Katherine & Johnny
Katherine & Johnny
Things to Do
What to Do?
Wednesday August 26: We will be enjoying a 'Star Dinner Sunset Sail' with Captain Andy's. Should you wish to join, please call them and let them know you'd like to be with the Whichard wedding group. (808) 335-6833 The cost is $566 for two people.
Please be aware that many of Kauai's beaches, particularly on the north shore (opposite of where the wedding is), can be dangerous for swimming. Many beaches do not have lifeguards and rip tides can surprise you. Please be extra careful when swimming and exploring around the island.
Pro Tip: if the locals aren't swimming past where they can touch, you shouldn't be either.
We recommend wearing 'water shoes' if you plan on exploring tide pools or swimming (you do NOT want to step on coral or an urchin)! If you plan on snorkeling or swimming beyond where your feet can touch the bottom, please wear fins and/or bring a floatation device (pool noodle/surfboard/boogieboard/raft).
If you've never flown to Hawaii before (and even if you have), be prepared to fill out a Department of Agriculture form on your flight and for an extra screening of your luggage.
In addition to the world-class swimming and snorkeling on the south shore of Kauai (Poipu & Kiahuna Beach), we recommend the following activities!
Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea Canyon is an incredible place to hike and explore. The Grand Canyon of the Pacific Ocean.
Na Pali Coast Hanalei Tours
Incredible and unforgettable boat tours of the Na Pali Coast.
Try the Holo Holo, Blue Dolphin, or Captain Andy's.
Kōloa Rum Company Store & Tasting Room
Try locally made Koloa rum.
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Tube down a river!
Helicopter Tours
Helicopter Tours are offered by Blue Hawaiian or Jack Harter.
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
Available Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Dirt-road access, be careful with your car. Incredible hikes, views, and places to swim!
Shipwreck Beach & Trail
Directly behind the Hyatt resort in Poipu, the trail heads east and provides spectacular views.
Haena State Park / Tunnels Beach
1 Day Trip to North Shore: Be careful swimming at North Shore beaches as there can be surprise currents and no lifeguards.
Hanalei Bay
1 Day Trip to the North Shore: A beautiful beach and town with incredible fresh-fish restaurants and local culture. One of the best beginner-surfer beaches we know of. This is also where we got engaged in December 2025!
Anini Beach
1 Day Trip to the North Shore: Anini Beach is one of the best places to begin snorkeling. Sea turtles frequent the beach! Just be careful not to stand on the coral!
Kilauea Lighthouse
1 Day Trip to the North Shore: You'll need a reservation online to tour the awesome Kilauea Lighthouse. In the winter months, you can see 30-40 foot swells slam into the cliffs here!
Kauaʻi Coffee Company
Self-guided and complimentary walking tours offered daily. Walking tour signs identify the five different coffee varietals, as well as the entire coffee process from initial blossoming, through harvesting and processing, to the final roasting. No need to sign-up.
The Visitor Center is one of the few places in the world where you can taste an entire line of 100% Hawaiian, estate-grown coffees. Every coffee bean is grown and roasted right there. No foreign or imported beans are ever used, giving the Hawaiian coffees a truly unique flavor and an unmatched character.
From the soft, fruity Kauai Blue Mountain to intense, chocolaty, dark-roasted Peaberry, they have an exceptional range of coffees. They offer flavored coffees, including Coconut Caramel, Vanilla and Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Hazelnut and Toasty Banana Nut Cream. Tasting coffee varieties is free and deliciously satisfying.
National Tropical Botanical Garden South Shore
Tuesdays - Saturdays
Adults – $70
Children (2-12) – $35
Children (1 and under) – Free
Experience the highlights of both Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden! Expert guides will take you through the exquisite “rooms” and famous Morten Bay figs of Allerton Garden, named one of ’50 Places of a Lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveler. Then, embark to McBryde Garden where biocultural conservation and critical plant research is growing right before your eyes!
Allerton & McBryde Gardens
Near the Botanical Garden; both the Allerton and McBryde Gardens offer tours (including a 2-in-1 package).