You’re looking for a Kauai elopement photographer and ALSO starting to plan your most perfect vacation while you’re there!!! Well not only am I a wedding and elopement photographer but I’ve also spent tons of time in Hawaii because I have family there!
Also, we spent our own honeymoon on this beautiful island and I want to share all the best things to do and places to eat no matter your occasion for visiting!!!
What side of the island should you stay on?
Most people stay on the north shore (princeville area) or south shore (poipu area). Both are absolutely incredible and have a variety of things to do!! We split our time in an airbnb in Princeville and at a resort in Poipu. Overall, we favored the more remote and rugged coastline of the North Shore. However Poipu had more resorts and amenities if that’s your thing!! So overall I highly recommend experiencing both while you’re there! One thing to note though is that you can only get around the island through the east side of the island.
Kauai North shore
Breakfast & coffee
Java Kai (technically east shore but it’s on the way to North shore from the airport so you should definitely stop here!!)
Kalalea Juice Hale – amazingggg acai with the most social chickens walking around i’ve ever seen!
Lunch
All of the below recommendations are food trucks in Hanalei Bay!!!
Hanalei poke
Trucking delicious
Fresh Bite Kauai
Wishing well shave ice (they also have the best iced coffees ever!!!)
Fresh Bite Kauai
Dinner
Bar Acuda – this place is insanely popular and requires reservations way in advance!
St Regis Hanalei Bay – the most incredible views and great cocktails!
Beaches/snorkeling
Ke’e – quiet calm & gorgeous beach
Anini – another quiet beautiful beach
Hanalei Bay pier – stunning sunsets
Lumahai – not great for swimming but picturesque
Tunnels beach – incredible for snorkeling and surrounded by jungle and mountains!
Hikes
Hanakapiai Falls
Kalalau Trail – need to purchase Ha’ena State Park permit in advance
Rent SUPs and paddle down the Hanalei River to the ocean – not a hike but still outdoorsy!!!
Kauai South shore
Breakfast
Lunch
Porkys – we hit this up after our boating adventure tour
Chipwrecked – follow their instagram for their time & location
Dinner/drinks
Merrimans – the lilikoi mai tais are insane!!
Beaches & Hiking
Waimea canyon
Poipu state beach
Other Activities
Blue Ocean Boating Adventure Tours – probably our favorite activity of the trip!!
Lawai Warehouse 3540 shops – superrr cute local shops
Koloa Rum tasting room
Kauai elopement photographer & planning!!
Reach out to me if you’re looking for a Kauai elopement photographer and I would LOVE to help you plan your trip!
Click here to read my tips for eloping in Hawaii or here for some Hawaii elopement inspiration!!
Photos by Rachel Christopherson, Hawaii wedding photographer
