72 Hours in Paradise: A Chic Escape to Kauai
Touchdown in the Garden Island
Arriving on Kauai in the soft glow of the morning sun feels like stepping into another rhythm of life. With our Ricardo Brentwood hardside luggage rolling effortlessly behind us—sleek, sturdy, and très pratique—we set off from the airport to the island’s sunny south shore.
“Kauai doesn’t just welcome you, it whispers: slow down.”
Our destination? The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort in Poipu, a lush oceanfront retreat with koi ponds, cascading waterfalls, and views of the Pacific through majestic Palm trees that stop you in your tracks.
Golden Sands & Grand Canyons
The Hyatt’s beach became our first pause, where waves erased footprints faster than we could make them. But Kauai has a way of pulling you inland too, toward landscapes that are wild, raw, and unforgettable.
Waimea Canyon—nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”—and located a short 30mn drive from the hotel, is a masterpiece of rust-red ridges and emerald valleys. After a short hike, we stopped at Koke‘e Lodge for breakfast. Their hearty pancakes and Kalua-12-hour slow roasted shredded pork with island-roasted coffee fueled us for the day. The owner’s warm welcome and the homey interior felt like having breakfast in someone’s home, super restful and secluded away from the world.
Snorkeling in Technicolor
Day two started with packing day essentials into our rPET Avalon Backpack very early in the morning for an 8-hour excursion, departing at 6:00 am in true island style—with sea spray and adventure. Holo Holo Charters whisked us away on their Grand Tour snorkel trip. Spinner dolphins danced alongside the catamaran, while the crew shared stories of Kauai’s coastline and a breakfast spread that was welcome.
After an hour and thirty minutes ride with a detour by one of the oldest Hawaiian islands, slipping into the ocean was like swimming into a dream: coral gardens, shimmering schools of fish (even a shark!), and that hushed underwater world that feels très lointain.
After returning to shore, we enjoyed a well-deserved nap with the rolling ocean waves as background tune. We finished the day with a great dinner at Keoki’s Paradise, minutes away from the hotel. The setting of the outdoor dining terrace surrounded by a lush garden and exotic flowers was amazing. I gave it a try to their fresh Hawaiian fish cooked in a Panko & Mac Nut Crust with Macadamia nut & parmesan served with herbed rice pilaf and lemon caper beurre blanc; it was delicious
Northbound to Hanalei
On our last day, we stopped at Anake’s Juice Bar for the best Acai bowl on the island. we drove north through winding coastal roads that revealed one postcard view after another. Hanalei Bay opened before us: a golden crescent framed by dramatic lush mountains veiled in waterfalls.
We stretched out on the sand, surrendered to the lull of the waves, and dozed into the most peaceful nap imaginable. C’était parfait.
In Hawaii, shaved ice isn’t a snack—it’s a ritual. We stopped by the infamous “Slow Yourself Down” campus, built by the Goodwins family, and ours came drenched in passionfruit and coconut syrup, topped with sweet cream. Colorful, refreshing, and utterly Hanalei.
Afterward, we strolled through town, among surfers, chickens, and ukulele players, weaving past surf shops, boutiques, and cafés. Hanalei isn’t a place to rush—it’s a place to linger, to savor, to simply être là.
“In Hanalei, time doesn’t pass—it stretches.” 
Packing Smart: Ricardo Brentwood & Avalon Backpack
Through it all, our Ricardo Brentwood hardside luggage and Avalon Softside Backpack proved to be the ultimate travel sidekick. Its smooth wheels glided over airport floors, resort walkways, and sandy paths without a hiccup. Inside, compartments kept, beachwear, and hiking gear neat and secure (the wet pocket was welcome for our last-minute Hanalei swim!). And with its sleek design, it was as stylish as it was functional—très chic. 
Aloha, Until Next Time
Leaving Kauai was bittersweet. In just 72 hours, we hiked cliffs, snorkeled reefs, sipped coffee above the canyon, and wandered barefoot across Hanalei’s sands.
Travelers returning to Hawaiian Islands will tell you each has its own identity; Kauai is a study in contrasts—wild yet refined, adventurous yet tranquil. As our luggage clicked shut, I realized the magic wasn’t just about fitting everything into three days, but about how those days seemed to expand into something timeless. 
“Kauai reminds you that paradise isn’t a place—it’s a pace.”
And so, with a whispered à bientôt, we left the Garden Island—already planning our return.
By Laurent Bourscheidt, VP Mareketing at Ricardo
✦ Quick Travel Notes ✦
Where to Stay:
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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Poipu – Lush, oceanfront luxury with easy access to beaches and trails.
What to Do:
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Waimea Canyon – Breathtaking hikes and vistas.
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Holo Holo Charters Grand Tour – Snorkeling, dolphins, and coastline views.
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Hanalei Bay – One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.
Where to Eat:
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Keoki’s Paradise – Extensive Hawaiian cuisine and great cocktails in a gorgeous setting
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Aina Juice Bar – Located in the back of the mini market store. Truly awesome selection of Acai Bowl and breakfast to go for a local feel.
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Koke’e Lodge – Flavorful Kauai beans infused coffee and an authentic home-cooked hearty menu.
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Wishing Well Shave Ice Truck: Shaved ice at the “Slow Yourself Down Campus” “ right before arriving downtown Hanalei (try passionfruit + coconut).
Packing Essential:
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Ricardo Brentwood Hardside Luggage – Durable, stylish, and perfect for island-hopping adventures.
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rPET Avalon Backpack. Light, Compact, and perfect for short hikes (water bottle pocket on the outside) and boating excursions (extra sweater, sunglass case and earth-friendly protective sunspray)
A special thanks to the Travel Goods Association organization for putting together this contest and this amazing trip, randomly awarded during the 2025 Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas.