Hawaii Travel Kauai
From LoveToKnow Travel
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is the lush, tropical, and uncrowded part of Kauai. Located on the north shore of the island, this area is dotted with small, seaside restaurants, remote beach houses, and the occasional dive or watersports shop. This is laid-back Hawaii at its finest. The nine-mile road from Haena Beach Park to the end of the road at Hanalei takes drivers over ten picturesque bridges, some of them wooden, and through flowing taro fields. Glimpses of the wild and rugged beach reward travelers around every turn. Don’t worry if you can’t look at everything the first time. At the road’s end, the only way back is to turn around and retrace your path.
Poipu Beach on Kauai
Poipu is a must-see on any Kauai Hawaii travel itinerary. The most popular beach on the island, this white sand stretch boasts the sunniest weather on Kauai as well as gracious, beachfront condos and sprawling luxury hotels. Visit the Spouting Horn here, a unique lava formation that causes the surf to spout thru the lava, geyser-like, during high tide. Enjoy the spectacular sunset with a cocktail at one of the many beachfront eateries or just relax with a good book on the beach and listen to the surf lap at the shore.
Fern Grotto
No Hawaii travel itinerary would be complete without a trip to the Wailua River and the Fern Grotto. Although visitors and honeymoon couples have been flocking to this scenic inlet since tourism came to Hawaii, it’s still impressive. The dripping foliage, gently lapping river, and wild tropical flowers combine for a uniquely Hawaiian experience. Riverboats carry passengers to the grotto and drivers tell Hawaiian folk stories and serenade visitors with traditional ukulele music. At the mouth of the river is the venerable Coco Palms Resort, immortalized in the Elvis movie, Blue Hawaii, and site of the stately nightly torch lighting ceremony.
Na Pali Coast: Kauai's Wilderness Coast
Not all of Kauai is developed and full of tourists. The steep cliffs of the Na Pali Coast offer visitors a truly unique Hawaii travel experience. No roads traverse this area. The only way in is by helicopter, boat, or on foot. Hiking enthusiasts are attracted to the challenging terrain, but the area is definitely best suited to experienced and physically fit visitors. Tenacious backpackers are rewarded at the end of the eleven-mile Kalalau trail with the sparkling white sand Kalalau Beach accessible only by the trail or by boat. Less adventurous visitors can enjoy the dense foliage, tropical flowers, and abundant waterfalls of the area by taking a helicopter tour. You can even have the driver drop you off on a secluded beach for a romantic picnic for two.
Waimea Canyon
Called Hawaii’s “Grand Canyon,” Waimea Canyon is smaller but almost as dramatic and colorful as its big brother in Arizona. This 10-mile long, 3657-foot deep slash is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. It’s surrounded by tropical Waimea and Kohee State parks, both filled with miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels as well as a multitude of scenic vistas. The area is also a great place for a picnic lunch or a romantic overnight stay in one of the park’s rustic cabins.
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