5 Takeaways From My Trip To Kauai

Despite a seemingly endless number of locales consisting of both sun and beach, there is truly no place that offers the delectable combination of beauty, lushness and serenity like the island of Kaua’i. An astonishing 562 square miles of untamed beauty owes itself to the fact that Kaua’i is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands (and also being one of the wettest places on Earth). The idea of minimal tourist and refreshing open-space inspired me to take my own birthday trip to the most beautiful (and oldest) island of the Hawaiian archipelago.

DO NOT take this post as the ultimate guide to visiting Kaua’i; this is just a list showcasing some of the things that stood out to me on my mini-vacation here.

Like, for example:

The older the island, the sweeter the views.

Say it with me now.

Here are my takeaways from my short trip to “the Garden Island”:

1. There’s a bit of everything to experience on Kauai.

Apparently, the island of Kaua’i did not get the memo when it came to not leaving all your eggs in one basket. Visitors are pleasantly surprised when they realize the Garden Isle is actually comprised of diverse ecological regions. Book a helicopter flight and you will be sure to find stunning microclimates, including but not limited to: golden beaches, sprawling plains, glorious mountain peaks, arid desert and teeming rainforest.

Those who love the outdoors will be sure to keep themselves happy and busy on the daily hikes and activities that will take even the most dedicated of vacation-goers months to cover. From the sunsets of Hanalei Bay to the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” in Waimea Canyon, there is definitely something for everyone in Kaua’i.

2. Nothing is certain but death and taxes… and chickens on Kauai.

Embark on a scenic drive on the roads of Kaua’i, and you will be bound to profoundly exclaim, “Look at all those chickens.” The moa (feral chickens) number in the thousands since there are effectively no natural predators on the island. Their not-so-hostile takeover occurred when they were freed en masse from their coops following the wake of Hurricane ‘Iniki back in 1992. After a large crossbreeding between the Polynesian Red Jungle Fowl and common domestic chickens, the moa have thrived ever since.

When I say thrive, what I mean is that the little cluckers basically rule the entirety of the island, from the scenic waterfalls to the local café. These modern-day dinosaurs are probably what gave Steven Spielberg the inspiration to film “Jurassic Park” on Kaua’i (not really). Loudly crowing at all times of the day, you will be sure to wake up whenever THEY feel like you should. All hail the kings of Kaua’i.

3. Furry friends are a MUST. (duh!)

Ever miss your buddy Fido while on vacation? Well fret no more thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Kauai Humane Society. The innovative Shelter Dog Field Trip Program allows you to spend a day with dogs like Ren in order for them to receive fresh air from the kennels and to provide the dogs precious exposure for adoptions.

Be aware that there is a $200 credit card deposit and a minimum $25 donation fee that accompanies the program, but the shelter provides all the information and supplies you’ll need for your trip with your new best friend. Also, be sure to note that the shelter closes on Wednesdays and you usually pick up the dogs in the morning (10 am – 12 pm) and return them one hour before closing (3 pm).

Had to return Ren back to the shelter & I’ve literally been Kim K crying ever since. She stole my heart. I’ll remember her forever. I pray that she gets adopted into her forever home 😔💛 pic.twitter.com/BL3klCdleg

— ♡ мαяℓєηє ♡ (@marjim13_) May 7, 2019

Getting your doggie fix and helping dogs in need get adopted? Now that’s my kind of volunteering (I am sure Fido will approve).

4. Be sure to rent a vehicle to fully explore the island.

Not sure if this needs to be said. Practically every visitor gets around the island in a rental car. With just a rudimentary bus system not designed for visitors in mind, it is highly improbable for you to see many of the desired locales without independent vehicle transportation.

I recommend a four-wheel drive, like the Jeep Wrangler, for the full touristy experience (I am cliché and proud of it). I mean, there’s a reason why every tourist and their grandma is driving a Jeep on the island: Jeeps are awesome. Please stop me before I sound like a paid advertisement.

5. Do not forget to relax.

Since there is so much to do and see on Kaua’i, and typically precious little time, vacationers are usually scrambling from one destination to the next in an adrenaline-fueled frenzy. There were times during my own visit when I was frantically pacing to the hidden stretches of paradise and all 60+ beaches, effectively depreciating the experience each locale had to offer. Get a clue (see what I did there) and don’t be me.

What is indeed so special about Kaua’i is that every single location is not wanting of any of the awe-inspiring spectacle you were searching for when you booked your trip here. Your vacation should be a time where you get to sit back and open your mind from the troubles at home, so please try to not create even more unnecessary stress. So pick a couple of places and relax you workaholics, you deserve a break. And besides, leaving locales for later gives you a great excuse to always come back (wink, wink).

For those who have had the pleasure to experience Kaua’i, what are your takeaways? See you next time and thanks for reading!