Kauai, Hawaii

Costco Connections Magazine, April 2025

The Garden Island

Kauai is a stunning paradise, celebrated for its cascading waterfalls, winding rivers and gorgeous hiking trails. This charming, quieter Hawaiian island offers a wealth of relaxing and exciting activities, ranging from world-class spas and pristine beaches to opportunities for snorkeling, diving and cycling. The Garden Island is a perfect getaway for families with children or couples seeking a romantic vacation destination. Here’s a look.

West-side story

Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is simplybreathtaking. You may want to consider renting a car to gain access to Waimea Canyon State Park’s hiking paths. The Iliau Nature Loop is an easy, kid-friendly 530-yard trail that provides beautiful views of the Waimea and Waialae canyons. If you need a challenge, consider tackling the Kukui Trail, a 5-mile round-trip trek. It offers more than 2,000 feet of elevation loss on the descent to the canyon floor.

Northern exposure

The north side of Kauai is perfect for travelers seeking quiet and relaxation, with an abundance of green valleys and a laid-back atmosphere. Visit Hanalei Bay for snorkeling and other outdoor activities. A tour of the nearby Princeville Botanical Gardens includes a chocolate tasting tour. The chocolate is paired delightfully with fruit and honey samples.

Drive east for about 10 miles to Tunnels Beach (aka Makua Beach) for beautiful mountain views, white sand and coral reefs. At all beaches, exercise caution while in the water and only swim where there is a lifeguard present. Rip currents can form without notice.

Timing is everything

If you’re considering taking a trip during the off-peak (and dry!) season, plan on visiting between April and May or September and October. Most visitors stay in hotels on the south side of the island, the location of the famous Poipu Beach, named “America’s Best Beach” by the Travel Channel. It’s less

than a 20-mile drive from Lihue Airport and includes good snorkeling areas and a chance to catch a glimpse of turtles. The best time to see these adorable sea creatures is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., or just before sunset.

 It takes approximately three hours to drive around the entire island, so no matter where you stay, you are within easy reach of any destination you seek. Consider taking a day trip around the island, with amazing views offered from every vantage point on the main road.

 The Kapa‘a Bike Path is an ocean-front paved road along the east coast with spectacular views. This 7.2-mile(out and back) road is shared by cyclists, runners and walkers. Finish your day at Spouting Horn, listening to the eruptions of this marine geyser while gazing at the setting sun.

Fun food to explore

No trip to Kauai would be complete without sampling the local fare, including many island-specific seafood dishes. Poke has recently risen in global popularity. You’ll find it in many restaurants, often served as an appetizer. Lomi lomi is a smoked salmon side dish with onions and tomatoes—it looks a lot like pico de gallo, and is often eaten in combination with kalua pork or poi (mashed taro root).

Saimin, a soup dish with thin noodles that may include hard-boiled eggs, sliced spam, bok choy and other vegetable and meat toppings, is a blend of Japanese, Filipino and Chinese cuisines. For dessert, splurge on malasadas, a delectable fried doughnut borrowed from the Portuguese.

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Kauai is filled with photo-worthy vistas and backdrops. Waimea Canyon has counless lookout points, including an impressive 3,00-foot-deep gorge. Hanalei Pier, much like Tunnels Beach, showcase mountain views juxtaposed against clear water. The pier around sunset is as ideal spot for a vacation photo. The Kalalau Lookout is 13 miles north of Waimea Canyon, an amazing view-poin to visit after your canyon hike. The panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout are worth the drive.