Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii

Grand Princess Roundtrip San Pedro 16-Night to Hawaii

March 5, 2025, Nawiliwili, Kauai

Kauai has to be my favorite island in Hawaii! After spending a port day here, this island gave me the feeling that it is a well-planned, nicely developed island, very much like a huge resort with everything in it.

To pick up our rental car at this port, we went on shore as early as we could to find the shuttle that would take us to the rental car place at the airport. There was no sign or anything to show where the shuttle stop would be. After asking the security guard by the gate, he told us where to wait as we were the first ones there. Soon enough a long line was formed behind us as we waited for the pick up. The small bus soon arrived but stopped at a spot a few feet from where we were standing. Fortunately, everyone behind us respected our places in line and let us on first instead of rushing onto the bus. We needed to show our reservations to get on the bus which was fine. After about 10-15 minutes, we arrived at the Lihue airport car rental and picked up our car for the day.

When we travel on port days, we like to go to the furthest sight first and work our way back to port. In case we run out of time, we could get back to the ship easier and faster. On this day, our first stop would be Waimea Canyon State Park near the west side of the island. It was an easy drive with well-paved highways and nice sceneries. Since we started early, traffic was minimal as we drove up to the park.

After parking, we were instructed to pay for parking and entrance fees for each person using the machine there. I believe it was $5 per person and then $10 parking for the day.

"Grand Canyon of the Pacific"

Absolutely gorgeous!

Accessible walkway to the overlook.

Parking lot at the park. 

Funny thing was my memories of this park were the chickens that ran around the parking lot when we were here about 15 years ago. The chickens are still there just not that many.

After about an hour or so, we drove back down to the town of Waimea.

What else but to have some shave ice?!

We had to wait for them to open at 11:00, we were a few minutes early.

What a treat!

After enjoying the delicious shave ice (with ice cream underneath), we drove about 10 minutes to the town of Hanapepe, to see the swinging bridge.

Walkway to the swinging bridge.

Apparently, there's a lot of history in this little town other than the swinging bridge, including the Hanapepe Massacre that occurred in 1924 of an armed labor dispute involving sugar workers.

The many plantation style buildings on main street made this a popular filming location including The Thorn Birds, Flight of the Intruder, and others. It is also the inspiration for Kokaua Town, which is the fictional hometown of Disney's Lilo & Stitch. Many visitors and Disney fans come here just for this reason.

On the swinging bridge.

Such a beautiful town!

Not far from Hanapepe, there is a Glass Beach that we thought would be interesting. It turned out that there's nothing special about this place. It was difficulty to get to for one thing and there was not enough parking. It is hidden in an industrial area and we felt that it was a waste of time. There seemed to be some homeless set up their camps there too.

Our final destination for the day was Poipu Beach. What a beautiful beach this is! But, first thing first, we need to get the Puka Dogs that was recommended by Anthony Bourdain. Parking was easy here right across from the beach near the Puka Dog place.

Here we are!

but look at this long line outside, all the way to the back of the building. Well, we just had to get some...

after the long wait in line, we were finally inside the store and we could see the workers getting the dogs ready.

finally got to enjoy our Puka Dogs, not cheap, it think it was like close to $12 each, but I guess we just had to do it! What's special about these dogs were they hollowed the buns and then put the sausage and the special sauce that you picked inside. The tropical sauce that we had made it a delicious treat. Just having a nice picnic at the beach under the covered picnic tables with a view of the ocean can't be beat!

And what else do we need more other than these sea turtles resting at the shore.

We felt that we had done a lot on this day and by then, it was time to get back to the ship. We dropped our family off at the strip mall that is walking distance from the port and we returned our rental car back at Lihue Airport. We were able to catch the last shuttle back to the terminal, enough time before the all-aboard time.

Here are pictures of our dinner at the main dining room that evening. What a nice ending to a day at this beautiful port in Kauai. Tomorrow will be our last port in Hawaii on this cruise. Please stay tuned.

For video of this day please click here.

"Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure."

I Timothy 5:22