To celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary, we continued our annual tradition of a late-summer trip. But this year was different—it was the first flight for our 7-month-old daughter. Our journey began with a twist of fate; we had meticulously planned a trip to Maui, but the devastating wildfires that swept through the island just before our departure made that impossible. With heavy hearts for Maui, we made a last-minute switch to Kauai, the "Garden Island."
Known for its rugged trails and dramatic cliffs, Kauai might not seem like the obvious choice for a trip with an infant. But this change of plans led us to discover a different, gentler side of the island. Instead of epic hikes, we found joy in serene, baby-friendly beaches, the unexpected delight of farm tours, and the simple pleasure of watching the world through our daughter's curious eyes. This is the story of that unexpected journey—a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned.
Trip Highlights
1️⃣ Discovering the island's heart through its farm tours, from a historic plantation railway ride to a fascinating "tree-to-bar" chocolate tasting.
2️⃣ Finding paradise on secluded, baby-friendly beaches like Moloa'a Beach, where a natural tide pool became the perfect, gentle playground for our little one.
3️⃣ Taking in the breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon—the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"—and the lush Nāpali Coast from accessible lookout points.
4️⃣ A solo trek through a lush rainforest to Ho'opi'i Falls, stepping right into a scene from Jurassic Park.
5️⃣ Feasting on authentic local eats from humble food trucks and markets, discovering the best Loco Moco and fresh Poke on the island.
6️⃣ Waking up to the island's unofficial soundtrack: the crowing of the thousands of wild chickens that roam free everywhere, a quirky and unforgettable memory.
Our Favorite Spots
Where We Visited:
1️⃣ Pu’u O Kila Lookout 👍
2️⃣ Kauai Plantation Railway 👍
4️⃣ Moloa'a Beach
5️⃣ Ho'opi'i Falls Trail
7️⃣ Waimea Canyon
8️⃣ Poipu Beach
Where We Stayed:
1️⃣ Pono Kai Resort
Where We Ate:
1️⃣ Pono Market 👍
2️⃣ Unkos Kitchen 👍
3️⃣ The Musubi Truck 👍
4️⃣ Kiawe Roots 👍
5️⃣ Kauai Poke Co.
7️⃣ Honu Shave Ice
Pu'u O Kila Lookout
Waimea Cayon
Waimea Canyon
Pono Kai Resort
Sunrise
Sunset
Crepuscular Rays
Chicken
More Chicken
And More Chicken...
Moloa'a Beach
Lagoon at Moloa'a Beach
Lydgate Beach
Red-crested Cardinal
Turkeys
Banana
Noni Fruit
Breadfruit
Inside Bread Fruit
Mango
Mamey Sapote
Cinnamon
Cacao Fruit
Mature Cacao
Little Cacao
Cut Cacao
Inside Cacao
Coconut
Chocolate Taste
Cattle egret
Big Rain
Canistel
Longan
Orange Taste
Star Fruit
Cow Family
Little Cow
Kauai Plantation Railway
Kauai Plantation Railway
Cow‘s grimace
Cupuacu
Giant Philippine Frog
Cashew
Mangrove Blue Flycatcher
Red Dirt Waterfall
Little Mushroom
Upper Hoopii Falls
Lower Hoopii Falls
Lower Hoopii Falls
Abandoned Engine
Pond
Creek
Red-crested Cardinal
Red-crested Cardinal
Sugarloaf Pineapple
Sugarloaf Pineapple
Sugarloaf Pineapple
Sugarloaf Pineapple
Sugarloaf Pineapple
Sugarloaf Pineapple
Poipu Bay Golf Course
