January 31, 2024 | View Online | Sign Up
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No one can deny the breadth of Hawaii’s beauty. But anyone who visits Kauai, the region’s oldest and smallest island, knows they weren’t created equal.
Impossible landscapes, etched out of volcanic rock by Mother Nature for almost five million years, captivate even the most city-slicking among us, while the effortlessly laid-back culture is preserved with more honesty than the busier islands.
It’s growing in popularity, though. So make plans fast.
Aloha, and welcome to Kauai 🌺
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| EAT, SLEEP, DO
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Your Guide to the Best of Kauai
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🌄 What to do
Outdoor pursuits take center stage on any visit to Kauai. Its unique mountain ranges, stunning coast, breathtaking canyons, and, of course, gushing waterfalls mean hikes, beach days, and surfing–just to name a few activities. For something less physical, its cultural experiences are second to none. Here are the best things to do in Kauai.
🐠 What to eat
As expected, seafood’s starring role is to be taken seriously. You're spoiled whether you’re grabbing some fresh poke or something more restaurant-specific. Here are some of the top local dishes to try on your trip. (Yes, Spam counts.)
😴 Where to stay
If you’re doing Kauai right, you will be exhausted at the end of the day, and a good place to rest is imperative. In the past, Kauai was the off-the-beaten-path island option, but its growing popularity means there are some tremendous accommodations on the island. Here are some of the best places to stay in Kauai.
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| TRAVEL PLANNING WITH CONCIERGE
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Did you know one of the most common reasons don't use up their PTO is due to planning fatigue? It's understandable. Planning a trip can be overwhelming and time-consuming but we don't believe in letting PTO go to waste. That’s why we’ve rolled out Concierge.
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🌴 12 days of island hopping in Hawaii
🚂 10-day train trip across Europe
🍕 5-day food tour in New York
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Concierge is valued at $2,850, but we are offering Next Stop readers access for just $199. Get a lifetime of expertly planned adventures.
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| MONEY MOVES
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$5 to Hawaii From Anywhere in the US
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Sounds too good to be true?
It’s not. We’ve built a guide to using points and miles to get to Hawaii, and some unreal deals are available. We’ll dive into the best airlines to redeem your flights and the cards you can use to earn the required points.
If you’ve got some points to burn or a Hawaii trip on the cards, don’t skip this article.
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| KAUAI FAST FACTS
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🌋 First in fire: The Hawaiian islands were formed as the Pacific tectonic plate passed over a weak spot in the earth’s crust. Magma would gush up through the plate and eventually harden into the islands we know today. Kauai was the first island created around 5 million years ago.
🌳 The Garden Island: It’s not making fun of NJ (although come on, it’s easy). Its nickname stems from its vast and lush landscape, 95% of which is undeveloped.
🌴 Coconuts about building codes: To help keep the island looking pristine, rules prevent any structure from being taller than a coconut palm tree. Four stories is about the maximum.
💦 Wet n’ wild: Kauai is home to the wettest place on earth. The specific area is found on Mount Waialeale and receives 450 inches of rain a year.
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| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
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Prepare for Rough Weather
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Your idea of Hawaii might be blue skies and seas, but the frank reality is that the weather is unpredictable.
Kauai, in particular, gets hit with the most rain, owing to its position as the most northerly island in the chain. It takes the brunt of any significant weather fronts that move down through the Pacific. The rainy season falls in winter, but summer still gets its fair share.
Don’t let it ruin your trip, and instead embrace the rain. The island looks stunning during a rain storm, and the lush greenery explodes into life after. Just make sure to pack a lightweight rain jacket for any exploration days.
Just remember, you want waterfalls? You want more rain.
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Grab a Rental Car
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You can use public transport in Kauai, but you’ll need to accept the frustrations of limited schedules and a lack of freedom.
Instead, rent a car (maybe a 4x4 if you’re heading to more remote parts of the island). By having your own vehicle, you can explore the island on your own time and have the independence to pull over and enjoy the views wherever you feel like.
But don’t leave it till the last minute. Book your car well in advance as they disappear quickly.
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Don’t Make it a Weekend Break
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Kauai might be the smallest island, but don’t underestimate the time you’ll need there. The island is split into distinct areas with their own personalities and cultures. And, of course, the natural spectacles shift drastically from one end to the other.
Much of the island is inaccessible, too, so you’ll be driving a lot to get from place to place, hopping out to hike for a few hours, then heading back.
Trips like this are not conducive for a short weekend break from the other islands. Instead, make Kauai the focus, and spend a week or more exploring its intricacies.
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN KAUAI
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*This link is sponsored.
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