Our Kauai Adventure: Sun, Sips, and Sights
Our recent trip to Kauai was an absolute dream come true. From sipping on delish lattes to chasing waterfalls and indulging in island eats, every moment was pure bliss. Let me spill all the juicy deets!
Why Poipu? Location, Location, Location!
We chose to stay in Poipu on the island’s south side, and it was the best decision ever. Poipu’s central location made it super convenient to access shopping centers, sightseeing spots, and beaches, all just a short drive away. Plus, the sunsets here are to die for! If it’s your first time visiting Kauai or you’re traveling with little ones, I highly recommend staying in the Poipu area.
Morning Must-Have: Java Kai
Every morning, like clockwork, we found ourselves at Java Kai. I mean, who could resist? I was all about their 20-ounce iced vanilla latte, so refreshing! Jarrett couldn’t get enough of the iced macadamia nut latte. And yes, we totally snagged a bag of their espresso beans to relive those coffee moments at home.
Island Eats: Foodie Finds
Kauai’s food scene is to die for! Here are some of our faves:
• Sushi Delight: We stumbled upon Kauai Sushi Station, this adorable food truck in Lihue. The pink salmon roll, Godzilla roll, and classic California roll were hands down some of the best sushi bites we’ve ever had.
• Smoothie Heaven: At Leahi Health, I treated myself to their Pineapple Protein Smoothie, made with fresh coconut water. So refreshing and just what I needed after our adventures.
• Anake’s Juice Bar: Tucked away at the back of Kukuiula Market, Anake’s Juice Bar is a local gem. Their acai bowls are legendary, and I couldn’t resist the Dragon Bowl, absolutely incredible! The Watermelon Splash juice was another favorite, so fresh and hydrating. They open at 8 AM, but pro tip: get there about 15 minutes early because the line forms fast.
• Shave Ice Bliss: We couldn’t get enough of Waikomo Shave Ice at Warehouse 3540. The tropical flavors were the perfect cool-down treat. Another must-try is JoJo’s Shave Ice at the Coconut Marketplace. Their shave ice comes with a delightful scoop of macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom and a generous drizzle of sweet cream on top, absolute heaven!
• Musubi Magic: In Old Koloa Town, The Musubi Truck served up the most delish poke bowls. Fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
Sightseeing: Nature’s Wonders
Kauai is bursting with natural beauty, and we made sure to soak it all in. Here were two kid friendly options, that required minimal effort, but were packed with the islands natural beauty:
• Spouting Horn: This spot is a must-see! With ample parking and easy access, it’s perfect for families. The blowhole is mesmerizing, especially during high tide.
• Wailua Falls: A short drive from Lihue, there’s a small parking area, and the falls are just a few steps away. We went in the morning and were lucky enough to see a rainbow arching over the cascading water.
Active Adventures: Bike and Shop
One of our fave activities was biking along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path in Kapa’a. The ocean views were stunning, and the gentle breeze made the ride so enjoyable. After our ride, we popped over to the Coconut Marketplace, an open-air shopping center with cute boutiques and eateries. At the Island Country Markets, an ABC Store, we discovered the most divine haupia pie, a creamy coconut delight that quickly became our guilty pleasure.
Where We Stayed: Beachfront Bliss and Poolside Paradise
Our accommodations were nothing short of fabulous:
• Sheraton Kauai Resort: For the first six nights, we stayed here, and let me tell you, the beach access is unbeatable. Just steps from our room to the sandy shores, it was perfect for morning swims and sunset views. We even spotted a Hawaiian monk seal lounging on the beach, so cute!
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: The last three nights were pure luxury. The resort boasts over 5 acres of pools, including a fun waterslide that brought out our inner kids. Situated on Shipwreck Beach, we took a short trail up a cliff to catch the sunset,
a 100 out of 10 experience!
Final Thoughts
Kauai, you’ve stolen our hearts! From the delectable food to the breathtaking sights and luxurious stays, every moment was a treasure. Already dreaming of our next island getaway!
Xx,
Shelby