Kauai

“We vacationed in Kauai in 2012, and it remains one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai truly felt like paradise, with its lush green mountains, waterfalls, and stunning beaches. The island is about 25 miles long and 33 miles wide, making it easy to explore by car. We rented a car and drove around much of the island, enjoying breathtaking scenery at every turn. The temperatures remained in the low to mid-80s°F (27–29°C) during the first week of February, making it the perfect weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Sunny days, gentle trade winds, and comfortable evenings allowed us to explore the island at a relaxed pace while enjoying its spectacular natural beauty. Some of our favorite places were Poipu Beach, Hanalei Bay, Wailua Falls, the Nā Pali Coast, and Waimea Canyon. Poipu Beach, on the sunny south shore, is known for its golden sand, crystal-clear water, and excellent snorkeling. Hanalei Bay features a magnificent crescent-shaped beach framed by lush green mountains and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Hawaii. Wailua Falls, one of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls, cascades dramatically into a tropical valley surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The Nā Pali Coast is renowned for its towering emerald cliffs, deep valleys, and rugged coastline rising dramatically from the Pacific Ocean, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” impressed us with its colorful red and green cliffs, deep gorges, and panoramic views stretching across the island.”

“So beautiful! It’s the prettiest island of them all! I love the monk seals and Honu. (Honu means sea turtles in Hawaiian) It’s such a joy to live there! Also I love horseback riding in the mountains here! It’s so fun! If you want to visit I would highly recommend!”

“The island is beautiful with its stunning cliffs and rugged beaches. The people are very friendly and helpful too. We stayed for two weeks in different locations. However, there is a downside. Many of the roads and facilities are poorly maintained. Public bathrooms are hard to find and filthy. Trash cans are overflowing and signage to certain landmarks are inadequate or nonexistent. Broken down cars are abandoned along the roads and traffic is bad. What does the state do with all of the tourism money and taxes they collect? The food/ lodging fees are high and parks charge per car AND per person. Where does the money go? It is hard to find parking at the popular sites, cars are gridlocked and pot holes are everywhere. Yes, the private resorts are beautiful, but the island needs to be managed better, including the animals. There are so many roosters that you see them squashed on the roads(and hear them crow all night) and skinny cats are scrounging around for food. A wild kitten was living under one cottage we stayed at. The island is so unique and naturally beautiful, but so poorly managed. I posted a few good pictures as well as some of the problems we saw.”

“Sea turtles, seals, goats, and abundant chickens rounded out the wildlife we encountered. We were fortunate to visit the Waimea Canyon on a clear sunny day and enjoyed magnificent views from the overlooks.”

“July 2022 late post! A MUST trip I will never forgot about. Beautiful, Peaceful, everything was post card worthy, Loved everything about this island! The nature! All the types of birds! Experienced a seal in the same body of water where we were randomly swimming at, saw a bunch of tropical fish. I have nothing negative to say about this island. Love Love Love!”