Maui was amazing, but honestly, the minute we landed in Kauai, we knew this place was more our speed. It’s about half the population of Maui, and feels much more like a small town. We spent a lot of time in the town of Kapa’a which has a bunch of great coffee shops, walking paths on the beach, and local little shops.

Kauai experiences over 450 inches of rain every year which makes for some very green and lush landscapes. This was definitely one of the first things that caught our eye (along with the absolutely insane number of stray chickens everywhere). I know we said Maui felt like Jurassic Park, but Kauai is actually where the movie was filmed… so yes it feels like a movie set, but it’s real life (we had to keep convincing ourselves of this).

Accommodations: We also made the decision to sleep in our car instead of staying in a hostel. I know we sounds super homeless and sad but it was the best idea! We rented a large SUV, bought an air mattress and a sleeping bag (for a total of $20) and rented an ocean site campsite for $25 a night (versus the $75 it would have been for us to stay in a hostel and share a room with strangers). Plus, with the addition of some battery powered string lights, the place felt just like home!

Day 1: Unfortunately most of the day was spent in the car again (some back and forth driving to get supplies took longer than expected) but we didn’t mind because the local radio station bumps the best island music. On the plus side, we were able to make it up to Hanalei bay, on the north side of the island, for some sunset surfing (aka Tristan surfed and Taylor showed support by drinking rum on the beach). Then we got to our campsite and spent our first night in the car, which was a success! Waking up to palm trees, the ocean, and fresh coffee didn’t hurt either

Day 2: So far our favorite day of the trip. We went for a run in Kapa’a along the beach path which was equal parts beautiful and struggle-filled (I wouldn’t say we’re out of shape… but we are not exactly in shape). Then we went for a spectacular hike up the Sleeping Giant. It’s 4 miles round trip and moderately strenuous, but highly recommended to anyone coming to Kauai! We finished the day back in Hanalei Bay with a swim in the ocean before heading back to the campsite to play cribbage.

Day 3 and Day 4: We grouped these today because in all honesty we basically did the same thing both days! Wake up, coffee shop, exercise, drive around and chill on the beach. We went for a hike in Waimea Canyon which is known as the Grand Canyon of the pacific… and boy was she grand… and muddy…. and steep. The trail was somehow uphill in both directions but totally worth the view.

Although we were only here for four days it was plenty of time to adventure around, try a ton of local food, and explore! Its safe to say, we will most likely be back here again one day.

Now we are back to the airport to start the next leg of our trip!

-T&T