Kauai

• Relax by the Water: Kauai is definitely on Hawaii time, and there is nothing better than to sit by the pool or beach and relax.  We love staying at Grand Hyatt in Poipu which has a man made sand pool, waterslide, lazy river, and regular pool.  What's also nice is that the pools and hot tubs are open 24 hours a day!  There is also a beach in the front, however, the water is very choppy and the "red danger flag" has been up every visit.  If you are a good swimmer and cautious, the beachfront is the perfect place to boogie board. 

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• Visit Ha'ena State Park: this state park is on the northwest side of Kauai.  The park is beautiful with Ke'e Beach, Kalalau Beach, and cliffs for miles.  We usually go to the park to hike the Kalalau Trail and each time for different reasons, we haven't been able to get too far.  The farthest we have been able to go with two kids in tow and slippery muddy rocks is to the beach which is 2 miles each way.  Nevertheless, the views even on the first part of the trail are breathtaking.  The whole trail is 20 miles, but most people hike to the falls which is 4 miles one way.  One day, we will conquer these elusive 4 miles! 

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• Go Tubing In An Old Plantation: my kids talk about tubing in Kauai all the time.  In fact, when we say "Kauai," there is no other activity they want to do than mountain tubing.  Kauai Backcountry Adventures has this tour operating like a well oiled machine and the tour guides are all 5 stars.  The tubing tour is located on a historic plantation ditch and tunnel system that once irrigated sugar cane crops.  Duration is 3 hours which includes a ride to and from Lihue to the mountain, tubing, and a picnic lunch.  This activity is a MUST DO. 

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• Sea Turtles at Poipu Beach: Sea turtles swim and sunbath in this quiet cove.  For peak turtle sightings, visit in late afternoon when they bask on the beach.  The cove is a great place for young kids as the water is very shallow, and it's also a snorkeler's paradise as there is an abundance of fish, coral, and turtles.  Most of the beach has a rocky bottom instead of sand so be careful when swimming.  Nearby there is a small playground and when you are hungry, grab a hot dog and fresh squeezed lemonade at Puka dog.

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• Explore Princeville and Hanalei: we enjoy staying in two different parts of Kauai if time permits, usually Poipu and Princeville or Hanalei.  The area is very serene, even more quiet than the south.  Walk around 1 Hotel Hanalei, swim in Hanalei Bay or Tunnels Beach, stroll around Hanalei downtown, and golf if that's your sport of choice.  ​​

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• Waimea Canyon State Park: another beautiful state park that boasts waterfalls, red dirt, and views of the "Grand Canyon" of the Pacific. 

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Off the Beaten Path

• Queens Bath: A swimming hole that is calm during the summer.  Unfortunately, we went during spring and the bath was technically closed.  We did still hike to the bath, but the water was so rough that despite being high up on the cliff, we were drenched from seemingly tsunami size waves.

• Helicopter Tour: We did this during our honeymoon and it was epic.  Seeing Kauai's coastlines, especially Napali Coast by air was a once in a lifetime experience.  We opted for the open door chopper which was windy but exhilarating.  

• Halalei Colony Resort: I'm going to categorize this as off the beaten path because it's not a hotel I would typically book.  However, hotels in Hanalei are limited and we were only staying a couple nights.  It's right next to Kepuhi Beach, staff is amazing, and something about the warm Hawaiian breeze (there is no AC) really was a treat for a city slicker.  This is a gem.

• Spouting Horn: stop by and check out this blowhole in Koloa, best during high tide.