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national parks travel

The Six Best Day Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier towers above the skyline at 14,411 ft elevation and is a snow-capped, breath-taking vision of nature year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels travel to come experience the trails and the accompanying views. The transcendent peak is visible in the distance from over 100 miles away, and is a beautiful reminder of the vast topography within the park. The different regions of the park offer unique viewpoints of Mt Rainier. When you’re exploring someplace new, you want to be sure to make the most of your time. We’ve outlined the six best day hikes in Mount Rainier… the hardest part will be choosing which one to do first!

Whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or a seasoned wilderness explorer, there’s abounding beauty for everyone to savor. The views make hikes of any length fly by and steep elevations feel worth it. Grab your trekking poles and pack your bags!

Five Mt. Rainier Park Regions

It comes as no surprise that the landscape varies in different regions of the park. With over 250 miles of trails, there’s enough forests, rivers, lakes, and streams to stay enchanted for weeks. Before you get hiking, it helps to get your bearings. Due to the sheer size of the park, trails are sorted into five different areas.

  1. Sunrise — Northeast
  2. Ohanapecosh — Southeast
  3. Paradise — South
  4. Longmire — Southwest
  5. Carbon River & Mowich — Northwest

The mountain for which the park is named stands tall and impermeable in the center. There’s no way to drive through the center of the park, but there are ample trails to explore its surroundings.

Our Six Favorite Hikes
1. Mount Fremont Lookout Trail

The Sunrise area of the park showcases the impressive rocky terrain on the northeastern side of Mount Rainier. The Mt. Fremont hike was one of the first hikes we took in the park as continues to be a favorite, with its 360 degree views from the old fire tower lookout. While it wasn’t easy, we didn’t find it to be too overbearingly challenging at 6 miles with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation, and we felt we were rewarded in spades with both the magnitude of Mt. Rainier as well as the seemingly endless stretch of green valleys to the north. It boasts one of the best Rainier summit views in the park!

2. Burroughs Mountain Trail

The Burroughs Mountain Trail also stems from the Sunrise Visitor Center and stretches 9 miles, tackling nearly 2,500 feet of elevation to climb the three Burroughs. Even if you don’t go the whole stretch you will be privy to beautiful views throughout, with the second Burroughs mountain, showcasing spectacular views of Mount Rainier as well as the Emmons Glacier. While wildlife spottings are never guaranteed, we’ve seen goats, marmot, and deer somewhat regularly. Last time we were in the park we even saw a bear. Definitely a trail for a hardier hiker, but so worth it!

3. Silver Falls Trail

A bit easier on the knees, the Silver Falls Trail in the Ohanapecosh region of the park is a very palatable 3 miles round trip. Compared to many other trails in the park, it’s relatively level, with about 500 feet of elevation gained in total throughout the hike. This makes it a more popular hike for families and hikers of all ages. The trail follows the Ohanapecosh River, and makes for quite the sight as the icy glacier water tumbles through Silver Falls. Another fun bonus, this is a loop trail (as opposed to going out and back along the same trail), so you will get to enjoy different forestry scenery on your way back.

photo via www.nps.gov
4. Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail Loop is in the, very aptly named, Paradise area of the park. This little slice of heaven is the most popular among visitors and for good reason. The colorful meadows and running streams are just as idyllic as they sound, and it’s equally beautiful as the warm hues of fall foliage roll in. As this trail is a loop, you have two options for your climb. If you tackle the trail clockwise, you will have a steeper but shorter journey up to the Panorama Point. If you’re keen on a more graded climb, you’ll want to tackle this trail counterclockwise. Regardless of how you get there, both the journey and the destination are worthwhile.

5. Mildred Point Trail

Making your way into the Longmire region of the park, set your sights on the Mildred Point via Comet Falls trail. This trail stretches almost 8 miles and climbs over 2,500 feet of elevation. Don’t let that intimidate you though! This hike is a true two-for-one special. About a mile and a half in, you’ll get to enjoy the enchanting waterfall at Comet Falls, followed by some heart-pumping switchbacks and a log bridge that will lead you to Mildred Point.

From your perch at the top of a meadow, you will have an unfettered view of the ever-lovely Mt. Rainier. You really can’t beat the diverse landscape of this hike with its rushing waterfalls, flowing rivers, charming bridges, and endless meadows… all with Mount Rainier as a stunning backdrop.

photo via www.nps.gov
6. Tolmie Peak Trail

Gotta save the best for last! At the end of a 15 mile-long dirt road you’ll find the beginning of the Tolmie Peak Trail, right alongside Mowich Lake. This hike exudes etherial beauty with its sweeping views of Eunice Lake, rolling alpine peaks, and a snow-covered Rainier. The cherry on top? Tolmie Peak houses another fire-tower lookout, which guarantees a panoramic view. This hike covers about 5.5 miles and over 1,500 feet of elevation, making it moderately difficult, but certainly doable!

But Wait, There’s More

The National Park Service Website has a complete list of trails, up-to-date trail conditions, and information regarding the various campgrounds. As an outdoor enthusiast, I generally love being outdoors, but I’m rather partial to a hike that ends in a gorgeous view. My favorite aspect of the AllTrails website is that you can see pictures other hikers have taken, to better grasp the hard-earned view you’re hiking out for. 

As a note: whatever trail you choose, be sure to stay on the trail— no creating new short-cuts! Even though it seems small, if everyone trampled the meadows a little, the collective damage would be massive.

Packing your Day Pack  

Can’t crush your hike without your day pack! There’s nothing like being stoked for an awesome day hike, only to realize half-way in that you don’t need half of what you’re carrying. Even worse is when you realize you forgot something crucial! Due to the snowfall Mount Rainier National Park receives every year, this list would be more extensive for winter months. We have you covered for all your late spring, summer, and early fall hikes.

Jacket—  this is top of the list for a reason… mostly because it will be unnecessary for a majority of your hike. That being said, chances are, if you plan to spend any extended period of time at the peak, you will likely be glad to have it. Additionally, if there’s any chance of rain, it’s also not a bad idea to bring a rain jacket along with you as well. The weather can change quickly. Rain jackets aren’t heavy and they’re well worth it when the heavens open!

Camera — whether it’s a DSLR or an iPhone, the view is definitely something you’ll be glad to look back on later! 

Trail map — you can either download a trail map from the NPS website or grab one from the trailhead, but it’s always a good idea to have a map with you. The trails are well-kept and the signage clearly dictates which paths to follow for desired destinations. That being said, we are big ‘safety first, safety always’ gals, so it’s always a good idea to have a map, just in case you get lost! 

example of the trail map for the sunrise area trails

Snacks — our go-to hiking snacks are dried mango, fresh fruits (in mason jars so they don’t get smushed) & veggies. Who doesn’t love a couple handfuls of homemade trail mix?? There’s nothing like reaching the viewpoint and sitting down to take it all in, with a tasty treat.

Water — for an approximately 6 mile hike, we usually take 20-40 oz of water per person, depending on the day. This is not including the water bottles we keep in the car to drink from before and after the hike. We always like to ensure we have more than enough water to stay hydrated, without carrying around extra weight. 

Sunglasses — while sunnies are always a good idea for hiking, Mount Rainier has snow year-round, and snow tends to reflect the sunlight, sometimes making it feel even brighter out. 

Sunscreen — as you climb in elevation, the breeze can keep you cool and make you forget the sun is still beating down on you. Even if you sunscreen up before you depart, you may want to re-apply!

Headlamp — not necessary for shorter most daytime hike, but if you plan in hiking around sunrise or sunset, you’ll be glad to have a headlamp. While cellphones have flashlights that might suffice in a pinch, it’s safer and easier to hike with your light hands-free.

Chapstick — while this won’t necessarily make or break your hike, chances are you’ll be glad you have it. A chapstick with SPF is a bonus.

The 411 on Furry Friends 

Generally speaking, Mt. Rainier is a no dogs allowed park. The exception? The Pacific Crest Trail stretches along the west coast of the country and cuts through the park. As such, this is a technical caveat since dogs are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail throughout its entirety. That being said, all other trails (including the ones above) and campgrounds do not permit any non-service animal pets. 


The best time of year to visit? Later than you might think. It all depends on the longevity of winter… or rather how cold the spring season is! We’ve gone hiking fourth of July weekend, and had to change plans on the fly due to snowy trails. Mid-to late summer and all throughout fall would be the best time to make an appearance.


written by Kayla

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in Tacoma, Washington. When she’s not fixing up tiny humans on the peds floor, she is likely to be found running, walking, or hiking outside— or crushing a home improvement project, as she has recently purchased her first home! Since moving to Washington, Kayla has maintained a plant-based diet— a feat largely unattainable by any other sister, but she makes it look *almost* possible with her I-can’t-believe-these-are-vegan chocolate chip cookies.



Categories
travel

The Best 7-Day Trip to Kauai: Adventure and Relaxation

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific, Kauai is a dreamscape where dramatic cliffs meet lush rainforests and sparkling turquoise beaches are tucked into every corner. Known as the “Garden Isle,” this Hawaiian gem will draw you in with its essence of untouched beauty and its vibrant spirit. From the towering ridges of the Nā Pali Coast to the peaceful shores of Hanalei Bay, Kauai truly has a draw for everyone. Whether you’re hiking through emerald valleys, snorkeling with sea turtles, or simply savoring the island’s laid-back charm (local coffee in hand)— a trip to Kauai is an unforgettable journey into paradise.

If you live for outdoor adventures, the bounty of nature’s beauty, and delicious local snacks, we have the perfect week-long agenda for you. Seven days is the perfect amount of time to hit all the island highlights, while still having some time to relax. A week in this lush, tropical haven, will fly by in a whirlwind of beauty.

Between the five of us sisters, we’ve visited a handful of times, and throughout our explorations, we’ve curated the perfect itinerary. From can’t miss sights to splurge-worthy treats to niched local stops, our one week itinerary is the perfect way to maximize your time on Kauai.

The Kauai Vibe

While Kauai is not immune to the heavy tourism the Hawaiian islands experience, you will find it less populated and a bit more rural than its neighboring islands, such as Oahu or Maui. This generally lends itself to less shopping and late night dining options and more steal-your-breath hikes and outdoor adventures, allowing for more natural, unmarred Hawaiian beauty.

Rental Car, Take Me Far

Due to the spread out nature of Kauai, a rental car or Turo is a must if you really want to see what the island has to offer. Last time we visited we used points to rent from Budget and had a great experience. In the past, Turo was significantly cheaper, so it’s at least worth checking out! Regardless who you rent from, don’t forget to lather on some sunscreen if you’re driving with the top down!

Despite Kauai being relatively small, there is no circumferential road around the island. This is due to the immense topography of the northwest region. Efforts have been made in the past to try and connect the loop, but they have all been in vain. Some areas are just meant to remain untouched! While this might mean a little extra driving time, the views in Kauai are nothing short of spectacular, so get excited for a little extra time in the car taking in the scenery.

You wouldn’t have amazing canyons, emerald cliff coastlines, and astounding waterfalls without the terrain Kauai is known for. The island is our favorite because of its rugged charm, not in spite of! At the end of the week, you’ll already be trying to plan your next trip back!

DAY ONE

Depending on when you arrive, your first day isn’t always a full first day. Once your wheels touch down, grab your bags and scoot on out of the airport. Where to first? We’re headed to the southern part of the island to start our adventure… but first coffee!

The Aloha Roastery is pretty close to the airport and makes for a nice pick-me up, especially if you’re feeling a little jet-lagged. They do close at 3pm though, so don’t plan on stopping by day one if you have a later afternoon or evening flight. 

The Ninini Point Lighthouse is a simple, peaceful stop, with a beach access point close by. It makes for a nice day-one sunset view, with your toes in the water. 

When you’re driving on Maluhia Road, from Lihue, there’s a one mile stretch of overarching eucalyptus trees that have grown together, to make the Tree Tunnel. Not really a stopping destination— simply something beautiful to drive through on your way southwest.

The plan for the rest of the day? Beach time relaxation! In the Poipu/Koloa area there’s a few different easily accessible beaches to choose from: Shipwreck Beach, Brennecke’s Beach, Poipu Beach, and Kiahuna Beach. Tomorrow will be a more active day, so enjoy some beachy keen tranquility!

DAY TWO
Little Fish Coffee Co.

Nothing like starting the day with a nice little walk or run. The fresh air on Kauai is the perfect kick-start to get you going, but if you need a little more oomph, Little Fish Coffee Co. has coffee and all kinds of breakfast goodies to start the day off right. The lines will be long in the 8 o’clock to 9 o’clock hours, so plan to swing by earlier rather than later. The food and drinks are really good though, so they’re worth waiting in a bit of a line for. 

If you’re looking for max Hawaii vibes, you can take your breakfast on the less-than-10-minute walk down to the beach, to enjoy with your toes in the sand. 

Poipu BEach

Next up Poipu Beach! Stop by Spouting Horn on your way there to check out a unique oceanic plume. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend largely driving out of your way to see it, but it’s a fun 10-15 minute stop to check out. 

What is a Hawaiian vacation without big chillin’ on the beach?? Bring a book and your sunnies and just take in paradise on Poipu Beach. Rather unique, this beach has a small sandbar island not too far out from the sand. The tide can affect how safe it is to venture out to this little adventure point, so check with the lifeguard before you head out! 

Once you’ve sufficiently enjoyed the beach bum life for a couple hours, head on over to Makauwahi Cave to check out this historic sinkhole area. As a plus, there’s a tortoise sanctuary nearby. Some of the turtles were relocated to the sanctuary because they outlived their original owner! [update: this is temporarily closed but will hopefully reopen soon]

Old Kōloa Town

On to Old Kōloa Town for some food! You have options! We bought a couple different things and split them, which is, in our opinion, the best way to go. Koloa Fishmarket sells some delicious poke (a traditional Hawaiian cuisine). Perfect to fill you up if you’re hungry from your morning adventures. Shaved ice is also popular in Hawaii and we LOVED The Fresh Shave! The PERFECT treat on a warm day. We recommend the coconut pineapple one!! After your belly is full, Old Kōloa Town has some fun shops to wander around and check out. 

Chocolate & Coffee

If you have any interest in coffee, the Kauai Coffee Co should be your next stop! They have a free self-guided walking tour that is pretty interesting—  especially if you don’t know much about the process that goes into coffee making. 

What pairs better with coffee than chocolate? Your next stop should be the Kauai Chocolate Company. If you love a tasty chocolate snack, they have chocolate for you! 

To finish a full day with a full meal, head to Da Crack for some amazing Mexican food. Large, reasonably priced bowls will hit the spot. With your belly full, there’s nothing left to do but hit the hay. 

DAY THREE

Breakfast options for every kind of morning person. If you need a little kickstart to get you moving in the morning, head to the Eden Coffee food truck in Old Kōloa. A fantastic cup of coffee to start your day! If you rise with the sun and are looking for something a bit more refreshing, stop by Kauai Juice Co. It’s so hard to pick a juice with all their tasty combinations, but I can personally shout-out the Akala… it’s I-could-drink-five-no-problem delicious. 

Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach has it all… sand, waves, hiking, and cliff jumping! The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail starts near Shipwreck Beach, so if you’re the hiking type, you can start your day with this beautifully scenic hike. It clocks in at just under 4 miles— the perfect morning walk distance. It’s a lovely way to combine a little morning exercise with Hawaii coastline views. 

When you’re ready to cool off, you can do it with big style points by cliff diving down into the ocean from a cliff mere steps from the beach. Time of year can affect the conditions of the water, so jump carefully, but generally speaking, this is one of the most popular cliff diving spots on Kauai. 

seven day adventure in Kauai

Once you’ve settled down from your adrenaline rush, you can take a fat nap on the beach. There’s nothing like drifting off to the sound of waves. 

If you visit Shipwreck in the winter, it’s not terribly uncommon to spot whales from the shore. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled!! 

Nā pali Coast Views

For a late afternoon and early evening adventure, throw on your cutest I-don’t-mind-if-this-gets-a-little-wet outfit and get excited for the best views of your trip. The Nā Pali Coast is breathtaking and simply must be taken in… from every angle you can muster. There are a few companies that offer Nā Pali Coast tours, and while I am sure the view is stunning from any boat, we were rather impressed with Captain Andy’s sunset tour. The Nā Pali Coast is the crown jewel of natural beauty in Kauai, so this is a must-do when you’re visit. The dinner and open bar doesn’t hurt either.  

There are options for morning tours as well, and sometimes this is the better option in the winter months when the water gets choppier into the afternoon and evening. HOWEVER, if you are able to go in the afternoon, this is what we recommend. By mid-afternoon, the sun has swung to the west side of the island, pulling the Nā Pali Coast from the shadows and putting it on prominent display. It will assuredly be amazing either way, but if you can go in the afternoon, you won’t be disappointed.

It’s amazing how much time of day affects the color palette of the coastline.
DAY FOUR
Waimea Canyon

Exploring Waimea Canyon, fondly referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is the mission objective for day four. Before you hit the road to head out there, you won’t regret stopping by Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Co. Not only was their coffee good, but they had some excellent gluten free options…. if you eat carrot cake for breakfast, can you call it a carrot muffin??  

When you arrive at Waimea Canyon, we recommend you drive all the way to the Pu’u o Kila Lookout. We found it was a bit easier to drive to the end and stop at various lookouts (the Kalalau Lookout is a must-stop!) as you back-track. Your camera is not ready for all the action it’s about to get. 

We had hoped to hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail, and if a 6 miles hike is up your alley, it looks like the view is certainly worth the hike. The weather at the higher elevation was a little rainy when we visited, so we backtracked all the way to 6b on the map (red arrow) and took the Cliff Trail to Canyon trail to find a mystical waterfall. Really beautiful for a plan B hike. 

Packing tip: You’ll want to bring a rain jacket or windbreaker when you’re in Waimea Canyon. It can get chilly up at higher elevation, and it’s not uncommon for transient light rains to roll through. 

Good Eats

When your camera is chock-a-block full with pictures, and you feel the views of Waimea canyon are sufficiently immortalized in your brain forever,  it’s time to head to the farmer’s market in Waimea. Don’t leave until you’ve tasted some Li Hing dried mango (Li Hing means it’s been dusted with some plum powder)! I now understand the term “nature’s candy”. 

A firm believer that there’s not such a thing as too many treats, a stop by Jojo’s Shave Ice will be the perfect final stop before you hit the road. We’re not saying Berry Berry is the best one, but we’re not, not saying it either. 

Princeville bound

Once your legs are tuckered out, and your car is full of snacks, get ready for the drive up to Princeville. It should take about 2 hours to get from Waimea Canyon to Princeville, on the northern side of the island. When you arrive into town, head to Hideaways Pizza Pub for a slice of ‘za’. Their salads are good too! One of the only places to find pizza in Princeville, this restaurant also maintains later hours if you happen to roll into town a bit later. 

DAY FIVE

Start your day with breakfast at The Spot with their mouth-watering assortment of breakfast bowls. A great way to power start your day! 

Ha’ena State Park

Today’s big adventure? Hiking the gorgeous Nā Pali Coast via Ha’ena State Park. The drive here may take a bit longer than anticipated due to one way bridges and island time pace of life, so don’t let this surprise you.

If you’re looking to muddy your boots, wander on over to the Kalalau Trail.  The Kalalau Trail is a 22 mile round trip stretch of hiking through the Nā Pali Coast. Determined hikers and backpackers may conquer this in its entirety; however, due to limited time on the island, we only recommend tackling a 4-mile loop of the trail (you do need additional permits if you plan to hike farther than about 4 miles out). Avid hikers may consider a 4 mile hike easy peasy, but the elevation in conjunction with the muddy nature of the trail makes a 4 mile trek moderately difficult, even for experienced hikers. 

Pro tip #1: A limited number of people are allowed into Haena State Park each day, so you must make reservations in advance to be admitted into the park. The tickets for daily admission go VERY quickly. They become available 30 days prior, so if you are hoping to visit Haena State Park, you should be ready to purchase your ticket early in the morning 30 days out. Spots go quickly! For more information, check out our blog post on The Kalalau Trail.

Pro tip #2: Don’t forget to screenshot your reservation before leaving your hotel/Airbnb. There is no cell service at the guard shack where you must show your reservation. 

Just Keep Swimming

Snorkeling is the next ocean exploration on the list. For this, you head to Tunnels Beach. In order to get here, park at Ha’ena Beach (this is a different spot than Ha’ena State Park) and enjoy the ten minute walk to Tunnels Beach. You pass the Maniniholo Dry Cave on your way there, which is fun to check out. Once you’re at the beach, strap your snorkel on and get to swimming! 

If you’re not too pooped, wander on over to Hanalei Bay next. There’s lots of shops to explore. There’s the usual tourist traps you’d expect, but there’s also some local artists worth checking out as well. Not to mention lots of tasty looking dinner options. We chowed down at Chicken in a Barrel, and we can confirm it was finger-licking good. 

On your way home, drive by the Wai’oli Hui’ia Church. Not necessarily something you need to get out of the car for, but it’s charming to see. 

DAY SIX
Queens Bath

Vibe check for the last full day in Kauai? A little bit of everything! Start your day at Queens Bath to explore this tidal pool surrounded by igneous rock. Mentally prepare yourself to get a little or a lot muddy, but the view is powerfully beautiful. Beware! This spot can be a little dangerous in the more wintery months, so if there’s any signs warning you not to venture this way, it’s likely in your best interest to head their warnings. 

For some breakfast and beach snacks, Healthy Hut Market and Cafe is your next stop. The cafe sells all sorts of tasty smoothies and juices, but they also sell groceries as well. I would liken it to a local Whole Foods. If you end up starting your day a bit late and it’s closer to lunchtime by the time you’re in Kilauea, Paco’s Tacos is right next door to Healthy Nut and is also a delectable stop. 

Secret Beach

Kauapea Beach or Secret Beach is an amazing, not-terribly-secret spot 10-15 minutes east of Princeville. This beach features some fantastic views as well as some fun tide pools to see crabs and small fish in. Full disclosure, the short but steep path to this beach is best suited for able bodied persons. Some people have difficulty finding the trailhead, but this should help. The things that make it harder to access help keep this spot a bit more secluded. While there’s much to enjoy here, this is not a recommended spot for swimmers. The surf can get pretty rough, and there’s no lifeguard on duty here.

Hanalei Spirits

If you have any interest in craft distillery tours, stopping by Hanalei Spirits is an absolute MUST. You will be blown away by the heart and the history behind their spirits. You will not find a better Kauai souvenir than a bottle of their traditional Hawaiian Okolehao. Tours are done by appointment only with Vindi, who is as warm and kind as she is knowledgable about using the land to create their spirits. Be sure to schedule in advance if you’re hoping to hear their story and sample all their local spirits!

Sweet Sunset

What to do for your last night in Hawaii? One last beach experience, taking in your final Hawaii sunset at the Hanalei Pier. Once the image has been sufficiently saved into your memory forever, head to Ama Restaurant for oodles of noodles. Also, if you haven’t had a Mai Tai yet, this is a must as it is the classic Hawaiian cocktail! The ramen is delicious and if you make it there before the sunlight slips away completely, the views are perfect for a last night spot. 

DAY SEVEN 

On the way back south, you’ll pass through the quaint town of Kapa’a. As you drive through, there’s a stretch of shops and restaurants, each more intriguing than the next. If you haven’t tried ‘lau lau’ yet, the Kahula pork lau lau at Pono Market is worth. pulling. over. for. 

If you’re in the mood for some above-averagely-delicious juice, Kauai Juice Company sells a wide array of curated juices. While they are a little spendy, we tried four juices and a few different kombuchas while we were there, and wished we’d bought more!  So refreshing and an amazing way to start your day! 

Saving the Best for Last

Departure day has arrived, but do not dismay! Depending on when your flight is, you just might have time to sneak in one last lifelong memory. Since you will already need to drive back down to Lihue, arrive a couple hours early and do the Big Kahuna Kauai Air Tour with Air Ventures. With only six passengers per plane, no middle seats, and an extra large viewing window for everyone aboard, this hour long flight is the perfect way to reflect on the week you just had, while taking the whole island in one last time. 

Pro tip #1: Try to snag the co-pilot seat if you can. This will have the best view as it’s the least obstructed and best for taking photographs.  

Pro tip #2: While they have a handful of different time slots throughout the day, the mid-afternoon (winter) or late-afternoon (summer) is the most ideal for the perfect Nā Pali Coast views. The coastline is on the west side of the island, so if you go too early in the day, the breath-taking views are still illustrious but a little shadowed.  


Kauai in Review

If you’re looking for staggering feats of nature and abounding luscious landscapes, Kauai should be at the top of your travel bucket list. We loved spending time outside, blown away by nature’s perfection. It’s also charming to explore different small towns, gaining a small appreciation for the Hawai’ian lifestyle and heritage.

When visiting the Hawaiian Islands, it’s not uncommon to try and fit in visits to more than one island. As such, this can mean figuring out how to allot your days. In our opinion, four days/three nights is the minimum you should set aside for Kauai. Curious to see what makes the top priorities list? Our four day Kauai itinerary can be found here.

Considering heading to Big Island? Check out our one week itinerary to maximize your time adventuring around this large, diverse isle.


A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in southern California. She can be found patching patients up in the emergency department but is equally likely to be spotted out hiking or backpacking. She is also quite the coffee connoisseur, and she will go out of her way to find a local coffee shop when she visits somewhere new!   


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