Home to what can only be described as heaven on Earth, Kauai is where golden sands kiss deep blue Pacific waters and thunderous topography. If you’re planning a trip to one of Hawaii’s crown jewels, here are a couple of must-haves on your itinerary!

1. Start With the Golden Beaches of the South Shore

Although Kauai is a small island, it is divided into several distinct regions due to its landscape. Make your way to the South Shore, the heart of the island’s vacation scene. If you’re into luxury, food adventures, unrealistically beautiful beaches, and supreme comfort, this is your spot. Grab a bite at Makai Sushi Bar, Plantation Gardens, or The Beach House for a mouthwatering experience.

2. Explore Kauai’s West — the Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Now that you’ve experienced the lush, it’s time to go on an adventure around Kauai’s rugged West. Home to the notoriously monstrous Waimea Canyon, this part of the island will take your breath away. Waimea Canyon is a 3,600-foot-deep natural wonder that makes for an awe-striking view. Picture a dramatic landscape with red volcanic dirt, high waterfalls, and vibrant green hues. You won’t believe your eyes, and if the scenery looks rather familiar to you, it’s because many Hollywood directors have consistently been using it as the backdrop of their blockbusters. While you’re there, be sure to book an ATV tour as well!

3. Cruise Alongside Wild Whales and Dolphins

You can’t go to Kauai and not explore the gorgeous marine life. The island’s iconic Napali Coast is best experienced either by sea or air. Hop on a boat ride to get an in-depth tour of the coast and see the abundance of marine life up close while cruising alongside hammerhead sharks, pods of wild dolphins, and the otherworldly Humpback whales. If you’re into air adventures, you’ll love the doors-off helicopter rides that give you an eagle eye’s view of the oddly peaceful and impossibly beautiful Napali Coast.

If 2020 saw the rise of one travel trend in particular, it was road trips. Given the worldwide health crisis, it quickly dawned on people that taking a road trip, especially in an RV or a camper van, was the safest way to travel. That trend is certainly being carried over into 2021 as well.

Although many destinations remain closed, there is still so much you can explore in the region around you. The best part? Road trips aren’t just a summertime activity, but if you want to take your family and friends on a winter RV trip, you need to be prepared. Here is what Paige Bouma, an RV marketplace owner, has to say about planning the road trip.

Equip the RV for Winter Conditions

The most essential part of planning a winter road trip is to outfit your vehicle for the cold. You’ll need an RV skirt to provide a reliable insulating barrier, as well as space heaters, area rugs, and electric blankets to keep people warm inside. If you plan on hanging by the campfire outdoors, it’s a good idea to get fire-retardant blankets for extra safety.

Always Park In the Sun

It may sound intuitive, but many travelers actually neglect the importance of parking in the sun to help keep their RV warm. Using every possible source to retain heat inside the vehicle in a winter road trip is vital. Much like you’d want to park in the shade in the summer, you’ll want that precious sunlight in the winter.

Some Lesser-Known Cold Weather Essentials

Aside from the obvious items like winter apparel, snow shovels, and vehicle accessories, there are some less popular essentials that many easily forget. For example, having a hairdryer can come in handy if you need to defrost your pipes. Bouma also advises travelers to bring extra firewood in case the campsite doesn’t have enough on hand. Always check the weather and whether the campsite is open before heading there!