Hawaii Part 3- From Waikiki to Kauai : Muddy Hikes, Dawn-Waking Roosters, and Giant Turtles

adriana hamelin
11 minutes ago
2 min read

Part 3: From Waikiki to Kauai

We hopped on another plane, grateful for our NEXUS cards, and set off for Kauai—the Garden Isle. Stepping off the plane, we immediately felt the difference in atmosphere; Kauai was quieter, greener, and wilder than Oahu.

Wailua Falls – The Muddy Descent

Wailua Falls was one of our first stops, a breathtaking waterfall that cascades down in twin streams. There’s a trail leading to the bottom, though it isn’t well-marked, and signs warn against attempting it. We watched as people in sandals climbed back up, so, equipped with our hiking shoes, we decided to give it a go.

The descent was muddy and steep, with ropes tied along the way to help navigate the tricky sections. The effort was completely worth it—the view from the bottom was stunning. We later found out that this waterfall was featured in a Netflix show, making it even more surreal to see in person.

Waimea Canyon – The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Next, we ventured to Waimea Canyon, a natural wonder often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Expecting a parking lot at the lower viewpoint, we saw cars lining the road but decided to drive further down a muddy path with our rental truck.

I was stressed out, questioning our decision, especially when it wasn’t clear if we could turn around. Eventually, Simon had to move a tree trunk off the road so we could park. The second lot was covered in water, adding another layer of uncertainty about getting back up. A sign confirmed that only 4x4 vehicles should attempt the drive—luckily, we managed. Looking back, I’d recommend parking on the main road and hiking that first part instead. The real magic happens further along the trail, where the views of the canyon are absolutely spectacular.

On our way back, we stopped at several lookouts, enjoying the views now that the sun had finally broken through the clouds.

Poipu Beach – Sunset with Sea Turtles

After our hike, we headed to Poipu to explore the south shore. I had read that sea turtles often come ashore around sunset, and we were eager to witness it.

Poipu Beach is popular and busy, with two major resorts nearby, but the real highlight was the turtles. These majestic creatures are protected in Hawaii, and as they slowly made their way onto the sand, volunteers placed cones around them to ensure people stayed at least ten feet away. Watching them settle in for the night was mesmerizing.

As we left Poipu, I felt grateful for the experience—not just the turtles, but the rugged beauty of Kauai itself. It was time to move on, but one thing we wouldn’t miss? The countless roosters that seemed determined to wake us at dawn every day.