Trail is a beautiful hike along the last stretch of accessible coastline. The hike takes you from the south east corner of Shipwreck Beach and The Grand Hyatt Kauai. along sand-dune cliffs, limestone formations, Kiawe trees, and rocky inlets to Mahaulepu Beach. There are dozens of great spots for tide-pool exploration, learning about marine life and spotting the rare Hawaiian sea turtles and the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. This area has amazing rock formations and numerous amount of blow holes along the coastal trail. Children enjoy throwing sand or leaves into the blow holes and await the rush of and haunting sound that fills the air.

Along with all these the natural wonders there are numerous activities and fun things to do. So experience Kauai for yourself and create your own Best of Kauai List.

Kauai – A Honeymoon Paradise

There is hardly a more romantic time than your honeymoon. And there is hardly a more romantic place to spend your honeymoon than on the Island of Kauai. With more miles of beach per miles of coastline than any other of the Hawaiian islands, you are sure to find the perfect spot to watch the famous Kauai sunsets. And with hundreds of different kinds of honeymoon accommodations available – boutique hotels to luxury resorts to private vacation rentals and secluded campsites, there are plenty of spots to spend your romantic evenings and create a lifetime of memories..

Hawaii was voted a hotspot for honeymoon destinations by Honeymooner’s Review Guide, the Wedding Channel, and among the top ten best honeymoon locations as seen by the Travel Channel, Woman’s Stalk, and the Knot. Honeymooning on Kauai in particular is a favorite destination among the Hawaiian island chain.

Kauai’s uniquely stunning natural beauty and peaceful, less crowded Beaches gives you the total experience of a tropical island paradise. With dozens of amazing beaches on the island, there is plenty of room for long, romantic walks, and private dining by the sea. Though with Kauai’s diverse natural landscape, beach activities aren’t the only thing to enjoy on the island. For the more active honeymooners, there is over 100 miles of trails to hike or take a land tour on horseback or an exhilarating ATV tour through rain forest,canyons, mountain valleys and cattle ranch land. pastures.

There are also the Napali coast boating tours, and trips to the Forbidden Island of Niihau where sea turtle and whale watching are naturally inclusive. Besides, “forbidden” island tours are always more romantic, aren’t they?

For those couples who want less outdoor activity and more indoor indulging, Kauai is also abundant with luxury resorts, day spas, gourmet dining, and nighttime entertainment. Traditional island music, hula dancing, and luau shows are a long running novel favorite among honeymooning couples – all of which are nearly nightly activities on Kauai.

With all accommodations and things to do on Kauai, coupled with the pristine and natural beauty of the oldest member of the Hawaiian islands, it’s easy to see why Kauai is one of the most popular honeymooning destinations in the world. The only thing better than just honeymooning on Kauai, is perhaps getting married on Kauai too. Plan your destination wedding and honeymoon all in one.

Perfect Winter Weather on Kauai

How would you feel this time of year if you could say, “Yeah, we had a couple of weeks of blustery rain and wind and the temperatures fell into the low seventies, but the last couple weeks have given us perfect winter weather. The wind has died down, the skies are clear as a bell and the ocean is crystal clear and calm at least on the South Shore.” I’ll tell you how I feel, SPOILED! The last week of December and the first week of January have been as close to perfect as it can get.

So what’s the downfall of perfect weather?

Salt Pond Reef

Well, the dishes are piled in the sink, I need to do the laundry, the car is covered in dirt and the fridge is empty because I don’t ever want to waste a perfect day. Instead of doing my chores, I have taken my son snorkeling at Lydgate Park, gone on a hike, played Mini Golf in Kilauea, gone tide-pooling at Salt Pond Beach Park, had a beach day at Baby Beach and took my son on a play date at Poipu Beach Park.

Lydgate Beach Park

Want to hear how SPOILED we actually are on Kauai. Yesterday, I took my son snorkeling and we both wore wetsuits because the 75 degree water was too cold for us. Of course we were the only ones on the entire beach wearing wetsuits. We’ve been here so long that our blood has thinned. Everyone else was sporting bikinis and surf trunks and soaking up the beautiful Kauai weather. Where else can you enjoy these kinds of days on the beach in your bikini in January.

So, if you are looking for a good place to thaw out in January, this is it. The beach is always a great place to be on Kauai, but Kauai has a ton of other attractions and activities that will help you take advantage of the perfect winter weather.

Christmas Day 2011 Kauai Message in a Bottle

Finding a message in a bottle is one of those things that stirs up stories of sea adventures, long lost love, serendipity and chance. And this time of year there is always a bit of nostalgia surrounding stories of such things. On Christmas Eve of 1996 my husband Thor proposed to me with a message in the bottle. This happened off our tiny beach catamaran, with a blue moon Christmas Eve on Kauai. Before the proposal in the bottle there were years of build up and anticipation about a real message in the bottle that he had sent from a sailboat, at the equator, between Mexico and the Marquesas. During this time I lived in Costa Rica, he was sailing the Pacific. Thor always told me that during our time of traveling, separately for a year, he tried to contact me by mail and phone with no luck. So he tried Bottle Post.

There was always a bit of intrigue surrounding his story. “What did it say?” …He would never reveal. “Where would it end up?”….probably on a deserted reef, and “Would it really be found?”… highly doubtful. Well crazier things have happened and did. We were married six months later.

Now the story could end here with a romantic proposal and happily ever after, but there is more. A week after our wedding a letter addressed to my maiden name arrived at the home of my parents on Kauai. With not much thought to it I opened the letter expecting it to be a congratulations from one of the friends I had met it my years of traveling. As soon as I opened the letter it was clear that the sender of this letter was not from anyone I knew, but they seemed to know me. Included in the letter was a xerox copy of a hand written note and a photo of a barnacle crusted wine bottle. The question from the sender was, “Are you still best friends?”

James King from Surfers Paradise, Australia found the bottle. A bottle that was sent years before from the sailboat at the equator, between Mexico and the Marquesas and the only wine bottle aboard a small sailing yacht headed to Fiji. This glass bottle would be the courier of a message that would be delivered four years later, after traveling 5,000 miles by way of wind and ocean currents, and the more amazing part is that Mr. King found it within days of our wedding.

So part of our Christmas Day on Kauai is always spent on the beach, and yesterday was no exception. The strong winds of the past week had died down and the sun was shining. So we packed up our kids and headed to the beach for some sun, surf and beach exploring.

After fun in the waves Thor took the kids on a beach walk along the same stretch of coast, where 15 years earlier where we got engaged. Today a new chapter in the message in the bottle story was added. Thor the sender of our message in a bottle found his own barnacle encrusted bottle and message. There was no cryptic message of long lost love, no S.O.S from a deserted island, just a lone business card from a T.Hunter from Chino, California. The Christmas day discovery was enough to ignite excitement and nostalgia in all of us.

When we got home we emailed T. Hunter ( a lot faster than bottle post) to find out his story. His bottle was sent only months ago from the coast of California and included some jabs and teasing from friends. He said he would appreciate it we would send it on to further destinations. So to carry on the fun experiment we too will send this off with an additional note and T. Hunters business card. Hopefully to be found again and spark intrigue in someone else on a far away shore.

This story is a reminder to myself and others to Dare to Dream and Believe in the impossible.

Stranger things have happened!

Happy New Year!

Kauai in October

The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are turning and the days are getting shorter. It feels like fall. Not on Kauai. Right now, the temperatures are mild, just a few degrees shy of the summer heat. The skies are clear and the ocean conditions outstanding due to temporary pauses in trade-wind activity. All the kids are back to school, so the beaches are empty, but the water is still warm enough for swimming.

The nice thing about late September and October is that the summer crowds have disappeared and it feels like Kauai should…PEACEFUL! Today, my son and I had the beach to ourselves. We went boogie boarding, built sand castles, frolicked in the water, and shared lunch under the shade of a coconut tree. It was a spectacular day!

If you are planning a trip to Kauai, fall is a pleasant time to be here. Since peak season has just passed, airfares and hotel rates have subsided a bit. Kauai is also a great place to bring kids, so don’t be afraid to take them out of school. They can learn about a different culture, and a different environment and there are several unique and endangered species to learn about. Snorkeling offers them a chance to see a whole other ecosystem. Buy them a copy of The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book for a lesson on Kauai’s coral reefs. Vacationing with the family during the off-season is a nice way to spend time together, and when is quality time with the family ever a bad thing?