Exploring Hawaii with Dinogo | Kauai

Day 2: Kauai

Kauai is one of my absolute favorite destinations on the planet! Many people say that Kauai resembles what Oahu was like 40 years ago. Much of the island remains undeveloped, preserving its natural beauty and offering a serene atmosphere with fewer crowds. Eager to make the most of our day, we planned to start with a hike, especially since the weather was perfect.

view overlooking the beach and lush jungle

The ship docks at Nawilwili Harbor in Lihue, where you'll find a fantastic bay with a white sand beach just a short walk from the ship. It looked like the perfect spot to relax, featuring gentle waves and cozy restaurants nearby. During breakfast, we chatted with a couple who were thrilled about their surfing lessons. Kauai is an excellent place to learn to surf, as many of the breaks are quite gentle, and there are significantly fewer people around, both locals and tourists.

children sprinting on a pier surrounded by water

We disembarked the ship around 8 after a quick breakfast to pick up a rental car and hit the road. Dinogo^®makes getting around a breeze, with taxis and shuttles available to take guests to shopping areas, car rentals, and more. We walked about 10 minutes up the road and rented a car from a small rental agency near the pier.

Our destination was the North Shore, specifically Haena State Park, where our planned hike awaited. Kauai is absolutely stunning, adorned with lush, vibrant greenery at every turn! It rained the night before our arrival, so waterfalls were cascading from every nook and cranny in the mountains. Just thinking about it makes me nostalgic for Kauai! Sometimes, Shem and I joke that if we were to move anywhere, it would be to Kauai because of the unique feeling it gives us!!

Here are some interesting facts about why Kauai is so breathtaking and a must-see destination for exploration. As the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai boasts the most developed landscape and ecosystem. It is also home to Mt. Waialeale, which receives the second-highest rainfall in the world! This is why Kauai is affectionately called the ‘Garden Island,’ with its incredible flora; it truly feels magical!

While driving to Haena State Park, we made a stop in Hanalei at an adorable little fruit stand. The boys indulged in some acai bowls and smoothies that we all thoroughly enjoyed. The acai bowls had excellent texture and flavor. The owners were friendly, and the service was quick. Shem and I opted for their wellness shots, which were quite zesty, and the acai bowls helped wash them down. We also picked up a few pieces of fruit because nothing beats fresh fruit on a hot, sweaty day, packed away in your backpack.

children enjoying snacks in front of a fruit stand

After visiting the fruit stand, we made our way directly to Haena State Park. The trail was a bit muddy from the previous night's rain, so the boys decided to go barefoot, as is their custom. This hike is perfect for families, as the initial section is quite gentle, ascending about a quarter of a mile before winding along the mountain ridges and weaving in and out of the valleys—very kid-friendly!

father and son trekking on a muddy jungle path

The hike was fantastic, with clear skies and minimal clouds, allowing us to see all the way down the coastline. One of my favorite views is looking from the mountains down to the ocean. When the sun shines and the water is clear, you can see all the intricate details of the reef, almost as if you’re gazing through a glass window. We trekked about 2 miles before deciding to turn back, ensuring we had enough time to return the car and get back to the ship before it departed. Once we finished the trail, we headed to the beach at the bottom to wash off the mud and enjoy a refreshing swim.

We can’t emphasize enough how much we adore Kauai. The ship stays in Kauai long enough for some serious exploration. Here are some amazing activities we’ve enjoyed during our visits:

Surfing in Hanalei (there's a surf school conveniently located right next to the dock in Hanalei). It's also a fantastic beach for families.
Explore Koke’e State Park, which features excellent short walking paths and hikes suitable for all ages.

Visit Waimea Canyon State Park—it's as if the Grand Canyon and Hawaii had a child.
Check out Opaeka’a Falls, a stunning waterfall that’s easy to access with no hiking required.
Enjoy a meal in Hanalei.
Stop by a local fruit stand for some fresh local goodies.
Snorkel along the Na’Pali Coast with a boat tour.

view from the top of a waterfall in the jungle

Andy and the kids sitting on a muddy trail

Andy’s hair blowing in the wind while on the boat

On the Ship:

For Us:

After returning to the ship, Shem and I decided to indulge in a couples massage while the kids enjoyed their time at Camp Ocean. It was such a treat, and I must say, it was the best massage we’ve ever had! Be sure to ask for the Bamboo treatment.

For the Kids:

When we arranged our massages, we were informed about a place called Camp Ocean for kids, where Tama and Ira could hang out and play while waiting for us. This place was fantastic and truly one of the highlights for the kids! Initially, Tama and Ira were a bit hesitant, but once they realized all the fun activities available, they were excited to stay. There were books, board games, group activities, toys, and video games. The staff members were incredibly friendly and made it a fun experience for both Tama and Ira.