Experience the Magic of Hawaii with Say Yes: Kauai
There’s something that happens when you step off a plane in Hawaii.
The air feels different. The light hits softer. You can begin to breathe again.
For years, I dreamed about creating travel experiences that would give women that exact feeling. The sense that life just expanded a little. That for one week, you could stop being the planner, the caretaker, the multitasker, and simply exist as yourself. Not the version that’s keeping everyone else afloat, the one who gets to wake up in paradise, savor the silence, and say yes to her own joy.
That’s how Say Yes: Kauai was born.
When Life Gets Too Loud
If you’re anything like me, the idea of “taking a break” can sound easier than it actually is. Between work, family, relationships, and responsibilities, the world doesn’t exactly pause so you can. Most of us keep promising ourselves that when things slow down, we’ll finally take that trip, book that flight, or carve out space to breathe.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned: life doesn’t slow down until you decide to.
When I first started leading trips for women, I realized something powerful. Every single person who joined wasn’t just craving a destination. She was craving disconnection from the noise, connection with herself, and the chance to rediscover what brings her alive.
That’s exactly what this trip to Kauai offers.
Why Kauai
Kauai is not the kind of place you visit once and forget. Known as the Garden Island, it’s wild, lush, and untamed in the best way. There’s color everywhere, from the green cliffs of the Napali Coast to the golden beaches of Poipū. Chickens wander the streets, waves crash against volcanic rock, and locals move at a pace that makes you wonder why you ever rushed in the first place.
This isn’t a trip where you’ll spend your days rushing from one sightseeing spot to the next. Instead, it’s about experiencing Kauai. Kayaking to a hidden waterfall. Floating in the ocean under a sunset sky. Laughing with women who might be strangers on day one but lifelong friends by day six.
Every activity, every meal, and every quiet morning moment is designed to help you slow down, connect, and remember what joy feels like.
What Makes Say Yes Different
There are thousands of women’s retreats and travel groups out there, but Say Yes Travel Co. was created with something more intentional in mind. This isn’t a high-pressure wellness retreat or a packed itinerary of bucket-list stops. It’s a carefully designed experience where connection comes first, culture isn’t rushed, and every detail is planned so you can actually rest.
When you join this trip, you’re not signing up for another vacation. You’re saying yes to community, care, and creativity.
We’ll stay in beautiful shared accommodations that feel like a home away from home. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included each day. You’ll experience activities that show off the real heart of Kauai, from exploring the Napali Coast by catamaran to wandering small towns that tourists often miss.
And through it all, you’ll have me there, not just as your host but as your trip photographer.
The Beauty of Being in the Moment
For nearly twenty years, I’ve been photographing people and stories. Weddings, families, high school seniors, big brands, and adventures of all kinds. But the most powerful part of my work has always been helping people see themselves the way others see them.
There’s a fascinating bit of psychology I’ve learned that changed the way I view both photography and travel. Studies have shown that when you interrupt an experience to take a picture or video, your brain remembers the photo rather than the moment itself. You lose the memories that came with actually being there and experiencing it.
That’s why this trip includes professional photography throughout the week. Not staged, posed, or pressured photos, but real, documentary-style moments that tell your story as it unfolds. You get to stay present, fully in it, while I quietly capture the laughter, the ocean air, and the joy of rediscovering yourself.
Because you deserve to come home with more than memories that fade. You deserve to see proof that you were there — radiant, alive, and free.
The Fear That Holds Us Back
I get it. Booking a trip like this can feel scary.
What if you don’t know anyone?
What if it feels awkward at first?
What if it’s selfish to take a week for yourself?
Here’s what I’ve seen happen every single time: those “what ifs” turn into something beautiful.
The women who arrive nervous and unsure are always the same ones laughing around the table by the second night. The ones who were worried about coming alone end up building friendships that last long after the trip ends. And the ones who almost talked themselves out of it? They’re the ones who message me later saying it was exactly what they needed.
This trip is not about perfection. It’s about permission. Permission to take up space, rest, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that get lost in everyday life.
What You Can Expect
Over six days and five nights, you’ll experience the best of Kauai through a mix of adventure, rest, and connection.
Mornings begin with breakfast on the lanai and plenty of time to sip coffee while the island wakes up. Days are filled with a balance of curated activities and open time to explore or rest. You’ll kayak to Secret Falls, sail along the Napali Coast, visit local markets, and enjoy beaches that look like something out of a dream.
Everything is designed so you can let go of decision fatigue. You don’t have to plan, coordinate, or manage a thing. Just pack your bag, hop on a plane, and start making memories.
Why Travel With a Small Group
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens in small group travel.
Big group tours can feel rushed and impersonal. You’re just another name on a list, checking off sights you barely remember. But in a small group, something shifts. Conversations flow more easily. Shared experiences turn into genuine friendships. You notice details you’d miss in a crowd. The way the light hits the cliffs, the sound of laughter echoing through the van, the feeling of belonging.
Small group travel allows space for both connection and solitude. You can join in or take a moment for yourself without judgment. You’re surrounded by women who understand what it means to carry a lot and are ready to set it down for a little while.
By the end of the week, you’ll feel like you’ve found your people.
Why I Created This Trip
After years of photographing people and hearing their stories, I noticed a theme. So many women told me they wished they had taken more time for themselves. They were always waiting for the right moment, the right budget, the right season, the right permission.
So I decided to create that moment.
Say Yes Travel Co. exists because I believe travel can change you in the best ways. It gives you space to see the world and yourself differently. It helps you remember what you love, what matters, and how it feels to be alive again.
Kauai is just the beginning.
Your Invitation to Say Yes
If your heart’s been whispering that you need a reset, this is your sign.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to know anyone else going. You just need to be open to saying yes to yourself.
Join us in Kauai from February 23–28, 2026, for six days of connection, culture, and ocean air. You’ll come home rested, recharged, and reconnected to who you are outside of the busy.
Spots are limited to keep group stays small and intentional. You can see the full itinerary, pricing, and details here: Say Yes: Kauai.
The world is waiting. All you have to do is say yes.
About the Author
I’m Macey. Photographer, traveler, and founder of Say Yes Travel Co. I believe travel should feel less like a checklist and more like connection, culture, and memories you’ll carry home. When I’m not behind the camera or planning group trips for women, you can find me wandering big cities with an iced coffee in hand and probably buying more books than I can fit in my carry-on.
✨ Want more travel tips, itineraries, and real talk about saying yes to adventure? Follow me on Instagram @maceysnelson.