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Kauai, Hawaii
Alana Blanchard, an American professional surfer, once said “Kauai is kind of my place where I go to get centered. It’s always my place to come back and feel normal again.” Are you ready to discover the undeniable allure of the Hawaiian Island of Kauai? Also known as “The Garden Island,” Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest and oldest of the islands! It is covered with emerald valleys, sharp mountain peaks, and ragged cliffs. Centuries of growth have created lush tropical rainforests, winding rivers, and flowing waterfalls. Aside from its beauty, Kauai is an adventure lover’s paradise! Adventurer’s love kayaking the Wailua River, snorkeling on Poipu Beach, hiking the trails of Kokee State Park, and zip lining through tropical rainforests. After a day of adventure, enjoy the island’s laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found its small towns. It’s safe to say that Kauai will provide a life-changing experience for anyone who graces its shores!
North Shore
Kauai’s impressive North Shore is a mesmerizing setting filled with rough mountains, deep green taro fields, white sand beaches, and incredible ocean cliffs. You will be amazed at how much beauty you can discover in just one area of Kauai!
Napali Coast
The Napali Coast is arguably the most stunning feature of the North Shore! It is a 17-mile stretch of coastline lined with towering cliffs, lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and wondrous sea caves. Two of the best ways to explore the Napali Coast are by sea or by air. If you choose the sea route, guided kayaking trips will bring you close to towering cathedral cliffs, and raft tours will guide you to hidden sea caves and secluded beaches. If you choose to experience the Napali Coast by air, aerial tours will offer you up-close views of scenic areas that are unreachable by land or water, like Manawaiopuna Falls, a backdrop in the popular movie “Jurassic Park!” No matter how you choose to explore the Napali Coast, its natural splendor will leave a mark on your soul that you will never forget!
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is a famous 2-mile long, crescent-shaped bay backed by towering emerald mountains! Three beach parks are located on Hanalei Bay: Black Pot, Hanalei Pavilion, and Wai’oli. During the summer months, the calm waters of the bay offer the perfect location for swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, surfing, and fishing from the historic Hanalei Pier. In the winter, experienced surfers can ride the huge swells created by Pacific storms if they are up for the challenge. If you are searching for the most beautiful beach setting in Kauai offering endless ocean recreational activities, Hanalei Bay is the place to be!
South Shore
Driving through a tunnel of trees leads you to Kauai’s warm and beautiful South Shore! The South Shore is a paradise of spectacular beaches, delicious food, and a wide variety of vacation rentals, luxury resorts, and condos. With an array of activities, superb dining options, and a fantastic selection of charming shops and galleries, the South Shore is the true definition of “fun in the sun!”
Poipu Beach
This family-friendly beach was once voted “America’s Best Beach,” and for good reason! The crescent-shaped beach offers crystal-clear waters and occasional Hawaiian Monk Seal appearances. What a treat! Poipu Beach is actually two beaches in one. A tombola (a narrow split that extends from shore to an island) separates the two bays. The area on the west side of the beach is a great spot if you are interested in body boarding or surfing. Small waves break softly in the shallow sandbar, creating a fun area for children to play! Just to the left of the sandbar is a shallow area for swimming, which can be a great place for families with small children to play. Snorkel and surfboard rentals can be found nearby if you want to get out in the ocean. Poipu Beach is the perfect spot for a family beach day!
Old Koloa Town
Step back in time in Old Koloa Town! The town’s streets are lined with boutiques and local restaurants that will transport you to an era rich in the history and charm of Kauai’s old plantation days. Koloa opened its first sugar mill in 1835 and set the standard for commercial sugar production across all of Hawaii’s islands. Immigrants flooded to the island during the sugar era, making up Hawaii’s multicultural population today. Make sure you visit the Koloa History Center to learn more about the town’s heritage. Afterwards, indulge on an ice cream cone from the famous Lappert’s Ice Cream Store. You cannot visit the island of Kauai without learning about its deep history, and Old Koloa Town is the place to do it!
East Side
The East Side of Kauai is sometimes referred to as the “Coconut Coast,” for the groves of coconut trees that landscape the coastline. Here, you will find a wide range of sightseeing opportunities, outdoor activities, historical sites, and incredible white sand beaches. Paradise awaits you on the East Side!
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls on the entire island of Kauai! Located at the south end of the Wailua River, you can watch two mesmerizing streams falling 80 feet to the pool below. One of the best things about the falls is that it is easily accessible and can be seen from the road. Make sure you visit Wailua Falls in the morning for a chance to see the rainbow it creates when the sun shines through the mist! Fun fact: the falls are famous for the opening scene of the long-running show, “Fantasy Island!” You will not want to miss this breathtaking waterfall during your visit to the island of Kauai!
Fern Grotto
Fern Grotto is one of Kauai’s signature attractions and is only accessible by a quick boat ride or kayaking trip up the Wailua River! It is a natural cave drenched in hanging ferns and tropical foliage, cooled by the mist of a waterfall. In its beautiful setting, the grotto acts as a natural amphitheater. Visitors of the grotto are often treated to musicians playing traditional Hawaiian music, to show just how incredible the acoustics are. This serene setting is a popular location for wedding ceremonies and is one of the most romantic spots on the island of Kauai!
West Side
The West Side of Kauai makes you feel like you are in an entirely different world compared to the rest of the island! Here, breathtaking natural wonders and historic attractions meet interesting small towns, rewarding visitors with a view of Kauai primarily seen by locals. The West Side is an unopened book, eager for you to explore the pages of its history!
Waimea Canyon
A geological wonder you must explore during your trip to Kauai would be Waimea Canyon, also known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific!” Although it is not as large or as old as its Arizona cousin, you will not find anything like it in Hawaii! Extending 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon offers panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges. Locals believe that the history of Kauai can be found in the walls and crags of the canyons. This vast canyon will certainly take your breath away!
Kokee State Park
Kokee State Park is located just north of Waimea Canyon and stretches over 4,345 acres on a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level! This beautiful state park is covered in forest, wildflowers, and hiking trails, creating the perfect spot to see native plants and brightly colored endemic Hawaiian birds like the Apapane, Iwi, and Moa. There are over 45 miles of hiking trails here, with some leading to Waimea Canyon and others weaving through damp forests with widespread views of valleys expanding to the North Shore. Make sure you stop in to the Kokee National History Museum for information about the park and its trails. Beyond the museum, you shuld stop at two amazing lookouts. The Kalalau Lookout and the Puu O Kila Lookout offer stunning views of the Kalalau Valley reaching to the sea. This view offers a glimpse of the cliffs of the Napali Coast. If you are seeking adventure, Kokee State Park is where it is at!
Why We Love It
Kauai offers everything we love about the Hawaiian Islands along with its own one-of-a-kind charms! It is the perfect destination for all types of travelers. If you are traveling with your family, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities and beaches. If you and your partner are looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset, there is no better place than the tropical beaches here. Stuck on deciding between the mountains or the beach? Kauai combines the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean with some of the most majestic mountain peaks in the world! Its wide variety of adventurous activities, tasty cuisine, vibrant culture, and interesting history are why we can promise you that you will fall in love with the special island of Kauai, just like we did!
When you are ready to start planning your next Hawaii vacation, contact your favorite Pineapple Escapes agent or email us at info@pineappleescapes.com to get started!
Video About Kauai, Hawaii
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guGXaUlCftk
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