About this Trip
Planning Your Kauai Adventure
Kauai has five main regions—North, South, East, West, and the Middle. While the North Shore boasts dramatic cliffs and the famous Kalalau Trail, the South Shore (where Poipu is located) is sunny and laid-back. If you have only three days like we did, focus on the North and South. You’ll want to plan a return trip for the rest—especially the full Na Pali Coast.
Day 1: Cruising Through Coffee Country
We kicked off the trip by renting a convertible and driving through Kauai’s scenic backroads. There’s something about rolling the windows down and taking in those wide-open views that instantly puts you in vacation mode.
Our first stop was the Kauai Coffee Estate, the largest coffee farm in the U.S. It’s a beautiful, open space to wander, and the smell of fresh coffee is everywhere. We sampled a few blends, strolled through the rows of coffee trees, and enjoyed the laid-back pace of the place.
The highlight? A banana-strawberry smoothie from the visitor center. Since alcohol was off the table this trip (pregnancy life!), this smoothie became my go-to treat.
Tip: Take your time with the free tastings—there are a lot of options, and it’s a great caffeine kick for the rest of your day.
Day 2: Jurassic Falls from the Sky + an Evening Luau
We booked a helicopter tour, and it was hands-down one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Flying over Jurassic Falls (yes, the one from Jurassic Park) and the island’s dramatic cliffs and valleys was just unreal. Pictures don’t do it justice—it’s something you have to experience in person.
That evening, we headed to the Aulii Luau. It’s right by the beach, so you get the ocean breeze and the sound of waves while watching the show. The performances were vibrant and really gave a sense of Hawaii’s cultural roots. It was a relaxing and beautiful way to wrap up the day.
Day 3: A Low-Key Beach Day in Poipu
We kept it simple on our last full day. Poipu Beach was perfect—easy to get to, family-friendly, and great for just lounging or snorkeling. The water was calm, and there’s a reef nearby, so there’s plenty to see even close to shore.
Lunch was a casual stop at Puka Dog, where we tried their Hawaiian-style hot dogs. Definitely worth the hype—sweet, spicy, and messy in the best way.
For dinner, we went to The Beach House, one of Kauai’s better-known oceanfront restaurants. We timed our reservation to catch the sunset, and the view didn’t disappoint. It’s definitely a splurge spot, but the atmosphere makes it worth it.
Traveling While Pregnant in Kauai
Since I was pregnant, we skipped some of the more rugged adventures like boat tours and off-roading. That said, Kauai has a ton to offer if you’re looking for a slower pace. The island’s natural beauty, scenic drives, and quieter experiences made it easy to have a full, fun trip without overdoing it.
This trip gave us a little bit of everything—stunning views, good food, and a deeper appreciation for the island’s rhythm. From the first drive through the countryside to the last sunset dinner, Kauai left us with some really special memories.
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