Aloha, fellow wanderers! If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to ocean breezes, rainbow-filled skies, and days that flow from surf to sunset cocktails, Kauai is your island. Known as the Garden Isle, this lush paradise mixes laid-back charm with jaw-dropping scenery—where one minute you’re hiking a canyon and the next, snorkeling alongside sea turtles.
Here’s how we spent an unforgettable week soaking up the magic of the north shore—from stunning Hanalei Bay sunsets to waterfalls, luaus, and beyond.
Pre-Arrival
The island greeted us with warm air, palm trees swaying, and the sound of chickens (yes, they’re everywhere!). After landing at Lihue Airport, we grabbed our rental car made the essential stop at Foodland Princeville for groceries (and a few fun extras—hello, jello shots), and checked into our home base:
🏡 Grand Pacific at Hanalei Bay
5380 Honoiki Road, Princeville, Kauai, HI 96722
📞 +1 808 826 6522
Our 2 bedroom, full kitchen villa overlooked the bay — every morning started with coffee on the lanai and every evening ended with a pink-and-gold sunset show. The resort’s beach access down to Hanalei Bay is a dream — just a short walk or golf cart ride through the palm-dotted hillside to soft golden sand.
And that pool? Stunning — a lagoon-style beauty surrounded by waterfalls, tropical plants, and plenty of shady loungers. Add in tennis courts, BBQ areas, and a breezy open-air lounge for sunset cocktails, and you’ll understand why it’s so hard to leave. Set at the foot of emerald mountains and overlooking the ocean, the resort feels like a secret garden escape – we couldn’t have been more thrilled.
Evening:
We celebrated arrival and birthdays with dinner at Happy Talk Lounge—a breezy, open-air restaurant perched above the bay at the hotel. With live music, tiki vibes, and sunset views that make you sigh, it’s everything you want your first Hawaiian night to be. The poke tacos and mai tais are a must!
Day 2 – Surf + Hanalei + Chill
☕ Morning:
Coffee with a view of the mountains (Kauai mornings have their own rhythm—soft light, gentle mist, and roosters greeting the day). Hanalei Bay is ideal for surfers of all levels, with long sandy stretches and mellow waves. Beginners can rent boards right on the beach and take surf lessons while the rest of us stroll, swim, or stretch in the sand.
🌺 Afternoon:
We wandered through Hanalei Town, a colorful little village that oozes local charm. Think surf shops, art galleries, food trucks, and boutique stores selling everything from handmade jewelry to island clothing.
Lunch at Kalypso Island Bar & Grill—a lively spot with tropical cocktails, and ahi wraps that taste like sunshine. It’s fun, festive, and always buzzing. The open-air patio catches every tropical breeze, the staff greet you like family, and the menu is a delicious mix of island comfort and surf shack favorites.
🌅 Evening:
Dinner at the iconic Tahiti Nui— Family-run since the 1960s, it’s got a timeless island soul — think vintage tiki vibes, ukulele music, and the scent of fresh-grilled fish in the air. Their wood-fired pizzas are a surprise island gem, and the cocktails? Tropical perfection.
Fun fact: Tahiti Nui even made a cameo in The Descendants with George Clooney — and yes, it’s just as charming in person. This place feels like the beating heart of Hanalei — warm, welcoming, and full of stories you’ll want to stay and hear.
Day 3 – Napali Snorkel Adventure
☀️ Morning:
Coffee, sunshine, and a slow start while the surfers hit the waves again. Those not surfing can explore Princeville’s walking paths or peek at Queen’s Bath (only if tides are safe—it’s stunning but can be dangerous).
🐠 Afternoon:
The highlight of the trip: an afternoon Napali Coast Snorkel Cruise
We boarded from Hanalei Bay and cruised along Kauai’s dramatic north shore cliffs—those towering emerald ridges you see on postcards. The captain shared legends of the valleys, and soon dolphins were racing alongside the boat. We snorkeled in crystal-clear water filled with colorful fish, then relaxed on deck with snacks and local juice as the coastline glowed in afternoon light. This was a fast boat, super fun, but also comfortable -- worth it!!
🍽️ Evening:
Dinner at The Hanalei Dolphin—right on the Hanalei River. Their poke bowls are legendary. Try to get an outdoor table to watch the sunset fade into the valley. The atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant — tiki torches glow, laughter carries across the tables, and the service feels like family.
Insider tip: their sushi bar is one of the best on the island. If you’re craving something extra special, grab a seat there and let the chef surprise you. And don’t skip the homemade desserts — the chocolate mousse and lilikoi cheesecake are worth every calorie.
Day 4 – Tunnels Beach + Limahuli Garden + Luau
🌊 Morning:
A slow breakfast, then a drive to Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)—a snorkeling dream set against incredibly green and lush cliffs. The reef creates calm, clear water where you might spot parrotfish, sea cucumbers, and the occasional honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle). Bring a picnic or stop at a local food truck for snacks. 🌐 https://tunnelsbeach.org/snorkeling/
🌿 Afternoon:
A quick lunch stop at Mr. Wagon Food Truck (at Ha‘ena Beach Park) for tasty plate lunches, then onward to Limahuli Garden & Preserve—a stunning valley sanctuary cared for by the National Tropical Botanical Garden. 🌐 https://ntbg.org/gardens/limahuli/ Make a reservation on their website before arriving to ensure you get the time you prefer.
Here, ancient taro terraces and native plants tell the story of Kauai’s deep connection between land and culture. You’ll see waterfalls in the distance and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a beautiful stroll through nature and history – plus we need to get those 10K steps in :)
🌺 Evening:
Luau night at Luau Ka Hikina in Wailua! This is one of Kauai’s newest luaus, known for its upscale food, oceanfront setting, and mesmerizing hula performances. The night begins with a traditional torch-lighting ceremony — the first spark of what turns into a full-blown cultural celebration. The buffet is both lavish and local: kalua pig slow-roasted in an underground imu oven, huli huli chicken glazed to perfection, mahi mahi with tropical sauces, and all the island favorites like poi, sweet taro rolls, and haupia (a dreamy coconut pudding).
Under a canopy, dancers take the stage — graceful hula, powerful Tahitian drum rhythms, and the hypnotic sway of Maori poi. The performance is led by award-winning Kumu Hula Leilani Rivera Low, who weaves together Hawaiian history, chant, and movement into a story that feels both ancient and alive. Between the ocean breeze, the rhythm of the drums, and the smiles of the performers, it’s easy to forget you’re sitting in a resort pavilion and not somewhere far more sacred. This isn’t just dinner and a show — it’s a night that makes you feel connected to Kauai, to its people, and to the aloha that lives in every song.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for the best seats and that golden-hour light over the ocean. You can spend your time trying the drums, perusing some jewelry, and maybe spinning a poi ball or two in the pre-show cultural activities. The open bar is generous, the staff are genuinely kind, and the desserts (hello, pineapple upside-down cake!) are the perfect finale to a truly unforgettable evening.
Day 4 – Hanalei River Kayak + Relax + Farm-to-Table Feast
🚣 Morning:
Kayaking from Hanalei River into the bay with Kayak Hanalei. Imagine slipping off a private dock into calm, glassy river water while hearing birdsong overhead. Moving downstream under historic bridges, surrounded by jungle-green cliffs dotted with waterfalls, you then paddle out into the bright blue of Hanalei Bay, where the water turns crystal and teeming with marine life.
The bay is home to green sea turtles (honu), tropical reef fish, and beautiful coral formations. The snorkel portion gives you the chance to float above the reef and swim with the fish and turtles.
Then chill out for a snack on the beach. Your guides are born and raised on the North Shore. They share stories—myths, folklore, history of taro farming, river ecology, and what makes the land sacred. Then you are ready for the easy return paddle back. It was a wonderful experience – highly recommend!
💆♀ Afternoon:
After kayaking, relax poolside or indulge in a well-earned massage with Aloha Mobile Massage. There’s nothing like a Hawaiian lomi lomi massage with the sound of trade winds and ocean waves in the background.
🍹 Evening:
Happy hour back at Happy Talk Lounge—their signature mai tai tastes even better the second time around. Then, a special dinner at Bar Acuda, Kauai’s celebrated farm-to-table restaurant in Hanalei. Dishes like local honeycomb with goat cheese and seared ahi are pure island perfection. Reservations recommended, and you can secure them on Open Table.
Day 5 – Relaxing Finale
☀️ Morning:
One last lazy morning at Hanalei Bay—surfing, swimming, or simply soaking it all in. The misty green mountains surrounding the bay never get old.
🐦 Afternoon:
Visit Kilauea Point Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge—a historic beacon perched high on sea cliffs where you can spot nesting seabirds and maybe even whales in the distance.
🌐 https://www.kauairefuges.org/plan-your-visit
Then wander through Kilauea Town and the Kong Lung Historic Market Center—filled with charming shops, local art, and tasty treats. Lunch nearby at The Bistro for a laid-back meal—fresh seafood, tropical salads, and breezy patio dining.
🌅 Evening:
Our farewell dinner at Welina Terrace [reservations available on their website], perched above Hanalei Bay at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay [This is a magical spot, and if you have the means to come and stay, they are simply wonderful].
With sweeping sunset views, live music, and handcrafted cocktails, it’s the perfect finale to a week of aloha.
Mahalo, Kauai!
From sunrise coffees and surf breaks to waterfalls, luaus, and golden sunsets, Kauai wrapped us in its magic. It’s a place that reminds you to slow down, breathe deep, and get your strolling steps in vivid color. Until next time, Garden Isle—you have our hearts. 🌈
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