What to see, where to stay, and where to eat while on the beautiful and picturesque island of Kauai

Kauai Travel Guide

Hi everyone! It had been a little over a week since my last blog post and I apologize for that. I went on a family vacation to Kauai and I just wanted to give myself some true time off to relax and be with my family. One thing that is hard about being a blogger and wanting to take pictures in and at amazing places, is it is sometimes very hard to put my phone down and just look up and be present. I used this trip as a small challenge to do so. That being said, I had no drone, I didn't use my regular Sony camera, and I had my younger sister take my photos whenever we had time. I took all of these photos on a Leica D-Lux which is an amazing camera for traveling because of how compact it is. Now let's get started on my Kauai Travel Guide!

Where to Stay in Kauai

My family found a great deal on Hotwire and we took it. Unfortunately, that meant we would be staying at the Grand Hyatt on Poipu beach. My family doesn't travel often, but when we do, you could say we truly enjoy beautiful accommodations and amenities. That being said, the Hyatt was not the place for us. Other than the spacious rooms, the hotel was just massive and the food was overpriced. The pools were crowded and loud, it was hard to find lounge chairs, and frankly we just wanted to chill and spend time together. The first day alone, we ate breakfast and dinner at the hotel and it cost just under $500. There are four people in my immediate family and we don't go crazy when we eat, so we felt it was offensive. Bottom line: Unless you don't care about throwing your money away on average food, don't stay at the Hyatt. We had enough of the Hyatt, so on our third day  we rented a jeep and drove to Princeville where the St. Regis is. If you can afford the St. Regis, STAY THERE. The food was incredible and fairly priced and we spent some time at their beach. The hotel was gorgeous, we were even contemplating moving there, but unfortunately we had paid for the Hyatt all upfront through Hotwire so there was nothing we could do. You win some and you lose some!

What to See in Kauai

• Wailua Falls - Next to the pretty view at the top, if you keep walking, there is a hole in the metal gate to the right of the view sight where you can climb down to the falls. I really wish I knew about this prior to going. It's a slippery steep trail so you need to be wearing the proper shoes or hiking boots. My brother and his wife did it and they said it was not too scary and totally worth it!

• Queens Bath - Another slippery train down to the Queen's bath which I also did not make it to! I was with my family and hikes are not their thing. This place is so amazing though. It's a natural ocean rock pool and if the tide isn't too high and the current isn't too strong, you can swim and snorkel in it!

• Waimea Canyon - A massive canyon where you can do hikes or just drive around in. Amazing views.

• Secret Beach Hideaway - Gorgeous water but the St. Regis and Queen's bath. It has lava pools and is very private and relaxing according to my brother and his wife, Mollie!

• Poipu Bay Beach Trail - An easy walking trail right along the water but the Poipu Golf Course.

• Kayak down Wailua River - Another thing I did not get to do, but we drove along the river and I saw many people doing it. It looked awesome!

Where to Eat in Kauai

• Kalalea Juice Hale - Açai bowls!

• Locococo Shave Ice - All natural shaved ice spot with organic syrups and yummy vanilla ice cream!

• Steveson's Sushi & Tidepools - The only good restaurants at the Hyatt.

• Keoki's Paradise - Great seafood and amazing Hula Pie! Hula pie is macadamia nut ice cream piled high on top of a Oreo cookie crust, and then topped with fudge, whipped cream, and more macadamia nuts. Pretty incredible!!

• Red Salt at Ko'a Kea - We went here one night for dinner and then another day for breakfast since it was right next to our hotel on Poipu Beach. It didn't impress me for dinner, but their breakfast was super yummy and reasonably priced!

Despite the accommodations, Hawaii never disappoints and neither does spending time with family. Spending time with my family is very important to me and I truly cherish the time we have together. Over all, this was a successful trip!