Aloha Kauai

Ready for beach, sun and sea? Hawaii is the synonym for relaxing, romantic vacations at the end of the world. From the west coast of North America, you still have six hours flight over crystal clear, turquoise water. It prepares you for what is waiting for you.

If you want to do beach vacation only, think twice if Hawaii is your island of choice. Depending on from where in the world you are coming, the Maldives or Caribbean Islands might be closer and suit better. What makes Hawaii so special is it's mix of activities and peaceful moments. Hawaii contains of several Island and each of them is special. You can find the Big Island with its active volcano in the south. The capitol of the state, Honolulu, is in the middle. And in the north you will find Kaua'i, my favorite and geologically the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. It is stunning how they preserved the nature. No town has more than 10k inhabitants and no building by law is allowed to be taller than a coconut tree. The spirit and diversity of nature is exactly what makes this island so special.

When you arrive, get a car. You don't want to waste your time in your high-class resort. You have to go out and experience the surrounding as much as possible. Public transport does not provide you the flexibility required and taxis... well. If you need a taxi from the airport to the hotel you need to call the hotline. Calling is said too much. You need to use the special phone next to the exit which calls automatically the only programmed number when you lift the receiver. Welcome to nowhere!

The island is divided in four parts: the rain forest and canyon can be found in the west. The north is home of beautiful beaches and hiking opportunities. The east is the modern human center and the south accommodates small towns in colonial style and botanical gardens. Wherever you stay, it's a maximum of 5h driving to get to the other side of the island. Nevertheless, logistically it makes it easier if you stay a few days in the south and a few in the north. For examples hikes need to start early to avoid the burning sun in the afternoon.

You never have enough time on Kaua'i. If you have to choose what to do, here are some of my most loved spots divided in two itineraries.

Red route

1. Welcome to Kaua'i. Lihu'e is where everything starts and end. How practical that you can find the Koloa Rum Company farm a few minutes drive outside the city. It's the islands own rum label and rather young. You won't find old aged rums, but they are extremely dark and spicy ones which were even awarded. Every 30min you can join a rum tasting session. It's fun and the best way to decide which ones to buy. My personal winner was the dark and the coffee one. It's the first time in my life I liked drinking rum on ice.

2. Drive to the back of the island, just follow the street and after many, many loops you will reach the top of the Waimea Canyon. I call this a miracle. There is a tiny island in the middle of the ocean and it provides home to a whole canyon. From the platform on the top you can oversee it and you will be surprised - there is no end to it. Standing there, in the heat, you forget everything around you. The numerous mountains, the mix of greens, browns and reds. If this doesn't teach you respect for nature, I don't know what else would.

3. It's the most famous spot in Kaua'i - the Na Pali Coast. You can't reach it by car. Your only options to get a look at the protected Wilderness State Park is by boat or by hike. If you like to go to the beach, you need a permission and tent to stay over night. The number of permissions is limited to keep the beauty of the nature. The trip is only for experienced hikers and never go alone. If this sounds like too much work for you, do it like me. I joined a boat trip to the Na Pali Coast and had a look from the water. Expect rough waves and don't forget the sun blocker! The result is worth it and the view is breath taking. Imagine: just wind and water formed the coast! Advantage of the boat trip: you drive through caves, swim with turtles and snorkel with fishes. It's one of the many beautiful moments where you are incredibly close to nature.

4. End your day with a traditional colonial meal in the south. Peaceful you can stroll through Koloa which is placed behind the romantic Tree Tunnel. Some old farms have been renovated and offer delicious food. Imagine you sit in a wide garden area surrounded by lights - isn't that sweet. Or you join one of the Luaus offered in one of the many hotel resorts. Wherever you end up in the evening, make a picture of the sunset... or two or three. They always come out perfect.

Blue route

1. Start your morning with a prayer? The Hindu Monastery has short opening hours for tourist. Getting there in the morning is the safest. It's... holy. Very small in comparison to temples in Asia, but beautiful. A little temple, surrounded by water spots offers time for a quick prayer. In the middle of the living-room sized cabin, a monk invites you with a honest smile. If you rather prefer to mediate outside, you can sit down next to the stone sculpture under the most intervened tree I have ever seen in my life. For respect: take off your shoes at the entrance and cover your shoulders. Far in the back of the garden you will discover a gold and white temple like taken out of a fairy tale. It is closed for tourists, but the monks seem to have found their paradise on earth.

2. Driving back you pass by the Wailua Falls and Wailua area. Many sightseeing spots provide you a great overview of former plantations. You have the option to leave now or join one of the many activities. Like zip lining to fly over the island. Or float in a swimming ring along the river and through caves. Whatever you do, allow yourself to discover the island from another perspective.

3. Let's go to the north. At the beginning of the road trip is the Lighthouse. On a cliff in the middle of a bird protection area, you can find a romantic small white lighthouse. Somehow it doesn't fit in. It's bright colors, clear form and renovated look... it's just too untouched. Nevertheless, it conjures a smile on your face. You get a warm feeling and immediately feel welcome. It's like the island wanted to leave it's best impression to greet it's guests. And the view... ocean as far as your sight can reach. WOW!

4. Kaua'i has many beaches, most of them public. Some hidden, some obvious. And then there is Hanalai Bay. It's just a beach, but it seems so special. White sand, turquoise water, small waves caress the ground. In the back you have the mountains, in the front several small shipping boats and a catwalk leading in the ocean. A few locals, not crowded, and a safe guard complete the picture. Sit down, let your thoughts flow and just enjoy life. Anything else would not life up to the peacefulness of the place.

5. When you follow the intertwined street, North route, to it's end you will pass across several bridges, each of them smaller and more integrated into nature. It's like you finally leave society to pass the rest of your life in a myth. The way ends at the east side of the Na Pali Coast and is a blind alley. From here you can start several hikes, also the one to the Na Pali Coast itself. Arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Wherever you go, whatever you do on Kaua'i - it only takes a few moments to get the feeling of having risen above. Kaua'i is a majestic place to be. It's an experience you won't forget for the rest of your life.