Kauaʻi for couples

If soaring cliffs, verdant forests and rainbow-misted waterfalls fill your heart with wonder, Kauaʻi is the island for you. Known as ‘The Garden Isle’, the landscape of Kauaʻi runs from Eden-like lushness on the ‘wet’ East Coast to ochre red soil and rocky terrain on the dry side. Whether you want to sway in a hammock watching the sunset, or spark some adrenalin on a zipline, Kauaʻi is the perfect place for nature-loving couples.

Day one: Sail the Napali Coast

For a guaranteed ‘diamond day’, hop onboard a luxury catamaran and sail along the staggeringly vertical Nāpali Coast. The lush green mountains appear to plunge directly into the ocean. Swim off the back of the boat, enjoy lunch and drinks, and gain a unique close-up vantage point on the island’s otherwise inaccessible shore. This is a perfect couple’s activity and a glorious way to spend a day.

Day two: Sun, Sand and Sea

Poʻipū Beach on Kauaʻi’s south shore is a beautiful white sand beach next to a park with amenities like picnic tables and BBQs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a monk seal sunning itself on the beach. Take a dip in the sparkling waters and chat to the local fishermen about the catch of the day (this is a popular local fishing spot).

Day three: Mountain tubing

Float in an inner tube along historic irrigation channels that were built to supply water to the sugar cane plantations on the East Coast. You will receive a headlamp as the tour will take you through mountain tunnels, and make sure you wear your swimmers as there’s a beautiful natural swimming hole at the end of the route. A picnic lunch tops off a relaxing day enjoying the wild Kauaʻi scenery from an unusual vantage point.

Day four: Local vibes in Kapaʻa town

Kapaʻa Town is home to many local artists and artisans, making it the perfect place to hunt for handmade treasures. Break up your shopping mission with a stop at one of the local cafes - Kapaʻa is known for its juicy burgers, as well as its delicious shave ice. Buy an aloha shirt, take home a vintage map and indulge your desire to learn ʻukulele by buying one from the friendly local shopkeepers.

Day five: The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi’s West Side provides a radical change of gear when it comes to scenery. Say goodbye to all that green and hello to red, red, red. Drive to the lookout for a close-up look at the rocky landscape - similar to Nevada’s iconic canyon- or book in for a sunrise downhill mountain biking experience that will see you soaring downhill on a deserted mountain road (with the advantage of not having to ride back up again).