Kauai, Hawaii’s fourth largest island, is known as the “garden isle”. We visited Maui for three day and then we headed off to Kauai, which is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. The island’s natural beauty is almost unrivaled. From emerald valleys to dramatic cliffs, tropical rainforests and pristine beaches – it is no wonder Kauai is such a popular backdrop for major Hollywood films.

Kauai is the least populated and commercially developed of all the Hawaiian Islands although it was probably the first to be settled by Marquesan seafarers around 750 A.D. Today, roughly 56,000 people live on the island permanently. There are plenty of things to do in Kauai Hawaii and plenty of places where to stay in Kauai.

We took some time in between our 3-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa to explore more of the island by helicopter and on a 6-hour catamaran trip to the beautiful Na Pali coast.

With so much natural beauty in every direction, it seems unfair to single out one as THE most beautiful place on Kauai. However, the dramatic Na Pali coastline on the island’s northwest side easily fits the bill. The majestic 17-mile stretch of rugged coast that is only accessible on foot or via boat has even been called one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Sheer velvet green cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and narrow, deep valleys are some of the things you will be rewarded with if you make the effort to discover the Na Pali Coast. The na pali (high cliffs) rise as much as 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. From here, you cannot only see the ocean with dolphins, turtles, and monk seals frolicking in the water but also waterfalls and the depths of the Kalalau Valley.

The jagged coastline is protected as part of the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, an area of 2,499 hectares that stretches from Ke’e Beach to Polihale State Park. The park was initially established to protect the Kalalau Valley.

Approaching Na Pali on a catamaran like we did is truly an experience of a lifetime. It is one of the things to do in Kauai Hawaii. You can also row there on a kayak or hike from the interior.