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If you are looking for the perfect tropical island vacation, Kauai is the perfect destination for you. Nicknamed “The Garden Island”, it has no shortage of beauty, activities, and accommodations. Although it is not the most popular Hawaiian island for travelers, let me tell you why you should take a vacation on the beautiful island of Kauai. 

1. Beautiful Beaches

Kauai is covered in amazing beaches. Each serves a different purpose; some are great for surfing, some are great for snorkeling and swimming, and some are great for just relaxing on the beach watching marine life, the ocean, and the sunset. 

Here are some of my favorite beaches for each of those activities. 

Anini Beach

Anini Beach is on the north shore of the island, just 10 minutes outside of Princeville. There is one section of the beach that has bigger waves that are great for surfing, bodyboarding, or windsurfing. Further down the coastline, the waves calm down and you come upon massive coral reefs which is the perfect spot for some snorkeling. You can see plenty of fish, sea cucumbers, and other varieties of marine life. 

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is on the north shore of Kauai. It’s a little bit harder to get to than some of the other beaches, because you have to travel through a series of narrow roads and one lane bridges. However, it is definitely worth the trek. It is the most beautiful beach on all of Kauai. It is perfect for surfing, relaxing on the beach, and observing wildlife. You can see Hawaiian monk seals napping on the beach, fish swimming along the coral, and chickens running through the trees. 

Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach is the most popular beach on the island, a hustling hub full of people. It is on the south shore of the island. It is frequently visited by Hawaiian Monk Seals and Green Sea Turtles. During the winter months, you’ll also be able to see whales breaching off in the distance. It’s also a great beach for snorkeling and swimming. There are tons of amenities nearby, including bathrooms, showers, and restaurants. 

2. Natural Beauty

I’m going to say it; Kauai is the most beautiful place on earth. The entire island is covered in lush, green, tropical plants. The landscape is scattered with vast mountains, cliffs, and waterfalls. It is the perfect paradise for nature lovers, with plenty of options for hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing. It is also the oldest Hawaiian island, so it is home to two of the most iconic natural formations: Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Both are must-sees on the island.

3. Adventure at Every Turn

Whether you want to tackle your adventure alone or on a group tour, you will have plenty of options. If you feel comfortable tackling snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or hiking on your own, then the island is full of opportunity. If you feel more comfortable going with a group, it can open up additional activity options for you as well. The Na Pali coast offers boat and helicopter tours for amazing views of the unique cliffs and caves of Kauai. There are ziplining tours that will take you through the middle of the island, in places that you may never see otherwise. There are also kayaking river tours that will take you to Secret Falls, a beautiful location that you won’t want to miss. 

4. Great Food

Kauai does have some fast food chains and franchise restaurants. However, there are plenty of options if you want to try delicious local cuisine.  My personal favorite was Porky’s in Poipu, located just a few blocks off of the beach. Their main attraction is their pulled pork. They serve a variety of entrees that are all stuffed to the brim of the delish pork. I loved the grilled cheese, which was served with a large heaping of pork, onions, two kinds of cheeses, and a large serving of pineapple. As another customer dining at the restaurant put it, “This is the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had.” The island is a hotspot of great food and plenty of options to fill your cravings.

5. Quiet Island

Oahu is the most populated Hawaiian island, both by locals and tourists. It is a beautiful island with tons of activities, but it can sometimes feel a little crowded with all of those people on a small island. Kauai, however, provides plenty of space for locals and tourists. There are no tall buildings on the island- all of them are shorter than the palm trees. You can find a quiet place almost anywhere on the island, perfect for your relaxing tropical vacation. It does not feel overcrowded with people, which is a major perk for a vacation spot in Hawaii.

Overall, Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island. It serves as the perfect backdrop for your Hawaiian adventure. What are your favorite parts about Kauai? What else do you want to know about the island? Let me know!