Throughout this dreary week, my mind has recently been traveling to the glorious spring break. Four weeks out, all I can think about is my last spring break to Kauai. Kauai is one of the eight Hawaiian islands and is named for its beauty as “The Garden Isle.” I have been fortunate to visit five of the eight Hawaiian islands, but my family’s favorite without question is Kauai. From all the lush green to the breathtaking Na Pali Coast, the famous Hawaiian Mai Tai and surplus amounts of sun and fresh sushi…what’s there not to love! 

Given that Kauai runs on Hawaii Standard Time, quite literally “Hawaiian time,” the entirety of the state is either 5 or 6 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. (Hawaii doesn’t have Daylight Savings). When you first land in Kauai, you’ll be flying into the island’s main airport, Lihue Aiport, possibly the most beautiful, laid back airport I have ever flown into. From the minute you step off the plane, you can smell the ocean air, smell the makhana flowers, feel the warm, vibrant sun, and hear traditional calming Hawaiian music. 

When in Kauai (any island really), you MUST go to the Smith Family Garden Luau. Hands down the best Luau on the island. Here you will have a traditional Hawaiian imu feast, be served endless Mai Tai’s, and experience an elaborate show telling the story of the Pacific islands through hula and music. 

If you enjoy the outdoors, your next stop should be to Waimea Canyon. Waimea canyon is 3,000 feet deep, 10 miles long, and overlooks part of the magnificent Na Pali Coast. You can hike along the canyon ridge free of snakes, but not free of the sun. SUNSCREEN and water are musts. Before you can hike, you have to drive up to the canyon through windy unmarked roads. But along the way, little vendors are selling traditional Hawaiian snacks and goodies. Try the malasadas, which little deep-fried donut-like pastries often filled with cream. And if you are truly daring, take a bite into a spam musubi. 

Following the adventurous trend, something my family partook in and that we all loved was an ATV Tour through Princeville Ranch that included zip-lining and waterfalls. But the ATVing was, without a doubt, the best part. Below is a picture after my brother drove through an unexpected mud puddle. 

And lastly, for the coffee lovers, Kauai is home to Kauai Coffee. The warm Pacific sun, rich volcanic earth, abundant mountain rain, and the cool trade winds of Kaui create the ideal conditions for growing coffee. Outstanding coffee, rich in flavor, Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee grower in the U.S. They have flavors ranging from chocolate macadamia nut to coconut caramel crunch. You can visit the estate and try as much as the coffee as you would like. 

There is so much more to Kauai that I’d love to share: shaved ice, the beaches, surfing, the waterfalls, snorkel spots, helicopter tours, and much much more. But for now, good friend, Aloha (which means both hello and goodbye).