Hotel at a Glance: Kauai Sands Hotel
Kauai Sands Hotel occupies 6 acres on the island of Kauai, blooming with tropical foliage and set footsteps from its own private Pacific beachfront. The resort is designed for taking in Hawaii’s outdoor life. When guests aren’t lounging on the beach, they can cool off in one of two outdoor pools, which feature poolside grills for cookouts.
- Beachy guest rooms feature bold aqua and lime-green decor, along with lanais that look out onto the pool area.
- Free continental breakfast of pastries and piping-hot coffee each morning
- Free WiFi access in the lobby keeps guests in contact with the outside world.
- Ahukini State Recreational Pier, just south of the hotel, is ideal for fishing and crabbing.
Kauai Island, Hawaii: Garden Isle with Waterfalls, Green Valleys, and the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain—and arguably one of the greenest, thanks to its lush tropical forests. From waterfalls spilling over jagged cliffs to the misty mountains framing the beaches, the peaceful landscape here inspired Travel + Leisure to rank Kauai as 1 of the top 10 islands in the world. It’s where you’ll find the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific”—the 14-mile-long, 1-mile-wide Waimea Canyon. More colorful than the comparable Arizona site, the gaping gulch mystifies visitors with red lava beds, green overgrowth, and brown walls that change hue with the light.
Along the shore, Kauai’s reef-protected waters make it popular for surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling. Several adventure-tour companies rent out sea kayaks for exploring shoreline caves or the rivers cutting through the island’s interior rainforests. Oceanfront golf courses offer a more laid-back alternative for outdoorsy types.
The Na Pali Coast, "one of Hawaii's most spectacular natural attractions" according to Frommer's, is a 16-mile stretch of sea cliffs that tower above the Pacific. It's possible to take a helicopter or boat tour of this landmark, but one of the best ways to experience it is by foot on one of the hiking trails. Kalalau Trail, one of the most popular, starts at a sea-level beach and then climbs steadily uphill along the coastline with sweeping views along the way (albeit with sometimes treacherously narrow pathways).
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
