Of the three Hawaiian islands I have been to, Kauai quickly became my favorite. There is just something so magical about the island. It's unrivaled beauty, stretching along the coast. It's laid back, less touristy feel. I was only there for 3 days, but I could have been there a lifetime. 

NORTH SHORE: the North Shore of Kauai has the Na' Pali Coast and is considered the more lush, rainforest geography. It is also my favorite part of the island and when I return, I will make my entire stay on this side of the island. 

Na' Pali Coast: the trail is 11 miles long and except for the first 2 miles, requires a permit. If you are looking for a one day hike, then the hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach and Falls, is a good 8-10 mile roundtrip. Drive to the end of Route 560 where Ke'e Beach (another gorgeous North Shore beach). From there, you can pick up the Kalalau Trail. Make sure you start early in the morning to get the most of the day, but also to beat as much of the crowd as possible. We started the hike at 7am and by the end, we were glad to have avoided many of the afternoon crowds that formed.

Two miles will get you to Hanakapi'ai Beach. Don't stop just yet. Continue inwards to Hanakapi'ai Falls. The two extra miles to the waterfall will include stream crossings, boulder climbing, and unavoidable mud, but it is all worth it when you finally set your eyes on the cascading waterfall. 

As you make your way back, the trail will be a little easier returning to the beach where you can nap, enjoy the views, and rest from your hike to the waterfall. Another 2 miles will return you to Ke'e Beach. You will now be deserving of a well earned meal. Make sure to wear your hiking shoes and pack all essentials: water, sunscreen, snacks, towel, hat and anything else you may need. There is nothing to buy on the trail so anything you forget, you will have to hope to go without for the few hours you are hiking. 

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The Queen's Bath: located in Princeville, the Queen's Bath is a natural tide pool located on lava rocks that people can swim in during lowtide in the summer season. Parking can be hectic and jammed, so it is best if you can find a way to walk. Whether you walk or park, it is a 10 minute hike down to the lava rocks. Many blogs say you don't need hiking shoes and it can be done in flip flops. My friend and I chose to put on our hiking shoes and we were grateful. Those wearing flip flops or just sandals, struggled on the slippery rocks and trail. Please make sure to take caution with the Queen's Bath. There have been cases of swimmers getting swept out to sea and drowning. Take the precautions and only swim during appropriate times. 

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Hanalei: at first look, the town of Hanalei is a sleepy little surfer's town. But it is filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars that make this a happening little place. It also is where I had some of the best food on the island. 

Bar Acuda: this restaurant was named one of the best in the state of Hawaii, and for good reason. The chef puts out innovative small plates in his 'urban chic' eatery. Make sure you order the local North Shore honeycomb with Humboldt Fog goat cheese and crisp Fuji apple. You won't regret it. 

The Dolphin Restaurant: it's a restaurant, fish market and sushi lounge. Go for dinner (to get the full sushi lounge menu) and have some of the best sushi on the island. I still dream of the Poipu Roll made with spicy hamachi, shiso leaf, tempura asparagus topped with chef's choice of local fish and truffle oil ponzu. 

Village Snack Shop & Bakery: a little diner where you can find locals watching the morning news. Had delicious banana and macadamia-nut pancakes with a side of a slice of coconut cream pie. 

Banandi: we just wanted some coffee before we headed out to hike the Na' Pali Coast. This place was one of the few places open so early in the morning so we stopped in. Turned out, they make some of the best lattes I've ever had. We ended up going back here each morning. 

Hanalei Bay Pizzeria: this place serves 'Kauai-style pizza with a fresh, local flare.' 

Trucking Delicious: the food truck is next to two other food trucks, and any of them are good options for some lunch. 

Hanalei Beach: on our last morning, we wanted to get some pancakes, coffee and then head to a nearby beach. We hadn't been to Hanalei Beach and we didn't think much of it. However, it was at this beach that we really realized the magic of Kauai. With the sun sending sparkles on the calm turquoise water, the silky soft sand beneath us, we looked up at the hill tops of the North Shore, with visible waterfalls cascading down, a rainbow arching over, puffy white clouds slowly meandering by, and we fell in love with this island. 

St. Regis Princeville Resort: the resort has beautiful views of Hanalei Bay and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Even if you aren't staying at the resort, head over for (an expensive) sunset cocktail. 

Banana Joe's Fruit Shack: heading back towards Lihue is a roadside shack serving fresh fruit, homemade food items, and delicious smoothies. Get the banana pineapple combo frostie. It is a frostie made completely from banana and pineapple. 

Poipu Beach: one of the many beautiful beaches Kauai has to offer. 

Puka Dog: for an easy lunch snack, stop at Puka Dog for a Hawaiian style hot dog. Even if you don't like hot dogs, I recommend you at least split one with a friend or family member. 

Little Fish Coffee Shop Kauai: if you are staying at the Sheraton, Marriott or one of the resorts down on Poipu Beach, a great place to get breakfast in the morning is Little Fish Coffee Shop. Get yourself coffee, acai bowls, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches. 

Kalaheo Café & Coffee Company: for a good breakfast, stop at this cafe along Rt 50. Their house made cinnamon bread french toast is worth all the carbs! 

The Fresh Shave: for creative flavor combinations and delicious Hawaiian shaved ice, stop at The Fresh Shave. 

Warehouse 3540: the warehouse that becomes a farmers and artisan crafts market on weekends, was a pleasant little surprised. The Fresh Shave along with a few other delicious food trucks are located outside of the warehouse. 

Kauai Coffee Company: the largest coffee farm in the U.S., the Kauai Coffee Company offers tours and tastings at its estate on the South Shore of Kauai. 

Waimea Canyon: located on the south western side of Kauai, the canyon has colorful and spectacular views. You can drive up to the outlook point. 

Many people who go to Hawaii, travel there for the pristine beaches of Maui and Kauai, the surfing at Waikiki Beach, or the hiking on the Big Island. Few think of stopping in this Polynesian state's capital to experience its food. A perfect fusion of Polynesian and international flavors, Honolulu offers visitors a variety of tasty food options. Here are just a few must stop places on your next visit! 

My first night in Honolulu, we went over to the Hula Grill Waikiki, located oceanfront at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. We were told that beachside Mai Tai's were the perfect welcome drink but we didn't realize the food was going to be so good as well. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. The Mai Tai's were just as delicious but the best item we ordered was the famous Hula Pie: a pie made of a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, topped with toasted macadamia nuts and whipped cream. 

Hawaiian cuisine is a melting pot of local and imported flavors. One of the Portuguese contribution was the mouth watering doughy sweet fried malasada, a holeless donut filled with different flavored custards. They may be diet breakers, but they're worth it. The most famous malasadas are sold at Leonard's Bakery, who has been baking these delicious treats since 1953. Forget the diet, and get a dozen in order to try all twelve flavors. 

Turning locally grown bananas and other island grown ingredients into dairy-free soft serve ice cream, Banan Bowls offer a fresh, cool treat for a warm Hawaiian afternoon. I promise you won't notice that you aren't eating actual ice cream. And you definitely will want to return for more. 

The Pig and the Lady may be one of Honolulu's best restaurants. Located in Chinatown and offering Vietnamese classics like banh mi and pho, The Pig and the Lady is a definite must go for your dining experience. Make reservations far in advance. Snagging a table at this hot spot doesn't come easy if at last minute. 

Whenever I think of breakfast in Hawaii, I always think of macadamia banana pancakes. I am not one to eat pancakes on the mainland, but in Hawaii, I crave the Hawaiian style pancakes. And there are many places for them! Hula Grill, Eggs 'n Things, LuLu's Waikiki are good spots for the traditional banana mac pancakes. Head to Koko Head Cafe, Koa Cafe or Egghead Cafe for an Asian twist on traditional brunch items such as kimchi pancake cheddar scones, green tea azuki pancakes or Korean fried chicken and waffles. 

Once you have gotten your fill of acai bowls, try a papaya bowl at Coffee Shop 831. The bowl is made of half a papaya filled with tapioca, bananas, kiwis and strawberries.

One thing you must get while you are in Hawaii, is poke. As it gains popularity on the Mainland, the best place to get fresh, delicious poke is still in its origins of Hawaii. A raw fish salad usually made up of ahi tuna that has been marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil and topped with green onions, dried seaweed, and Maui onions. Other forms include octopus, salmon, and other types of fish, but ahi tuna is the best and doesn't taste better than in Hawaii. 

Poke can be found on many menus and even in gas stations. My favorite place for poke is the Da Hawaiian Poke Company. 

Sky Waikiki Bar sits on the top floor and offers beautiful views of the water. Go for drinks during sunset for the best views. 

Up along the North Shore, there are several locations to stop and enjoy the food trucks. The famous Giovanni's Shrimp truck is located in two different spots along Kamehameha Highway. They are famous for their shrimp but the jumbo garlic hot dog is just as equally worth the purchase.