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Browsing Kaua`i
Allerton Tropical Gardens
A stunning tropical garden created on land that was once the private garden of a Hawaiian Queen and later owned by a sugar baron, Allerton Tropical Gardens provide an interesting contrast to the McBryde gardens next door. Designed by artist-architect team Robert and John Allerton, the gardens are much more landscaped and arranged than the more wild, natural gardens next door. The gardens, which integrate statues, white marble structures, and cobblestone walks, are modeled on European styles, and are an example of nature guided and shaped by a highly developed aesthetic sense, a synthesis of the best design that nature and human can create. Like the McBryde gardens next door, the Allerton gardens are run under the auspices of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, which has its headquarters overlooking the McBryde gardens. Tours usually include both gardens.
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Anara Spa
This elegant spa uses the natural beauty and bounty of Hawaii to pamper and revitalize you. Specializing in traditional Hawaiian healing and massage techniques, the spa also offers shiatsu, aromatherapy, reflexology and other services. Private lava rock showers, steam grottos, and indoor and outdoor exercise areas are just a few of the luxurious amenities you can indulge in. Located at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, the spa overlooks the Pacific, and some say the fresh sea breezes alone will renew you.
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Anini Beach Park
Protected by the longest fringe reef in Hawaii, this stunning and secluded beach is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling in the summer months. A number of beautiful homes overlook the beach here, one of which was the setting for parts of the movie Honeymoon in Vegas. Besides white sand, shady trees, and inviting water, you will find restrooms, showers, and camping facilities, but no lifeguards. A popular spot for windsurfing, the water is only four feet deep on one side of the beach, with the shore gradually dropping off to create a depth of over 100 feet at the opposite end of the beach.
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Barking Sands Beach
Located on the far northwest side of Kauai and adjacent to Polihale Beach, this beach is privately owned by the military. Although state law declares all beaches public, the military has successfully cordoned off this area for the past few years. However, Barking Sands Beach extends to Polihale Beach, with over 17 miles of sparkling white sand. If you manage to brave the unpaved roads and military restrictions, you will find some rugged sand dunes and natural beauty--but watch out; this site is for intrepid visitors only.
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Coco Palms Resort
The Coco Palms was the oldest hotel on the more isolated and pristine Island of Kauai and was made famous by Elvis Presley's film Blue Hawaii. Its history, however, stretches far into Kauai's past, before even Elvis crooned his way into Joan Blackman's heart. Since the 13th century, the area around the Coco Palms resort was the home of Ali'i (royalty) until Kauai's last monarch was overthrown. The current resort of Coco Palms was struck hard by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and has been shut down ever since. However, renovations have been underway for some time now, and in 2007-2008, the hotel will be reopened (complete with Elvis museum). With luck, people will be able to enjoy its coconut groves and picturesque lagoons in the near future.
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Coconut Marketplace
The largest shopping center on Kaua'i, Coconut Marketplace is designed with outdoor walkways and its more than 70 shops and restaurants are located in kiosks scattered throughout the complex. Beautifully landscaped with water features designed to resemble traditional Hawaiian irrigation methods, this is a great area to stroll or hang out as well as shop. There are two cinemas in the complex, and free live entertainment is regularly offered.
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Donkey Beach
Named for the donkeys and burros that used to haul sugar cane at the plantations nearby, Donkey Beach is secluded and quiet. The shoreline here is usually rocky, but a few stretches of sand create lovely private mini coves. Once known as the best nude beach in Kaua'i, the new owner of the land that surrounds the beach has apparently hired security guards to enforce a no-nudity policy. The snorkeling at Donkey Beach is quite good, as the rocky shoreline creates all kinds of nooks and crannies for tropical fish.
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Fern Grotto
Only accessible by trip up the the Wailua River, the Fern Grotto is a lava cave that is completely covered by natural ferns. A nearby waterfall creates cooling mists. The spot's idyllic beauty will captivate you, just as it long captivated Hawaiian royalty, who were once the only people allowed to visit this sacred spot. A number of different companies offer boat trips to see the grotto, including several that offer guided kayak expeditions. By speedboat, the trip takes about 40 minutes; by kayak it is a day-long adventure.
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Grove Farm Homestead Museum
A trip to Grove Farm provides a glimpse back into the sweet life of a sugar plantation owner in the 1860s. Owned by George Wilcox, the son of missionaries who became a wealthy sugar baron, the plantation was once spread over 80 acres. A tour of the property takes you step-by-step through the rise of the prominent Wilcox family, and offers you a detailed glimpse at the house just as it looked in its glory years in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Because the house has been preserved in such fine detail, you may not be able to tour it on wet or rainy days: wet clothing and muddy shoes might damage the fine interior.
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Guava Kai Plantation
Do you like guava? Do you love guava? Do you want to know everything there is to know about the climatic conditions needed to grow deliciously sweet guava trees? Then you should come to the Guava Kai Plantation--a massive orchard of guava trees, complete with informational tours, free samples, and the opportunity to pick your own fruit. Although it is now synonymous with Hawaii, the guava was not brought to the island until 1790. The Guava Kai plantation has been growing a special hybrid of the fruit since 1970, when it took over the sugar plantation that used to be in its place. Come check out the Guava Kai Plantation, and get some jelly, juice, or other goodies to bring home.
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Ha'ena State Park
Besides being home to the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail along the pristine Na Pali coast, 6.7 acre Ha'ena State Park also features beautiful Kee Beach, several sea caves that are fun to explore, and a number of other hiking trails. Kee Beach has great swimming and snorkeling, and although conditions can be dangerous when surf gets high, lifeguards are usually present. The caves, once a sacred place where island chiefs would gather, were, according to legend, created by Pele, the Volcano Goddess.
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Hanakapiai Falls
One of the most spectacular natural features of Kaua'i's Na Pali coast, the Hanakapiai Falls are listed as one of the world's tallest waterfalls by the World Waterfall Database. Technically, the falls actually descend more than 1600 feet, but only the last drop, of about 410 feet, is visible from the bottom. The falls plunge into a natural rock pool of pristine fresh water, making it an inviting spot for a revitalizing dip after the seriously strenuous hike necessary to get here. The falls are located four miles into the Kalalau Trail, which provides the only land access to the wild landscape of Kaua'i's Na Pali Coast. To get there, you will need to hike inland two miles on an unmaintained trail leading from Hanakapiai Beach, a breathtakingly beautiful beach with deadly currents. This tough eight-mile round trip hike is only recommended for experienced hikers in good shape.
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Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is well known for its spectacular beauty, as its ivory-white sand and cobalt-blue sea evoke the classic image of a Pacific oasis. Surrounded by many famous resorts, this is one of the most comfortable and luxurious parts of Kauai. If you can brave the tradewinds, try the golf links at the Princeville Resort, or simply take a stroll at the famous pier to take in a sunset on a relaxing evening. Every visitor can agree that Hanalei Bay is one of the most picturesque and delightful parts of the island.
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Hanalei Valley
The best way to enjoy Hanalei Valley is from the Hanalei Valley Lookout on the edge of Highway 56. On the valley floor is a one-way truss bridge that was constructed in 1912, a quaint reminder of Hawaii's past and laid-back present. Across from the manicured, man-made Princeville Resort, the natural beauty of the Valley is something to marvel at. Here taro patches, green leaves, and shimmering waters mix to create a scenic masterpiece. This is simply one of the most beautiful places on the island, so be sure to take your camera.
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Hanama'ulu Beach
For movie trivia buffs, you will recognize Hanama'ulu Beach from the 1963 film Donovan's Reef. For all others, you will simply appreciate the camping grounds on the beach, one of the only locations where camping is allowed in Kauai. It also has good swimming, a series of lagoons, and a beautiful woodsy area bordering the stream. This is a place almost exclusively frequented by locals, who bring their families on weekends to relax and frolic in the sand and sun. Overall, this is a very nice town to visit when you want to escape the tourist mainstays of the island.
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Hanapepe
Hanapepe is one of the only towns in Kauai that was not associated with a sugar plantation; built by Chinese immigrants in the 1800s, it gained a bit of notoriety as a spot to brawl and to booze it up. These days, the town is much quieter. After Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992, a small decline started from which Hanapepe has never really recovered. However, it is still well worth visiting due to its unique swinging footbridge, its various arts and crafts shops, and its spectacular view of the valley at the Hanapepe Valley Lookout Point.
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Highway 580
Highway 580, or Kuamo'o Road, is mainly known for the many Heiaus, or historical Hawaiian religious sites, that can be found on its sides. Kalaeokamanu Heiau is one of the oldest in Hawaii, and Poliahu Heiau overlooks the Wailua River. You can also check out Opaeka'a Falls, whose water rages during the winter months. This nice scenic drive will give you a feel of how ancient Hawaiians used to live, at once caring for and marveling at the beautiful nature that surrounded them.
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Kadavul Temple & Monastery
This temple is definitely cut from a different cloth than the other heiaus and churches you will find on the Hawaiian Islands--or more appropriately, carved from a different stone. This temple is of Hindu descent, established in 1973 by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. In 1973, he established Kuaui's Hindu Monastery and decided to establish the Kadavul Hindu Temple around a 700-pound crystal, which is over 50 million years old. In Hawaiian, it is called Pihanakalani, "where Heaven touches the Earth," an apt title for this beautiful and spiritual edifice. When you visit, you can see artisans preparing the facade of the new San Marga Iraivan Temple. Visit here as if you were a pilgrim hoping to witness the beauty and mysticism of Kauai in a new way.
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Kalaheo
Kalaheo is a little town off of Kaumuali'i Highway where you can grab a bite to eat or to relax from your journeys. Special attractions are the Kalaheu Cafe and Coffee Company, where you can get authentic Kona Coffee to prepare you for a long day of trekking along Kauai's south coast. Otherwise, there isn't much in this town so just get ready for a brief, pleasant stay!
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Kalalau Trail
A strenuous and beautiful 11 mile hike that begins at Ha'ena State Park, the Kalalau Trail is the only land access to this pristine stretch of the Na Pali coast. The trail follows the coast, ascending the steep pali, or cliffs, and then descending into narrow, lush valleys where streams meet the coast. The trail hits the beach at two locations, Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau beach, the beautiful strand of sand at the trail's destination. Swimming at Hanakapi'ai is strongly discouraged due to strong currents--numerous drownings have occurred here. At Kalalau, caution and knowledge of local ocean conditions is recommended for anyone venturing into the water. Camping is possible at Kalalau and Hanakapi'ai, but be sure to get the required permit.
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Kalapaki Beach
One of Kaua'i's most popular beaches, Kalapaki has it all: beautiful blue water, fine white sand, and dramatic, sheltering lava cliffs to protect it from the full fury of the ocean's power. In addition to the Marriot Resort, the beach is also adjacent to the Kauai Lagoons, a 40 acre area of freshwater lagoons that are home to an impressive variety of wildlife. A well-known surfing beach, the waves do get high in the winter, but in general this is a good beach for families, and offers restrooms, showers, and picnic facilities. Surfing lessons and sailboat rentals are also available.
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Kalihiwai Beach
A lovely stretch of sand that is ideal for swimming in the summer months and for surfing in the winter, Kalihiwai Beach offers shady, grassy spots for family picnics. There are no lifeguards or bathroom facilities, and swimming is not recommended in the winter; although the high surf is a skilled surfer's dream, it can produce vicious riptide currents. The views out over Kalihiwai Bay are impressive.
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Kamokila Village
Once the village where Kauai's last king, Kaumualii, had his home, Kamokila Village allows you to experience life in an ancient Hawaiian settlement. Besides the carefully preserved remains of the village, a number of thatched huts have been carefully recreated to provide an accurate look at life in pre-contact Hawaii. Demonstrations of ancient Hawaiian arts, crafts, and games bring the past alive. Several films have been shot nearby, probably due to the lush tropical setting.
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Kapa'a
Kapa'a is a place where serene natural views, comfortable cafes, and unique shopping locales converge, and it's a great place to stop and rest while traveling between the North and South Shores. You can come to trade stories with the locals, or perhaps just enjoy a meal or snack in any of the restaurants and cafes. Also, check out the many stores and boutiques in the area. There are great places to pick up a small souvenir or anything else you may need while you explore the island of Kauai.
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Kapa'a Beach
Located a short distance from the town of Kapa'a, the beautiful blue waters of this beach, as well as its relatively isolated location, make it a perfect place to visit once you are in the area. In fact, it's probably the best thing to do here. Take off from one of Kapa'a's restaurants and relax at this rocky beach--it is over a mile long, so there's plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and general fun to go around.
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Kauai Children Discovery Museum
Young children, pre-teens, teens, and even adults, can find something of interest at this nifty non-profit museum. It can't be classified as a science museum, a history museum or any kind of museum in particular because it has elements of everything. Children can visit the StarLab Planetarium, learn about marine life, or take part in ongoing education programs. Exhibits and programs are always changing. The museum also organizes daycamps, internship programs and community outreach programs.
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Kauai Coffee Company
The largest coffee grower in the state of Hawaii is not on the famous Kona coast on the Big Island--in fact, the Kauai Coffee Company by itself produces more coffee than the entire Kona growing region. A visit to this 3,400 acre coffee plantation on the southwest shore of Kauai, once a part of the McBryde sugar plantation, will get help you get in touch with the rich land and heritage of Hawaii, as well as learn about its most famous and valuable export. Don't worry, you get free coffee, too. The red dirt soil, fresh air, and beautiful views will make you glad you took the time to stop by.
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Kauai Lagoons Golf Course
The Kauai Lagoons Golf Course is actually two different courses: the Kiele Course and the Lagoons Golf Course. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Kiele Course, which juts out into the sky-blue ocean over breathtaking greens and rocky shores, is one of the finest courses on the island. The spectacular location is nearly impossible to beat. The Lagoons Golf Course is shorter, but it offers the same spectacular views and challenging greens. For golf enthusiasts, there is no finer place to visit than these two luxurious courses.
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Kauai Museum
Devoted to showcasing the art and culture of Kauai past and present, the Kauai museum includes both a permanent collection of artifacts, paintings, and other art that documents the history of Kauai and two galleries that celebrate the work of contemporary Kauai artisans. The Permanent Collection, which features items like decorative poi pounders, tapa beaters, and pig boards, in addition to archives of photos and other historical documents, all of which provide a sense of daily life in ancient Kauai. The Senda gallery and the Mezzanine gallery feature rotating exhibitions of current Kauai artists.
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Ke'e Beach
This beach "at the end of the road" is one of the most beautiful and popular in Kaua'i, and it is easy to see why: the water is clear and blue, the sand is fine, and the stunning black lava cliffs and palm trees complete this postcard-perfect slice of island paradise. A number of films have featured the beach, including The Thorn Birds. The best snorkeling in Kauai is located around the reef at the lagoon here, and the waters are teeming with tropical fish. The Kalalau trail starts from Ke'e beach as well. Currents can be tricky in spots, and the waves can get big here in the winter, so make sure you ask locally about conditions before entering the water.
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Kealia Beach
A half-mile crescent of golden sand and picture-perfect surf, Kealia Beach has become a Coconut Coast surfing mecca. A vicious riptide can make swimming here in the winter treacherous. In the summer, however, it is possible to swim in the calmer waters at the northern end of the beach, where the shore is protected by a breakwater. Because there are no lifeguards or facilities here, use caution, and make sure you inquire locally before going in the water. Salt has been mined at the beach for centuries, and salt is still collected from the dunes behind it. The north end of the beach was once a landing where ships moored to bring supplies to plantations near here.
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Kekaha
Kekaha, like many nearby towns, was hit hard by the decline of the sugar industry. Mainly an agricultural town, this place (often known simply as "the place") is now most famous for being the westernmost city in the United States, although it does house a beautiful 15-mile sandy beach. The river splits the island's white sand and black sand beaches, so take your pick as you soak in the sun in this relaxing town.
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Kiahuna Golf Club
Set around carefully preserved Polynesian archaeological sites, a game of golf on this 18-hole course will let you see the wonders of the Hawaiian landscape and culture at the same time you test your skills on the links. Lava tubes and natural water features integrate the Hawaiian environment into the 6,353 yard course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course is on the south shore of the island, and offers great views of the ocean.
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Kilauea Lighthouse
Located on a dramatic narrow peninsula that juts out into the pacific at Hawaii's northernmost point, this historic lighthouse was built in 1913. The lens for the 52 foot tall lighthouse was the largest of its time, and was an important beacon for ships heading to Asia before it was deactivated in the 1970s. The main attraction now is the spectacular scenery and the amazing population of sea birds around the lighthouse and the adjacent Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Besides the amazing frigate birds, with their eight foot wing spans, the bird sanctuary here is home to albatross and the famous red-footed boobie. A visitor's center and self-guided tours of the peninsula and the bird refuge are located nearby on the peninsula.
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Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge
The quantity of the seabirds found at the beautiful Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge is matched only by the variety, rarity, and beauty of some of birds found here. Red-footed boobies, albatross, and frigate birds, with their enormous 6 foot wing spans, are just some of species that can be spotted at the 203 acre refuge that surrounds the remote and dramatic Kilauea Point peninsula a tiny spit of land that ends in the northernmost point in the Hawaiian Islands. Monk seals also favor this spot, and humpback whales can also sometimes be spotted just offshore. The Kilauea Point lighthouse is also located on the penisula.
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Kilohana Plantation
A historic sugar cane plantation house that has been restored to include shops and a restaurant, Kilohana also offers horse carriage tours of the beautiful grounds of the plantation. The plantation house, built for Plantation owner Gaylord Wilcox in 1935, was the first mansion on Kaua'i. Besides shopping and the well-regarded Gaylord's restaurant, art galleries at the plantation showcase fine art by prominent artists.
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Kipu Falls
While only 20 feet high, this little waterfall is big on charm. Surrounded by a rock wall offering lots of spots for jumping in, and overarching trees that dangle rope swings, it has the feel of an old-fashioned swimming hole. The waters, fed by the Hule'ia Stream on its way to Nawiliwili Bay, are cool and clear, and a favorite with both locals and tourists. After splashing around, there are lots of flat rocks and shady trees in the vicinity just begging for picnickers. The area can get crowded on hot afternoons, but the stream is wide and can handle a lot.
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Koke'e Natural History Museum
This little museum describes itself as a "little museum with a big heart" and it is easy to see why. The museum is absolutely free and is open every single day of the year, serving more than 100,000 visitors annually. It's expert guides, interpretative programs and displays provide invaluable information about Kauai's geography, ecology, and climate, and how they are influenced by and affect Waimea canyon, Kauai's most prominent geological feature. The museum is situated in Koke'e State Park and serves as a kind of visitor's center as well, offering information about trail conditions as well as a small gift store.
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Koke'e State Park
Home to spectacular Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific and often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Koke'e State Park offers a number of trails and is a great place to picnic or camp. The visitor's center is in the Koke'e Natural History Museum, and rangers there can provide you with trail maps and information. The museum itself, with its informative displays about the geology of the region, is excellent.
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Koloa
The Kauai sugar industry began in Koloa in 1835, when William Hooper arrived to start a plantation for Ladd & Co of Honolulu. While native Hawaiians had grown sugar cane for centuries, the 1830s brought an influx of Chinese and Japanese migrant workers who operated small mills all across the island. Meaning "long sugar" in native Hawaiian, Koloa now hosts an excellent museum that highlights the history of the sugar trade and Koloa's history as one of the main commercial centers of the island. This is an excellent place to become acquainted with the economic and social development that changed the face of Hawaii.
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Kuilau & Moalepe Trail
The Kuilau Ridge Trail is a 2.2-mile hike that merges with the Moalepe Trail, an extra jaunt for the energetic. Starting at the Keahua Arboretum, the Kuilau Trail scales a ridge in the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve. Along the way, you can take in the panoramic views of Mount Waialeale to the west, and the Makaleha Mountains to the north. The entire trail is a winding path through the jungle, occasionally frequented by bikers and equestrians. If you are looking for a walk on the wild side, come to the Kailua Trail for an adventurous trek through the jungle landscape.
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Kukuiolono Golf Course & Park
Built in 1929 by sugar magnate, Walter D. McBryde, this beautiful 9-hole golf course is the eighth oldest in the state of Hawaii. Spectacular views of the entire southern coast are just one of the perks of playing on this course--the fairways are wide, the hazards few, and the price is rock-bottom, too. And if you're traveling with non-golfers, they won't have to twiddle their thumbs waiting for you to finish the round. The park also has a beautiful Japanese Garden, ancient Hawaiian rock structures, and panoramic views you don't have to be a golfer to enjoy. Other facilities offered on-site include practice greens, a driving range, a clubhouse, and a snack bar.
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Limahuli Valley Gardens
This north shore garden, managed by the National Tropical Botanical Gardens is a unique complement to the other impressive botanical gardens on Kauai. The valley in which the garden has been created is part of the ancient ahupua‘a system of land division, and the garden presents a true marriage of Hawaii's natural beauty and its traditional culture. Former taro terraces are integrated into the garden, and traditional land management practices that emphasize harmony with the natural environment have been implemented. The American Horticultural Society bestowed the award of "Best Natural Botanical Garden" in 1997, citing the garden's "best sound environmental practices of water, soil, and rare native plant conservation in an overall garden design." Limited tours of the garden are available, and there is a gift shop on site.
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Lumahai Beach Park
One of the most picturesque beaches in Hawaii, Lumahai Beach is a beautiful crescent of white sand lapped by blue waves and backed back looming black lava cliffs. Although the cliffs make the hike down from the road a bit tricky, the view is worth it. Swimming at the beach is dangerous, but the scenery is picture perfect, which is partly why the beach was the setting for the film version of South Pacific.
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Lydgate Park
The ideal beach park for families with children, Lydgate Park, on Kauai's Coconut Coast, also boasts some of the best snorkeling on the island. The huge playground is any kid's dream, and two pools created from lava rocks provide protected swimming and snorkeling for both children and adults. The lava rocks that form the pool create almost an artificial reef, and you can see an impressive variety of fish. On shore, the fine sand beach extends for miles, making it perfect for long, soothing beach strolls.
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Maha'ulepu Beach
One of the most isolated and pristine coastal areas in all of Hawaii, Mahaulepu Beach is certainly a gem in Kauai's always beautiful coastline. A private beach, Mahaulepu is only accessible after going through a security gate. But don't worry, locals and visitors are welcome as long as they preserve its traditional beauty. A favorite for surfers, snorkelers, and others wishing to find that end-of-the-road destination, Mahaulepu also offers horseback rides and cliff hikes for those interested. Come prepared for one of the most pristine and isolated beaches on the entire island!
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McBryde Garden
A splendid array of plants and flowers from around Hawaii and around the world await you at McBryde Garden, which also happens to house the headquarters of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. Located on the south shore of Kaua'i in the lush Lawai'i valley, the garden is home to the largest collection of native Hawaiian flora anywhere in the world. Beautifully landscaped around the Lawai'i stream which winds through it, the gardens feature a bamboo bridge, waterfalls, and are infused with the intoxicating scents of thousands of flowers and plants. A tour of the McBryde Garden also includes the neighboring Allerton gardens, which are also managed by the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
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Menehune Ditch
Menehune Ditch is an ancient aqueduct, designed by the Menehune (a supposed race of "little people") to channel the water from the Waimea River to the taro fields. Although the smoothed lava stone rocks that were used to construct the ditch came from more than six miles away in Mokihana, legend has it that the Menehune built the ditch in one night--in order to prevent it from being destroyed. Although it was once over 20 feet tall, today much less is visible. This is one of Hawaii's many archaeological sites that preserve the unique history of the islands.
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Menehune Fish Pond Lookout
Legend has it that the Menehune were a race of "little people"--and we mean really little people. According to Polynesian mythology, they stood 6 inches to two feet tall, lived in caves, and inhabited the islands before the arrival of humans. In any case, the pond was built over 1,000 years ago in order to breed fish and feed the tiny Menehune bellies. Today, although the pond is privately owned and no longer in use, when the still water reflects the blue skies, it offers a beautiful view. Come for a taste of imagination in the beauty of Kauai.
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Moir Gardens
The Moir Gardens are located on the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation, and they offer a delightful collection of succulents and orchids for public viewing. It was developed by Alexandra Moir while her husband was the manager of the Koloa Plantation during the booming 1930s. Moir Gardens first opened its doors to the public in 1954, and since then it has been visited by those is search of a first-class collection of bromeliads, water lily pads, and spiky cacti.
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Moloa'a Beach
This quiet, secluded beach is located on Kauai's beautiful North Shore. It offers a delightful patch of white sand, overlooked by a leafy bank that separates it from the nearby town. As this is not the most popular beach on the island, it's possible that you could get this beach all to yourself. If you do, imagine being shipwrecked here and having to build everything out of coconuts and palm tree fronds; someone else did a few decades ago, and filmed the pilot of Gilligan's Island here.
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Na Pali Coast
The spectacular and remote Na Pali coast on the western shore of Kauai is only accessible by foot on the tough but beautiful Kalalau Trail. The name Na Pali refers to the series of pali, or cliffs, which rise along the 17 mile stretch of coastline, separated by lush river valleys. The cliffs can rise to 4,000 feet straight out of the ocean, which makes the views dramatic and the hiking strenuous. The cliffs can be viewed by air or by boat if hiking is not your style. However you do it, though, the incredible cliffs are a Kauai must-see: this is without doubt one of the most beautiful and pristine stretches of coast in the world.
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Na'aina Kai Botanical Gardens
Na'aina Kai, meaning "Lands by the Sea" in Hawaiian, is a unique and dazzling collection of gardens spanning over 240 acres. An amalgam of 13 different collections, this is a virtual cornucopia for plant lovers. Formal gardens, wild gardens, desert gardens, children's gardens, and sculpture gardens await you in this incredible feast for the eyes. Bring the family as well because your children are sure to enjoy the gardens custom-tailored just for them.
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Nawiliwili Beach Park
Nawiliwili is not a beautiful beach, especially because a seawall disturbs the scenic value. However, this is one of the locations that elegant cruise ships call their port-of-call. Used in the film Raiders of the Lost Ark, this is a great place to find a cruise around Kauai. You can inquire at the nearby Marriott, and also check out the Kalapaki Beach just down the coast.
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Ninini Point
Ninini Point is most famous for the lighthouse that extends into the very furthest point of the beautiful Nawiliwili Bay. Originally constructed in 1906, this snow-white tower stands 86 feet in height and offers some incredible views of the cobalt-blue ocean and the bay around it. Although there is not a full-time lightkeeper, you might get lucky and a maintenance person might let go you to the top.
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Opaekaa Falls
Once upon a time, shrimp swarmed these waters and could be seen rolling in the turbulent waters at the waterfall's base. While it's hard to get close enough to the pool to see if the shrimp are still there (it's not easily accessible by trail or river), there's no missing the Opaekaa (or "Rolling Shrimp") Falls itself. An overlook off Kuamo'o Road offers a great vantage for viewing and photographing the lacy waterfall. And while you're there, walk across the road from the lookout point and up the hill for a great view of the Wailua River Valley and the interior plains beyond.
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Original Red Dirt Shirt Factory
The red dirt of Kauai and other Hawaiian islands is one of the most striking and beautiful aspects of the local landscape. It can also get your clothes very dirty. So what's the solution? The Red Dirt Shirt Company solves the problem by selling clothing that is actually died using the unique red dirt of the islands, making the shirts they sell the perfect way to blend into the local environment as you explore the back roads of rural Kauai. Located in Port Allen on the west side of the island, the Original Red Dirt Factory offers you the chance to see the company's one-of-a-kind dying process as well as pick up a few shirts at the place where the Red Dirt Shirt craze began.
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Po'ipu Beach
Recently voted "America's Best Beach," Po'ipu Beach has something for everyone. Actually, Po'ipu is a collection of several beaches nestled together, forming an affluent beach community surrounded by excellent restaurants, shops, and other fun destinations. There is a myriad of activities available here, including horseback riding, snorkeling, windsurfing, and just about anything else that can be done on a beach. Make a visit to Po'ipu Beach--no Kauai vacation is complete without it!
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Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course
A challenging course set along a gorgeous stretch of the Kauai coast, the Poipu Bay Resort golf course is sure to test your skills to the utmost while gratifying you with stunning views of the mountains and the ocean. With 86 bunkers and water hazards on no less than 11 holes, the course is tricky and fun to play. Shifting winds add to the challenge. Designed by hte legendary Robert Trent Jr., and named by Golf magazine as a "Gold Medal Resort" in 1998, this 6,959 yard par-72 course is already taking its place among the top golf resorts in Hawaii.
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Polihale State Park
This beach park is actually an extension of Barking Sands Beach to the south, making it Hawaii's longest stretch of uninterrupted sandy beach at 17 miles. Polihale is also the westernmost point on Kaua'i. At the northern most end of the beach, the dramatic cliffs of the remote and beautiful Na Pali coast begin, and beach winds around them for a considerable distance. Because this whole stretch of coast is open to the sea, the surf is intense and so are the currents. Swimming here is dangerous, with the exception of the protected bay at the Queen's Pond, which is usually calm outside of winter. Sand dunes along the beach are constantly shifting and changing shape, sometimes rising to heights over 100 feet. The eerie beauty of this place led Hawaiians to believe that it is where the afterworld is located. The name Polihale actually means "home of the afterworld."
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Port Allen
Situated in Hanapepe Bay, Port Allen was once named Ele'ele, meaning "black sands." Later on, a prominent businessman named Samuel Allen provided the funds to improve the port with the hope of transforming it into Kauai's biggest port for his Honolulu lumber business. Today, it is Kauai's second most important commercial port and stands as the site for visitors to begin their cruises around the island.
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Powerline Trail
Running for 11 miles from Princeville to Kapa'a, the Powerline Trail is one of Kauai's more difficult trails. However, it is well worth the effort because this secluded trail offers many picture-perfect vistas and views of the surrounding mountain plains, forests, and the ocean. This well-maintained path was once an ancient way through Kauai's lush forest and was used by a nearby utility company. That's why it's so easy to navigate--just follow the power lines!
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Princeville Golf Course
Another top-notch course designed by Robert Trent Jones, the Princeville golf course actually offers 45 holes of golf: In addition the world famous Prince Course, the Princeville Makai course is actually three nine-hole courses: the Ocean Nine, the Lake Nine, and the Woods Nine. With five tees on each hole, the courses offer something for everyone, so it is no wonder that it has been rated the best course in Hawaii by Golf Digest and has won accolades from nearly every major golf publication. The health club located in the Princeville Resort Clubhouse has everything you need to get in shape to test yourself on the golf course or to relax after a hard day of hitting the links. The resort is located on the northern coast of Kauai.
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Princeville Resort Clubhouse
This spa and fitness facility located next to the Prince Golf Course is both extensive and extravagant. Besides spa services such as massages, facials, full-body seaweed wraps, and salt treatments, the Clubhouse offers elaborate workout facilities and fitness classes. Personal trainers are available, and the on-site restaurant offers meals that are nutritious as well as delicious.
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Pu'u o Kila Lookout
Located at the furthermost point on the road from Waimea into Kokee State Park, the Pu'u o Kila Lookout offers a spectacular view into the Kalalau Valley and, clouds permitting, across the Alaka'i Swamp to Mt. Wai'ale'ale, the wettest spot on earth. The appearance of the valley, the widest and largest on the Na Pali Coast, may shift from moment to moment as the sun and clouds play across the fluted cliffs that line it. Don't worry if your jaw drops at the view--it definitely wouldn't be the first.
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Puakea Golf Course
Even before it was finished, after construction was delayed by Hurricane Iniki, Puakea was ranked by Sports Illustrated as one of the best 9-hole courses in the nation. Now that the remainder of the 18 hole course, designed by Robin Nelson, has been completed, it stands as one of the most impressive courses anywhere. Situated in the lush, rolling terrain at the foot of Mt. Ha'apu, the Puakea offers stunning views of the Pacific and the emerald green natural landscape of Kauai. The course weaves around the steep ravines, mountain streams, and volcanic cliffs that surround the mountain--the same landscape that was filmed as the setting for Jurassic Park. A par 72 course that is 6,954 yards, Puakea is located near the Lihu'e airport.
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Queen's Bath
Carved into the lava shelf on the shore in Princeville, this crescent tidepool is the size of several big swimming pools. It's only available for swimming when the surf cooperates (when it's pounding, you can't even find the pool!) and is closed entirely during the winter. But much of the time, it's a beautiful spot to sun and swim, and a freshwater stream that flows nearby is ideal for rinsing the salt off when you're through.
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Russian Fort Elizabeth
The only remaining Russian fort in Hawaii, the crumbling ruins at Fort Elizabeth have a fascinating history of royal intrigue and colonial scheming. After King Kamehameha had united the Hawaiian Islands and consolidated his rule over them, a Russian doctor named Georg Scheffer, was sent to obtain favorable trade relations with the Kingdom. He landed on Kaua'i first in order to check on the status of some Russian cargo that was being held in Waimea. Sheffer ended up befriending the Chief of Kaua'i, known as King Kaumualii, and convincing him to work with the Russians and regain independent control of Kaua'i. Sheffer, however, was acting as a free agent, without the backing of the Russian Czar. The fruit of their alliance was this fort, which was built according to Sheffer's plans and at his urging. When the Czar learned of Sheffer's unauthorized activities, he dispatched a ship to fetch him and take him back to Russia, but Sheffer escaped the island. King Kaumualii was not pleased either, and he later reconciled with King Kamehameha and united Kaua'i with the rest of the islands. The fort was later used to put down a rebellion by King Kaumualii's son, before being decommissioned in 1864. The fort, on the National Register of Historic Places, once contained a Russian Orthodox church in addition to a lot of cannons.
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Salt Pond Beach Park
A safe, usually calm beach that is also home to one of the only remaining, actively used salt ponds in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians still collect salt here using the traditional methods used by their ancestors. You cannot enter the salt production area without permission, but can watch the practitioners of this ancient art at work as they perform the meticulous tasks of collecting seawater in special pans molded out of red soil and then evaporating it to get the salt, which is then bagged and made ready for sale. The beach itself is protected by rock outcroppings at either end, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and body surfing. Tide pools created by lava outcroppings and old salt pans are fascinating places to explore. Restrooms, showers, and well developed picnic facilities with tables and grills make this a great place to spend a day. Camping is also available.
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Secret Beach
What is more exciting than Hawaii's natural beauty unspoiled by hordes of tourists, left intact from the imprint of tourist resorts, and completely free of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses? Here at Kauapea beach, you can enjoy the beautiful sands and warm skies in an environment hidden away from the rest of the city. Although you should be warned--another group of visitors who enjoy the hidden-away Secret Beach are nudists, who enjoy the sun in their birthday suits. In any case, this is a beach that you should not miss!
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Shipwreck Beach
Named for an old wooden shipwreck that has long since washed away, this stretch of beach is popular with surfers, boogie borders, and wind surfers. The currents are strong and there is no lifeguard on duty, so only the strongest swimmers should consider beaching it here. The neighboring cliffs are great for hiking, though, and the lithified sand dune, Makawehi Point, is a popular fishing spot, so you don't have to get wet to enjoy your day here.
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Sleeping Giant
The profile of Nounou Mountain, which rises above the Wailua River, closely resembles that of a giant sleeping on his back, which has earned it the title of the Sleeping Giant. Several legends give stories about how the mountain got its name. One says that in ancient times, a very friendly and popular giant named Puni roamed the island and was much loved by the locals, who would plant taro fields in the giant flat spots created by his footsteps. One day the village needed a new temple built, but no labor was available because everyone was too busy working in the fields. The giant built the temple, or heaiu, and the village had a huge luau to thank him. The giant ate so much at the feast that he went to sleep on the spot and still has not woken up. Another legend says that while the giant was resting, the villagers attempted to wake him by throwing rocks at him, but that the rocks lodged in his mouth and choked him, so that he will never wake up. A hiking trail does follow the ridge of the mountain, but the best place to view the Sleeping Giant is from a viewing area across the street from the Chevron in Kapa'a.
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Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji
Founded in 1903, Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji has the distinction of being the oldest Soto Zen temple in the United States. Many temples were built in Hawaii around this time when Japanese workers were brought over to work the sugar cane fields, bringing their Buddhist beliefs and practices with them. You'll find statues and altar decorations both inside and outside of the temple, as well as a lovely Zen garden near the front entrance, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.
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Spouting Horn
This blow hole, like many others in Hawaii, is the result of a hole in a lava shelf on the shoreline that causes spectacular columns of spray to erupt when waves hit it. What makes this blow hole special is that an adjacent blow hole does not blow spray; instead, air forced through the hole produces an eerily beautiful horn-like sound. The Hawaiian legend about this spot is far more interesting: apparently a lizard-like sea monster called a mo'o lived here and devoured anything that entered the sea. One day a warrior named Liko entered the water, and when the mo'o attacked him, he escaped by swimming under the lava shelf and wriggling up out of the blow hole. The mo'o got stuck, and the sounds the blow hole makes are his groans. Signs warning that you should keep well away from the powerful blow hole are best heeded.
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Tree Tunnel
The eucalyptus trees that line highway 520 were planted by Walter Duncan McBryde, a scotch cattle rancher who settled in south Kauai. The 150 year old trees once formed a verdant, scented arch over the road, but after being damaged by hurricanes, the trees now only line the road rather than enclosing it. This spot is still a lovely spot for a stroll or a drive.
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Tunnels Beach
Tunnels Beach is an excellent snorkeling spot, famous for its clear waters and friendly sea creatures. Spanning over two miles, the center of the beach is a crescent-shaped reef that protects the water from currents and makes it perfect for viewing eels, turtles, and other sea life. Check out the deep water caverns if you're feeling adventurous, but the truth is that the water is so clear that you can simply stand on the shallow reef, look down, and consider yourself snorkeling!
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Wai'oli Hui'ia Church & Mission House Museum
This elegant green church, completed in 1912, reflects the American Gothic architectural style that is more commonly found in New England rather than the sunny shores of Kauai. The belfry tower looming above the shingled roof evokes a missionary elegance that overtakes the rural grounds of Kauai. This is a good place to watch happy Hawaiians and visiting couples get married, or to check out the choir that performs on Sundays.
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Waiakalua & Pila'a Beach
If you're looking to snorkel, surf, boogie board, parasail, hike, or party all night on the beach, these two secluded jewels on the North Shore are probably not your best option. If, however, you're looking for a clean beach with white sand, a gentle surf, and few visitors--a place to spend a quiet afternoon tanning or catching up on your reading--look no further. The trail from the parking area takes you down to Waiakalua Beach, a tranquil stretch of sand featuring a freshwater spring at the far end. For even more privacy, take a right when you hit Waiakalua, and boulder your way over to Pila'a Beach stretched out beyond.
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Wailua Beach
Wailua is a beautiful white sand beach on the East Side of Kauai, also known as the "windward side" or the "Coconut Coast." Nearby the Wailua River, this is a perfect place to dip your toes in the water if the surf is low. Many waterfalls, mountains, and scenic tours are just a few minutes away. As you plan your day, hang out on this sunny beach and stretch your legs. It's a great place to relax before a busy day of sightseeing.
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Wailua Falls
The water at Wailua Falls drops 80 feet from an overhang above a pool set in the lush countryside near Lihue on the southern coast of Kauai. The falls will be familiar to anyone who watched TV in the 80s as one of the spectacular shots during the opening credits of the Fantasy Island television show. The falls are best viewed in early morning, when the sun shines directly on them and creates rainbows in the mist and vapor. The trails can view viewed from the top, on the side of the road that leads to them, or you can hike down to the bottom on a somewhat treacherous trail. Hawaiian warriors used to prove their bravery by leaping from the falls, but please don't try this.
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Wailua River State Park
Surrounding the beautiful Wailua River as it slowly winds down from the summit of Wai'ale'ale, the wettest place on earth, this state park houses a number of places that have long been considered sacred in Hawaiian culture because of their beauty and cultural significance. Besides the Fern Grotto, which can be visited by boat tours up the river, there are a number of heiau, or temples, and a pu`uhonua, or sacred place of refuge. Petroglyphs and and beautiful views over the lush river valley make a trip up the river well worth it. Besides riverboat tours up the river, kayak tours can also be arranged, and a hiking trail follows the north bank of the river.
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Waimea
Waimea is supposedly the town that Captain Cook landed in, beginning the European discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. Although it was once the capital of Kauai, Waimea (not to be confused with the other Waimeas in the Hawaiian Islands) is now mostly a quick place to rest up and continue your travels, most likely to the breathtaking Waimea Canyon.
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Waimea Brewing Company
Tucked away in a coconut grove on the western shore of Kaua'i, the Waimea Brewing Company offers eight different microbrews on tap and is known for its great seafood and excellent Hawaiian-style pupus. The brewery's two mainstay beers are its flavorful Waimea Bay Pale Ale and the lighter Luau Lager, but its Wai'ale'ale Ale, named for the mountain in Kaua'i whose summit is said to be the wettest spot on earth, is also a favorite. Live music gently rocks this friendly, laid-back brewery several times a week.
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Waimea Canyon
The largest canyon in the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is certainly one of the most impressive natural features in the country. Often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," its awesome cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and rich mix of lush green and deep purple hues certainly rival the splendor of Arizona's Grand Canyon. One great way to view the canyon is from the air: several companies offer helicopter and fixed wing tours. The canyon, which lies within Koke'e State Park, can also be visited fairly easily by car, but be aware that the 40 mile road along the canyon rim has no gas stations or facilities, so make sure you fill up before heading out. A number of hiking trails wind through the park, and hiking maps are available from the Koke'e State Park Ranger's Station, located in the Koke'e Natural History Museum. Camping (by permit) is also possible.
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Wainiha Beach Park
Located at the mouth of the Wainiha River, the sea here is murky, and vicious riptides and currents make it dangerous for swimming. If you prefer casting a line (rather than yourself!) into the water, however, it's a pleasant place to spend an hour or two fishing. Beachcombing is also an enjoyable activity here.
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Waipouli Beach Park
Conveniently located in the center of town, Waipouli Beach Park is a great place to let the "keikis" (kids) run around and splash about in the ocean; so much so, it's sometimes called "Baby Beach." The water is usually flat and calm due to a long, natural sandstone breakwater. When the tide is high, though, there is a bit of a current, so you might want to time your visit accordingly if you have small children. Located just south of Waipouli Beach Park is Wailpouli Beach, which, ironically, is completely different in character from its northern neighbor. The waters here are treacherous much of the time and unsafe for swimming, so don't get the two confused. It is, however, a lovely beach, featuring a paved shoreline trail, perfect for a jog or a pleasant stroll.
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West Kauai Technology & Visitor Center
The purpose of this structure is twofold: first, to act as a center for technology and new media on the island, and second, to show visitors Kauai's progression from a primitive pre-contact society to a fully modernized community. Visitors can view exhibits, examine model airplanes and ships, and get information about Kaua'i and the surrounding area. This center has added a little bit of a hi-tech feel to the relaxed town of Waimea--mostly because of the hi-tech businesses housed in it. Admission is free.
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