Destination attractions things to do in kauai island

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Kauai is the oldest and the most geographically unique of the main Hawaiian Islands. Much of its terrain is still undeveloped and it is the least populated of the major islands. Kauais history has given water, wind, and natures forces over six million years to erode the original volcano into two peaks, swampy land, rainforests, and 110 miles of coastline. Beautiful natural scenery is Kauais primary tourist attraction. Its rich greenery, stunning cliffs and canyons, plentiful waterfalls, and pristine beaches can all be explored by land, sea, or air.

Helicopter rides enable the most visibility of Kauais majestic wilderness. Approximately 80% of the remote island is inaccessible by foot. Many local touring companies offer helicopter rides. Guides will point out features and tell you the fascinating history of the island as you get a birds eye look at the breathtaking topography.

A major geographic feature of Kauai, that will certainly dominate your aerial view, is Waimea Canyon. Mark Twain named the impressive gorge the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and its 3,000 ft. deep valley is still continuing to erode. The colorful contrast of red inner walls and lush, green vegetation is a photographers dream. Kokee State Park is located in the northern end of the canyon with an information booth, maps, and hiking trails leading to the Alakai Swamp. This swampy rainforest feeds Kauais many waterfalls as well as its rare birds. You can drive Kokee Road along the rim of the Waimea Canyon with spectacular lookouts every few miles. The road ends at the Puu O Kila lookout with a wide view of the Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali coast.

The Hawaiian word Pali means cliffs and the Na Pali coastline features massive cliffs rising out of the Pacific Ocean. This magnificent scenery has served as a backdrop for many movies throughout the years including Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and South Pacific. The Na Pali coast is another part of Kauai that is difficult to explore on foot. Various boats ranging from kayaks to catamarans offer water tours of the tropical coastline, lava cliffs, and sea caves. Snorkeling in the clear salt water is a fun way to view brilliant reefs, fish, sea turtles, and other aquatic life. Humpback whale watching tours are also available from December through April.

The main road around Kauai is forced to dead end and unable to loop because of the Na Pali coast cliffs, west of Kee Beach. The very challenging 11 mile Kalalau Trail is the only way to access this rugged area on foot. The partially maintained trail offers hikers a dramatic walk through the wilderness with camping areas situated along the way. Hiking both on top of sandstone cliffs and down at sea level, you pass stunning sights such as Makana Peak and Hanakapiai Falls.

Kauai boasts many waterfalls and Wailua Falls is an easy one to view. Wailua Falls features two 200 ft. cascades plunging side by side. It can be seen by car from a roadside pull off on Highway 583 about five miles north of the town of Lihue. If you are feeling adventurous, grab your swimsuit and take a short, but steep and muddy hike down to the waterfalls pool.

Lihue is an old plantation village that was developed around the Lihue sugar mill in the mid 1800s. The Kauai Museum, in the heart of town, has two buildings and offers an early history of the island. The luxurious, upscale Marriot Resort is also in Lihue with multiple restaurants and beautiful grounds where anyone can walk and picnic. Kalapaki Beach is here at the Marriott and is the safest beach on Kauai for children. Swimming can be dangerous at many of Kauais beaches, but Kalapaki offers a sheltered swimming area and soft white sand. Surfers can swim out to the bay here and find waves that suit them as well.

Kauai has countless spectacular sights to see and activities to do and visitor information can be found at the airport or any hotel. Not far from Kauais sunny beaches is Mount Waialeale. Mount Waialeale the wettest place on earth and is often covered in clouds. Even closer to the ocean is Sleeping Giant, a ridge that really does resemble its name. You can hike one of three trails to the top of Sleeping Giant. The trails converge at a cleared, narrow meadow, which is a perfect picnic spot with outstanding 360 degree views. Animal enthusiasts will appreciate the 203 acre Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge at the northern most tip of Kauai. The protected land is located at the top of a cliff with views of the pounding waves and the Kilauea Lighthouse.

Kauais incredible natural beauty and ideal weather conditions make it a golfers haven. Poipu Bay golf course is the home of the PGA Grand Slam and has many amenities such as navigational systems in each golf cart. Princeville is Kauais exclusive resort with a hotel, condominiums, spa, restaurants, and the Makai and the Prince golf courses. The spectacular 27-hole Makai golf course features the Ocean Nine, Lakes Nine, and Woods Nine to appropriately show-off its exotic setting. The award winning Prince golf course is the most challenging on the island with hills and ravines to conquer.

With canyons, waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches, the Garden Island of Hawaii truly is a paradise. There are many tours available and you can enjoy exploring Kauai by air, water, or land. From easy drives to challenging hikes, from boating to snorkeling, from birdwatching to golfing, the attractions in Kauai are as diverse as the beautiful landscape.