There’s going to be a few times that we are all in the same place at the same time, the wedding and reception. Other than that, under the schedule tab you’ll see what Kelsy and Shane are up to, but you’re NOT obliged to join us on our ventures. You’re invited! There’s also the things to do tab, we have listed activities that we have done if you have more questions! If anything sparks your interest (even not listed) maybe we can split off into smaller groups to do activities as desired. I’d plan ahead where you can as we have seen excursion time slots book up
Reef safe sunscreen Hiking sandals- your feet will get wet if you are hiking! Snorkel- you can rent them on the island but we prefer to bring our own Reusable Water Bottle- there’s filtered refill stations around the hotel property Beach/pool towels are provided at the hotel so you can save the space packing those
You can spend peaceful days on the beaches, like Poʻipū or Lydgate, where the soft sand and calm waters make it easy to swim, watch the turtles and monk seals. For those who enjoy a light walk, the Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail along Shipwreck Beach offers gentle coastal views, sea breezes, and the chance to spot wildlife without needing strenuous effort. We saw dolphins from this trail! Scenic drives and lookouts, such as Waimea Canyon or the Hanalei Valley Overlook, give you sweeping views of the island from the car. Park and get out to look around without any crazy hikes required! Waterfalls like Wailua Falls, for instance, is easily accessible and a great spot to take in the sound of rushing water or a refreshing dip when conditions allow. If you bring your own snorkel gear, you can float peacefully among colorful fish at Anini Beach or Tunnels Beach, where the underwater quiet feels almost meditative. Sunrises and sunsets are also unforgettable on Kauai; Hanalei Bay and Kīlauea Lighthouse are especially beautiful places to simply sit, breathe, and take in the changing colors of the sky.
For those looking for excitement, Kauai has no shortage of unforgettable adventures. A helicopter tour over the island is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have — flying above the emerald cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, the sweeping reds of Waimea Canyon, and the hidden waterfalls deep in the rainforest. It’s the best way to see just how wild and untouched much of the island still is. On land, Kauai’s trails offer hikes for every level of adventure. You can tackle the world-famous Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast for rugged beauty, or choose something more moderate like the Kuilau Ridge Trail, where you’ll be rewarded with lush jungle views and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Waimea Canyon hikes, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” are also incredible — colorful ridges, sweeping valleys, and lookout points that feel otherworldly. If you’d rather add a dose of adrenaline with wheels, ATV tours take you bouncing through off-road jungle trails, past historic sugar cane plantations, and sometimes even to movie-filming locations from Jurassic Park. For water-based thrills, you can go kayaking along the Wailua River to secret waterfalls, or try out a boat or rafting tour that takes you right beneath the towering sea cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast. Snorkel tours bring a mix of adventure, especially when you’re swimming alongside sea turtles or exploring vibrant reefs.
Now, not to toot our own horn, but I would consider us Kauai experts at this point. The main reason for that is using the Kauai ultimate guide book by Andrew Doughty. There’s also an app called Revealed that has a lot of the same information in digital form and another app that is a driving tour. The driving tour is gps based and will point out amazing things you would never see otherwise in audio form right as you drive by them. Highly recommend! We’ve used his books and guides on every Hawaii trip we have been on.
The first time we went to Hawaii I packed all the wrong things. Of course it depends what you want to spend your time doing, but here’s a few things we found helpful. It’s hot, it’s humid. The temperature varies about 10 degrees from day to night, being in the high 70s or low 80s the whole trip. You probably won’t need more than a light jacket for just the plane. I know, I usually get cold too, but I always bring a few long sleeve or pant options and never wear them. Now, on the other hand a UPF sun shirt is a game changer. You can apply and reapply sunscreen all day and still burn. So, I like also wearing a layer of sun protective clothing. For the wedding ceremony, we would describe the vision as beach formal or dressy casual. A button down short or long sleeve and khakis for the guys and either a long or short dress will work well for the ladies. Just feel good and be comfortable! Neutral colors encouraged (:
We have been the Kauai twice. Shane officially asked Kelsy to be his girlfriend (even though they were very much in love at this point) in May of 2023 and proposed September 2025 on this island. We also have been to the Big Island and Maui, but the nature of the Garden Island and what it represents to us just can’t be beat.