Kauai Trip Report July 2025

Question

Aloha, wanted to share my trip journal from our recent trip to Kauai. Traveling from San Diego was my dear wife DW, DS 17, DD 15. We love nature and are foodies. My son had a procedure on his ankle which impacted the first couple of days activities. We had an amazing time and are already planning a return trip-

Day 1 Thursday July 17th:

Island Time

We woke up today excited for what was to come. The Uber picked us up at 6:50AM and off to the airport we went. We breezed right through security and then had breakfast close to our gate. The Hawaiian flight was right on time. We had Starlink WIFI, so everyone was entertained. The six hour flight to Honolulu went by quick. DW and I had a rum punch drink together and toasted for the first time on the trip.

Our flight from Honolulu to Lihue was delayed a bit, but no biggie we were getting on Island time. The flight from Oahu to Kauai was quick and uneventful. We landed in Kauai and us guys picked up our two checked bags while the girls picked up the rental car from Avis.

By the time we got our bags and walked over to Avis the girls were pulling out of the lot. DW has Avis preferred and went to the preferred booth and the agent handed her the keys without even checking her ID. We loaded the suitcases and noted that our rental has seen better days. We went to Safeway and picked up alcohol and breakfast stuff. Google maps took us on a detour as we headed to Poipu, because there was an accident. The detour was lush and beautiful. We made it to the condo at Kuhio Shores at 5PM HST. Long travel day (13 hours), but hey we are getting on island time. We walked into the condo with our groceries and were blown away by the view. Ahh, island time is getting closer to being grasped.

We unloaded the minivan and got settled. A couple of beers were enjoyed on the lanai by DW and I. We enjoyed watching the surfers and boogie boarders and the warm tropical breeze was flowing around us. We had a reservation at the Beach House at 6:30 which is right next door.

We got a nice table at the Beach House with a great view of the sunset in action.

Dinner was good, DW and I started with their famous Monkeypod Mai Tai’s. DS had a virgin of the same and DD had a lava flow. We started with potstickers and crab cakes, which were good.

Prior to ordering our entrees, we walked out to the lawn and took pictures with the sunset. The sunset lasted for a good 30 minutes lighting up the tropical clouds in the sky. Ahh Island time.

For dinner DW had the macnut mahi mahi, DD had the scallops and DS and I had the seared ahi. All of the entrees were very good! My ahi had jalapeno mashed potatoes that had the perfect amount of spice. We finished dinner and no one had room for dessert. Overall the Beach House was good, but was a little pricey.

We walked back to the condo and settled in for the evening. On the walk back to the condo we noted what looked like a stand for a surf competition, which explained why the surfers and boogie boarders that were out catching waves were so good and fun to watch.

Answer

Thank you for sharing your detailed Kauai trip report! It sounds like your family had a fantastic start to your vacation, despite the travel day being long.

Your journey from San Diego to Kauai illustrates how a combination of careful planning and a relaxed attitude can make even long travel days enjoyable. Starting with a smooth flight on Hawaiian Airlines and some in-flight entertainment like Starlink Wi-Fi set a positive tone. The rum punch toast is a lovely touch that helps transition into island mode.

The rental car experience highlights the convenience of Avis Preferred, though it’s a good reminder that sometimes vehicles aren’t in perfect condition. Stopping at Safeway for groceries was smart, ensuring you had essentials for the condo and a chance to stock up on beverages for relaxing on the lanai.

Settling into Kuhio Shores sounds like a dream. The views, tropical breeze, and the sound of the ocean clearly helped your family embrace island time. Having a beachfront view and watching surfers while enjoying a drink on the lanai is exactly the kind of relaxing experience many travelers hope for in Kauai.

Dinner at the Beach House seems to have been a memorable experience:

Great sunset views that lasted around 30 minutes, perfect for photography and enjoying the scenery.
Signature cocktails like the Monkeypod Mai Tai for adults and kid-friendly versions like virgin Mai Tai and Lava Flow for the children.
Appetizers including potstickers and crab cakes, which were well-received.
Entrees were described as flavorful and well-prepared, including macadamia nut mahi mahi, scallops, and seared ahi with jalapeno mashed potatoes.
Noted that while the Beach House was good, it was a little pricey, which is typical for beachfront dining in Poipu.

Walking back to the condo and noticing a surf competition setup added an extra layer of interest and engagement with the local scene. Observing skilled surfers and boogie boarders enhances the authentic Hawaiian experience and shows the family-friendly yet adventurous atmosphere of Poipu Beach.

Key takeaways from your Day 1 experience that other travelers may find useful:

Arrive prepared with grocery essentials for the condo to maximize convenience and comfort.
Book nearby restaurants in advance for sunset views, especially popular spots like the Beach House.
Allow time to simply enjoy the condo surroundings, beach views, and lanai relaxation—it helps transition from travel stress to island time.
Keep an eye out for local events like surf competitions, which can add spontaneous entertainment.

Overall, your Day 1 report paints a picture of a well-balanced start to a Kauai vacation: smooth travel, comfortable accommodations, scenic beauty, and delicious food. This sets a wonderful foundation for the adventures to come on the island.

Kauai Trip Report July 2025

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