Read more about our doors off helicopter Kauai trip.Ī cheaper alternative is a scenic small plane ride. It’s not a cheap experience (a 60-minute doors off tour with Jack Harter costs $359 per person or with Air Kauai it’s $318), but it’s worth saving up for this Kauai must do. The diversity and beauty of the island is remarkable as you fly over waterfalls and beaches, red and green canyons, and weave in and out of the inlets of the Napali Coast. Our favourite experience on Kauai was taking a helicopter trip over the whole island. Despite this, I do recommend it for a resort experience but with the convenience of self-catering accommodation.Ĭheck the latest prices of Hanalei Bay Resort here.īack to Contents Best Things to Do in Kauai: South Shore 1) Helicopter Tour Over Kauai The Napali Coast from our helicopter The downsides were rather dated decor (but it depends which unit you get) and a disorganised check-in process (our room was ready late). The view from our balcony at Hanalei Bay Resort The mountain views are stunning, and you pay much less than at the resort next door (which is closed until fall 2022 anyway). The location was great just a five-minute walk downhill to lovely Pua Poa Beach and a short drive to Hanalei. There’s a gorgeous tropical pool with a swim-up bar (where we enjoyed daily cocktails!), a large jacuzzi under a waterfall, live music every afternoon by the pool and in the evenings at the main bar, and lots of facilities including multiple tennis courts. Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville on the North Shore Hanalei Bay Resort poolĪlthough we stayed in a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, Hanalei Bay Resort felt more like a typical resort and it was fun to have that experience. The location was convenient for many of the Kauai activities on this list and there were restaurants and shops just across the road.Ĭheck the latest prices of Kiahuna Plantation here. We loved the beachfront location on Kiahuna Beach (much quieter than the main Poipu Beach), the beautiful gardens and lush lawns, and our comfortable, well-equipped condo with ocean views from the balcony. Of everywhere we stayed in Hawaii, Kiahuna Plantation is the place we most want to return to for an extended stay. Kiahuna Plantation Resort in Poipu on the South Shore The view from our condo at Kiahuna (we were in the back row of units) See my post on where to stay in Kauai for the differences between each coast, an overview of the types of accommodation on the island, and detailed reviews of our favourite places. While you could do everything on this list from one base, we chose to divide our 11 days on Kauai between Poipu on the south shore and Princeville on the north shore to avoid long drives. Best Things to Do in Kauai: North Shoreīack to Contents Where to Stay in Kauai Us at Secret Beach.
Kauai lived up to our Hawaii dreams with its lush mountains, dramatic sea cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and golden beaches. Please read our disclosure for more info.