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Places to visit in Kauai, Hawaii

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Kauai is one of 137 islands in the state of Hawaii. Also known as the Garden Island, Kauai is revered for its lush landscape with steep cliffs that meet aqua-blue water. I had the privilege of visiting this island last June for about a week. Prior to going on this vacation, I researched this island and found it to be extremely helpful when wondering what to do or see. When going to Hawaii, most people flock to Oahu; and while this island is pretty and has amazing food, Kauai is remote and prettier (in my opinion). Below are places and things to do if visiting Kauai.

Beaches

  1. Tunnels Beach – This was my favorite beach on my visit to Kauai. If you are looking for a place to snorkel, Tunnels is the place to go. At Tunnels, the coral was huge and there was a large variety of sea life. The best part of this beach is the view of the mountains in the background with the beach at your feet.
  2. Anini Beach – Located in the northern part of Kauai, Anini Beach is known for being a family-friendly beach. The water at this beach remains shallow for about 30 feet out. However, the best part about this beach was the amount of turtles. When I was snorkeling, I believe I saw turtles 15-20 times. Another pro about this beach is that there is a lot of shade so beach umbrellas aren’t needed.
  3. Hanalei Bay – Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Kauai to visit–and for good reason. At this beach, you are surrounded by panoramic views of golden-sand beaches and a range of mountains. Also, there is a pier that you can jump off of for fun.
  4. Poipu Beach – This is another family-friendly beach on the south shore of Kauai. Poipu Beach is great for snorkeling and relaxing. A con of this beach is that it is always crowded. However, if you are in the area of Poipu, stop by this beach.

Hikes/Other Activities

  1. Kalalau Trail – Hiking is a major activity that you HAVE to do in Kauai. This particular trail stretches 22 miles in length (you have to have a permit to do all of it). I only hiked to Hanakāpīʻai Beach which was 4 miles round-trip. This hike was so beautiful and the views along the coast were gorgeous. After the beach, you can hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls (8 miles roundtrip). Overall, Kalalau Trail is a must-do when visiting Kauai.
  2. Waimea Canyon – Waimea Canyon is named the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and was formed from the collapse of a volcano. The unique terrain of this canyon is an attraction you should see. I believe that you can hike this, but my family and I just drove to different lookouts to see the Canyon.
  3. Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour – As a chocolate fanatic, I was so excited to visit this Chocolate Farm. While you can book a tour to explore the farm, I just went to the gift shop. At the gift shop, an employee gives you a chocolate lecture where you learn about the origins of the cacao and try the products. I’ve tried a bunch of chocolate in my life and I can confidently say this was the best chocolate I’ve ever had. Lydgate Farms makes their chocolate in small batches which was evident considering how delicious the chocolate was.
  4. Na Pali Coast Boat Tour – Last but not least, you NEED to go on a Boat Tour (or helicopter tour) to see the Na Pali coast. I would recommend going with the company Captain Andy’s and booking the “Na Pali Raft Day Expedition.” On this boat tour, we went through sea caves, snorkeled, ate lunch at an ancient fishing town, and saw the Na Pali coast. This was hands down my favorite memory from the trip. The Na Pali coast is breathtaking and the water was the color of blue Gatorade. In addition to doing cool activities on this tour, you’ll learn much about the history of Kauai and its people.

Places to Eat

  1. Wishing Well Shave Ice
  2. Kenji Burger
  3. Wailua Drive-In

Photos

Tunnels Beach

Na Pali Coast

Wishing Well Shave Ice

Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser

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Sarah Tolcser’s first novel, Song of the Current, was much different from what I expected when first picking up the book—though not in a bad way. This exciting story gives a taste of everything: action, adventure, romance, magic, and sacrifice—all centered around one girl who sails with her father on a wherry in the Riverlands.

When she was a child, Caroline “Caro” Oresteia was told her destiny: Like the many Oresteias who came before her, she would be favored by the god in the river. The river god speaks to sailors indirectly and keeps them safe on their journeys. Caro awaits the day when he will begin speak to her, just as he speaks to her father.

When she is seventeen, Caro still has not heard from the river god, and instead finds herself the captain of her father’s beloved wherry, Cormorant, transporting a strange package in order to free her father from imprisonment. When she agrees to carry the strange cargo, Caro has no idea of what her involvement is going to entail. However, it does not take her long to realize that the contents of the strange crate she is carrying is a danger to her and her wherry.

With the Black Dogs (a group of merciless pirates who are searching for the strange crate) looming threateningly in Caro’s wake, the unexpected arrival of a bothersome boy who seems to have something to hide, and someone attempting to force their way into the seat of the Emparch of Akhaia, a whirlpool of dangers, betrayals, and secrecy forms, pulling Caro in.

Through all of this, the god of the river remains silent in Caro’s ears. She begins to wonder if her true destiny is not what she had been told so many years ago.

Although this story is set in a fictional world, I liked how Sarah Tolcser used just enough factual elements such as sailing terms to maintain the believability of the world, and I also liked her use of strong characterization. Caro is a bold, determined character, and it is inspiring how she does not care about someone’s title—she bases her view of them on what she sees them do.

As a reader, I love big fantasy series, but I also like finding new ones that I have not heard much about. The Song of the Current would be a great read for anyone looking for another fictional world to explore. From shadowmen and sword fights to politics and philosophy, this book covers an amazing spectrum. If you ever read this book, I hope your journey through the Riverlands is just as exciting and full of adventure as Caro’s was. Though, of course, much, much safer.

– Mia T.

Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.