Rediscovering Kauai: Falling in Love Again with Hawaii's Garden Isle
No matter how extensively you've traveled, certain destinations hold a unique spot in your heart—evoking cherished memories, stirring your senses, and nurturing profound emotions.
For my wife and me, Kauai, Hawaii's "Garden Isle," is one such place. We first visited over a decade ago on our honeymoon and returned to the same resort five years later to celebrate our anniversary.
Our third trip was unplanned. With incredible deals from the Top 20 and Newsflash filling our bucket list weekly, Hawaii wasn't originally on the agenda.
But when Hawaiian Airlines launched nonstop flights from JFK to Honolulu, I monitored the fares closely. They dropped from under $500 to $450, and eventually to an astonishing $365 roundtrip—just $15 more to connect to Kauai.
Paired with a Top 20 deal at the Grand Hyatt Kauai—a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List resort we'd loved before—we booked quickly for a last-minute getaway just three weeks later.
Much had changed in our lives since our last visit—our family grew, I joined Travelzoo, and we relocated from Chicago to the East Coast. Yet, returning to Kauai this spring reaffirmed its timeless appeal; it still captivated our hearts.
We kept our five-night stay relaxed, skipping repeats like Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Instead, we prioritized rest and renewal (R&R), sampled poke (pronounced POKE-y), spent nights at the St. Regis Princeville on the north shore, and sought local restaurant recommendations.
By trip's end, we were smitten anew and already plotting our return.
Essential tips for your first (or next) Kauai adventure:
- Indulge in fresh pineapple whenever possible—it's exceptionally sweet and juicy here.
- For Waimea Canyon, pack a light jacket despite sunny resort weather. Sudden showers are common in the lush terrain. Drive to the top overlook for a breathtaking Na Pali Coast vista that photos can't capture.
- Seek poke spots with lines of locals—that's the best indicator. Pair it with kalua pork; Kauai excels at it.
- Venture north to Princeville, despite fewer resorts. Our two nights at the St. Regis offered stunning Hanalei Bay views from our room.
- Allow ample travel time—the main north-south road is mostly two lanes. Princeville to Poipu takes about 90 minutes; Lihue Airport is midway. We once rushed back and paid extra for unfilled rental gas.
- Dine off-resort for top meals. The Tavern at Princeville Golf Course, near the St. Regis, was a standout. Expect higher Hawaii dining costs than the mainland.
- For longer stays, seek resort free-night deals to lower rates. Included breakfast helps control daily expenses.
- Pack light and shop at Lihue's Walmart for sunscreen and snacks to avoid baggage fees.
- The 11-hour NYC-Hawaii flight tests limits; consider a layover in L.A. or SFO for a break.
- Join hotel loyalty programs like Starwood Preferred Guest (free)—we saved $300 at the St. Regis without status.
Keep beloved destinations on your radar. Kauai never fails to enchant. Aloha!
