What to Do on Your Honeymoon on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai

We asked the Sheraton Kauai Resort to share their tips for couples visiting the island destination and offer suggestions on what to see, what to do, and where to eat when visiting Hawaii for your nuptials, honeymoon, or as a destination wedding guest!

What to See

- The island is so much more than sun and beaches, but for those seeking the surf, Kauai boasts 50 miles of white sand beaches along its shore.

- Described as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Kauai’s Waimea Canyon is 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep on the west side of the island. There are many trails to explore the canyon for both beginners and seasoned hikers.

- On an island, you can see both the sunrise and sunset. Experience an amazing sunrise at Poli’ahu Heiau by Opaekaa Falls overlooking Wailua River or a fiery sunset on Poipu Beach.

- Kauai is rich with wildlife. You may see a honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle) as you snorkel or visit the Sheraton Caverns dive spot about 100 yards from the resort, or an endangered Hawaiian monk seal sunbathing on the beach. Frolicking spinner dolphins can be seen year-round and migrating humpback whales can be seen from December-April. 

Where to Eat

- Eat like a local! Held somewhere on the island every day, Kauai’s farmers markets are a slice of island life. Local farmers sell a variety of unique organic produce, from fresh island coconut water and sweet apple bananas to prepared foods like a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch (a variety of proteins and white rice).

- For oceanfront dining, the hotel’s RumFire Poipu Beach restaurant offers an eclectic menu of locally sourced cuisine and features 180-degree ocean views from every seat. For a special table, ask for Table 53 since all of the net proceeds from your dinner will benefit a different island charity every month.

- Enjoy bottomless mimosas and a Monster Mary – a bloody mary topped with a slider – at the oceanfront bar and grill, Lava’s on Poipu Beach.

- Have a private, oceanfront dinner. The resort’s Halelani Romantic Dinner invites couples to share a memorable meal under the stars overlooking the beach with a dedicated server who will present them with local flavors and island-inspired dishes.

What to Do

- Due to its dramatic landscape, most of Kauai can only be viewed by air. If there’s ever an island to spring for a helicopter tour, this is it.

- The rich, Hawaiian culture is what sets the islands apart. Visit an ancient heiau (temple), learn about the meaning of giving or receiving a lei, or enjoy traditional food, song, and dance at a luau. The Sheraton Kauai offers a variety of cultural lessons as well as an oceanfront luau.

- Kauai is home to two of the only navigable rivers in the state, and the Wailua River is the most popular. Stand up paddleboard (SUP) on the calm waters, kayak to Secret Falls, or take a boat tour to the Fern Grotto.

- Indulge in an oceanfront massage. Enjoy the Hawaiian lomilomi method as the sound of the waves lulls you to a state of deep relaxation. Afterwards, watch the sunset while sitting around the fire pits at the resort’s Ocean Courtyard.

- A must-do on the island is to visit the Nāpali Coast. The crown jewel of Kauai’s stunning coastline, this 17-mile stretch of towering sea cliffs can be seen from the air, sea, or a rigorous hike on land. View the 4,000-foot pinnacles from a catamaran tour or take a day hike along the Kalalau Trail.

If you have any other suggestions for what to see, do, and eat on the island of Kauai, let us know in the comments!

Photos courtesy of Sheraton Kauai Resort