Destination Highlight: Kauai, Hawaii

A place to start your planning including snorkeling, hiking, viewpoints, and restaurants

Snorkeling

  • Tunnels Beach: Located on the North Shore, this beach offers crystal-clear water vibrant coral reefs and opportunities to spot tropical fish, sea turtles and monk seals.

  • Poipu Beach Park: Located on the South Shore, Poipu has a protected cove providing calm waters, great for snorkelers of all skill levels. Find colorful fish, eels and octopus.

  • Ke’e Beach: Located on the North Shore, this destination offers snorkeling with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish and opportunities for dolphin and ray spotting.

  • Lawai Beach: Located near Poipu, check out the underwater lava rubes along with colorful fish, eels and sea turtles. This is also a great spot for snorkelers of all skill levels due to calm waters.

Viewpoints

  • Waimea Canyon State Park: Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ take a drive along the canyon rim and stop at various lookout points.

  • Hanalei Valley Lookout: Located on the North Shore, this lookout offers panoramic views.

Hiking

  • Na Pali Coastline: For experienced hikers, tackle Kalalau Trail, a 11 mile (one way) trail along the Na Pali Coastline. A valid permit is required to hike beyond the first two miles. If you aren’t up for such a rigorous trail, check out Awa’awapuhi Trail which is 6 miles round trip, which still offers stunning views.

  • Waimea Canyon: Though the rim offers great drive up viewpoints, exploring Waimea Canyon on food is spectacular. Canyon Trail and Cliff Trail offer excelled viewpoints and showcase the colorful geological formation.

Restaurants

  • The Beach House Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious seafood meal oceanfront

  • Merriman’s Fish House: Showcases farm-to-table cuisine with focus on local ingredients

  • Red Salt: Offers contemporary dining experience with emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.  

  • Eating House 1849: Offers Hawaiian and international flavors, paying homage to Hawaii’s culinary history.

  • For ideas on how to find other great restaurants during your trip check out How to Find Great Food in a New Destination

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Destination Highlight: Maui, Hawaii