Nawiliwili, Hawaii

A golden beach where the sandbar projects into the sea to form a natural swimming pool, known for coral snorkeling and endangered Hawaiian monk seals that come ashore to nap.

If monk seals or sea turtles are resting on the beach, the law requires maintaining a safe distance of at least 15 m.

A coastal garden famous for the huge Moreton Bay fig roots where dinosaur eggs were found in Jurassic Park, with intricate sculptures, fountains, and bamboo groves.

Access is available only through a guided garden tour departing from the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) Visitor Center.

A 50-acre conservation garden in Lawai Valley, preserving endangered native Hawaiian plants, palms, rare ginger, and other species.

A natural blowhole where powerful waves surge through holes in coastal basalt lava rock, shooting seawater up to 15 m into the air with a hissing sound.

A beach combining sandy shoreline and the high cliffs of Makaokahai Point in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai, with dramatic surf and coastal hiking scenery.

Currents and waves are very strong, making this suitable for a beach walk and watching surfers rather than swimming.

A restaurant in Poipu Shopping Village surrounded by a tropical lagoon and waterfall garden, serving local seafood, prime rib, and Hawaiian live music.

A Kauaʻi signature hot dog: a sausage described in the source as Polynesian in a toasted bun with a hole (puka), filled with a tropical lilikoi mustard sauce made with mango, pineapple, and papaya.

An oceanfront fine-dining restaurant perched above the cliffs at Poipu, serving macadamia-crusted fish and cocktails with Kauaʻi's best sunset and surfing views.

Advance reservations several weeks ahead are essential for dining around sunset.

A charming cafe on Poipu Road, popular for pour-over coffee made from Kauaʻi beans, pakala acai bowls topped with granola and fresh fruit, and fresh bagel sandwiches.

A 3.2 km coastal trail starting from the Shipwreck Beach cliffs, following limestone cliffs, sand dunes, and ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs along Kauaʻi's south coast.

A signature viewpoint over a vast red-soil and green Waimea Canyon, 16 km long and 900 m deep, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Pay the parking fee ($10 per vehicle) and admission fee ($5 per person) by credit card at the self-service kiosk in the parking lot.

A primeval forest park on the plateau north of Waimea Canyon, with the Kokeʻe Natural History Museum and trails for observing native birds.

Hawaii's most spectacular viewpoint, 1,200 m above sea level, overlooking the sheer green pali cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast and the emerald sea at Kalalau Valley.

Clouds and fog often develop in the afternoon, so a morning visit is recommended for clearer views.

A popular spot in the village at the entrance to Waimea Canyon, serving pineapple and Bavarian sausages topped with Hawaiian smoked kalua pork and sweet barbecue sauce.

A viewpoint at mile 13.5 on Waimea Canyon Road, overlooking the canyon's southern outlet to the sea and the distant mysterious island of Niʻihau.