There are many varied kinds of travelers in this world—some like mountains, whereas some likes a cozy walk along the beach, whereas others enjoy the solitude of forests. For lovers of beaches, the calm blue sea, and a coastal lifestyle, Hawaii is a must-visit spot. Kauai happens to be the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and is often referred to as the “Garden Isle”. It is much different from all other islands in Hawaii and offers a life of serenity and perplexing beauty.
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Waimea Canyon
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The Waimea Canyon is also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and receives tourists from all around the world. This spot offers an excellent view of the canyon and ridge and is filled with look-out points everywhere. This is a place that is often visited multiple times for its sheer rustic beauty. Various hiking routes trail off here and there in the canyon and is suitable for the adventurous soul to have a wonderful time.
Kilohana Plantation
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Kilohana in Kauai happens to be a fine plantation ground founded by Gaylord Wilcox in 1935. In the local dialect “Kilohana” means “not to be surpassed”. This is indeed true of this plantation even from the first of its days with the humongous 36 acres of land it covered. Now, the plantation has extended to 104 acres and receives visitors allowing them multiple entertainment sources such as Kola Rum Factory, Gaylord’s Restaurant, Plantation Railway, agricultural park, and so on, all being situated within the plantation itself.
Luau Kalamaku
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Luau Kalamaku is the epitome of the traditional and cultural life of Kauai. Luau means party and the Luau Kalamaku is just that- a grand night filled with Hawaiian buffets and performances. These shows are highly entertaining while giving one insight into the life of the local people. Shops are also set up during the Luau Kalamaku, wherein visitors can find excellent souvenirs to carry with them from the trip.
Fern Grotto
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Upon traversing through the Wailua River in a boat or a kayak one would reach the Fern Grotto. The Fern Grotto is a cave with very moist walls, enough to accommodate the growth of ferns upon the walls. The boat ride is complete with a tour through the history of the river along with songs sung for the entertainment of visitors. The valley is horde for beautiful photographs; hence remember to carry your camera with you while traveling to this exuberant land.
Mahaulepu Beach Trail
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Along the southern coast on the island of Kauai lies a long stretch that is a lovely hike. Two miles long, this coastal trail is more or less desolate as it is not much frequented by tourists or locals. The trail is covered with shrubs and bushes and without many tall trees. However, every twist and turn in this trail is an amazing experience with a different view along with the greenery and the turquoise water.
Koke’e State Park
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Kauai houses one of the wettest regions in the world. Koke’e State Park is an elevated area, some distance off the Waimea Canyon and gives an immense view into the Na Pali Coast on a clear day. The view from here is tremendous and so is the hiking journey up from Pu’u O Kila, which should be undertaken irrespective of weather conditions for the sheer sake of it!
Na Pali Coast Hike
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Na Pali Coast in Kauai is a very attractive place, where the horizon lies in front, and the sea waves continuously wash the mountains’ feet. This picturesque sot should be a must-visit in anybody’s list who is visiting Kauai. Na Pali Coast offers visitors various adventure sports options for their environment such as rafting. Relaxing tours in boats throughout the day is also common in the Na Pali coast with tours taking you around the sea during sunset, or taking you through the nearby caves.
Kauai Island Air Tour
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Kauai is a place with inaccessible forests and mountain trails, supporting fresh vegetation and featuring a number of fantastic waterfalls. These places, inaccessible by road can still be perceived in their mighty finest forms by means of the open-door helicopter ride. The air tour of Kauai brings forth the best that Kauai has to offer and it is made highly safe too, for the benefit of the visitors.
Tunnels Beach
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A crescent-shaped beach with luxurious golden sand and surrounded on the sides with lush mountains and ironwood trees is always a welcoming sight. The abundance of the ironwood trees in the beach offers shade to all the visitors. In this beach, visitors are sparse, though locals, as well as travelers, flock this beach. About 1/8 miles away from the shore lay a giant, moon-shaped reef which is also a very attractive feature of this beach.
Hanalei Town
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Hanalei is a very peaceful town located on Kauai’s northern shore. Hanalei Town has exquisitely preserved its history, itself being the center if important historical events. It is also the center for contemporary art galleries. The Waoli Mission House in Hanalei is a standing account of Kauai’s history and is a must-visit spot in the town.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
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Kilauea Point in Kauai is at the extreme tip of the coast and houses a lighthouse. However, this lighthouse is not the main attraction of this amazing place. This part of the coast is scattered with various birds, both migratory and local flying about to their heart’s content. The Kilauea Point is a Wildlife Refuge for these birds and many, such as albatrosses and red-footed boobies flock together on the lighthouse and the surrounding hills.
Hanakapi’ai Falls
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The Hanakapi’ai Falls was named after a Menehune Princess; the Menehune’s being the first settlers in the Hawaiian Islands. This is a 300 feet waterfall and road start off from the Na Pali Coast. It is situated 4 miles from this coast and offers a beautiful hiking trail. A plunge pool is a chief attraction in the Hanakapi’ai Falls surrounded by abundant boulders to sit upon, rest, and just seep in the view.
Just So You Know…
- Kauai provides a plethora of beaches to roam about in from day to night and each beach comes with its own significant beauty.
- The Kalihiwai Beach is just some distance off, and more of a secret than the Secret Beach. Sparsely populated this beach is not frequented by many and one can easily find a nice corner to chill and enjoy the azures waters of the sea.
- A fun spot in Kauai is the Sprouting Horn wherein water enters the lava tubes and sprouts out every 30 seconds thus giving an interesting place to witness.
- After a long flight, it’s best to stay at one of the 11 Best Hotels Near Kahului Airport.
Get Some Culture:
- The Waioli Hulia church must be visited to get a first-hand account of how the 19th century Hawaiian life is like. This church also has an excellent backdrop of mountains and makes for a lovely site to just see and get lost in.
- The Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival, which is held in the month of October, is 3 days long and celebrates the journey of Queen Emma through the Alakai forest. Dancers from around the world come together to celebrate this festival by means of a hula competition lasting for all three days.
Grab A Bite:
- A trip to the Hanalei Town should be completed with luncheon or dinner at The Dolphin. They serve very fresh food which can be enjoyed while taking occasional glimpses into the beautiful Hanalei river.
- Saturdays witness the market place in Hanalei being set up by the farmers. Here delicious, succulent fruits are available at cheap prices.
