Who doesn’t dream of Hawaii? Dream beaches, hula, volcanoes … Only the distance from Europe is a problem for many. However, this is no reason for a globetrotter like us 😉
If you are planning a vacation in Hawaii for the first time, the big question arises as to which islands you should head for. The volcanic island chain consists of 137 islands, 6 of which are accessible to tourists. Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii (Big Island), Molokai and Lanai.
We decided on Oahu (the main island), Hawaii / Big Island because of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kauai (the garden island).
After we had explored Oahu and Big Island the last few days, we went on to Kauai with Hawaiian Airlines.
Kauai is the fourth largest island in Hawaii and is rightly called the “Garden Island”. We decided to explore this island on our own with a rental car, so we were more flexible than with guided day trips.
The handover of the rental car was very uncomplicated (like everything here in Hawaii). Shortly afterwards we moved into our room at the Kaua’i Marriott Resort.
The next day, well rested and with full bellies, we sat in our little speedster heading west of the island – our destination, Waimea Canyon State Park.
Waimea Canyon is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. First we headed for the Waimea Canyon Lookout. The view was just terrific.
We went on to the Kalalau Lookout. From here we had a wonderful view of the beginning of the famous Nā Pali Coast. This part of the island was also the location for the film Jurassic Park. We had the feeling that a pterosaur could appear in the sky at any time 😉
Since the landscape and the views were so beautiful, we spontaneously decided to take a short hike along the Pihea Trail. After about 3 kilometers the path got too muddy and we turned back.
On the way back we made a short stop at the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout.
Dog tired from the many impressions we came back to the hotel. For dinner we actually always opted for the Duke’s restaurant, which is right next door. Apart from the nice ambience you also had a nice view of the beach. Fresh fish and steak were on the menu every day.
The next day we planned an exploration tour north. On the way we made several photo stops until we finally reached our first destination – the Wailua Falls.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls
The next stop was the Kilauea Lighthouse in the north of the island.
Kilauea Lighthouse
In the north of the island there was now one great beach after the other. As soon as you had to walk a few hundred meters from the parking lot to the beach you had it completely to yourself. Probably because the Americans are rather lazy 😉
Kauapea Beach – Secret Beach
Anini Beach
Lumaha’i Beach
Lumaha’i Beach
Haena Beach
At Haena Beach Park you could visit the Maniniholo Dry Cave (an open dry cave).
Before we drove back towards the hotel, we treated ourselves to a little refreshment. On the way home we made a short photo stop at the Hanalei Valley Lookout.
Hanalei Valley
Hanalei Valley
The last day in Hawaii had dawned. The weather was a dream and we were looking forward to a boat tour to Niihau & along the Na Pali coast.
5 a.m. wake-up call… 6 a.m. meeting point at Port Allen Marina Center. With a catamaran we sailed, accompanied by dolphins, along the majestic Na Pali Coast to the “Forbidden Island” Niihau. There you could explore the underwater world in the crater of Lehua. This tour was our absolute highlight on the Hawaii Islands.
I have to say, of the 3 Hawaiian Islands we visited, Kauai was the one we loved the most. The entire island is very tropical, the Waimea Canyon is very impressive and there is no lack of secluded beaches. Kauai is a lot quieter and less touristy than Oahu and the Big Island.
Our personal opinion about Kauai:
- our absolute favorite island
- lonely beaches
- less tourism than on the other islands
- Highlights: Na Pali Coast & Waimea Canyon
On the following page you can get a very good overview of Hawaii:
Best travel time:
Hawaii is a great travel destination all year round. The temperatures are all year round between 24 and 29 degrees. In the summer months (April to November) it is a little warmer and drier than in the winter months (December to March). November to February is recommended for surfing. The best chance of whale watching is from January to early April.
Hotel recommendation:
Kaua’i Marriott Resort
Restaurant recommendation:
Duke’s Kauai
More tips & recommendations:
In our opinion, a rental car is necessary on Kauai. On Oahu and Big Island we managed to explore the island with day trips.
