Kauai offers incredible surfing opportunities

Visitors to Kauai are familiar with its vibrant gardens, remote cliff views, seemingly endless trails and varied beaches. However, the incredible surfing opportunities are sometimes a refreshing surprise for those seeking water sports with adventure. For avid, return visitors and local surfers, Kauai’s surf spots are as epic as the scene in South Pacific filmed on Kauai.

Tradewinds, the Nawiliwili Harbor and Hanalei Bay create the landscape for the surfer’s inspiring and scenic backdrop. Daring surfers, daunting waves and often a captive audience makes for quite an afternoon show at Kauai’s surf spots so spectators should pack a picnic. Reef, rock, sand and urchins heighten the drama. The range of surf spots include gentler spots for newer surfers (with plenty of surfing schools) and challenging sites as exhilarating as those on Oahu’s North Shore.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay offers surfers a variety of surf breaks

Surfing at Hanalei Pier is the place to watch experienced surfers, many local, take charge of gigantic waves. Newer surfers should stick close to the pier and will find it a thrilling experience with scenery all around. Wintertime is ideal, longboards and shortboards are effective and Hanalei Bay’s right hand waves are features that attract a visiting crowd to check out the local surf scene. The northwest and west directions are best for swells and the best wind direction is from the east.

Hale Maluhia on Kauai’s North Shore is a Hanalei retreat of many kinds—private oasis with a park and garden feel, all yours in this vacation rental that sleeps four and provides plenty of indoor and outdoor space for all. The home is a respite after a big day of surfing. Cocktails on the semi-enclosed lanai or a nightcap under the stars are well deserved and it should be a ritual to celebrate the day’s surfing and rest for the next day’s adventures.

Newer surfers should stick close to the pier

Hale Ola Main House is a home with a plantation feel, with a dreamy movie feel. The spacious lawn, beach house casual atmosphere and wraparound porch are perfect for a small family and truly romantic for a couple seeking adventure and romance. Guests take advantage of Kauai’s North Shore surfing opportunities, including nearby Hanalei Bay. Watch soft (and short) rains from the porch and enjoy roaming about in this two-story vacation rental.

Prince Kuhio’s (PK’s)
Kauai’s South Shore is home to multiple surfing sites, ranging from novice to experienced for skill level. Swell directions include the south, southwest and southeast. Rising and falling tides plus a rocky reef make it an adventure. Summer is the best time to surf PK’s, a departure from the traditional winter surfing season. North winds enhance your surfing and the best rule is to follow is to show courtesy to local surfers.

Kauai’s South Shore is home to multiple surfing sites, including Poipu Beach Park

Menehune Hale is a grand home with enviable amenities. Mountain and ocean views, spacious living areas, and incredible outdoor dining spaces are features that make this home a popular choice for guests who like an active vacation with a place to escape. The vacation rental is on Kauai’s North Shore in Anini so visitors to the area take advantage of a fulfilling and busy day surfing the North Shore or heading to the South Shore’s multiple surf spots, which include Salt Pond, Prince Kuhio’s (PK’s), Acid Drop, Lemon Drops and Kekuiula Harbour.

The Tides Kauai’s South Shore is a private home in Poipu. The ocean views from every room are only one reason guests are enthralled during their stay. A group of friends who love to surf will find the home spacious enough to have their own personal living space but also have a good time exploring the surf spots, including PK’s. Start the day with a hearty breakfast on the sunny deck area overlooking the waves you’ll soon surf. Poipu is a great town with all the eateries and shops for sports gear, plus plenty of conveniences.

Acid Drop
You’ve got to get an adrenalin rush just hearing the name, Acid Drop. Kauai’s South Shore delivers adventure in the waves here. Sharp rips, urchins, rocks, and even sharks on occasion place this surf site on the explorer’s list. Surfing here offers hollow waves for experienced surfers and they can rise to eight feet. Aim for mid tide, catch a fast left or right, with winds from the north, east or northeast. It’s a long paddle out and a shortboard is best. Watch the many experienced local surfers here, a day’s worth of entertainment.

Enjoy the sandy beach and waves at the nearby Shipwreck and Brennecke’s Beaches

Alohilani offers luxury amenities in a sunny atmosphere to match the sunny town of Poipu. A good group of 10 can enjoy nearby Shipwreck and Brennecke’s Beaches, spacious rooms, bay windows with great views from the kitchen and bedroom and a gourmet kitchen at home built in recent years. A variety of guests will find this home’s location ideal, whether family or a group of buddies. Gentle breezes welcome you here and gigantic waves will at Acid Drop and other South Shore surf spots.

Kai Lani is a vacation rental home that offers a variety of amenities including a pool, hardwood floors and an enclosed porch with great views during meals. Relax in the hammock after a day of surfing at Acid Drop, PK’s or an excursion to Hanalei Bay or watch the turtles resting on the beach. Surfers will find this home convenient to dining, shopping and several surf sites. If you’re visiting as an extended family or group of friends, surfers can while away their time while others who enjoy exploring or just relaxing on the beach will also find Kai Lani an excellent value for their stay.

For more places to stay on Kauai, check out our selection of Kauai vacation rentals.

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Experience the grand beauty of Kauai on foot

The Garden Isle’s captivating features are accessible to all guests, but those who travel by car will only see 10% of the grand beauty of Kauai. Exploring by helicopter, boat and on foot is the way to discover all the facets of the island. Regardless of where your vacation rental is located, you’ll most likely find trails that lead to gardens, beaches, culture and inevitably, some sacred spots.

Planning a trip to Kauai? Check out our Hanalei vacation rentals near many great trails.

Whether it’s a gentle hike with the family or a thrill-seeker’s day of exploration, Kauai’s landscapes tell the story of ancient Hawaii. Plan a hike with the essentials and comfort; after all, you’re on vacation so make it as challenging as you need and as indulgent too. Comfortable clothing and shoes, plenty of good food (consider gourmet picnics with food from the farmers’ market), and a fully charged cell phone.

The Kalalau Trail takes you to a remote coastline of Kauai

Hikes:

• Awa’awapuhi Trail in Koke’e State Park is approximately six and a half miles round trip and highlights include vantage points of Waimea Canyon State Park, Kalalau Valley, and the Na Pali coastline. Dress in layers as its approximately 2,000 feet in elevation.
• Kukui Trail features a different part of Koke’e State Park, with trees, foliage and waterfalls that lead to the depths of the Waimea Canyon.
• The Kalalau Trail is a strenuous trail that’s worth the trip, even if you can do part of it. Remote Kauai is wondrous year-round, but only if you make plans to explore the areas inaccessible by car.

Looking to stay on the south side of Kauai? Check out our selection of Poipu condos and Poipu luxury rentals.

After a day of stretching and challenging yourself, you’ll have undoubtedly worked up an appetite so head back to your vacation rental for a dip in the pool and then a good dinner in town.

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Poipu on Kauai sunny south side is a great place for visitors seeking sun and surf

Poipu vacation rentals are available to meet a range of budgets and travel party size, from solo traveler to couples to a small or extended family to group of friends. The location is enviable, on Kauai’s sunny South Shore, with plenty to do in the area on land and sea.

Planning a vacation to Kauai? Take a look at our Poipu condos for your stay.

Whether you travel by foot, car, boat or bicycle, you’ll likely encounter culture and heritage of the area. Make planned excursions to some of the most legendary areas during your stay. While many travelers just seek sun and surf as an escape from a hectic lifestyle, some of the sites on the Koloa Heritage and Mahaulepu Trails would be on any itinerary regardless, including Spouting Horn Park and Poipu Beach Park.

Spouting Horn Park is a great place to explore on the South Side of Kauai

Pa’u Laka, the Moir Gardens, with cacti, lava rock ponds and orchids and Kihahouna Heiau can be combined into a half day outing. The sacred temple is a beautiful spot and the visit to these nature sites will leave you with a sense of serenity. Multiple sand dunes, sinkholes, caves and additional heiau are features of the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. Wildly romantic spots, many species of bird life and the beauty from which the Garden Isle gets its name are all revealed to you here. When you return to your vacation rental at the end of each day, you’ll be ready to relax with a cocktail before dinner with the knowledge that you’ve fulfilled some great explorations in the South Side of Kauai.

Relax in luxury after exploring the South Side of Kauai in one of our Poipu luxury rentals.

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Everywhere you look in Hanalei you will see green, from the deep green mountains to the green taro fields

Hanalei is a laid back, artsy small town on Kauai’s North Shore. Art galleries, boutiques and historic charm create a pleasant atmosphere for guests spending time indoors and outside.

Planning a vacation to the island of Kauai? Stay in the laid back town of Hanalei in one of our Hanalei vacation rentals.

Deep green mountains and taro fields exude calm for all who roam the area, whether you see them while driving or on foot during a farm tour. Taro farms are occasionally open for guests to see the operations, talk with farmers and later taste the poi created from these incredible plants that grow well with plentiful water and with Kauai’s climate.

Hanalei is a laid back, artsy small town on Kauai’s North Shore

Fishing in Hanalei Bay is an opportunity to spend time on a historic pier and maybe even get your own fresh catch for dinner. If you’d prefer to taste and tour, check out the Hale Halawai Farmer’s Market, a Saturday event that will give you a complete sense to f community. Handmade crafts, exotic fruits and vegetables, native flowers and music all provide a lively atmosphere as you munch your way through the market. You can also talk directly with farmers and find out for which restaurants they provide ingredients, a great way to round out your farm to fork experience. Or, opt to take home your seasonings, gourmet items, fresh baked goods and other finds to make a great dinner in your vacation rental’s gourmet kitchen. The Hale Halawai Farmer’s Market is also a great place to select picnic items.

Experience everything Hanalei has to offer from one of our Hanalei luxury rentals.

Fish off of the historic Hanalei pier

Limahuli Garden is another site for a green experience in Hanalei, with 17 acres of public gardens adjacent to a nature preserve of almost a thousand acres. Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Limahuli Gardens is filled with flowers, fruits and plants native to Hawaii, with scenic lava rock terraces and grand landscapes. Take a self-guided or guided tour, attend a lecture or workshop and learn about green Hawaii in this natural and vast classroom.

For more places to stay nearby the town of Hanalei, check out our Princeville condos located just down the road.

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Princeville is not often recognized for its nightlife

Princeville is known for championship golf, pristine and palatial living, it’s not often considered as a first choice for a dynamic nightlife. However, an evening out on the town is lively, upscale and entertaining. Sophistication is the theme, with tasty tapas and cocktails that hit the spot after a sunny day on the beach or golf course.

Planning a trip to Kauai? Take a look at our Princeville vacation rentals.

The St. Regis Princeville Resort
Home to several fine dining choices and every night on the town should be done right, especially on the island. A casually elegant dress code—slacks and stylish apparel for couples looking to relax but not hang out in jeans and flip-flops open the door to a good evening and a great attitude. Tasting innovative dishes, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, sipping handcrafted drinks and enjoying a captivating view of Hanalei Bay are facets of a night in the St. Regis Bar. Fire throwers, live music and even a night of storytelling are elements of entertainment here so any given night on the town will prove to be fascinating.

Enjoy a captivating view of Hanalei Bay from the St. Regis Princeville Resort

Nanea Restaurant and Bar
Hawaiian night and other themed dining experiences, a terrace with view of the ocean or a seat at the bar are part of the scene at Nanea Restaurant and Bar in the Westin Hotel. Princeville is posh but exemplifies the good life that is welcome to all when on vacation. Glamour and good food intertwine here so live like a local with pupus, monthly specials and a place for good conversations, inside and outdoors.

The Tavern
Another restaurant by acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi. Comfort foods made for adults and a casual setting that plays on the contrast of a tavern’s rustic feel with class provides guests with a place to while hours away. Watch the sunset from the window and listen to acoustic guitar—ah, a perfect ending to an active day.

For more places to stay in Princeville, check out our Princeville condos.

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Captivating views of mountains and sea from our Kauai luxury properties

Ikena Lani evokes a sense of spa calm and indulgence, designed by award-winning architects and decorated with imported pieces. Every corner of this Anini luxury home is a place for retreat and scenic beauty. Spacious enough for a group of friends or a family, this home has a gourmet kitchen, perfect for gathering around for leisurely meals. Pool, sauna, plus mountain and sea views complete the picture of complete Zen.

To return from vacation and say that you stayed at a royal Hawaiian estate in Hanalei would not be an exaggeration for those who select Kauikeolani Estate. The luxury property includes a vast grounds, nearby waterfalls, captivating views of mountains and sea, claw foot tubs and an inviting atmosphere. Relax on the comforting wrap around porch, host a gourmet dinner and take moonlight strolls nightly. While it may feel a million miles away on-site, all you need is a five or ten-minute walk away.

Pila’a Beach House is as much a beacon as the KIlauea lighthouse

An architectural dream, Pila’a Beach House is as much a beacon as the lighthouse in the town of Kilauea. Mountain and ocean views, palatial living and Balinese furnishings will give you a sense of giddy excitement at the amenities. Sit in a room with towering windows peeking over Kauai’s North Shore or relax in the Jacuzzi as you ponder your plans—wine and appetizers or cocktails and four-course dining experience. The granite soaking tub is a great escape after a big day filled with exploration of the Garden Isle. Pila’a Beach House is child-friendly; however, it speaks to honeymooners for romantic, contemplative and memorable moments.

Palatial, scenic and surreal, Ho’onani Estates emanates sunshine throughout the grounds at this luxury vacation rental on Kauai’s South Shore. A dream kitchen, resort-style living, a pool with views of the wildly romantic cliffs above the sea and spacious rooms will provide the ultimate vacation. Exhilarating times by the pool, splendor in the sun and glorious moments enjoying the finer things will make it easy to plan a return visit.

Explore the romantic coastline outside the Banana Beach House in Haena

A sense of whimsy and ultimate comfort are found in Haena at the Banana Beach House. The airy home showers lightness amidst the interior furnishings and reveals a romantic coastline outside. Watch the ocean’s natural assets through expansive windows. Tunnels Beach is a gentle walk away and the North Shore’s sights are nearby, though it’s appealing to stay at the house and indulge in the Jacuzzi or on the deck.

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Explore Kauai’s 90 miles of scenic coastline

Canyons, sea cliffs, waterfalls, the greenest native plants and jagged coastlines are among the features of a coastal walk on Kauai. The Garden Isle is not only home to the wettest place on earth but 90 miles of scenic coastline for plenty of walks, from dawn till dusk.

Planning a trip to the island of Kauai? Check out our Hanalei vacation rentals.

Hanakapiai Beach is the reward for those hiking the first two miles into the Kalalau Trail. The captivating Na Pali Coast, with its wild waves crashing against the sandy beach are a sight to see as you walk along one of the world’s most rugged and adventurous pathways. Adventurers can continue 2 miles upstream from Hanalapiai to Hanakapiai Falls.

The captivating Na Pali Coast

Polihale State Beach Park is one of the best beaches for its beauty and the road to get to it, a dirt path that could be measured not by miles but bumps. After an eventful ride, a legendary white sand beach of 17 miles awaits. Grand dunes and equally grand sunsets, surround views of Niihau and Na Pali’s sea cliffs. Polihale is Kauai’s westernmost point and because it’s a beach in a most natural and remote setting, use caution and mind your safety and your coastal walk will be entirely about the beauty of Kauai. Nearby are Queen’s Pond and Barking Sands Beach.

Poipu Beach Park on Kauai’s sunny South Shore is an easy pick and one that has won the acclaim of both coastal experts and travelers. A family-friendly beach, the white sands and clean waters make for a lovely coastal walk on your own, with a loved one or with the kids. It’s a wide and vast beach, with views of Nukumoi Point where you may find a monk seal resting. Spend the day enjoying snorkeling, swimming or windsurfing—participating in any of these or watching and enjoy a coastal walk on this inviting Kauai beach.

Stay nearby Poipu Beach Park in one of our Poipu condos.

Ke’e Beach is a popular beach, as it is near the Kalalau Trail head at the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore. Red sand intermingled with white yields a rich color; greens from the coconut palms, guava and ironwood trees, and foamy white surf are a few features that outline this scenic coastal walk. Very clear waters, a reef along the lagoon, and nearby heiau also make this coastal walk worthy of exploration. A side note, The Thornbirds movie featured a scene on Ke’e Beach.

Enjoy a coastal walk on Kauai’s sunny South Shore

Maha’ulepu Beach is a treat with three sequential beaches in one, including Gillin’s Beach, Kawailoa Bay and Ha’ula Beach. Located on the South Shore near the resort area of Kauai, the coastal walk here is an archeological heritage walk of sorts. It’s more remote than other beaches, so crowds are generally not a factor. Sea cliffs, Maha’ulepu cave and the occasional horseback rider or angler are all part of the setting.

Also, please consider our Princeville vacation rentals for your stay on Kauai.

A sixth beach mention, one for the souvenir-collecting traveler, is Glass Beach.

Glass Beach is for those interested in the fascinating acts of the ocean, which takes a couple of decades to smooth out all kinds of glass to form pretty pieces of sea glass. Named for the results it yields from the constant lapping of waves over items made of glass strewn on the beach, it’s a neat way to take home a few mementos. Glass Beach is in Hanapepe Bay near Port Allen Harbor.

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The small, secluded town of Hanalei is a great getaway for anyone

Hanalei Bay House
This home combines historic with modern in a cozy and comforting manner. Located in Hanalei, the home has enviable amenities for a vacation rental, with two hundred year-old beautifully aged pine barnwood floors that add character throughout the house, spacious living areas and a fully-equipped kitchen. Hanalei on the North Shore embodies Kauai’s easygoing character with art galleries, taro farms and the Hanalei Pier, a local hangout and also a place for visitors to fish, swim and listen to music.

Hale Aku
This is another lovely vacation rental with plenty of space for a few couples or a small extended family vacation. Tastefully decorated, blissfully cozy beds and a mountain view are some of the amenities. Imagine the privacy but quick accessibility to nearby beaches and sights. The outdoor yoga room and shower are a plus for those who enjoy spending time in nature but without a constant flow of passersby.

Check out our complete selection of Hanalei vacation rentals.

Hanalei Bay is a great beach to explore

Koloko Cottage
Newly built home, this vacation rental is paces from the Hanalei Pier and the lovely bay with mountain views all around. Spacious grounds and interiors make Koloko Cottage a spot for those who enjoy unwinding without the hubbub around them. The fully equipped kitchen is ideal for gourmet breakfasts or nights when you pick up fresh fish from the Hanalei markets. Lots of windows and light provide ambiance for an evening of wine, beautiful in any weather, especially rain on the Garden Isle.

Make sure to stop by the Waioli Mission House and Church

Nearby Lumahai Beach Park is one of North Shore’s most picturesque beaches and there are several in the area. White sands, a coastline that yields fierce waves, Lumahai Bridge and dramatic sea cliffs set the tone for a wildly romantic day at the beach, which is a great place for picnics and long walks. If you’re inclined, you can walk the almost five scenic miles to Princeville from here. Bar Acuda is the place for local food, tapas and cocktails in a Balinese atmosphere. If you’re into history and nature while visiting, go beyond the beach. Check out the Waioli Mission House and Church, the Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei town’s art galleries. Nearby Princeville is known for its championship golf.

Would you rather stay in the nearby resort area of Princeville? Take a look at our Princeville vacation rentals.

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Enjoy a massage outside or inside

The Garden Isle is known for its spiritual beauty and healing essence. The rain, gardens, flora, healthful fruits and tranquility beckon goodness, which in turn naturally invites travelers to the spas on Kauai.

Treatments filled with ancient Hawaiian practices, luxurious ambiances and soothing experiences are basic qualities of the top-notch spas on Kauai. Whether it is a major resort or an independently owned business, Kauai’s spas provide the ultimate in renewal through facials, massages, wraps and healing.

Take a look at our Princeville vacation rentals located in a resort community with multiple spas nearby to choose from.

Anara Spa – Private areas, warm and inviting pools, and authentic ancient Hawaiian practices and ingredients are what guests can expect for a day of pampering and luxuriating. Coconut, lilokoi, guava, papaya and mango are essential ingredients and your services here will leave you feeling blissful.

Relax and treat yourself to one of Kauai’s spa treatments

The Spa at the Koa Kea Hotel and Resort offers indulging treatments, rejuvenating experiences and an ambiance with dreamy fragrances whether you’re in the spa, in your suite or seaside amidst natural Kauai. Pineapple, pikake, clay and Awapuhi Root are commonly used to yield the glow and provide the ultimate in relaxation.

Please consider our Poipu condos located on the south shore of Kauai.

Pure Kauai offers a range of services, ranging from spa treatments to catered local dining experiences to activities to heal and revive your soul. Outdoor adventures or even just the five-star treatment to make you feel like you always live the high life (leave the driving, errands and routine duties to someone else) are also options through this all-around spa seeking to renew you, inside and out.

Spas on Kauai are just as much of a must-do experience as some of the conventional island activities. Check out the spa menus, consider a spa package when you book your hotel and take advantage of the island’s luxurious hospitality.

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Experience Kauai’s natural beauty

The islands are known for their natural beauty, explored on land and by sea. One top romantic spot is to view Kauai from the sky. Approximately 80% of Kauai is inaccessible by land or sea. Helicopter rides for views of the Waialeale Crater, Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon are just a few sights to see from above. Take a helicopter tour for an enthralling experience, a different kind miles above.

Hanalei Bay is undeniably romantic, by day or night. A glorious morning sunset or sunset stroll here is idyllic. Blue green colors, a walk through a charming old town and a sense of ancient Hawaii easily evoke the spirit of romance.

Planning a romantic getaway? Check out our Hanalei vacation rentals.

A romantic Hanalei Bay sunset

Polihale Beach on Kauai is a remote and wildly romantic beach with foamy waves and a journey as exciting as the destination. Why? You and your beloved will have the sense of being the only ones on the island, so go and enjoy with reckless abandon.

Looking to stay on the south shore of Kauai? Take a look at our large selection of Poipu condos.

The beginning at Kee Beach, the hike on the Kalalau Trail and the grand reveal of the Na Pali Coast is romantic from every moment and at every turn—exotic flora, rare views, waterfalls and wild terrain await. Whether you enjoy a frolicking time together at Kee beach, attempt the challenging 11-mile hike that’s ideal for special moments along the way or camp under the stars, this region of Kauai guarantees and exudes romance.

The end of the road, the beginning of the Na Pali Coast

Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore offers top-notch resorts and spas. Indulge in some renewal of self and rejuvenation of romantic feelings with a couple’s massage on the beach. Waves lapping the sand in the background, soothing hot stones and fragrant flowers will put you in the mood for romance. Hold onto the blissful moments with champagne and an indulgent dessert.

Also, please consider our Princeville vacation rentals located on Kauai’s North Shore.

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