Type Hawaii vacations, Hawaii pictures, or just Hawaii, into Google, and you will see all the iconic images of Hawaii; Waikiki, Whales breaching, volcanoes, sandy beaches, straws bobbing in tropical drinks, hula girls, lush famous scenic views.

While most visitors have their list of activities and sites to see, few leave time for unscheduled exploring. Driving off the beaten path, taking walks in residential neighbor hoods, cruising outside of the postcard-reality limitations.

My suggestion, throw the map away and get lost. While there are a few spots in the islands that visitors aren’t necessarily welcomed, Hawaii is a pretty safe place to explore. Just make sure that you are always respectful and conduct your activities in the least intrusive manner as possible; Drive slowly through neighborhoods, don’t turn around in peoples’ yards, etc..

There is nothing better than discovering your own jewels on vacation. Be adventurous, spontaneous and find your own paradise.

I feel like I am on vacation often as I drive to work. Getting up before sunrise may be a drag, but commuting during the sunrise has its perks. Visitors stay at one of the Eastside Resorts on Kauai in Kapaa or Wailua towns, will be greeted each morning with these blessings. Hanalei may be lush, Poipu may be sunny, but resorts like the Islander on the Beach or the Kauai Beach Resort have there own advantages.

Now, I have lived on and off of Kauai for over 25 years and I must say that I have been partial to the east side and up north. I have spent plenty of days on the south side, but always considered it too touristy. After the past few weeks though, I am starting to change my tune.

I used to hesitate to tell people to stay on the south side, in places like the Nihi Kai villas or the Lawai Beach Resort or any of the condos there. But after have some amazing days down there recently I feel like I can truly recommend taking off your shoes in Poipu.The development company in charge of Kukuiula Village has done a great job of integrating upscale shops and restaurants with local favorites like Bubba Burgers and Lapert’s Ice Cream. The grounds are well maintain and the community development seems well thought out and well run.

I know that there have been some bumps in the road as Poipu has expanded. Not everyone is pleased with the direction that it is headed, but I think that for a place that has been so criticized over the past several years, Kauai’s south side is handling its growing pains rather well. I would gladly suggest to anyone to stay in one of the many condos or vacation rentals in Poipu.

My family was down there for a beach day and I must say that Poipu Beach Park is very well suited for the little ones. We marveled at the large breakers being surfed just offshore, floated in the calm protected bay, and the kids goofed around on the playground for an hour.

All this, and then a perfect sunset over the vast pacific. Poipu delivered on this fine August afternoon.

When you visit Kauai, you will undoubtedly visit the North Shore. Even if you are staying on the south side at one of the big resorts, or in one of the centrally located resort, like the Kauai Beach Resort, on the east side, you will definitely make the trek up to Hanalei. The Hanalei Valley is not easily accessed, so most people view it from afar. Which, as you can see from my shots, is not such a bad way to see it.

This great scenic viewpoint really lives up to its name. If you get there on a day when there has been a little bit of rain, you will not only see the lush Hawaiian taro fields, but numerous waterfalls in the Hanalei mountains.

There is a placard at the lookout that provides some interesting information about the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge.  The are many endangered species of birds and wildlife that depend on this valuable resource.

I turned and snapped this shot of the sky while I was at the lookout. Even the sky looks better in Hanalei. There are some hikes in the valley for the more adventurous. If you want to get a closer look, you can also paddle up the Hanalei river. There are several kayak companies in Hanaeli that you can get kayaks from. Stand-up paddle boards are also becoming very popular and you often see many people getting their morning exercise but taking a little walk on the water.

I grabbed these photos on my way to work today. Just pulled over and snapped them as I was driving through Anahola on Kauai’s eastside. I was thinking about writing an article for Puu Poa and making a list of different things that people could do for cheap on Kauai.

There are some pretty spectacular places in the world, and sometimes what makes them so great is that they are understated. Kauai has peaceful and unassuming beauty. Of course you have your gorgeous beaches and picturesque sunsets, but also have wonderfully lazy trails through native bush. You can find quite coves and bays along the coastline. You can grab fresh fish at almost every restaurant and listen to local vibes on almost any night of the week.

If you pull over on the side of the road there is a good chance that a jagged mountain range will be posing for a picture, or waves will be lapping in the background. The consistent island trade winds drift with your mind and lush surroundings enhance your dreams.

I am always trying to come up with different or off-the-beaten path things people can do when they visit Kauai and I realized that just taking a photo tour could be pretty fun. Everyone always comes to do this or that activity and often get great shots of what they have done. But actually hunting for interesting or captivating photos would be a great activity. I have decided to try it myself and be more aware of the little things. Find beauty in the mundane. Capture a part of Kauai that most just drive by. Well I pulled over on a side street this morning, looked up and took these shots.

Beautiful Nihi Kai Villas is just steps away from the Poipu shoreline and a little over 300 yards from world-famous Brennecke’s Beach and Poipu Beach Park.

Photo Credit: Kauai Girl

Wailau beach rainbow, Molokai Hawaii

Photo Credit

Tunnels Beach Sunset, Kauai Hawaii

Photo Credit

Princeville Golf Course over looking Queen’s Bath, Kauai Hawaii

Photo Credit: Worldgolf.com

Diamond Head, Oahu Hawaii

Photo Credit: Aaron & Katy