Kaua’i (Fall 2022)

This was our first trip to Kaua’i in nearly 10 years. This marks our 3rd time to Kaua’i. On this trip we stayed mostly in Poipu then spent a few days on the north shore in Princeville. We visited some of the same spots as before and explored new locations.

Poipu

One day we took a day trip and visited Waimea Canyon. We followed the same road, 550, to the end at Kalalau Lookout. Waimea Canyon is considered the mini-Grand Canyon. It’s beautiful and worth the ride.

However, we learned that we needed to get to Kalalau Lookout by 8am otherwise the fog rolls in obscuring any views.

This is what we saw at 10am after the fog rolled in.

We also visited the Makauwahi Cave Trail. It’s a short morning/afternoon adventure. It’s very close to Poipu, down an unpaved road. The trails are easy to walk on. The cave system is short but interesting. It does have a ‘pre-historic vibe’ to it.

Despite visiting Poipu twice in the past and walking on the beach to see the sunset, we previously missed the turtles. On this trip we learned that at sunset about 30 turtles waddle up on Poipu Beach park and sleep for the night. There’s a marine biologist putting up markers to keep curious tourists away so the turtles can sleep.

One lonely turtle on Poipu Beach waiting for his friends…

We went snorkeling at Lawa’i Beach, just west of Poipu by 5-10 mins. It’s a nice spot with an outer reef that tends to keep the inner cove relatively calm.

Cruise up the Napali Coast

The cruise up the Napali coast was good. We booked a morning trip with Captain Andy’s. The boat left about 8:00 am. We were on a 61′ mostly open catamaran with about 30 other people. About 30 mins after leaving the harbor they offered one opportunity to snorkel. The place they chose was less than optimal since the reef and fish were about 20 feet below the surface and the water was not very clear. Other than that the cruise was nice. They provided just enough food and drinks to keep you satisfied. Although, I wish I would have worn more sunscreen on my neck since I got very sun burnt.

Princeville

In Princeville we snorkeled at Tunnels\Makua beach. It’s a beautiful location, but parking has become much more difficult over the years. We arrived at Ha’ena Beach Park at 9 am, found the last parking spot then walked the road 10 mins south to Tunnels\Makua beach. You could also walk south on the beach if you like but it’s more difficult walking long-distance in the sand carrying your beach junk. Across from the Ha’ena Beach parking lot is a dry cave that you can walk into – it maybe goes back 100 feet.

Another day, we also scaled a difficult trail down to Hideaways beach to go snorkeling one morning. There are only 8 parking spots that become occupied by 7:30 am or so. There is no other parking nearby, so get there early. The snorkeling is fair with a good amount of fish – although it’s not as clear as the Reserve in Makena, Maui or Captain Cooks Monument on the Big Island.