Kaua’i babymoon guide
Everything you need to know about creating an epic babymoon trip to Kaua’i
by Sandy Swift Photography
Aloha mama-to-be!
As a local photographer my life revolves around helping visitors plan their time making memories here on Kaua’i and because maternity sessions have my heart I love sharing all the best that the island has to offer so that your babymoon is just as relaxing, scenic, fun, safe and delicious as you deserve it to be.
You deserve this time away together, without a care in the world before you go from a happy couple to a happy little ohana!
Here’s to an easy breezy getaway and to making absolutely amazing memories.
Kick back
And relax baby!
Your babymoon is a great time to take be selective on how you spend your energy instead of planning a go go go trip like I always tend to do – let’s send you home refreshed versus exhausted like I am after every vacation I take, lol!
Let’s focus on the most important things to do while on a Kaua’i babmoon –
Maternity Photoshoot!
It’s the ultimate way to spoil yourself and what an epic backdrop for the photos of a lifetime… I can totally help with this part 😉
Stay somewhere convenient and gorgeous
I personally feel the most relaxed somewhere beautiful and being near the part of the island that you are most drawn to makes for a more relaxed time… read on for my recommendations for accommodations.
ono grindz – aka yummy foods
I want you to savor every bite of these leisurely meals that you get to focus on yourself 100% before you have someone else to feed first so I have allllll the suggestions for your meals.
Get your mermaid on
Salt water is pure therapy for the soul and one of the greatest parts of a Kaua’i getaway, I’ll share the calmer, more relaxed spots to get your sea soaking time in
Where To Stay
-Be sure to book early, and consider the drive to the sites and activities most important to you.
Most Gorgeous Grounds
- Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Koloa Landing
- Timbers Kauai
Best Views
- Hanalei Bay Resort
- 1HanaleiBay
Best Pools
- Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Koloa Landing
- Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort
And remember, this is the last time you two will be alone together for a while so don’t be afraid to splurge a little bit – you deserve it!
When you feel like eating for two…
local kine lunches
Koloa Fish Market
Da Crack
Tiki Tacos
Fish Express
Leongs Roadhouse
Red Eye
Hamura Saimin
sweet treats
Holy Grail – gourmet taro donuts in the most creative and epic flavors!
Malasada – a Portuguese round donut like creation that is so ono (yummy!)
Passion Bakery
VIP Sweet Treats
Island Craves
healthy eating
Anake’s Juice Bar
Nourish Hanalei
Kaua’i Juice Co
Mandala Living Foods
The Granola House
Shave ice
Not all shave ice is created equal! The ones made with real fruit are the only way to go 🙂
Wailua Shave Ice
Wishing Well
The Swell
Waikomo
farm markets
MON – Kukui Grove
TUE – Coconut mkp & Waipa
WED – Kapaa beach park
THUR – Coconut Mkp & Waimea
FRI – Anahola
SAT – Puhi Park, Anaina Hau, Hanalei
Getting Around
I highly recommend booking a rental car 🙂
Book Early
We have experienced some rental car shortages and finding and affordable car can be a challenge if you wait.
Kaua’i is a small island but having a car ensures you can explore the island and really take it all in.
If you cannot find a car or don’t want the hassle of driving know that we are pretty limited in our public transportation options here.
The best accomodations if you are without a rental car would be in Kapaa or Poipu so you can walk to restaurants and shopping.
Turo is a great option for local residents renting their cars out.
Salt Water Therapy
Safer Swimming Options
Some of the spots with the most gorgeous views have the roughest water and Kaua’i is notorious for rough currents and conditions can change rapidly so lifeguarded beaches are always the best bet.
Poipu Beach Park
– LIFE GUARDED – partially lava rock protected and shallower this can be a great spot to get in the water and so close to sunny Poipu’s shopping and restaurants.
Salt Pond
– LIFE GUARDED – Partially protected and shallower this is the perfect spot to cool off after a drive to Waimea Canyon.
lydgate
– LIFE GUARDED – Shallower pools protected by lava seawalls make this a calmer spot to swim.
Anini
Anini is fringed by a long reef and shallow and can often be calm and is widely recommended as a safe swimming and snorkeling spot and it can be, but there are no lifeguards and the conditions can be unpredictable so never assume safety, always use caution and evaluate carefully.
Hanalei bay
– LIFE GUARDED IN SOME AREAS – generally the water is calmer near the pier but that area does not have a lifeguard. It is shallow and sandy bottom though.
Haena
– LIFE GUARDED – This spot has gorgeous scenery and the water can be nice in the summertime and absolutely wild in the winter so swimming here is very condition based.
The most stunning views
Without a lot of effort
so you can be in awe and relax
Here are some of the best views on the island without strenuous hiking to enjoy them!
WAIMEA CANYON
– This is a must see drive and all the best views are just a short walk. I suggest driving all the way to the end of the road to see the last two lookouts with Na Pali views and then hit the canyon views on the way down. If it’s cloudy or foggy wait a bit, it often gives you a view if you are patient 🙂
WAILUA and OPAEKAA FALLS
– Both of these falls are seen from viewpoints, no hiking needed.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
– We have 3 on island and they are all beautiful and unique – McBryde / Allerton in Poipu, Na Aina Kai in Kilauea and Limahuli in Haena. Limahuli is the smallest but it’s my personal fave 🙂
HANALIE PIER
– The bay is an absolutely stunning mountain wrapped 2 miles of gorgeousness, a gem among the epic scenery that is the North shore
Pamper yourself
spa day in paradise
01
HANALEI DAY SPA – beach side massage and body wraps with options for hot stone and even 4 hands massage
02
BAMFORD SPA – upscale atmosphere and a variety of services and wellness rituals offered
03
SPA BY THE SEA – beach side massage option along with body scrubs and wraps and a vichy shower
04
ALEXANDER DAY SPA – beach side cabana massage and a variety of facials and pedicure options
05
ANARA SPA – absolutely gorgeous atmosphere and full service spa
Shopping
all the cutest tropical looks
Hanalei
A walk around Hanalei’s shops is a must
Some of my fave North shore shops are Slow Yourself Down, Hanalei Surf Co and Backdoor Surf Shop
Kapaa
There are tons of cute shops and they are an easy to walk to
I love Mahina, Work It Out, Atelier, Born Hawaii, and Beachside Boutique
Popui
The Shops at Kukuiula are a beautiful stroll with plenty of food options too
My best bets are Poipu Surf, Deja Vu, Mahina, Salt & Sea, Man, Maile and Nukumoi Surf down the road across from Brenneke’s beach
swimsuits
My friend makes custom handmade on Kaua’i bathing suits and the are soooo cute!
Photoshoot Gowns
This one you don’t hve to worry about at all because I totally have you covered!
kaua’i pregnancy artwork
I’m here to create something epic for you
@sandyswiftphotography
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Sandy Swift Photography – Kaua’i Wedding / Elopement Photographer. The perfect combination of epic scenery and epic moments on Kaua’i Hawai’i – capturing intimate, fun and landscape driven small weddings, elopements, vow renewals, couples and maternity sessions.
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