After a long Alaskan winter and a busy Iditarod season, our little family packed up and headed to the sunshine for a much-needed break. Travis, Elias, and I met up with some of Travis’ family in beautiful Kauai for a relaxing vacation filled with sun, sand, and quality time together.
This is our second time visiting Kauai, and the island continues to charm us with its laid-back vibe and wild beauty. One of the most amusing and distinctly “Kauai” things? The chickens! They roam everywhere, and it still makes us smile every time we spot them strutting around.
We’re staying in Poipu, just a short walk from the beach, which makes spontaneous swims and sunset walks especially easy and enjoyable. The beaches here are breathtaking, and we’ve even spotted sea turtles while exploring the coastline—such a special treat.
One of our highlights was hiking the Waipoo Falls Trail in Waimea Canyon. The canyon itself is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and it’s easy to see why. The views are stunning, and it was a great way to stretch our legs and soak in the scenery.
Back at our Airbnb, we’ve been savoring the simple pleasures: family dinners, card games, and sunset walks. Elias has especially loved digging in the sand, while Travis has been catching waves boogie boarding. I’ve been enjoying the chance to swim in the ocean and sneak in a few pages of reading between beach time and toddler wrangling.
One of the most unique experiences of the trip was mountain tubing—essentially a laid-back float through old irrigation canals. You drift through jungle scenery and even through dark caves with headlamps. It was both relaxing and just the right amount of adventurous.
This trip has been the perfect way to reset—soaking up the sunshine, spending time with loved ones, and simply being present. As we gear up for the busy summer season, I’m grateful for this little pause and all the memories we’ve made together.
