It has been one month since our incredible vacation to Kauai, Hawaii, and I’m finally taking the time to write about it. Life got busy, and—thanks to a painful sunburn that turned into a second‑degree injury—I needed a little recovery time before diving back into blogging. But this trip was too meaningful not to share.
Before anything else, I want to express deep gratitude to my friend Carol, who gifted us the resort stay. We flew out on May 1st, exactly one year after the passing of her beloved husband, Bob. During the flight, I kept thinking about Bob—his kindness, his generosity, and the legacy he left behind. When we arrived, we called Carol to thank her and check in. Later, when we saw her at church, I gave her the biggest hug I could—one that reminded her of Bob, who was known for his unforgettable hugs.
This was our first time visiting Hawaii, and Kauai instantly became one of our favorite destinations. Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai is lush, peaceful, and filled with waterfalls, beaches, mountains, and the iconic Nā Pali Coast. Unlike Oahu or Maui, Kauai has no big city energy—just pure island beauty everywhere you look.
Where We Stayed: Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy (Kapaʻa, Hawaii)
We stayed in Kapaʻa, the perfect central location for exploring the island. Everything—beaches, restaurants, grocery stores, the airport, and excursions—was within an hour’s drive. If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, Kapaʻa is one of the best places to stay.
Our resort, Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy, was spacious, quiet, and beautifully maintained. We had a full kitchen, washer/dryer, ocean views, and easy access to the pool and spa. The only downside was the pushy timeshare pitch at check‑in, but once we got past that, the stay was wonderful.
The resort sits next to the Coconut Marketplace, home to an ABC Store, coffee, snacks, gifts, and delicious local food like musubi and loco moco. Since we had a full kitchen, we stocked up at Costco and Walmart and cooked most meals to save money.
Every morning began with coffee, reading, and… chickens. Lots of chickens. They woke us up early every day, but they also became part of the charm of island life.
Kauai forces you to slow down. As someone who works two full‑time jobs and runs a business, I needed that reminder. I brought my laptop “just in case,” but I made a conscious decision to unplug and be present. This trip reminded me that work isn’t everything—and that the moments we slow down for are the ones that matter most.
Our Kauai Itinerary: Day‑by‑Day Trip Summary
Below is our full Kauai itinerary—perfect for anyone planning a Hawaii vacation and looking for ideas, excursions, and must‑see attractions.
Day 1: Arrival, Mustang Convertible, and Groceries
We landed, picked up our rental car—a beautiful Ford Mustang convertible—and checked into the resort. After stocking up at Costco and Walmart, we settled in for a relaxing first night.
Day 2: North Shore Drive & Kīlauea Lighthouse
We drove north along the coast, stopping at the Kīlauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge—a surprisingly scenic and educational stop. We continued to Hāʻena State Park, but since we didn’t know about the required reservations, we couldn’t enter. Still, the drive itself was stunning and became one of our favorite parts of the trip.
Day 3: Church & Relaxation
We attended Kapaʻa Assembly of God, which we highly recommend for anyone wanting to attend church while visiting Kauai. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at the resort.
Day 4: Fern Grotto River Tour & Smith Family Luau
We took the Fern Grotto river cruise, followed by the Smith Family Luau—a classic Hawaiian experience with delicious food, beautiful grounds, and unforgettable fire dancers. If you want a traditional luau in Kauai, this is the one.
Day 5: Kauai Backcountry Adventures Tubing
This excursion was a highlight. We floated through historic sugarcane irrigation canals and tunnels surrounded by lush scenery. The guides were fun, knowledgeable, and made the experience memorable. This is a must‑do Kauai activity.
Day 6: Nā Pali Coast Boat Tour with Makana Charters
The best day of the entire trip.
The Nā Pali Coast is breathtaking—4,000‑foot cliffs, waterfalls, dolphins, whales, snorkeling, sea caves, and views that feel unreal. Our captain navigated the coastline with confidence and skill. If we return to Kauai, this will be the first excursion we book again. If you book a Nā Pali Coast charter, you must book with Makana Charters — the best on the island.
Day 7: Waimea Canyon & The Sunburn Incident
We drove to Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The weather was perfect, the views were incredible… and this is where I made a big mistake.
I wore a tank top, put the top down on the Mustang, and didn’t apply sunscreen.
Hours later, I had second‑degree sunburns and ended up in the ER after we got home.
Lesson learned: listen to your wife and wear sunscreen.
Departure Day: Not Ready to Leave
We flew home exactly one week later, wishing we had more time. Kauai has endless things to do—kayaking, hiking, coffee plantation tours, rum safari, fishing, ziplining, UTV adventures, movie site tours, and more. We could have easily stayed another two weeks.
Travel Advisor Insights: How We Saved Money on Our Kauai Trip
Through one of my trusted suppliers, I booked our flights and rental car for just $1,200. I also used my travel‑advisor connections to secure great deals on excursions.
If Kauai is calling your name, I’d love to help you:
And if you’ve ever thought about earning commissions on your own travel—or even writing off your vacations—becoming a travel advisor might be perfect for you. I’d be happy to walk you through how to get started.