Kauaʻi has always been one of my favorite Hawaiian Islands to visit. Whether I’m hiking and exploring or just spending a few days lounging on a secluded shoreline, the Garden Isle offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Kauaʻi, the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, is known for its emerald valleys and the grand […]
Got a trip planned to Oʻahu—but want to visit Kauaʻi, too? I don’t blame you. Kauaʻi is one of my favorite places to visit, especially when I want to decompress and relax. It’s a great island for exploring, with miles of uncrowded hiking trails and secluded beaches. If you’re planning to spend at least a
If I’m not working or chasing south-shore waves on Oʻahu, I’m somewhere in the mountains. And usually with a dog. I’ve been hiking in Hawaiʻi since I was a kid, trekking the 4.8-mile ʻAiea Loop Trail on Oʻahu with my family or wandering along the ridges of the Koʻolau Mountains with friends. Hiking is one
There may not be any national parks on Kauaʻi, but the island does boast five—yes, five—state parks with some of the island’s best beaches, trails and vistas. One of the most popular is Kōkeʻe State Park, perched 3,600 feet above sea level on the island’s west side. It’s truly a hiker’s paradise, with 45 miles
Hawaiʻi welcomes millions of visitors every year, so it may seem hard—sometimes impossible!—to escape the crowds, especially during peak travel seasons. But there are beaches, trails, parks and places a little off the beaten path, not highlighted in guide books, and not all over social media. Here are 11 of our favorite less-crowded locales. Waimānalo
The forecast called for sunshine—after all, this was Kaua‘i—and we planned accordingly. That meant leaving rain jackets and backpack shells behind. Luckily, that was the only mistake we made that weekend. When I turned 40, my husband took me on a hiking adventure to Kaua‘i. We stayed in one of the rustic cabins at Kōke‘e
We’re in the swing of summer, and our editorial team has been out and about, searching out stories to share in our upcoming winter issue. Editor Kevin Allen recently returned from a day trip to the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary, a shelter for feral cats on the island. He got to hang out with the more
Kōkeʻe State Park is a hiker’s dream, with 45 miles of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of Kauaʻi’s fabled Nāpali Coast. But as someone who has made all sorts of travel mistakes in my life—including thinking we could grab dinner at the park’s restaurant only to find out it closes at 4:30 p.m. and
