Ah.. Kauai..
Vacation in lush tropical scenery on the island of
Kauai, nicknamed the "Garden Island" in the islands of
Hawaii. Kauai gets so much rain that this may be the
greenest place you ever visit. If you want to escape to an
island in the tropics with some of the greenest scenery on
earth, escape to Kauai. Vacation on Kauai the only island in
Hawaii with a navigable river and the oldest of the main islands
in the chain of islands. Backpackers love Kauai and it is not
uncommon to encounter hikers on your Kauai vacation who have
hiked in Nepal or other world-renowned destinations.
Kauai's North Shore is rugged and wet, while the southern and
western regions of Kauai are dry and sunny with miles of white
sandy beaches. Stroll on the beach, enjoy water sports or
spend some time relaxing while listing to the sound of the
ocean. The average coastal temperatures in Kauai are
70 degrees F in February and 77 degrees F in August.
Places Of Interest:
Waimea Canyon The Grand Canyon of Hawaii.
Na Pali Coast The Majestic Hawaiian Cliffs.
Wailua River The only navigable river in Hawaii.
Wailua Falls 80ft twin waterfall, N. of Lihue.
Poipu Beach Kauai's best golden sand beach.
Polihale State Park Miles of Kauai vacation beach.
Wailua Falls, 80 ft waterfall N. of
Lihue on Kauai. Vacation dream.
Photo by Ann J. Nice shot of
a spectacular waterfall on Kauai.
Photo by John M. View from Tunnels Beach, Kauai.
Green Sea Turtle:
This photo was taken while on vacation in Oahu not Kauai, however these superb
rare sea creatures live in all the islands of Hawaii including Kauai. They will
usually stay in shallow coastal waters near the shoreline on Kauai.
Vacation Photo by Chris L. Spending some time
diving with a Hawai'ian Green Sea Turtle or honu,
admiring this rare creature from a distance.
Enjoy your vacation in Hawaii on the Garden Island Kauai.
Kauai Highlights:
Trekking Trek along the Na Pali Coast.
Stargazing Atop Waimea Canyon.
Hawaii Kayaking Kayak on Wailua River in Kauai.
Sun Bathing Poipu Beach, South Kauai.
Bird Watching Kilauea Point, see rare seabirds.
Swimming Hanalei Bay, North Coast.
Beautiful Waterfall, Reminiscent of Kauai.
By Jenny W. photographer and Web designer
of Hon., Hawaii, United States.
The Waimea Canyon, though smaller and nearly 200 million years
younger than the Grand Canyon in Arizona is absolutely amazing
and is a must see during your stay on Kauai. The canyon road begins
in the town of Waimea and spans nearly 20 miles, climbing to an elevation
of almost 4000 feet. Along the way there are many places to stop and take
in the views. As the road climbs in elevation the views continue to get better
and about a third of a mile north of 10-mile marker is the most scenic of all
the lookouts "Waimea Canyon Lookout". Offering a sweeping
view of the Waimea Canyon from this vantage point at about 3400ft. Continuing up
the road to a point just before 12-mile marker is the spectacular 800ft Waipoo Falls.
As your journey ends atop Waimea Canyon you'll have terrific views of the Kalalau
Valley and the Na Pali Coast.
Na Pali Coast
North Shore
The Na Pali Coast stretches some 22 miles from the road's end at Kee Beach
in the north to the road's opposite end at Polihale State Park in the west.
Kauai's towering majestic cliffs pierce sharply into the sky along her rugged
shoreline. In Hawaiian "Na Pali" means cliffs and these
are the most majestic cliffs in Kauai. Truly a marvel of nature.
Wailua River
East Side - Central Lihue
The Wailua River is the most scenic river in all Hawaii. Named for the
two streams flowing from Mt. Wai'ale'ale a powerfull reminder of
the volcano that gave birth to this enchanting island, the "two
waters" converge to make the Wailua River, the longest
and only navigable river in Hawaii. In ancient times, Kauai
was deemed the most sacred island in the Pacific. One reason Kauai
was believed to be sacred was that "Wailua", which also means Spirit,
is the largest freshwater river in the Hawaiian Islands. Access to fresh water
in the Islands was very important to sustain life and thought to be a gift
from the gods. Kauai has seven fresh water rivers flowing from Mt. Wai'ale'ale.
Wailua Falls
East Kauai
The wailua River meanders through Kauai's east side to Wailua Falls, the spectacular 80ft waterfall just north of Lihue.
As seen in the photo above, Wailua Falls is one of many spectacular waterfalls in picturesque Kauai.
Wailua Falls is NOT a waterfall to explore close up from the top.
Poipu Beach
South Shore
Take a trip to the south shore and visit Poipu Beach.
Her turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and
bodysurfing. This long stretch of warm golden sand starts at
the Sheraton Kauai Resort and runs east to Poipu Beach Park.
The park is perfect for kids, with a lifeguard station and shallow
shoreline water, safe for swimming.
Polihale State Park
West Kauai
Hey, if it's raining where you are, there is almost always a sunny
spot to be found by a short drive around the coast to Polihale State Park.
The park is remotely located about 5 miles from Barking Sands military base
on the west side of the island. Stretching over 17 miles along Kauai's west side,
Polihale Beach is the biggest beach in Hawaii. The beach is excellent for a day stroll
along miles of white sandy beach. At the north end of the beach you can see the beginning
of the Na Pali Cliffs. There is a camping area, with restrooms, outdoor showers and drinking water.
Be aware, this beach is unprotected from the ocean so the waves can
be treacherous. This is NOT a good area for swimming.
Trekking
North Shore Kauai
Trekking in Na Pali is a hikers dream. With miles of trails
and several places to camp off the beaten path, a journey through
the Na Pali Coast will take you deep into Kauai's land of natural wonder.
In all of Kauai and for that matter in most of the world, you will not find
the massive cliffs that are here along the Na Pali Coast, a 22-mile stretch
of rugged shoreline with huge sea cliffs reaching high into the sky. The grandest
of all cliffs in Kauai and if you are a hiker, chances are you already know of these dramatic cliffs
that make Kauai famous for some of the world's best hiking. For those who are new to hiking
or haven't trekked in Na Pali before, the journey through this scenic hiking wonderland
can be divided into basically three segments. Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Valley is [2-miles]; Hanakapiai
to Hanakoa Valley [4-mi.]; and Hanakoa to Kalalau Valley [5-mi.].
Stargazing
Northwestern Kauai
On a clear night in Kauai, stargazing atop Waimea Canyon can only be described as amazing.
You will think you are on top the world and it is almost as if the stars are within your grasp.
If you are lucky enough to be here on a full moon, the sky will illuminate providing an awesome
view of the Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coastal shoreline.
Kayaking
East Side - Central Lihue
Kauai is synonymous with water and her rivers are overflowing with
outdoor adventure. With all her waterways, Kauai boasts some of the
Top kayaking in Hawaii. Although there are many rivers and streams in
Kauai where you can kayak, the most popular river among kayaker's is the
Wailua River. Surrounded by an abundance of amazing scenery, Kayaking up the Wailua
River has to be among the top activities in Kauai. The entire kayak excursion is about 7 miles round
trip. The launch site is located near the mouth of the river, where you can rent a
kayak right at the boat ramp. There are also guided trips for adults and kids; some will take
you on a hike to a remote waterfall.
Sun Bathing
South Shore
Kauais' south shore offers sun seekers some of the best beaches for sun bathing.
Soaking up the sun, while relaxing on some of the world's finest beaches can't be
overstated. Over exposure to Sun Rays can be harmful without proper protection.
You may need sun block and always avoid over exposure to sun. Enjoy your
Hawaii Vacation.
Bird Watching
Northern Kauai
Want to see some magnificent rare sea birds? Check out
the National Wildlife Refuge at Kilauea Point. The National
Wildlife Refuge is the northern most point of the inhabited
Hawaiian Islands and the four species of birds that come here
are: Red-footed boobies, Wedge-tailed shearwaters, Laysan
albatrosses and Great frigate birds.
Swimming
North & South Shore
There are nice beaches all around Kauai and some are more suited
for swimming than others. In the winter months, because of unpredictable
weather and winter swells, beaches along the South Shore near Poipu are
more suitable for swimming. While the winter months will have you heading
south in search of the perfect swimming spot, the best swimming beaches in
the summer months are on the North Shore. Hanalei Bay on the North Shore
is a favorite among vacationers and is the Island's most popular summer beach.
Regardless of where you decide to get wet, be sure to check swimming conditions
carefully before taking the plunge. Have FUN and enjoy your stay on Kauai.
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