kauai – december 2018
Kauai is magical! We went in 2017 and vowed to return asap. It didn’t take long for us to figure out how to get there again! After visiting Maui, we flew from OGG to LIH on Christmas Day. Such a quick flight and easy to hop the islands. We love the south side of the island and I read hundreds of reviews before settling on the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club in Poipu. It’s right on the ocean and had the ideal set up for us with two king bedrooms and two pull out coaches, a full kitchen and family room too! With all our travel, we thought this was a luxurious set up.
Since we had just been to Kauai, it was nice to enjoy the hotel here and also be close to the things we wanted to do on the south end. The weather on the north side of the island was raining the whole time we visited, so we did not drive north at all! This actually made it really relaxing as we were rarely in the car. Here is what we did- first off, we bought body boards/ boogie boards in Maui at Walmart so we just checked them and brought them to Kauai. Right outside the hotel is a great beach- and we found we liked the beach just west of our resort even more. Just walk the front path past Koa Kea resort and down the rock path and it’s a beautiful beach with surfing and great water to swim and lounge. You can rent surfboards everywhere- Tom went to the Sheraton and for $20 had one for 3 hours I believe. The kids joined him and loved it. This beach is called Kiahuna Beach. Even swimming in shallow waters, you have turtles all around you and below you. Bring snorkel gear!! And a go pro!
We also did a couple fun excursions- and here’s full transparency! I booked the tubing trip for Kauai Backcountry Adventures which is top rated- and not cheap at $550 for our family. Other than a wonderful guide, the five of us thought it was fun but totally not worth it. Maybe our family likes more adventure, but Tom and I met eyes on our tubes and started laughing that we had paid to do this tour. Will was next to me and totally underwhelmed as well. When we got out of our tubes, Brooke and Luke didn’t say much and just hopped in the van! So, on behalf of my family, this was a bust!
On the opposite note, a highlight was Captain Andy’s boat tour of the Na Pali Coast. I can’t describe the beauty of this coast. Anyone who has been there, says the same thing. Tom and I agreed it is one the of the most beautiful things we have ever seen in our lives.
Definitely get out on the water!
Favorite places to eat- always Keoki’s Paradise– we hit happy hour if we can to save money. Luke loves their ribs, and their fresh catch and poke bowl is yummy! Mai Tais and Hula Pie are a must!
We also just love The Fresh Shave– it’s so fresh- ask about their secret menu as well! Next to this food truck was Kauai Poke Co– and it was delicious- see picture above! We also are crazy for a good acai bowl- this year our top find was Anake’s – we also went to Little Fish Coffee as it was right by the hotel- good but not as good as Anake’s in our opinion!
Another find this year was that there is The Dolphin on the south end! Boom! Fresh seafood and awesome sushi. We had found it on the north end the year before so this was such a happy discovery!
Desserts- Lappert’s is a great spot for ice cream- Tom and Luke got a “can’t decide” this year which I believe is 5 scoops of different flavors. Needless to say, they couldn’t decide the next day either. Brooke really wanted to try Uncle’s Shave Ice – it’s two doors down from Lappert’s – here she is- very happy with her choice!
I could go on but I think this may get you there! Couple things to mention- if you want to look at the Marriott property, send me an email- I have a great offer right now and a good contact –
and per usual, if you go, send me YOUR favorites!
the concierge mom 
Great information. Been to Hawaii twice. Love the islands. Will be back shortly. Fantastic photos and solid information about where to go next.
Thanks, Alex!! I wish you had a travel blog- you have been to some of the most amazing places I have never heard of! š
S