If driving into Honolulu via the H-3 Freeway instead of the Pali Highway was your latest stab at a change of scenery—ah, look, the beautiful Ko‘olau mountains, only different—now might be a perfect time for a getaway on Kaua‘i. Trade in city traffic for the small-town vibe of Hawai‘i’s northernmost island, where, suitably relaxed, you’d swear the trade winds blow even softer and sweeter.
Here are some top picks for fun things to do, places to shop and stay, and ‘ono eats on Kaua‘i. These spots are great for the entire family, so feel free to invite any aunties, uncles, or cousins who live there and might be stuck in their own rut.