We also made our way to Hanale on the opposite side of the island. We grabbed poke from Hanalei Dolphin, and spent the day at Anini Beach. If you have little ones, it is such a dream because the water is calm with virtually no waves, which made it perfect for wading and playing all day. We ended that day with matcha and shave ice from Wishing Well, which Fae absolutely devoured.
I think what made this trip feel so special was the full week. There was no rush.
No pressure to squeeze everything in. We got to unpack, settle into a new rhythm, and simply enjoy where we were. Mornings felt slower, afternoons stretched longer, and being so close to the beach and pool meant we could snorkel, explore, or do absolutely nothing whenever we wanted.
That might have been my favorite part of all. Just existing in it. Island life has a way of quieting your brain and reminding you how good it feels to slow down. This trip looked so different than our past Kauai adventures, but somehow it was even more magical. Exactly what we needed.
Mahalo Kauai!
That might have been my favorite part of all. Just existing in it. Island life has a way of quieting your brain and reminding you how good it feels to slow down. This trip looked so different than our past Kauai adventures, but somehow it was even more magical. Exactly what we needed.
Mahalo Kauai!
I genuinely could have eaten there every single day. It’s rare to find a spot with both amazing food and amazing matcha, but they absolutely nailed it. Their iced matcha with a pump of housemade vanilla syrup was perfection. I tried the breakfast burrito, avocado toast, and fish bagel, and every single one was so good.
The outdoor seating was such a dream, especially with a toddler, and right next door was the cutest boutique called Sister Sister where I picked up a little Mother’s Day gift for myself (Damn Regina necklace).
The outdoor seating was such a dream, especially with a toddler, and right next door was the cutest boutique called Sister Sister where I picked up a little Mother’s Day gift for myself (Damn Regina necklace).
I also need to talk about my love affair with Java Kai.
One of my favorite memories from the trip was driving up to Waimea Canyon. The views were unreal, and there were so many beautiful places to stop along the way. The park itself is huge, with endless hiking trails, but we kept things simple with a little nature walk at Kōkeʻe Lodge followed by lunch. The grass fed hamburger and hot cornbread absolutely lived up to the hype.
But when I tell you Kauai was exactly what our family needed, I mean it.
There is truly something in the air there. The second I step off the plane, my brain turns to mush in the best possible way. Even if you want to think, plan, or do, you just can’t. You surrender to island time. And honestly, it ended up being the perfect destination with a toddler.
We stayed on the south shore in Poipu, but truly, you can’t go wrong anywhere on the island. Everywhere we went felt open, spacious, and easy. There was always room to roam, grassy areas to run around, and chickens for Fae to chase at just about every restaurant. She was absolutely exhausted every day in the best way, and I genuinely have never seen her sleep so well. She smiled constantly.
Pure bliss from start to finish, and getting to witness that kind of joy felt so special.
We spent the majority of the time posted up at the beach or the pool. There was a little swimming hole for Fae where the sea turtles like to lay. I posted up in my beach chair in my new favorite beach hat and worked on my tan. Tom and I switched off surfing and snorkeling all day long. I was blessed with a baby sea turtle sighting during a snorkel trip!
We stayed on the south shore in Poipu, but truly, you can’t go wrong anywhere on the island. Everywhere we went felt open, spacious, and easy. There was always room to roam, grassy areas to run around, and chickens for Fae to chase at just about every restaurant. She was absolutely exhausted every day in the best way, and I genuinely have never seen her sleep so well. She smiled constantly.
Pure bliss from start to finish, and getting to witness that kind of joy felt so special.
We spent the majority of the time posted up at the beach or the pool. There was a little swimming hole for Fae where the sea turtles like to lay. I posted up in my beach chair in my new favorite beach hat and worked on my tan. Tom and I switched off surfing and snorkeling all day long. I was blessed with a baby sea turtle sighting during a snorkel trip!
I was ecstatic for this trip because it was a full week. The kind of vacation where you actually unpack your suitcase, put your clothes in drawers, and settle in a little.
That, to me, is a real vacation. As excited as I was, my expectations weren’t overly high because I knew traveling with a toddler would naturally look different.
On previous trips to Kauai, we spent our days hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, riding ATVs, and paddle boarding our way around the island.
This time was a completely different vibe.
That, to me, is a real vacation. As excited as I was, my expectations weren’t overly high because I knew traveling with a toddler would naturally look different.
On previous trips to Kauai, we spent our days hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, riding ATVs, and paddle boarding our way around the island.
This time was a completely different vibe.
