It's no secret that Hawaii is a collection of island paradise gems, each with their own character and enchantment. The garden island of Kauai is a lush, outdoor lover's destination chock full of waterfalls, hiking trails, and the infamous (rightly so) Na Pali coastline. The north shore's Hanalei Bay sparkles in the early morning light, hidden beaches are an adventure to find, and the culture is welcoming and warm. There's a little something for everyone, whether you're craving tropical exploration, relaxing beach days, fresh local cuisine, or an island road trip overflowing with epic scenery. But we'll let the photos do the talking. Here are 25 images that are sure to spark some serious wanderlust for Kauai.

The famous Wailua Falls is known for its feature role in the opening scene of the show Fantasy Land. Visitors can drive up to a lookout for the falls, or take in this bird's eye view from a scenic helicopter ride. The falls are located on the east side of the island, near Kapaia.

A beach surrounded by lush botanical gardens that just happen to be tropical, to boot? Yes, please. The Lawai Beach perched at the edge of the Allerton Garden portion of the botanical garden property, is straight out of a movie. Access is by boat, since entering via land would be through private property.

Not to be confused for "shaved ice." (Seriously.) This cute trailer of delicious ice treats is mustache themed for an extra dose of fun. The Fresh Shave has two locations on the island of Kauai, in Kalaheo and Waimea. If you go to Hawaii and don't eat a shave ice every day, did you even go to Hawaii?

The perfectly positioned hammocks make for a sweet sunrise spot at the Waimea Plantation Cottages on the south part of the island. Just stumble out of your cottage and head for the shore to be rewarded with a relaxed morning show; easy enough. It also happens to be the perfect place for a morning nap...just saying.

The Spouting Horn is a well-known attraction for its air of natural wonder. And the awesome effect of crashing waves and seawater shooting through a rock hole, that too. Just outside of Poipu on the south shore, it's easily accessible. Being a popular tourist spot, going early in the morning might just be worth the early start to your day.

Kauai's raw beauty includes stunning beaches, of course. Moloa'a Beach, on the eastern shore, is one of those gems. Snag a smoothie from the nearby Kalalea Juice Hale truck and head to the sand. It should be noted that there is limited parking.

A coffee lover's dream, the Kauai Coffee Estate offers tours of their scenic grounds where you can learn about their sustainable production efforts in a lighthearted hour or two of fun. Not to mention all the coffee tasting. After getting your fill of all the amazing flavors (try the coconut caramel crunch), stock up on some beans to take home.

Kauai's northern lighthouse, perched dramatically on a peninsula is a spectacular scene with sunrise as the backdrop. The Kilauea Lighthouse is home to various types of seabirds. During the winter and early spring months, the chance to see whales is also a possibility. Visiting during open hours will get you up-close for a tour, but you can also take it in from this viewpoint during off-hours.

Deemed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific", Waimea Canyon is an impressive natural wonder on the island that shouldn't be missed! Travelers exploring the canyon can drive to various scenic viewpoints for a taste of the epic scenery, or venture in further on foot to experience the marvel with a hike.

All those nature exploits will have you hungry. Taking part in a local food tour with Tasty Kauai will get you culinary hopping on the east shore, filling up on sustainable and delicious authentic cuisine. A highlight? A stop at Kenji Burger, that puts a modern, Asian twist on a classic...the burger. They also serve up poke, sushi burritos, and bento boxes, but the real winner is the furikake fries.

It's almost a guarantee that you'll see a rainbow at some point during your visit to Kauai. With the ever-changing weather, the conditions are just right for a gorgeous display of colors to appear in the sky, and that's quite okay with us. Cue the unicorn.

Smoothie bowls aren't just a breakfast staple in Kauai, but a darn pretty work of art as well. Little Fish Coffee (with two locations in Hanapepe and Koloa) dishes up fruit art on the regular, in addition to your daily caffeine fix and other breakfast item selections. Both locations have an outdoor space to indulge in the natural setting of the island too.

Exploring Kauai from a higher perspective via helicopter tour is a clear bucket list item. The breathtaking scenery and ability to get up-close and personal with hidden areas that you never would've known existed makes this adventure a true highlight. Safari Helicopters runs a selection of tours tailored to traveler's interests and will not disappoint. And yes, you'll fly over the popular Na Pali coastline and never forget it. Ever.

Another treasure of a beach, Larsen's is a bit hidden and requires a short hike to access. The secluded feel and picturesque scene will have you wanting to stay, so pack a picnic to bring along. You may even get the whole beach to yourself, and that's a true win.

An island mai tai made with fresh sugar cane is one of those things you just have to try during a stay in Kauai. Kilohana Plantation's restaurant, Gaylord's, makes some seriously tasty ones. If you're lucky, you'll get to see them press the just-picked sugar cane for your drink too. Bottoms up!

The authentic plantations that reside on Kauai are ridiculously gorgeous. The Waimea Plantation Cottages property has endless beauty to stroll around. Exploring the grounds during that late afternoon light will have you swooning, and just wait until you see the ginormous Banyan Tree; a plantation legend of sorts.

Any chance to get out on the waters surrounding the island of Kauai is a chance to spot some energetic spinner dolphins. Captain Andy's offers many different types of catamaran cruises with choices for snorkeling, sightseeing, and dolphin watching, of course. Excitement will ensue when a pod of spinners swims along with your boat.

Driving the Waimea Canyon road up to the end where the Kalalau Lookout point is, will reward you with a mind-blowing view of the Na Pali coast, as well as a hiking trail to take it all in. Heading up there at sunrise could have you walking on clouds, quite literally too.

The Kilohana Plantation property itself is wildly impressive, with a vintage railway offering tours, a restaurant, shops, and oh, yeah...sugar cane galore. A new tour in development for visitors will offer a fun safari ride by the wild pigs, delve into the serene tropical forest, and abundant fruit trees.

If dramatic scenery is your thing, Kauai is your place. The combination of rugged coastline, mountainous terrain, and fog that ebbs and flows whenever it pleases is jaw-dropping to see in person. There's seemingly a postcard-perfect scene around every corner that'll have your eyes in a permanent bug out position.

One of the best (and most fun) ways to see the island is from the water. Sunset adds an extra flair of awe, dished up by Holo Holo Charters on their south coast sunset sail. For an added authentic cultural experience, it's worth trying their Na Waiwai, Land and Sea Tour. Visitors will get a unique glimpse into native customs and life on the island.

Exploring the northern portion of the island will have you coming across taro fields en route to Hanalei, and striking mountain backdrops. The taro root is one of the top agricultural harvests and used in many of the Hawaiian cuisines. In addition to their cultural importance, they're beautiful to photograph.

Fresh tropical fruit abounds in Kauai, naturally. Papaya lovers rejoice, as there is a roadside papaya farm called Papayaland that's adorable and delicious. Fruit-centric treats are seemingly everywhere on the island, you just need to choose how you'd like it: smoothie, acai bowl, fruit bowl served in a papaya, shave ice, etc. All pretty; all tasty.

Arguably the best lookout point off of the Kokee Road (Route 550), leading through Waimea Canyon, it offers a peek of the Na Pali coast, Kauai's main claim to fame. Watch as clouds roll in and out of the ocean adorned valley below and take in the textures of the mountain ridges that cradle the whole thing. Make sure to clean your shoes with a simple alcohol solution to avoid tracking and spreading the bacteria responsible for the Rapid Ohia Death and killing the native trees.