Kauai

The smallest and oldest Hawaiian island, Kauai is also the most laid back and rural. Called the Garden Island, it rains nearly every day and is covered in lush rain forests. Head here for quiet beaches and rugged landscapes away from the maddening crowd.

Kauai is remote and the beaches and trails are a distance from each other. Rent a car for your visit to the island.

EAT

Foodland Princeville Get groceries before heading to your rental in Princeville or Hanalei Bay.

Pono Market This small, humble market on the Kuhio Highway in Kapaa has incredibly fresh poké.

Tiki Iniki Tiki-style bar and grill in Princeville with Hawaiian food and fun cocktails.

DRINK

Tahiti Nui Polynesian dive bar and restaurant in Hanalei. Go for happy hour or dinner.

PLAY

Anahola Beach Quiet, locals’ beach on the northeastern face of the island.

Hanalei Bay This natural bay is stunning. Spend an afternoon at the beach and then walk south a few blocks into Hanalei town for happy hour.

Queen’s Bath This natural tide pool in Princeville is beautiful, but can be a treacherous hike and dangerous. Admire the pool versus swimming in it, as this spot has been responsible for dozens of deaths.

Kapaa Town Quiet town on the eastern shore with a handful of shops and restaurants. Visit the the Wailua and Opaekaa falls, both just off the road.

Kalalau Trail Starting from Ha’ena State Park, this 11 mile trail is not for the faint of heart. While difficult, the hike rewards with stunning views of the NaPali coast and is the only way to access its lookouts and hidden beaches, including the beautiful Hanakāpī‘ai Beach.

Kayak Wailua Take a guided kayak tour through the rain forest and down the Wailua River.

Kealia Beach Long beach north of Kaapa Town.

NaPali coastline Kauai’s ancient, jagged coastline is eerily surreal… and familiar (it was featured in Jurassic Park). To appreciate it’s magnificence, take a catamaran day cruise and snorkel trip with Captain Andy’s.

The Sleeping Giant Another hiking trail. However, the Sleeping Giant himself is best viewed from a distance.

Waimea Canyon The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” is seriously awe-inspiring. Admire the red canyon walls and waterfalls from one of the look-outs, hike through the Waimea Canyon State Park, or take a helicopter tour through the canyon.

STAY

Rent a house or condo in Hanalei or Princeville depending on the size of your group. Both are near world class beaches, restaurants and nightlife.

Kauai

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Bermuda

Just 90 minutes by flight from New York City, this tiny island nation has the prettiest water and finest sand in all the Caribbean (and perhaps the world, wethinks!). Journey to Bermuda for its the natural beauty and laid-back, island lifestyle.

There are no rental cars on the island and cabs are expensive. The best and easiest way to get around is by electric scooter. Spend your days beach hopping all along the island.

EAT

Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream Parlour Quaint ice cream joint near the Crystal Caves.

Barracuda Grill Posh seafood and steak joint in Hamilton.

Bermuda Rum and Cake Company Bermuda is well known for its rum cake. Pick up a few goodies from the Royal Naval Dockyard location.

Frog and Onion Pub English-style pub in the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Wahoo’s Bistro and Patio Excellent fresh fish in St. George’s.

DRINK

Gombey’s Bar Beachy dive bar at Clearwater Beach.

The Swizzle Inn A historic tavern that claims to be Bermuda’s oldest pub. Good food too! Try the signature Rum Sizzle drink.

PLAY

Clearwater Beach Our favorite beach in Bermuda. Far from tourists on the northeast side of the island, and oh so blue.

Crystal and Fantasy Caves Book a guided tour to the underground caves. Lots of opportunities for rock jumping.

Elbow Beach Lovely beach on the south shore.

Horseshoe Bay Beach This pink sand beach on the southern shore is consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Tobacco Bay Beach A small beach cove off the tourist track in St. George’s. Wander through the rock pools nearby.

STAY

Looking to splash out? The Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Beach Club in Hamilton is pure luxury. Its beach club on the southern shore is a gorgeously calm and private bay.

For the budget-minded, or those simply looking for a more authentic experience, we recommend a quiet serviced apartment or AirBnb with a view on the North Shore Road cliffs. You’ll be well away from the cruise ships in Kings Wharf and tourist resorts in Hamilton and the south shore.

Bermuda