Aloha,
wet, wet, wet, that's Kauai in the winter.
Kauai being older is arguably the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands, its beaches are better, its reef system is more developed and the mountains are more lush and eroded.
you are staying in the ugly part of the islands, ostensibly sunnier.
the best guide book is; Kauai revealed.
Get in your car, head north, once you get closer to the north shore the true beauty of the island is more apparent.
One of my favorite locations is gotten to by taking the shoreline foot path that leaves northward/west from Ke'e beach, not the Kalaulau trail which also leaves from Ke'e beach.
about a one minute walk along this trail along the shore will lead you to a very rich shooting location, the surf conditions can be really fun to shoot, and sunsets can be just awesome.
The kalaulau trail is a great trail but it ain't for the faint of heart...
the first beach on the kalaualau trail is nice, and up in the valley is a really nice waterfall, the hike up in the valley is not that fun, the whole evolution from Ke'e beach to Hanakapiai beach and stream/falls is most likely a good half a day leave your condo early, like 5 AM at the latest, parking at Ke'e can be challenging. park and hit the trail to try and be the first person on the beach :-)
Princeville's Hideaway beach can be amazing, but wind and weather can screw it up pretty fast leaving Hanalei bay heading north there are lots of locations, don't be afraid to park and get out along the road, lots of little beaches tucked away...
A doors off helicopter tour can be done which is just amazing.
anywhere past Princeville on the north shore is just wonderful, great beaches and mountains.
Kauai is really easy and fun to explore, its really got an open heart, and will reveal its beauty to anyone with not much effort.
Get the book, it will tell you everything you need to know, I think there is even an app...
wet wet wet, the second wettest spot in the world is on Kauai!
make sure to take a CPF really is needed, grads can also come in handy.
great restaurant; Bara-cuda, tapas style local grown and rasied/caught food in an elegant/informal setting.