Hawaii's Best: Travel Tips and Guides for Your Hawaii Vacation

The Ultimate 7-Day Kauai Itinerary: From Hidden Gems to Must-Do Activities

• Bryan Murphy of Hawaii's Best | Hawaii Travel Tips & Vacation Planning • Episode 142

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Planning a trip to Kauai can feel overwhelming, but with the right itinerary, you can unlock the magic of Hawaii’s Garden Isle.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, serene beaches, or a deeper connection to Kauai’s culture, this episode guides you step-by-step through crafting the perfect 7-day itinerary on Hawaii’s Garden Isle.

You’ll learn how to experience Kauai’s most iconic landmarks, like the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon, while also discovering hidden gems such as Anini Beach and the Makauwahi Cave. With practical travel tips for avoiding common mistakes, supporting local businesses, and respecting Hawaiian culture, this guide helps you travel safely and responsibly.

Whether it’s your first trip to Hawaii or you’re a returning visitor, this episode offers everything you need to make your time on Kauai unforgettable.

👉 In this episode, you will:

  • Learn the top activities and must-see sights for each day of your Kauai trip.
  • Discover local favorites, hidden gems, and how to avoid dangerous or off-limits spots.
  • Get practical tips for traveling responsibly and respecting Kauai’s natural beauty and culture.

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Scroll up ⬆️ and hit play now to start planning your dream Kauai adventure with confidence and aloha!

🎧Related episodes:

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💻Related blog posts:

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🤓Chapters:

  • 2:10 - Day 1: Settling into Kauai
  • 4:54 - Day 2: North Shore
  • 7:56 - Day 3: Hiking Adventures
  • 10:47 - Day 4: Water Adventures
  • 13:21 - Day 5: South Shore
  • 15:58 - Day 6: Napali Coast and Alternatives
  • 19:32 - Day 7: Cultural and Local Experiences
  • 21:57 - Safety Tips and Hidden Gems

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🤙Show Aloha

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📲Connect

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This podcast is for travelers looking to plan a trip to Hawaii. Discover travel tips, itineraries, and traveling tips & hacks with guides to help you explore Hawaii. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the Hawaiian islands, dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, or visiting Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, or Big Island we’ll help you travel with aloha.

Edge of the Ocean, Stick Figure (w/ permission)

Ukulele and Chill, Coby G (w/ permission)

142_7 Days on Kauai_01

[00:00:00] Bryan Murphy: In this episode, you'll discover how to create the ultimate. Seven day Kauai itinerary. Complete with hidden gems. Must visit spots. Impractical tips to make the most of your time on the garden aisle.

[00:00:15] Bryan Murphy: Aloha and welcome to Hawaii's Best. My name is Brian Murphy and as a husband Data three and certified Hawaii destination expert, it's my joy to help you discover the best of Hawaii. Here we often feature local businesses and voices to give you the best travel tips, UpToDate news and everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Hawaii.

[00:00:39] Bryan Murphy: Planning the trip to Hawaii can be overwhelming for sure, especially when you're trying to balance adventure, relaxation. And of course, on top of all that safety as well. Today, we will uncover a few common mistakes that visitors often make and how you can avoid them to create a truly unforgettable experience on Kauai.

[00:00:59] Bryan Murphy: Welcome to episode 1 42 of Hawaii's Best, and by the end of this episode, you'll have a complete day-to-day plan to make the most out of your trip in ensuring that your visit to the garden aisle is as smooth, enjoyable, and most importantly, respectful. So whether you're visiting Kauai for the very first time or you're coming for another visit, this itinerary is designed to help you make the most outta your trip in a way that is both, I hope, practical and also rewarding.

[00:01:27] Bryan Murphy: It's also important to mention that KA is. It's raw, it's a rugged island, and some spots are either dangerous or just simply off limits, and we'll talk about some of those areas. We'll explain their risks and why locals discourage visiting them. This itinerary is also about exploring responsibly and respecting both land and the community as well.

[00:01:48] Bryan Murphy: Since there's many sides of kui, this guide is meant as a roadmap. It's kind of like a, uh, choose your own adventure. Some of the recommendations may not apply if you're staying, say, on the North Shore in Princeville, and you want to do more of your exploring and hiking up there. And same thing goes for the South Shore, like in Poipu or even over.

[00:02:10] Bryan Murphy: Kapa Day one is all about getting settled and easing into the island's relaxed pace. So after your flight, probably a long flight, maybe a layover at uh Honolulu. But as your plane lands at Lihue Airport, you'll pick up your rental car. And a quick tip if you are wanting to explore some of the remote areas of the island.

[00:02:32] Bryan Murphy: Definitely get like a four by four kauai's rugged terrain and dirt roads are best navigated with a sturdy vehicle rather than like a Pacifica. I've definitely learned my lesson with that. Next is usually you're gonna go right to your accommodations and if you're staying on the North Shore, you might wanna consider a luxury option like the one Hotel Hanley Bay or family friendly option like the Westin Princeville Villas or the more affordable Al Lei Bay Resort.

[00:02:58] Bryan Murphy: And if you're on South Shore, the Grand Hyatt, Kauai Resort and Spa, it's perfect for families. While the KAA Landing Resort offers a luxurious experience and for more budget friendly stays. Kauai Shores Hotel or the Aston Islander on the beach and Kapa are excellent options as well. And once you've checked in, just take a moment to unwind, settle into the island time.

[00:03:22] Bryan Murphy: And if you're on the North Shore, you might want to head to Hanae Bay, maybe Enjoy. The stunning mountain backdrops, calm waters. If it's summertime. And if you're on the South Shore, Poipu Beach is a family friendly option with great snorkeling and a chance to spot some Hawaiian monk seals, chilling on the beach.

[00:03:41] Bryan Murphy: By this time, it's probably dinner, and you might be hungry earlier because of the time change. So it might be like three or four o'clock in the evening, and maybe you're ready for dinner. So you might wanna just keep it casual that first day. If you're on the East Shore or near Kapaa, maybe try a lava Lava Beach Club where you can enjoy some beachfront dining with live music.

[00:03:59] Bryan Murphy: And if you're on the North Shore, there's some great food trucks in Hanoi for a quick and delicious eat. And on the South Shore, you want to try Puka dog and poi PO for. It's a unique Hawaiian hot dog hotdog, topped with tropical relishes and other flavoring, or maybe over two living foods for high quality ingredients sourced directly from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans.

[00:04:21] Bryan Murphy: Whatever you do, just chill as best you can. Relax, you made it. Watch the sunset. Breathe in the fresh island air and prepare yourself for the ventures ahead this coming week. Ye's, charm really lies in the natural beauty and slower pace of the island. So let that first day just kind of sink in. Have it be an introduction to the garden aisle, especially if you've been on Oahu and you've stayed in Waikiki area.

[00:04:48] Bryan Murphy: You'll notice the change of pace almost immediately when landing at the airport. Day two, let's do a North Shore explore day, since you're probably gonna be waking up early due to the time change. If you're traveling from the continental us, you probably have a a three to six hour time difference starting your morning early.

[00:05:09] Bryan Murphy: It's definitely the most to make of your time. First, let's head to Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach. This is one of the best spots on the island thanks to this massive reef and calm lagoon. The underwater views here are just incredible, but this is a. Really a summer only activity in the winter.

[00:05:28] Bryan Murphy: The North shore waters can be definitely rough, dangerous, so always check ocean conditions before heading out, even during summertime. If the waves are too strong, consider just a walk along the beach and just kind explore and take in the beauty of tunnels Beach. Next is a visit at Ley Bay. It's a place that truly captures.

[00:05:51] Bryan Murphy: Kauai with the sweeping crescent shaped beach and dramatic mountain backdrop. It's one of the most picturesque places on the island. So spend some time relax. Maybe you wanna spend most of your day here as I go through some of these lists, just kind of pick and choose. Like I mentioned earlier, you don't have to like go in order of all these anyway, so it's.

[00:06:12] Bryan Murphy: To spend some time there on the sand, maybe paddling in the calm waters, depending on the time of year. You can also walk out to the historic Ole Pier for even some better views of the Bay. Ole is just a perfect spot for families, couples, solo travelers, anyone visiting to Kauai to really soak up the beauty of Kauai's North Shore.

[00:06:32] Bryan Murphy: For lunch, I definitely would recommend stopping out one of the food trucks in Hoole Town. They serve at some of the freshest, most delicious meals, really on the island. These trucks are beloved by both locals and visitors, and their casual vibe just fits perfectly with the laid back atmosphere of Hale.

[00:06:49] Bryan Murphy: Alright, so since you're up at the North Shore after lunch, let's take a short drive over to the Dan Kay, Illinois Lighthouse, also known as the kilo lighthouse and the wildlife Preserve. There this area is a bird watchers paradise and just incredible views. The lighthouse itself is a historic landmark built in 1913 in an offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline.

[00:07:10] Bryan Murphy: Now, keep in mind that the Wild Reserve is. Currently closed for repairs right now at the time is recording and it's scheduled to reopen later this year. You'll just want to double check its status before visiting. And also important to note that you do need reservations for this as well. They don't cost anything, but you do need to make reservations.

[00:07:27] Bryan Murphy: The plan is that it will reopen in late April of 2025, so maybe it's already open by the time you're visiting Kauai, but just double check. So now let's end our day with dinner at. Tahiti Newi. This is a local favorite in Honley. It's snow for it's relaxed tiki style atmosphere and live music. The spot is really perfect for unwinding after a full day of exploring and their fresh seafood and tropical cocktails are definitely not to be missed.

[00:07:56] Bryan Murphy: Day three is all about hiking and adventurous about explor. The natural beauty of Kauai on foot this day includes options for both beginners. Intermediate hikers, so you can just choose the trail that best suits your skillset as we go through these. For intermediate hikers, the No, no, no Mountain or the Sleeping Giant East Trail in Kapaa is a fantastic option.

[00:08:20] Bryan Murphy: This four mile out and back hike offers stunning views of Kauai's lush interior and the coastline in the distance. A tip for any hike is really to start early in the morning, so you beat the heat and enjoy the peaceful morning. If you're considering even a more slightly challenging hike, consider the Okau Trail near Hoole.

[00:08:38] Bryan Murphy: This two mile trail takes you through a lush forest before opening up to breathtaking views of Hoole Bay and the surrounding valleys. The trail is well maintained, but does have some steep sections, so wearing sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water is highly recommended for all level hikers. We're gonna head to Y Mea Canyon State Park to explore some of its incredible trails there.

[00:09:00] Bryan Murphy: It's known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, so we're on the west side of the Island Canyon Trail to WaPo Falls is definitely a favorite. This is a 3.5 mile round trip hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall and offers views of the canyon along the way. It's a moderate trail with some rocky section, so take your time.

[00:09:20] Bryan Murphy: Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy. If you're wanting more of a beginner friendly option in Yme Canyon, I would recommend the Lee Al Nie Loop Trail. And if you're looking for beginner friendly option. That is maybe South Shore area. I would recommend Shipwreck Beach as well. So after a morning of hiking, and if you find yourself in y mea, you wanna treat yourself to some lunch, I would recommend Island Tacos is a great option there.

[00:09:44] Bryan Murphy: And also, don't forget about Jojo's Shave Ice. They have a, a location over there too that you can just cool off. Maybe do the Shaa ice first, cool off, and then maybe grab some lunch. Either way you'll be great. At this time, you wanna just maybe take some time to unwind a little bit and discover some of the other areas in Y MEA taking some of the shops.

[00:10:03] Bryan Murphy: Maybe head back down to On Ape, maybe head back down to there. Or maybe even make your way over to Kauai Coffee Company. I. After a day of hiking, you're probably gonna be ready for maybe an early dinner, and depending on the side of the island that you're choosing to adventure on. If you're in Hana Lei, maybe you're gonna wrap your day up with a dinner at Barracuda.

[00:10:22] Bryan Murphy: And this is a intimate restaurant that has a creative menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and it's a great spot to celebrate a successful day of hiking and adventure. Or maybe you want to hit up the crack Mexican grinds in Koloa. Either way, there's plenty of options, both South Shore and North Shore to kind of wrap up your day, get some good eats, and get ready for the next day, which is day four.

[00:10:47] Bryan Murphy: It's all about water adventures and really there's no better way to connect with the island then exploring its rivers and waterways. Today we're gonna start our day with a kayak trip along the Wa Lua River. Which is one of the only navigatable rivers in Hawaii. This peaceful scenic journey is perfect for beginners and families.

[00:11:07] Bryan Murphy: As you paddle through lush jungle landscapes, you can take in views of the surrounding cliffs and grainy. But if you're looking for something more adventurous, you might want to join a guided tour that takes you to Secret Falls. It's a beautiful waterfall accessible only by foot and kayak. The hike to the falls is short, but it definitely can be muddy.

[00:11:25] Bryan Murphy: So bring sturdy shoes, maybe shoes, you're not really too concerned about getting dirty or muddy. But if kayaking isn't your thing, you might want to consider Kauai backcountry adventures. Here you'll go tubing through an old sugar cane irrigation system. This is a unique experience that takes you through tunnels, gentle rapids and beautiful mountain scenery.

[00:11:47] Bryan Murphy: It's fun, family friendly. There are some enclosed areas, so just be aware that if someone is a little bit claustrophobic, maybe for like an older family, but there's some younger kids out there that do it, you'll be provided with a headlamp for that and a guide to make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable.

[00:12:04] Bryan Murphy: For lunch, we're gonna head to Dukes in Le Hue. It's known for its casual vibe and fresh seafood. This restaurant is a great spot to recharge. They're famous for their hula pie. For dessert, it's a must. We were just there a couple months ago at the time of this recording, and it was just a really, we actually did this our first night, so that might be a cool stop if you are.

[00:12:23] Bryan Murphy: Staying on that side of the island. It's got this cool waterfall inside the restaurant, and always great music as well at Duke's going back to day four in the afternoon, if you're up for it, maybe some more water adventures, maybe considering snorkeling or paddleboarding at Lige Beach Park. This beach has a protected swimming area, so there's usually calm waters making it ideal for families or anyone who just prefers a more relaxing environment when it comes to the water.

[00:12:48] Bryan Murphy: We're gonna wrap up day four dinner at Beach House Restaurant in Koloa. This oceanfront spot is known for its incredible sunset views and upscale dining experience. It's a perfect way to end the day. Any of these recommendations that I'm giving as far as dinner, whatever your budget allows, maybe you do a special dinner that first night and you do a special dinner your your last night.

[00:13:09] Bryan Murphy: Sometimes we'll do that and in between days, just head up spots along the way as we're going and not be too concerned about it. But we know that we're gonna plan for maybe two to three really special. Meals while we are on island Day five, it's all about slowing down a little bit more and enjoying the South Shor's sunny weather.

[00:13:29] Bryan Murphy: You wanna start your morning at Poipu Beach. It's one of KO's most famous and family friendly beaches. The calm waters and natural tide pools make it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach. You know, I'm not much of a snorkeler, but I do like the beach. I do like just relaxing near the water.

[00:13:47] Bryan Murphy: Something about it. But if snorkeling your thing, this is one of the spots to do that. While there, you wanna keep your eye out for Hawaiian monk seals or green sea turtles that often enjoy the shore, but remember to give any of these animals plenty of space. So after relaxing morning, we're gonna head over to spouting horn blow hole.

[00:14:05] Bryan Murphy: It's just a short drive away This. Lava Tube shoots a around 50 feet up in the air when waves crash into it and it's, it creates a dramatic and really incredible site. The park has an easy viewing area, usually plenty of parking, making it an accessible stop for all visitors. For lunch, if you haven't tried Puka Dogs yet, you gotta go to Puka Dog in Po Poipu, or explore and find another local spot around there.

[00:14:30] Bryan Murphy: And in the afternoon, maybe take some time to explore the shops at Cuckoo ULA in Upscale Shopping Center in Poipu. Here you'll find a mix of local boutiques, art galleries, and high-end stores. But besides all that, it's a great spot to pick up some unique souvenirs, shop for locally made products, or simply just stroll around and enjoy the ambience.

[00:14:49] Bryan Murphy: That's typically what we'll do. So if you're looking for a more adventurous activity in the afternoon. Maybe consider booking a horseback riding tour at CGM Country Stables. They offer rides along the coastline and through scenic landscape of Kauai South Shore, and it's a relaxing and unique way to take in the island's beauty from a different perspective.

[00:15:09] Bryan Murphy: For dinner, you have several options in that area. One of them I would recommend is Friendly Waves in Koloa. We ate there and it was incredible. Super fresh local dishes, and it's a more casual dining experience, which is nice. Another excellent choice is Porkies Koi, also in and in that same shopping area, and it's known for delicious barbecue pork sliders and grilled cheese sandwiches.

[00:15:33] Bryan Murphy: If that's more your vibe, you can just end your day with a quiet evening, walk around along po. Po beach, or just simply relaxing back at your hotel. We usually like to try to give a day or two resort days. Just relax as a pool or enjoy the amenities at the place we're staying. Day five is simply designed to help you recharge while enjoying the beauty of Kauai's South Shore Day six.

[00:15:58] Bryan Murphy: Nepali Coast is an incredible experience, and I'll also give you another option if you are not up to exploring. Nepal Coast is really your thing. But if you are this rugged, 17 mile stretch of coastline on Kauai's, north Shore is known for its towering emerald cliffs. The pictures, you've seen it before, and you can just go on your Instagram and you'll be able to see some of the images from Nepali coast.

[00:16:23] Bryan Murphy: It's incredible. One of the most unique spots in all the world. The best way to explore and really one of the only ways to explore those views of Nepali coast is by boat or by helicopter. And I'm gonna talk a little bit about what it looks like to explore by boat. It's a guided tour and there are several options to choose from, depending on your preference and comfort level.

[00:16:43] Bryan Murphy: If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, maybe a book, a Zodiac RAF tour with Captain Andy. These smaller, more agile boats can take you into the sea caves and under waterfalls, giving you a closer look at the raw beauty of the coast. But keep in mind that Zodiac tour can be bumpy and are best for those who are physically fit and comfortable in smaller boats.

[00:17:05] Bryan Murphy: Now, if you prefer more of a relaxed environment up for a larger catamaran or sailboat tour. Many companies offer morning or sunset cruises, which typically include meals, drinks, and the incredible views of Nepali Coast. These tours are family friendly and a great option if you're traveling with kids or anyone who might prefer a more smoother ride.

[00:17:28] Bryan Murphy: Summer is an ideal time to visit the Nepali coast. As the ocean conditions are calmer and more predictable, allowing for a smoother ride and better access to sea caves. After your boat tour, you wanna spend some of the afternoon relaxing, maybe reflecting on the incredible sites. Or if you did the Sunset Tour, that's amazing.

[00:17:47] Bryan Murphy: Maybe it's time to head back to your hotel or wherever you're staying. But if you're feeling up for it, it's afternoon time. Stopping by Hape PE Town on your way back is a great option, known as Kauai's biggest little town. Hape PE is full of art galleries, local shops, and charming restaurants. And if you're lucky and it's a Friday evening, you can catch the Hape PE Art Night where the streets come alive with local music, food vendors and artists showcasing some of their work.

[00:18:17] Bryan Murphy: Like I promised an alternative to your day six. We'll be exploring Hawaii's East side, the coconut coast. First, we're gonna head to Wa Lua Falls. This is kind of one of the days we did when we were on Kauai. We had we headed to y Lua Falls first, which is one of Kauai's most iconic and accessible waterfalls.

[00:18:35] Bryan Murphy: You can enjoy the stunning view of the 80 foot twin cascades from the overlook. There's a parking lot up there, kind of small, but you just park and you walk to the lookout. And that's it. There isn't any crazy hikes involved or anything like that. After you're done with that, you wanna stop by the coconut marketplace for casual dining options.

[00:18:57] Bryan Murphy: We did that. There's also a Jojo's Shave ice over there as well, so there's some options there to consider at the coconut marketplace. Once you're done with that, it's afternoon time. Maybe you might wanna run a kayak or join a guided tour along wa Lua River. If you didn't do that on day four. Maybe at this time you wanna do that, and as you wrap up your day with dinner, maybe you go back to the Lava, lava Beach Club, Oasis on the beach or Pono market for more local vibe.

[00:19:25] Bryan Murphy: These are all great options to unwind and reflect on your day exploring. Kauai's Coconut Coast Day seven. I kind of fudged here a little bit with the itinerary. A lot of people are leaving on day seven. Maybe you have a red eye on day seven and. You're leaving later, or maybe you're leaving early. Day eight, but day seven, I wanted to cover more about the cultural and local experiences on Kauai as your final day.

[00:19:51] Bryan Murphy: Maybe you wanna start your day visit at Smith's Family Garden Luau. It's a beautiful 30 acre property in ua. But it's not just any luau, it's a full cultural immersion. You begin walking through this lush tropical garden, complete with koi ponds, native plants and peacocks roaming the grounds. And if you want to extend your visit, you can also take a boat ride along wa Lua River to the famous Fern Grotto.

[00:20:18] Bryan Murphy: It's a breathtaking lava rock grotto surrounded by cascading greenery. It's just, it's beautiful. This area was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty and is a popular wedding spot today. The boat ride is peaceful, it's family friendly, and the guides often share Hawaiian songs and stories along the way.

[00:20:39] Bryan Murphy: After lunch, you can explore CU Lahan on Plantation. It's a historic estate located in Hue. The plantation is home to beautiful gardens shops featuring local crafts and the Klo Rum Company tasting room. If you haven't checked out our Klo rum episode, I'll be sure to link that in the show notes. Here you can sample Ka made rum.

[00:21:00] Bryan Murphy: And also you don't wanna miss the chance to take a ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway. It's a 40 minute train ride, tour that wines throughout the properties, orchards and farmland, and offering a glimpse into the island's agricultural history. It's a great way to learn about Kauai's sugar cane in pineapple past, while enjoying the scenic surroundings in the afternoon.

[00:21:22] Bryan Murphy: Maybe it's time for a pick me up and you might wanna visit the coffee company. It's the largest coffee plantation in Hawaii. You can take a self-guided walking tour and learn about how their coffee has grown, harvested, and roasted, and then enjoy a complimentary coffee tasting. And at this time, it's probably time to end the trip.

[00:21:42] Bryan Murphy: Maybe with a luau, like a sunset luau or a nice dinner at sunset. Maybe you want to do your sunset cruise the last night. Whatever you choose, make it special, make it memorable, and you can reflect on your time on the garden aisle. One thing though, it's important to note, as beautiful as KA is, it's also one of the most.

[00:22:02] Bryan Murphy: Untamed and raw islands in Hawaii alongside of the big island of Hawaii. Some of its most famous locations come with serious risks and others are outright off limits. These places might be tempting to visit. You may have heard of some of these places, and you probably have seen them in photos or social media posts, but it's important to understand the dangers and respect the local perspective.

[00:22:26] Bryan Murphy: A little breakdown about some of these places to avoid or approach with high caution. One of those is Queen's Beach. This natural tide pool in the North Shore looks like a serene swimming pool, but it's anything but safe. Queens Beach has claimed multiple lives due to rogue waves, strong currents in slippery lava rocks.

[00:22:47] Bryan Murphy: Even on calm days, the waves can crash in unexpectedly pulling people into the open ocean at the. Trailhead. There's a somber reminder. You'll find a wooden plaque listing the names of people who have died there. While it is technically accessible during the summer, locals strongly disagree visiting, especially in the winter when the ocean swells are at their most dangerous.

[00:23:11] Bryan Murphy: If there's even a gate at the trailhead that authorities close due to unsafe conditions, but people still unfortunately sneak around it. So my advice obviously is skip it. Do not go. There are plenty of other breathtaking, incredible places on Kauai that don't come with the same level of risk. The Blue Hole hike, also known as the Weeping Wall, is one of the most stunning and remote locations on Kauai.

[00:23:36] Bryan Murphy: It's a hike that brings you to the base of Mount Wale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. And when you reach the end, you're surrounded by walls of volcanic rock covered in cascading waterfalls. Beautiful, but it's also one of the most dangerous hikes on the island. This hike is long technical and prone to flash flooding.

[00:23:55] Bryan Murphy: High rainfall means the trails are often muddy. And slippery and rising water levels can quickly make it impassable. Flash fledge are a serious riskier, so even experienced hikers need to approach this trail with caution. If you're not highly experienced and well prepared, it's best to just admire the photos and choose a safer hike on a maintained trail.

[00:24:18] Bryan Murphy: Carlisle Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Hawaii for good reason. It takes you along the dramatic cliffs of the Nepali coast, offering some of the most jaw dropping views you'll ever find anywhere but beyond the first two miles, the trail becomes extreme. It's a 22 mile round trip trek that requires permits and steep cliffs, stream crossings, narrow paths, and sheer drop-offs.

[00:24:43] Bryan Murphy: So beyond that point, it's definitely best to leave the full trail to the pros. Kpu Falls has been called one of the most beautiful waterfalls on Kauai, but it's also strictly off limits. The trail to the falls is located on private property, and the landowners have closed it to the public accidents, including drownings and injuries from cliff jumping have led to its closure, and locals are adamant that visitors respect the kapu signs, meaning forbidden to keep out.

[00:25:13] Bryan Murphy: While it might be tempting to visit, trespassing here is not only illegal, but it's also disrespectful to the landowners and the local community. I already talked about Y Lu Falls, and most people enjoy it from the, the overlook. However, some visitors attempt to hike to the base of the falls using an unofficial trail.

[00:25:32] Bryan Murphy: This trail is steep, slippery, and dangerous, requiring ropes and careful footing. The hike at the bottom is not sanctioned and it's easy to get injured or stranded. So if you want to enjoy Y Lu Falls, definitely just stick to the overlook, which offers plenty of opportunities for great pitchers and breathtaking views without all the risk.

[00:25:52] Bryan Murphy: And as promised, I wanna share some of the hidden gems on Kauai. I. First one up is the Macau Wahi Cave Reserve, and as you're interested in history or just exploring something different, this Cave Reserve is a must visit. It's the largest limestone cave in Hawaii and one of the richest fossil sites in the Pacific.

[00:26:10] Bryan Murphy: You can explore the cave, see ancient fossils, and even meet the resident tortoises who help maintain the surrounding environment. It's a fascinating place that's off the typical tourist radar, and it's a great spot for families or anyone looking to experience Cuis. Natural history in a unique way. If you're looking for a more peaceful beach day, Anini beach on the North Shore is a hin and gem you won't wanna miss.

[00:26:33] Bryan Murphy: It's known for having the longest continuous reef in Hawaii, which keeps the waters calm and perfect for snorkeling or paddle boarding. So whether you're planning to snorkel, hike, unwind on the beach, or enjoy the island's incredible food. Kye truly offers a little something for everyone. But remember, the most rewarding tips aren't about cramming everything into seven days.

[00:26:58] Bryan Murphy: They're about slowing down. So pick and choose some of these options that I've listed today. Maybe you find some more on your own and enjoy the journey and create memories that stick with you a lifetime. And if you join this episode, make sure to hit Follow on Apple Podcast or Spotify, wherever you're listening so you don't miss the next one.

[00:27:17] Bryan Murphy: And until next time, as always, live with Aloha

[00:27:25] Bryan Murphy: Mala for listening to this episode of Hawaii's. Best to stay up to date on future episodes. Hit follow on your podcast app. Hawaii's Best is a production of Shore Break Media group with editing by easy podcast solutions. And music courtesy of our friends stick figure.


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