KAUAI, Hawaii

Kauai is called Hawaii's garden isle, known for its garden-rich landscapes and natural beauty. It is less-populated and less developed than Maui and Oahu, and is perfect for a quiet getaway. Mount Waiʻaleʻale in central Kauai is officially the second rainiest place on earth. The north shore is quite rainy especially from November to March, and it gets less rainier going clockwise around the island. We stayed for four full days in the dry west of the island, and that was conveniently close to the South side beaches and the first two activities I listed (our favourites) - but the most of the resorts and good beaches are closer to the North and East shore. I recommend 3-4 full days on Kauai.

1. NA PALI COAST

The Na Pali Coast is famous for its towering cliff formations, sea caves and beaches. The roads around the island in this area end, and you will not be able to access the entire coast by car. Luckily, there are a few other recommended ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery - from most expensive to least expensive: helicopter, boat cruise and hiking. We booked a marathon 7 hour catamaran cruise and snorkel, leaving from the south of the island. We cruised alongside dolphins in perfect weather, swam in caves and snorkelled at a 40 ft drop near Nii'hau Island. Miraculously, it wasn't until the fourth hour of scenic cruising that my seasickness started to kick in. It was a long, rough two hours back to the shore - but I know my friends thought that was probably the best part.

Na Pali Boat Tour: https://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/kauai-boat-tours/niihau-boat-tours/

Part of our group embarked on a cheaper day hike into the untouched parts of the Na Pali Coast. The road ends at the Kalalau trail head on the North shore, and from there, you can hike into the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park for views of the lush valleys and sparkling blue ocean.

2. WAIMEA CANYON

The red, brown and green tinges of the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" were worth the visit. We got amazing views of the canyon just by driving to the lookouts at Puu ka Pele and Puu hinahina, but we also hiked through it which was tough in the heat. I was pretty unfit at the time after famously pulled my back trying to stretch and touch my toes during a Prison Break marathon.

From the lookout

3. BEACHES

HANALEI BAY - Miles of beautiful beach on the north shore with a mountain backdrop. Most of the best beaches are on the North Shore, but because we were staying so far away, we didn't get to check them all out.

POIPU BEACH - The best of the beach towns on the sunny south side. The picturesque crescent-shaped white sand beaches are suitable for swimming, snorkelling and surfing.

SALT POND BEACH PARK - A quiet, family-friendly beach with calm blue waters (see picture right).

4. EAT A POKE BOWL FROM MAKAI SUSHI

2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa

A Hawaiian rice bowl with cubed raw salmon or tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and other colourful healthy toppings. Also referred to as a sushi bowl. I got the ahi poke from Makai Sushi. This little counter in the corner of a supermarket in Poipu is said to be the best poke on Kauai.