Kauai is the perfect getaway…
If you are looking for peace and natural beauty. The island is paradise for the active — practically every land and water sport is at your fingertips.

Packing essentials…
L-atitude caftan, bikini, rash guard, PADI, Leica camera and books.

My favorite place…
Hanalei Bay — it is still relatively undeveloped and unspoiled. If you are not a fan of big commercial resorts like me, this is where you want to head. It has still retained its local feel and culture.

Favorite beaches…
Secret Beach and Hideaways Beach.

For the best views…
The sunrise at Hanalei Bay Beach and the sweeping Grand Canyon-like views at Waimea Canyon tie for first.

Local words and phrases to know…
Mahalo = thank you

My beach beauty tips…
Go au naturel and leave the makeup at home. To protect your hair and skin try Kerastase Après Soleil hair serum, Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence and SkinCeuticals Daily Sun Defense.

The must-visit spot for lunch…
An organic café called Common Ground that serves heaping salads, herbal tonics and generally overpriced but delicious healthy food.

And for dinner…
Dinner is not the main attraction. For me, it’s all about the fresh fruit, juices and smoothies. But Postcards is the best restaurant in Hanalei. Or you can hire a personal chef, like Paige Krest — we’re still begging for her delicious Ono dish recipe.

The local drink…
Kona Beer, from any market.

Best market for local treasures…
The farmers’ market on Saturdays. The passion fruit is sublime.

During the day…
I was overwhelmed by the feeling of simultaneously wanting to do everything and nothing. So we mixed it up: meditated, read and beach bummed one day, and set out for an early morning hike, sea kayak or surf the next.

And at night…
We took paddleboards out on the bay at sunset, and enjoyed long dinners and Mai Tai-fueled evenings with my family. We listened to my dad serenade us with his ukulele and sing old Hawaiian songs he grew up playing during hot summers spent with my great-grandparents on Oahu. One evening we learned how to make traditional leis.

One secret only a local would know…
Local flip flops are the new Havaianas . Find them for $7 at the supermarket.