Amazing Kauai

We stayed at a place at Poipu Beach. It is a must see, especially if you have children—the beach has a place designated just for kids with very calm water. Other highlights include Waimea Canyon, Ke'e Beach (North Shore), Luau on Coconut Coast, Kayaking, Hiking, and feeding the chickens!

Quick Tips:

Go kayaking in Hanalei on the Hanalei River. Go to a Luau. Rent a place to stay if you have a large family. It will save on going out to dinner every night.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a car or a Jeep (if you don't have a car seat or too much luggage). Some of the roads on the island, especially on the north shore, are a little bumpy.

We had a great experience at Brenneke's. The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating (we took our 2-year-old with us). The prices are high but well worth it. The view is great, right across from Poipu Beach and the sunset was absolutely stunning. I recommend having the BBQ shrimp skewers.

This is not a restaurant, it is a fruit stand. However, it is a really awesome fruit stand that you should make a stop at if you have a spare few minutes on your way to or from the North Shore. When you go to Banana Joe's get a smoothie and a pineapple freeze. The freeze (I'm not even sure if this is the correct name) is really amazing. They take pineapple chunks and run it through a machine that immediately shoots it out the other side into your bowl/cup. I know that may not sound too appetizing but you'll have to trust me. It's delicious. They also sell all sorts of Hawaiian fruits as well as flowers at Banana Joe's.

My wife, son and I had a wonderful time at this luau. I highly recommend it, as the food and performers are top notch. To be fair, this is the only luau I've ever been to but it was given high ratings by Frommers. It was also named the most authentic luau in the state by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. There is an open bar, a shell lei greeting, and of course the unearthing of the pig. Our 2-year-old son loved the entertainment, especially the fire dancers.

This is heaven on earth and is possibly the most beautiful beach I have ever seen (and I've been to a fair share of beaches all around the world). It is all the way at the end of the highway on the north shore, so it is a bit of a drive. It is more than worth the drive and I promise you will not be disappointed. It is very calm, perfect for kids and snorkeling, and the view of the Na'Pali coast is breathtaking. The only bad part of this beach is the parking situation. You will literally drive into the parking lot from the highway, as it dead ends at the beach. The dirt/mud parking lot is large but very crowded and it is extremely hard to find a spot. The restrooms are in desperate need of a repair and they offer no privacy for changing your clothes (so I hope your car windows are tinted). Regardless of the parking situation this beach is still something you have to see. It is visually stunning and I promise you will not be disappointed.