Kauai is just a short flight (less than one hour) from Maui. Because everything is spread out, you'll most likely want to rent a car in order to make the most of your experience. Driving in to Poipu on State Highway 520, you'll be welcomed by the Tree Tunnel, which consists of 500 Eucalyptus trees.
We were able to walk to the Poipu Shopping Center from our hotel. We found this little place for lunch, which was quite tasty.
Taco Salad
Wasabi Ahi Burrito (this is the half-portion)
Sheraton Kauai Resort
We stayed at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu. It had a great view of the beach and lots of shopping nearby. Poipu is known to be sunnier compared to other parts of the island (unfortunately, the northern shore of Kauai had flooded prior to our arrival).
Lobby of the Sheraton Kauai
Courtyard of the Sheraton Kauai
Another view of the courtyard at the Sheraton Kauai
Poipu Beach, which is located right off of the Sheraton Kauai
Lava's on Poipu Beach, which is connected to the Sheraton Kauai. A good place to relax and enjoy the view. You can order food and drinks in the cabana, by the pool, or even by the beach.
View of the pool from Lava's
After settling in to our hotel, we decided to take a drive. We found this incredible view heading west from Poipu.
We stopped in a little town called Hanapepe. Here, they have a Swinging Bridge, which was originally built in the early 1900s. Appropriately named, this suspension bridge swings back and forth with each passerby. It is only recommended that 10-15 people at a time cross the bridge, and the walkway is really only large enough for one person.
The "Swinging Bridge" in Hanapepe
Every Friday evening, Hanapepe hosts an Art Market down it's main street. We figured this was the best way to relax on our first night in Kauai.
The town was alive with lots of local artists, live music, and unique shops.
The pork nachos from a food truck called "Chip Wrecked"
Mangosteens from a local vendor
The inside of a mangosteen
End of Art Night in Hanapepe
Another beautiful way to end the day. We were able to do a lot of sightseeing without completely wearing ourselves out. As for tomorrow, now that's a different story!