Kauai — The Garden Island

Kauai is the oldest and greenest of the Hawaiian main islands — and perhaps the most beautiful. Over millions of years, erosion has shaped the volcano into a landscape more breathtaking than anything Hollywood could imagine (and indeed more has been filmed here than on any other island: "Jurassic Park," "Avatar," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "South Pacific"). The Mount Waialeale in the center of the island is one of the rainiest places on earth with over 11,000 mm of rainfall per year — which explains why Kauai is so incredibly green.

Nā Pali Coast

The Nā Pali Coast on the northwest coast is Hawaii's most dramatic landscape: 27 km of rugged cliffs interspersed with tropical valleys, rising up to 1,200 m vertically from the sea. There is no road — the coast is only accessible on foot, by boat, or by helicopter.

• Kalalau Trail — The legendary 35 km hike (round trip) along the coast to the remote Kalalau Beach. Permit required (gohaena.com, $35/person/night, often booked months in advance). The first 3.2 km to Hanakapi'ai Beach are possible without a permit and give a taste.
• Boat tours — Catamaran tours along the coast (from $130) with snorkeling stops and dolphin sightings. Only possible in summer (May–September), in winter the sea is too rough.
• Helicopter flights — The most spectacular way to see the Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon (from $250 per person, 45–60 minutes). Expensive, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Waimea Canyon

Mark Twain called it the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" — and that's hardly an exaggeration. Waimea Canyon is 16 km long, 1.6 km wide, and over 1,000 m deep, with layers in red, green, brown, and purple. The Waimea Canyon Drive leads to several viewpoints, the best being the Waimea Canyon Lookout. At the end of the road: the Kalalau Lookout with a breathtaking view of the Nā Pali Coast from above (if the clouds allow — come in the morning for the best chances).

Beaches

Kauai's beaches are less developed than those on Maui or Oahu — and that's exactly what makes their charm. Poipu Beach on the south coast is the most reliable sunny beach (the south coast is drier). Hanalei Bay on the north coast is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — a perfect crescent bay with green mountains in the background. And Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) near Haena offers the best snorkeling on the island.