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.

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.

Kealia Beach on Kauai's east side

Kealia river mouth

The reef that protects much of the shoreline behind many of the east side resorts and vacation rentals, like the Waipouli Beach Resort, Kauai Sands Hotel, or The Islander on the Beach , creates great swimming spots for kids and great snorkeling for all. While there is no shortage of things to do on Kauai, the beaches of the east side are often overlooked. It is true that the prevailing NE trade winds often make for choppy conditions around the east side, but there are ways to enjoy the eastern exposures other than swimming in the rough open seas. The new bike path in Kapaa makes for a very scenic exercise experience or leisure stroll along the coast and beaches.

Luxurious Poipu Kai Resort, Kauai Hawaii

Photo Credit: The Parrish Collection

Hawaii Helicopter tour over Napali Coast, Kauai

Photo Credit: Safari Helicopters

Tunnels Beach Sunset, Kauai Hawaii

Photo Credit

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

Photo Credit: Worldgolf.com

Hanalei Bay, Kauai Hawaii.

Photo Credit: Patrick Smith