In my opinion Kaua'i is the most calm, serene, and beautiful island amongst the Hawaiian Islands. The entire island feels historic and free, bringing you back to the dinosaur age with its thick jungles and jagged green mountain range along the North Shore. When I was a junior in college, I spent my entire winter break (21 days) camping and exploring all of Kaua'i with Chris and friends. It was a trip I will never forget and one that has brought me closer to Hawaii ever since.

Typically, from a budget perspective, when you think of taking a vacation in Hawaii, the first thing that goes through your mind is that it is going to be an expensive trip. Not going to lie, Hawaii is an expensive place; hotels, Airbnb’s, gas, and groceries are expensive due to the fact that it is an island and they have to import most goods from the mainland. Also, the locals need to make money through tourism to survive the higher cost of living. But where there is a will there is a way. You can always find ways to shoestring travel even in the most expensive places. Below I share some of my favorite memories and activities from our trip to Kaua'i, my recommendations on where to go and why, and tips on how to do it on a tight budget (under $2,000).

Kaua'i, Hawaii

Kaua'i is RAD. I have dreamed about going back to Kaua'i ever since I left. It is a place where you feel like you are going back in time, back to simpler times. Where you can walk around barefoot in a teeny bikini, frolic in the jungle, and run free on beautiful white sand beaches. What I loved the most about Kaua'i is how raw and unpopulated it is. It is a very special place on Earth.

Top 5 Things to do on Kaua'i:

SURF:

Kaua'i is where I learned how to surf on a shorter board, my 5’10” fish: The Wave Rod. I would say that none of the Hawaiian Islands are easy or super friendly places to learn to surf because the waves in Hawaii are heavy and for the most part big. But of course, wherever there is surf, you can always find a shoulder or friendlier wave to ride.

Surfing on the North Shore is best during the winter months (Nov – March). Being that we were in Kaua'i in December, we spent most of our time on the North Shore. Hanalei Bay is a great wave for all skill levels, so it was perfect for our crew. The girls would start on the south side of Hanalei Pier at a break called “Kiddies”, where the waves roll in gently for beginners, while the boys would paddle straight to the point. Other great beginner/ intermediate spots in Hanalei Bay are “Middles” and “Pine Trees”. For more advanced surfers, other epic North Shore spots are Tunnels (critical reef break) and Cannons.

Take your time paddling out to the point at Hanalei Bay. The break is far from the beach so it is difficult to grasp actually how big it is out there. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes to paddle from the point from the beach.

I will never forget paddling to the point with Chris and Caleb on one of my first days in Kaua'i. I had just purchased my surfboard from a local on Craigslist and was ready to catch some small, friendly waves. By the time we got to the point, the apparently small waves that we saw from the beach quickly became double overhead. The surfers were getting barreled and I had never been so scared before, I swear my eyes were the size of golf balls, taking it all in and just hoping that an outside set wouldn’t clear us all out. Thankfully there is a channel, so I just sat and watched all of the surfers get the waves of their lives. I remember thinking to myself, “I want to surf like that one day.” Suddenly a huge outside set came through and wiped everyone on the inside out. I didn’t know how to duck dive yet so I ditched my board. Wave after wave I went through the washer, getting barely one breathe between each wave. The undertow at Hanalei Bay was unlike anything I had ever experienced growing up in Southern California. The wave really holds you under, jumbles you around, and doesn’t want you to come up. When the set was over, I was so scared, destroyed, and humbled by the ocean. I started the 20-minute paddle in and just sat on the sand, happy to be alive. It’s been 5 years since our trip to Kauai and my surfing has improved tremendously, but I will never forget that day at Hanalei Bay. Surfing is by far the most challenging sport I’ve ever learned but it is also very rewarding. I think I will spend the rest of my life improving and enjoying the sport.

Make sure to go out with a friend or with someone that knows the area.

HIKE:

Due to the beautiful landscape – deep green jungle, jagged mountains, and light blue oceans – Kaua'i has some of the most beautiful hikes. My two favorite hikes are the Honopu Ridge Trail and the first 2.5 miles of the Kalalau Trail (my dream is to do the entire Kalalau Trail one day).

Honopu Ridge Trail

Full disclosure - it just took me 30 minutes to find the name of this trail on the Internet. We stumbled across this trail after meeting a local who told us about the hike. He said that it was extremely dangerous and that it was not an “official” trail. Of course, we went for it and it paid off immensely. Honopu Ridge Trail was partially destroyed and lost to the jungle of Kaua'i after a pair of hurricanes in the last couple of decades. I recommend not doing this hike alone and try to find a local that can guide you. Wear good hiking shoes or boots and follow what appears to be the main trail at the very beginning. There are parts of the trail that are as wide as one shoe (6 inches) and on both sides of you are thousands of feet of vertical ridge. Sketchy! Stay focused and you will know when you reach the end. There is a little platform, which appears to be floating in the sky with 360 views of mountains and ocean surrounding you. The site is breath taking.

Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail on Kauai runs along the Napoli Coast on the North Shore of the Island. The entire trail is about 11 miles long and many people take a few days to several weeks to complete the trail – backpacking in everything they need such as food, water, tents, sleeping bags, etc. We didn’t prepare to do the whole 11 mile trail so we took 4 hours to do the first 2.5 miles and it was beautiful! The views from the trail are magnificent, you really feel like you are in the Jurassic Park movie! As you reach 2.5 miles, you will find yourself under a powerful waterfall. Be careful on this hike and bring good hiking shoes. The precipitation from the waterfall causes the trail to be slippery and muddy. I actually took off my shoes and did the hike barefoot!

CLIFF JUMP:

Take a drive to the south shore and visit Shipwrecks Beach in Poipu. Shipwrecks Beach is a perfect spot to spend an afternoon sun bathing and watching the sunset. The sunset’s go off! It is not a good beach for swimming or surfing when the waves are too big because it is rocky and sharp. As you are looking out into the ocean, veer left. You will see a cliff (approximately 30-45 ft.) that is perfect for cliff jumping! Walk along the beach towards the cliff and you will see a path that will take you right to the cliff’s edge. Caution: only go to this spot if you are a strong swimmer, be aware of the currents, and watch the waves, they can crash against sharp rock and coral that will harm you.

Shipwrecks Beach at sunset with Chris and Matt.

BEACHES:

Here’s a list of some of my favorite beaches in Kaua'i to just chill and sun bathe.

Polihale – North West: In order to get to Polihale, you have to drive around the entire island from the North Shore all the way back up to the North-west side. I highly recommend it; Polihale is my favorite beach on Kauai. It is extremely secluded, quiet, and euphorically beautiful. We spent a few nights in Polihale and didn’t see a single person drive in or walk by. The road to Polihale is poorly marked and you will need an off-road vehicle or rental car to get there!

Hideaways – North Shore: Hideaways Beach is exactly what it sounds like; a perfect beach to get lost and hide out. Although it is not much of a secret anymore, it is still an amazing and peaceful beach to visit. Hideaways is near Pali Ke Kau Condos and the St. Regis Resort in Princeville. Beware, to get to this beach you must hike down a steep rocky path. There are metal hand rails and ropes, and you will need them (however beware of sharp rusty edges). But all this work is worth the reward. When muddy, take extra time getting down, it is slippery.

Tunnels Beach – North Shore: Tunnels Beach is beautiful and secluded tucked under large droopy trees. It is perfect for snorkeling and diving when the waves are small. The golden sand beach has a backdrop of lush jungle and mountains making this a gorgeouss beach. Don’t miss a sunset here!

CAMP:

If you decide to camp, or even if you get an Airbnb, I highly recommend spending at least one night camping under the stars at Polihale Beach! You will not regret it! Make sure you bring a tent with a rain fly, Kauai is a tropical island and although Polihale is usually dry, there can be rain, even if it’s not in the forecast!

Tips on Exploring Kauai on a Tight Budget (under $2000)

FLIGHTS

Be sure to book well in advance (4-8 weeks).
Flights to Kauai can be pricey, especially around the holidays. Plan to budget around $450-$1000 for your flights to Kauai from the West Coast of the United States (flights are fairly priced but can get $$$ during holidays).

RENT A CAR

You will need a car on Kauai. The island is small but it is fun to be able to explore all shores by car!
Make sure to rent your car well in advance and if you are planning your vacation during the holidays (Christmas and New Years) try to arrive a week or two prior to the holidays in order to escape crazy holiday prices.
We found our car for $20 per day! The TURO App is a great resource for finding local and cheap cars. They will even pick you up at the airport!

ACCOMODATION

Camp at the Beach Parks!
Camping on Kauai was by far the best hack for saving money on our trip. Camping at the beach parks is $3 per night per person. Multiply that by 21 days and your total cost for accommodation is $63 dollars for your entire trip per person!
You must get a Camping Permit at the Department of Parks and Recreation (which is 2 miles from the airport), this is where you will pay and receive your permit which you will put on the outside of your tent for the rangers to verify.
Some of my favorite camping locations:
- Polihale State Park (MY FAVORITE)
- Anini Beach Park
- Haena Beach Park
Make sure to buy a lock for your tent zipper. We didn’t have any problems with anyone stealing anything but it’s always good to be cautious when traveling.
Step up the camping life with #VanLife and check out these cool VW Westfalia’s that you can rent for $1050 per week – this will take care of your car and accommodation.

FOOD

Food can be pricey on Kaua'i if you are eating at nice restaurants and tourist areas. Whether you are camping, living in a van, or staying in an Airbnb, stocking up at Walmart by the airport will save you money on food.
- I suggest getting your dry foods at Walmart: Cereal, Bread, Energy Bars, Canned Beans/ Soup, etc
- All fruit and veggies will be more fresh and cheaper at the local stands and farmer’s markets.
- If you are camping, I suggest bringing a camping stove to heat up oatmeal, beans, and soups. Although we lived off of a lot of PB&J’s, cold canned chili, and of course, Oreos after a long surf session!

WHAT TO PACK

GEAR:
- 1mm wetsuit – protects you from the reef and colder waters in the winter (Dec-Feb)
- Kiting Equipment (Bigger Kites)
- Surfboards
- Pillow
- Utensils
- Camping Stove and Camping Bowl
- Tent & Sleeping Bag (one that can withstand rain)

CLOTHING:
- Normal clothing for tropical weather: tank tops, shorts, dresses.
- Bikinis/ Board Shorts
- Rain Jacket (there is always rain but it clears up quickly)
- Flannel (always necessary on a surf trip)
- Flip Flops
- Sunhat/ Sunglasses
- Sunscreen

Xx,

Erin

Kaua'i, Hawaii: Travel Guide

BEAUTIFUL WHITE SAND BEACHES, LUCIOUS DARK GREEN MOUNTAIN RANGES, JURASSIC PARK, AND ACAI. SIMPLE LIVING.

HOW WE PLANNED OUR TRIP TO KAUAI FOR LESS THAN $2,000.