10 Things to Do in Kauai in December

Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is a dream Christmas destination. In December, the weather is mild and sunny, with temperatures usually hovering around 20 degrees Celsius. The leaves on the trees are bright green and the flowers are in full bloom - doesn't that sound like the perfect atmosphere to say goodbye to the year?

On Kauai, this is a great time to enjoy the beaches, hike, visit the area's cultural attractions and be part of the Hawaiian Christmas celebration.

Waimea Canyon is a must-see for anyone visiting Kauai. Why? It's the deepest canyon in the United States, reaching a depth of 1,600 metres, and can be explored by car, foot or bicycle.

In December, the canyon is an especially spectacular site. Because the weather at this time of year is mild and sunny, the leaves on the trees are bright green and the flowers fill the landscape with colour. It's breathtaking!

One of the best ways to tour the canyon is by car. There are several viewpoints along the way that offer spectacular views, so you can easily drive from one to another. If you want to spend more time touring the canyon, you can also hike or bike the same trails. The most popular trail is the Waimea Canyon Trail, which is 11 kilometres long and runs to the top of the canyon. If you choose to cycle, there is a bike path that runs through the canyon. It is about 24 kilometres long and has incredible views of the canyon walls.

A good option that will also allow you to cruise the Wailua River is to take a Kauai shore excursion with a cruise on the Wailua River, which runs through Waimea Canyon. You'll love it!

However, I will recommend a few things to make the canyon experience as enjoyable and prepared as possible:

• You will most likely have to walk, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Bring a backpack with water and snacks, as there are not many shops or restaurants in the canyon.
• If you're hiking or biking, bring sunscreen and a hat.

The Na Pali Coast is a gem of Kauai, and December is the perfect time to explore it. It has beautiful limestone cliffs and white sand beaches that are even more dazzling in December, when the warm weather provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

The mild temperatures and low chance of rain make this month the best time to embark on a sightseeing cruise, kayak or hike trails that offer spectacular views of the island. In fact, I recommend booking a rafting and snorkelling adventure on Kauai to make the most of the island's water sports.

If you decide to visit the Na Pali Coast at this time of year, I recommend booking your activity in advance, if you've decided on a specific activity. Also, to adapt to the weather, I advise you to bring comfortable clothes, sun protection, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself. In particular, if you are kayaking, bring a life jacket and mosquito repellent.

There's one magical place on Kauai you won't want to miss: the Limahuli Botanical Garden. This corner of the island's north shore is transformed into a paradise in this month, when it reaches its natural splendour.

When you stroll through this botanical garden, you're immersed in a wonder of nature. The bamboo forests and rainforests become a breathtaking backdrop as the tropical plants are in full bloom, painting the garden in vibrant colours. It's quite a sight!

There are several trails you can walk along, ranging from easy to more challenging, but all of them take you through stunning scenery. You can walk while enjoying panoramic views of the Hanalei Valley and the nearby mountains - don't forget to take pictures of the views!

In addition, the garden is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Orchids, bromeliads and ferns are just some of the plants on display in December. In addition, you can spot tropical birds, monkeys, spiders and butterflies. Bird watching is especially exciting, with the possibility of seeing parrots, Hawaiian honeycreepers and Kauai hummingbirds.

To plan your day of exploration, note that the garden is open every day of the year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. So plan your visit to these botanical gardens to be captivated by their beauty!

If you want a pure adventure experience on Kauai, December is the perfect month to hike Nounou's trails. With warm temperatures and very little rainfall, hiking conditions are optimal - imagine hiking in such balmy weather with breathtaking views!

Nounou's trails traverse the majestic Sleeping Giant mountain range, offering spectacular panoramas of the island. From cliffs on the Na Pali Coast to the breathtaking Waimea Canyon and the Pacific Ocean itself, every step gives you an unforgettable view.

So which trails are best to hike? One of the most popular is the Nounou Ridge Trail, which is 5.4 kilometres long and moderately difficult. From here, you'll enjoy panoramic views that take in the Na Pali Coast and the majestic Waimea Canyon. Another option is the Nounou Mountain Trail, which is 10.8 kilometres long and also moderately difficult, but with equally spectacular views.

If you decide to venture out in December, make sure you're prepared. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as water and snacks to keep you energised. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the tropical sun. Also, I recommend starting your hiking trip early in the morning to avoid the crowds and midday heat.

If I have to recommend a town on the island of Kauai, Hanalei is a must-see destination, especially in December!

Imagine a picturesque spot on the north shore of Kauai, with a stunning bay, surrounded by palm trees and majestic mountains. What can you do there? Practically everything! Swim, dive or snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Fishing, surfing and kayaking are also very popular, by the way! If you want to kayak in Kauai, I recommend you to do it in the Secret falls, it's amazing!

But Hanalei is not only limited to its bay. This town has a special charm thanks to its shops, restaurants and art galleries. Do you like to buy souvenirs or try the delicious Hawaiian cuisine? You're in the right place! Plus, you can soak up the local music and culture.

Also, if you visit in December, Hanalei gets festive with events such as the Hanalei Arts Festival and the Hanalei Arts and Crafts Festival.

So that you can better organise what a day in Hanalei would be like, here's what you can do:

• Stroll along the bay: You can spend some time strolling along the promenade, you can even do it by bike if you rent one!
• Discover the Hanalei Farmers Market: Every Saturday, this market is filled with fresh produce, flowers and handicrafts.
• Hike the Hanalei Valley Trail: A walk here will give you spectacular views of the bay and mountains.
• Enjoy a show at the Hanalei Theatre: From theatre and music to dance and martial arts.

I mentioned it when I told you about Hanalei, but it's the perfect place if you want to do some water sports during your trip!

Imagine warm, crystal clear waters with exceptional visibility. The bay is teeming with marine life, from colourful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles, rays and even dolphins.

Plus, in December you can witness the unique spectacle of green sea turtles coming into the bay to lay their eggs - a magical experience you'll remember forever!

Wondering how to experience this adventure? Don't worry, there are several companies offering exciting snorkelling and diving excursions in Hanalei Bay. These tours usually include all the necessary equipment and transportation, and the experienced guides will take you to the best spots to discover the fascinating marine life.

I'll give you some tips on how to go to Hanalei Bay prepared. Of course, wear appropriate clothing and sun protection, follow the instructions of the instructors who will help you practice the sport of your choice, and if you choose to dive, you will need a valid diving certification.

That said, get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of this magical bay!

If you're a lover of fine cuisine, Kauai awaits you with an irresistible mix of Hawaiian, American and Asian flavours. In this corner of paradise, December is the perfect time to immerse yourself in authentic Hawaiian cuisine - have you heard of poke? It's a delicacy based on diced raw fish, a fresh and delicious explosion that you have to try. Or try the laulau, a feast of meat wrapped in taro leaves, or enjoy the irresistible kalua pork, a pork slow-cooked in an earth oven.

Are you more into exploring international flavours? If so, Kauai is home to a variety of restaurants serving dishes from around the world, and interestingly, in December many of them feature special seasonal menus incorporating the island's freshest ingredients. To make the right choice on how to enjoy the experience, I recommend booking a food tour of Kauai- you're sure to get it right!

In addition to sampling the dishes I've recommended, I think you'll also find it interesting to explore **Kauai'**s farmers' markets, which have some special events in December that will give you the opportunity to sample seasonal produce. Mahalo for a taste of life on Kauai!

As the island's bustling capital, this quaint town combines local charm with an infectious energy, which is why its atmosphere in December is unique!

Kappa is the perfect setting to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the rain. Kapaa is also known as a shopping paradise, and December is no exception. From fashion boutiques to souvenir shops, the town has something for everyone - don't miss the charming shopping centres such as Kapaa Town Center and Kukui'ula Village!

If you are a foodie, you are in luck, because Kapaa offers a delicious variety of cuisine from all over the world. I especially recommend the street food stalls that await you with traditional flavours. In fact, Kapaa Farmers' Market Day is held every Saturday.

And if you want to enjoy the beach, Kapaa Beach and Poipu Beach are close by, as well as hiking trails that start from the town itself, such as the one that leads to the majestic Wailua Waterfall, you'll have plenty of options to connect with nature.

This is probably one of the reasons you've travelled to Kauai. Discover the magic of film and the beauty of the island on a fascinating 6-7 hour bus tour of movie locations. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery and explore the locations of iconic films such as Blue Hawaii, Jurassic Park and Lilo and Stitch.

A guide will tell you interesting facts about the filming of these movies while you visit places such as Ahukini State Recreational, Lydgate State Park, Opaekaa Falls, Kapaa, Kalalea, Tahiti Nui, Hanalei, and Kilauea Point. The experience includes transfers from specific hotels, so you can enjoy these stunning locations in comfort and safety.

If you want to experience Hawaiian paradise, you'll want to spend part of your trip enjoying the serenity of Kauai's beaches in December. Get ready for crystal clear waters, soft sand and warm sunshine to make your getaway unforgettable.

Here are some of my favourite Kauai beaches to explore during your December visit:

• Poipu Beach: Imagine the soft white sand beneath your feet, the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore and the warm sun caressing your skin. Poipu Beach invites you to swim, snorkel or just relax in the sun.
• Ke'anae Peninsula: Discover the exotic beauty of Ke'anae Peninsula's black sand beaches. Their unique character and breathtaking views will make you fall in love with them.

In December, with warm and pleasant temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius and little rainfall, you can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty that these beaches have to offer.

Remember to bring your towel and swimming costume, and enjoy paradise on Kauai!