Kauai Islands of Hawaii: I went to Kauai on vacation for about 2 weeks. This was mostly vacation but I had a performance at the Kauai Hindu Monastery. The surrounding, setting and the energy of the island was inexplicable. I hiked a lot and spent my days immersed in natures glory.
PACKING: It doesn’t get very cold here so shorts, tees and dresses suffice. But 2 things you must carry are - water proof shoes and a rain jacket. Because the weather can be extremely unpredictable. And all hikes can get super muddy and will be better off with shoes you can wash / throw away at the end of the trip.
STAY/COMMUTE: I stayed in a bunch of places ranging from airbnbs to hostels. Because I wanted to experience the island from all perspectives and also considered accessibility based on my itinerary. I did not stay at a hotel although I might try one day in a hotel the next time I visit. We rented a car to commute. This is probably the only way to get from shore to shore easily.
FOOD: I eat healthy so I mostly lived on Acai bowls, fresh fruits and vegan food. There are a looooot of food trucks. One place I kept revisiting was a cafe called Java Kai.I also did a bunch of grocery shopping to pack food for days that were spent hiking. Kauai has a raw energy and it’s easy to feel lost without access to cafes/restaurants when you go on day long hikes. Since I stayed in airbnbs it was easy to prepare and pack food.
SHOPPING : My trip was centered around nature and exploring the island so I didn’t really go shopping but I did see plenty of shops in the East Shore. There was also an art walk called “Hanapepe Art Night” which had a lot of interesting things on sale.
HAVE TO DO/ MUST VISIT: The helicopter tour is a must do! It’s a whole other feeling to experience places by foot and then get a bird’s eye view. I also highly recommend the Kauai hindu monastery for its serenity, the Kayak and hike to secret falls, the Kalakau Lookout in the west which was one of the most breath-taking views I have seen this life, atleast one north shore beach to see the power of waves that can be 25 feet tall and biking along Kapa’a in east coast.
— As told to Angel Maria
