Just about a month ago, I returned from one of the most gorgeous, relaxing trips of my life. My husband and I took our delayed honeymoon to the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. It was hard at first for us to settle on Kauai, but we’re outdoorsy types (him more than I!) and don’t care too much for crazy nightlife, so we wanted to go to the “Jurassic Park island.” Once we decided on Kauai, I went back and forth on where I wanted us to stay (so many decisions!) but sunny Poipu Beach (above) is where we called home for the next 7 days. When we travel for long periods of time, I always get us a condo or house on VRBO.com. If you like amenities and fancy lodgings, renting from a vacation owner is way more economical then staying in a hotel – especially in Hawaii. I found us a beautiful penthouse condo across the street from a beach where we watched sea turtles every morning – the location couldn’t have been better and we loved the condo!
On our first full day in Kauai, we hiked the stunning Waimea Canyon, above and below. I highly recommend the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook (in either app or hard-copy form, we used the app on our iPhone) which tells you all the ins-and-outs of the island, including how the best and least crowded Waimea hikes. On your way to Waimea, make sure to stop at Jo Jo’s and get a shaved ice with macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom. Stellar.
I had to have us visit Queen’s Bath in Princeville (North part of the island) and my daredevil husband had to jump in, above (isn’t he a dork in his “feet shoes?” Sadly, I too own a pair) despite my protests. Queen’s Bath, above and below, has claimed something like 20 lives because of the crazy waves and currents that surround it, and the second DH jumped in the waves came in and threatened to sweep him back out. I was going CRAZY – he, a Collegiate swimmer, was also very nervous! He climbed out as soon as possible. I would not recommend getting in, despite the calm pictures you might see on Pinterest or Flickr.
Queen’s Bath and Princeville in general are gorgeous and rainforest-y lush, unlike the South part of the island, which is where we were staying. On our way up to Princeville, we stopped and ate at the best BBQ joint I’ve eaten at outside the South, which is something coming from a Texas girl! Don’t miss Chicken in a Barrel BBQ in Kapaa. Also on the way up north is Lihue, where you’ll fly into when you first arrive. Lihue is a great place to get all of your groceries and shopping done – there’s not much else on the island!
I’ve got more Kauai recommendations coming on Thursday, including the best place for a couple’s massage and the best guided tour you’ll have to see the Na Pali Coast!
filed under: our wedding, travel
