10 reasons to put Kauai on your list

1. The island is called the garden island because it is extremely lush and green.

2. There are many beautiful hiking trails, some with beautiful waterfalls along the way.

3. The Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Need I say more. Absolutely gorgeous views from the top with many different colors of rock. You can hike down into the canyon as well as drive up to the top for a fantastic view.

4. Kauai has beautiful beaches which are not overcrowded. Kauai's north shore was where the movie Soul Surfer was filmed.

5. The South Shore which is where most of the resorts are includes some gorgeous properties like the Grand Hyatt, Marriott Waichai Resort, Sheraton Kauai Resort and Whaler's Cove Resort. All are beautiful properties but different price points. I have stayed at the Grand Hyatt and it is an absolute paradise.

6. The North Shore has the town of Princeville and is quieter and has less tourists. The Princeville Resort (formerly the St Regis Princeville) is absolutely incredible as well. I stayed there with my husband when it was the St Regis, and it is an amazing couples retreat. The hotel has its own secluded beaches with a view of gorgeous mountains and attends to every last detail to make it the perfect getaway.

7. Hanakapiai Falls is a 300 Ft. waterfall located on the Nepali Coast side of Kauai. One side of the island is only accessible by air or water because of the rugged terrain. The other side has the road that leads from the south to the north part of the island. You hike 2 miles to Hanakapiai Beach, which is beautiful but not safe for swimming. Then you hike two more miles to the waterfall. Sounds far but well worth every minute of the hike. You are able to cool off and swim in the pool beneath the waterfall. Definitely, one of the highlights of our trip there.

8. Make sure to take a helicopter ride over the island. Jurassic Park was filmed there and they point out many of the film sites. You get to see the beautiful lush green areas, the Waimea Canyon as well as the Nepali Coast. Well worth every penny.

9. The Nepali Coast is a 17 mile stretch along Kauai's north shore which has extraordinary natural beauty. The emerald hued cliffs and razor sharp ridges tower above the Pacific ocean which include waterfalls and beautiful beaches. The best way to see these are by air or sea. There are many helicopter companies as well as boat cruises. I recommend a sunset cruise. We actually did both the helicopter and boat cruise and I would recommend doing both. It is interesting to see the different perspectives from air and sea.

10. I've been on a number of sunset cruises and this one is like no other. You sail up the north shore where you very quickly come to the towering steep cliffs as high as 3000 Ft. The quietness of the sail boat, the crystal clear blue water and these amazing cliffs will provide an experience you will never forget. Our tour offered a casual dinner and drinks and great photo opportunities at sunset before the boat powers up and returns us back to the harbor. This was another one of the best parts of our trip.