After two decades of cherishing Maui as the pinnacle of Hawaiian islands, a recent trip to Kauai has completely transformed my perspective on the archipelago.
A skeptic of the other islands, I always believed Maui encompassed everything one could desire in a Hawaiian getaway.
Yet in 2025, an unexpected opportunity presented itself, compelling me to venture to Kauai — a destination I never envisioned visiting.
Now, reflecting back just a week after my return home, I find myself rethinking my long-held beliefs about the Hawaiian islands.
While a piece of my heart remains in Maui, the tranquil allure of Kauai has captured my attention, leading me to declare it the best Hawaiian island.
My journey was a whirlwind, with nearly as much time devoted to travel as I spent on the island, which perhaps contributes to my longing for a return.
More than mere travel, Kauai surprised and enchanted me in ways I never anticipated.
In contemplating my visit, a key aspect of any trip is choosing where to stay, and for my time in Kauai, Kapa‘a Town emerged as the ideal home base.
Central to Kauai’s east coast, Kapa‘a offers a perfect mix of accessibility to various points of interest and local charm.
I settled into the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, a smaller, boutique-style hotel that consistently garners high praise.
Convenience was a highlight here, as the resort is positioned near shopping, dining, and numerous activities.
Upon arrival, I was genuinely impressed by my ocean-view king room, providing a warm welcome after my long travels from Nashville to Phoenix and finally to Lihue Airport, situated just seven miles away.
The Sheraton showcased thoughtful touches and amenities, making for a personal and inviting experience unlike larger resorts.
Included in my stay was access to bicycle and Tesla rentals, along with engaging cultural experiences such as lei-making, hula, and ukulele lessons, and even sunrise yoga.
The zero-edge infinity pool offered a serene escape, while the fitness and game rooms were delightful additions to the resort’s offerings.
Perhaps the most standout aspect of my stay was the food — the resort presented an array of options to satisfy any palate, from light breakfasts to upscale dining.
To offer a glimpse into the resort’s pricing, a mid-week rate for the Ocean View King Room I enjoyed can be found online.
Overall, the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort balanced comfort, convenience, and authentic Hawaiian atmosphere, perfectly setting the stage to explore what Kauai has to offer.
Kapa‘a is bursting with activities catering to every interest — adventure seekers, culture aficionados, and those seeking a laid-back experience will all find something to enjoy.
One of my favorite outings was cruising the Kapa‘a bike path, a fantastic way to explore the island’s scenic east side.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae offers over seven miles of beautiful coastal views, providing easy access to beaches, parks, and local attractions.
The path is flat and picturesque, making it suitable for visitors of all ages, whether for a leisurely ride to grab a meal or to explore shops in Kapa‘a.
Thanks to the Sheraton’s complimentary bike rentals, I found it incredibly easy to get out and about.
Kauai boasts some of the finest beaches in Hawaii, and while spots like Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay tend to attract the crowds, the east coast has its own hidden gems worthy of exploration.
Just south of Kapa‘a lies Lydgate Beach Park, with calm waters perfect for families and novice snorkelers.
A few miles north, Keālia Beach is favored by locals and surfers alike, featuring wide sandy shores and excellent surf conditions.
Waipouli Beach, situated just north of the Sheraton, is less suitable for swimming but offers a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and breathtaking sunrises.
In downtown Kapa‘a, Kapa‘a Beach Park emerges as a prime locale for casual strolls, picnics, or shore fishing.
Another highlight of my trip was attending the Luau Ka Hikina at the Sheraton, which transcended a typical dinner experience.
Not just a meal, this luau is a full immersion in Hawaiian culture, available on select nights with pricing tailored for families.
Pricing for Luau Ka Hikina is approximately $210 per adult and varying rates for juniors and children, ensuring an familial experience.
Traditional hula, live Polynesian music, and mesmerizing fire dancing beneath the stars created an unforgettable evening connecting me with Hawaiian heritage.
For a touch of adventure, I ventured with Kauai Backcountry Adventures for an exhilarating tubing experience.
Donning a hard hat and headlamp, I leisurely floated through historic sugar plantation irrigation canals and pitch-black tunnels, linked to Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the world’s rainiest locations.
This unique tubing excursion provided both tranquility and excitement, revealing some of Kauai’s most captivating and secluded landscapes.
For future visits, there are reasons to return — notably, the Sleeping Giant (Nounou Trailhead) beckons with its moderate hiking trails promising sweeping coastal and valley views.
This trail, loved by locals, is a stunning way to immerse oneself in Kauai’s natural beauty.
Also, I plan to visit the Wailua Falls Scenic Overlook, home to the striking double waterfall immortalized in travel literature and the famed television series Fantasy Island.
Dining in Kauai is a gastronomic delight, and choosing where to eat can be overwhelming yet rewarding.
Fortunately, Kapa‘a’s dining scene provides what feels like boundless options, from food trucks and local farm stands to beachfront and resort eateries.
My mornings often began at Java Kai, a beloved breakfast and lunch spot serving delectable burritos and energizing coffee.
The breakfast burrito I enjoyed was filled with scrambled eggs, house-made chile salsa, and options for local meats, setting a perfect tone for my day.
Lana’s Café emerged as another gem, where I sampled an array of Kauai-grown fruits, offering a unique mid-day refreshment that delighted my taste buds.
For a sweet treat, I stumbled upon Holey Grail Donuts, a food truck specializing in vegan taro donuts, creating an unexpected flavor that I couldn’t resist.
Dining at the Sheraton itself turned out to be equally rewarding and memorable, with a variety of onsite restaurants to choose from.
The Crooked Surf became a favorite hangout, thanks to its laid-back beachfront vibe, live music, and delicious food options.
I eagerly sampled the Hurricane Fries and Paniolo Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, both of which were delightful — word of caution, the fries are massive and perfect for sharing.
Moa Moa offered an upscale dining experience that quickly impressed me with both its seafood specialties and steaks, crafting a culinary highlight of my trip.
During the luau, I indulged in a traditional Hawaiian buffet that included favorites like Kalua Pig and Huli Huli Chicken among others, enriching my cultural dining experience.
Kapa‘a shopping is equally compelling, blending local artisan goods with souvenirs in a manner that’s uniquely Kauai.
While exploring downtown Kapa‘a, I discovered a variety of shops, each brimming with character and charm.
Home Town Kauai featured an assortment of handmade items and local art — perfect for travelers looking for authentic souvenirs.
Hee Fat General Store caught my attention with its diverse offerings of Hawaiian delicacies alongside classic shave ice, making it ideal for quick gifts.
Sunrise Emporium had stylish men’s and women’s clothing that caught my eye, with locally produced pieces adding to the shopping experience.
Coconut Coast Gifts proved to be a hidden treasure filled with unique finds, including stunning clothing suitable for special occasions such as the luau.
No trip to Hawaii is complete without indulging in local macadamia nuts, which I found at Kauai Gourmet Nuts, complete with complimentary samples to tempt your taste buds.
For the chocolate lovers, Lydgate Chocolate Tasting Room offered generous samples of rich chocolate products, inviting visitors to discover local delights.
Not far from Kapa‘a lies the Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour, an immersive experience into the world of cacao cultivation and chocolate making.
Visitors can explore the eco-friendly farm while sampling exquisite chocolates nestled in Kauai’s natural beauty.
Nearby shops also proved beneficial during my stay, with Longs Drugs serving as a convenient stop for essentials and local goodies.
ABC Stores were also scattered around, offering instant access to snacks and souvenirs for last-minute travelers.
As I reminisce about my time in Kauai, I reflect on how profoundly it changed my view as a traveler.
What once felt like an exclusive admiration for Maui has now expanded to appreciate the unique beauty Kauai offers.
This journey reinforced that travel is the pulse of the heart, leading us to new landscapes, cultures, and flavors that enrich our lives.
I now understand why folks ask, “What other islands have you been to?” as the wonder of discovery beckons after experiencing the charm of Kauai.
Until I find my way back to Kauai, I’ll carry its essence with me — the embrace of salt air, the radiant sunrise over the Coconut Coast, and the tranquil pulse of island life.
My heart dances at the thought of future explorations in Hawaii, perhaps to the Big Island or Oahu, each promising a new chapter.
Kauai has won me over and left me longing for a return, forever marking a special place in my travel diary.
With dreams of revisiting the serene landscapes and islands, I’ll always cherish the magic of Kauai.
image source from：thetravel
