Six Scenic Spots to Sip Kauai Coffee

Mountains draped in a lush green curtain of tropical forests, jagged cliffs plunging into deep blue seas, and cascading waterfalls make the island of Kauai one of the most beautiful places on planet Earth. But, more than just dramatic natural beauty, Kauai is also the island we are lucky enough to call home. It is a pleasure to share this special place and the coffee we grow here with you and your 'ohana. So, if you are planning a visit to Kauai or need a little virtual vacation right now, please enjoy this list of six scenic spots to visit and the best Kauai Coffee to pair with the view! But don't forget you travel coffee kit for coffee on the go.    

1. Hanalei Bay

Surrounded by verdant cliffs that appear to plunge dramatically into the crystal blue water below, Hanalei Bay is one of the most photographed and postcard perfect beaches on Kauai's North Shore. With two miles of pristine sandy shore and calm summer surf, Hanalei is a water lover's dream. Learn to surf on the small breaks near the Hanalei Pier or swim in the shallow water fronting the lifeguard towers in the center of the bay. The sleepy surfside town surrounding the bay is lined with local shops and eateries. For a perfect day in Hanalei, rent a paddleboard in town and take it for a spin. If you're new to paddling, head to the east side of the beach where the Hanalei River enters the bay. If the weather is dry and no heavy rain is predicted, the river is a great place to find your balance. Once you have the hang of it, try padding in the bay for gorgeous views of Hihimanu, Namolokama, and Mamalahoa peaks. Don't forget to pack a refreshing iced coffee to enjoy after your day on the water! A perfectly prepared Kauai Coffee Cold Brew should do the trick!

2. Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is a dramatic and inspiring double waterfall located just outside of Lihue. The viewing area is easily accessible by car, so no hiking is required to take in this stunning natural water feature. Wailua Falls cascades over an 85-foot cliff into an emerald pool, and onlookers are often treated to a rainbow as morning sunlight catches the mist coming off the falls. If Wailua Falls looks familiar to you, that may be because it was featured in the opening credits of the long-running 1970s TV show Fantasy Island. For a taste of paradise, follow the signs for Wailua Falls on Maalo Road/Highway 583 north of Lihue until you reach the parking spaces at the top of the falls viewing area. Enjoy this scenic spot while sipping a hot cup of Estate Reserve Kauai Blue Mountain or Red Catuai.

3. Poipu Beach Park

Poipu Beach is one of the best beaches in the country. Don't take just our word for it; the Travel Channel has called it one of the world's best beaches as well. Poipu Beach has something for everyone. Well-known for its interesting double-crescent bays and stunning views, beachgoers of all ages will enjoy playing in the shallow pools, snorkeling the rocky reefs, and surfing the waves, which are perfect for beginners in the fall and winter months when the surf is low on the South Shore. To really take in the breathtaking beauty of Poipu Beach, brew a cup of Kauai Coffee Estate Reserve Poipu Estate Espresso Roast and head to the park to watch the sunrise. You're likely to see fewer people but lots of Kauai's animal inhabitants, including green sea turtles and resting monk seals. If you head out for a dawn patrol swim or surf, keep an eye out for colorful fish, octopus, and eels near the reef.

4. Kauai Coffee Visitor Center Lanai

Call us biased, but no trip to Kauai is complete without a stop at the Kauai Coffee Visitor Center. First, enjoy a free, self-guided walking tour of the grounds to learn how our 100% Hawaiian coffee is grown, roasted, and packaged at our estate. Then, sample our coffees, see our roasters in action and relax on the shady and comfortable ocean-view lanai. Ready for more? Schedule a guided Coffee on the Brain Tour to soak up even more coffee knowledge with one of our friendly guides and pick up souvenirs for friends and family in our gift shop. Once your gift bags are packed, stop by the cafe window for a delicious, blended coffee made with our island-grown beans. You can't get coffee fresher than this!

5. Waimea Canyon

Playfully dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is a geological wonder you must see while visiting the Garden Island. Canyon lookouts located along Highway 550 offer panoramic views of Kauai's rugged red terrain, deep green valleys, and breathtaking waterfalls. Don't miss the Waipo'o Falls, which plunges more than 800 feet to the riverbed below. For an exhilarating day trip, head up the canyon highway just after breakfast and pack a thermos of Estate Reserve Mundo Novo to enjoy along the way. This rousing coffee has crisp, bold, and woody undertones, and a flavor as expansive as the vistas you'll enjoy all day. Pack hiking shoes, water, and snacks if you plan to enjoy one of the many hiking trails accessible within Kokee State Park. Follow all posted signage, trail markers, and warnings to have a safe and exciting day.

6. Polihale

At Polihale State Park, you'll find an 11-mile stretch of pristine beach and one of the westernmost coastlines in the United States. Polihale is also sacred ground and has a strong presence in many Hawaiian stories. The word Polihale roughly translates to house of spirits, gods, or the underworld, and caves and valleys in the area offer evidence of early Hawaiian habitats. The journey to Polihale is not easy, and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required. The entrance to the park is located at the end of an old cane haul road that can be very rutted and hard to traverse. To make a day trip of your visit, pack a picnic with plenty of iced coffee, water, snacks, and sun protection. Only swim in safe areas such as Queen's Pond at the park's south end, and respect all posted signage and county regulations. Finally, stay for sunset and enjoy sipping an iced Kauai Coffee Polihale Sunset as the Hawaiian sky bursts into flaming color. It's as close to heaven as it gets. If you can't plan a visit right now, sipping Kauai Coffee is an easy way to bring a little bit of paradise to wherever you are. Shop online for all of our Estate Reserve and 100% Kauai Coffee options. Stock up and save! Buy any five coffees and get one free!