The exotic city of Honolulu
 

Welcome to our Honolulu Archive. Have fun browsing!

 

Article #155: Hawaii Vacation--Part 4--Kauai

(Browse for more articles)

 
Our Hawaii Vacation series continues with valleys ending sharply at the sea.
the island of Kauai, the fourth and final Waterfalls, swift-flowing streams, and
island described in this series. extensive stone-walled terraces remain on
This tiny island has an incredible the valley bottoms where ancient, native
variety of landscapes. Sculpted over six Hawaiians once lived.
million years by the forces of nature, The 11-mile Kalalau Trail provides the
its spectacular scenery ranges from the only land access to this part of the
Na Pali cliffs on the North Shore to the coast. The trail crosses above towering
dramatic Waimea Canyon. Kaui's slower sea cliffs and through lush valleys, then
pace seems best-suited to a quiet family drops to sea level at the beaches of
vacation or a rugged outdoors adventure. Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau.
The oldest and northern most of the four But much of the island can be see only by
major Hawaiian Islands, Kauai covers only air. To see Kauai by helicopter is like
553 square miles, is a distinctive, nothing else in the world, with its
"round-shaped" island with a population remote waterfalls, hidden canyons and
of 51,000 residents. uninhabited valleys.
Much like the other Hawaiian islands, the The majestic Napali coast provides the
warmest and coolest months differ only by opportunity for some world-class
8 degrees or so. The ocean temperature is snorkeling. No other place in Hawaii
remarkably consistent, hovering between offers such unique formations as those on
72 to 76 degrees all year long. Niihau, shaped by ocean currents and
Kauai is known as "The Garden Island" waves for those 6 million years! On your
because of its high population of plant list of Hawaii vacations, Kauai is a
life. The rainforest climate is the place to enjoywhether for a family
wettest of the Hawaiian Islands, and Mt. vacation or adventure on land or sea.
Wai'ale'ale is the wettestspot on EARTH! Here are a few of the best of Kauai's
The island's people are among the beaches: Hanalei Bay Beach is a perfect
friendliest in the country according to semi-circle of white sand on shimmering
an annual poll of vacationers. Two of tropical waters with a backdrop of
Kauai's resorts--the Hyatt and the 4,000-foot waterfalls. It is often
Princeville Resort--are consistently described as not only the most beautiful
rated in the top twenty tropical resorts Kauai beach, but also the most beautiful
in one popular travel magazine. in Hawaii. The beach is about 125 feet
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa wide and framed by the Waipa River to the
(Formerly Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & west and the Hanalei River to the east,
Spa) is located on the sunny side of the on Kauai's north shore. The bottom slopes
island. With 602 rooms, 4 tennis courts, gradually down, making it a wonderful
golf course, 5 restaurants, cocktail beach for youngsters, and there are large
lounges, child care, multiple pools and coral reefs at both ends of the bay.
health spas, this is a luxury resort. Haena Beach, with its grainy yellow sand
The Pinceville Resort Kauai is located on and limpid waters set off by emerald
Kauai's north shore. This is a premier cliffs, has appeared as the stereotypical
resort, and is always on the top of the tropical strand in many Hollywood films.
Kauai accomodation list. Puu Poa Beach is Summer months offer excellent swimming
a few steps from the main lawn, and the and snorkeling. However,winter produces
Princeville Golf Club, considered one of big waves that are fun for surfers but
the best courses in Hawaii, sits nearby dangerous for everyone else.
on 390 acres with ocean views from every Tunnels Beach is the superb snorkeling
hole. spot on the North Shore. The
However, it is the rugged beauty and the two-mile-long Kauai beach runs from
opportunity for adventure that attracts Hanalei Colony Resort to Ha'ena Beach
many people to the island. If you dream Park. The center portion has a huge
of hiking or kayaking in a beautiful half-moon shaped reef just offshore where
tropical environment, Kauai is a great snorkelers can encounter eels, turtles,
choice. and other colorful sea creatures.
The southern and western shores have Excellent in summer, Tunnels Beach has
long, white beaches. And there are the large waves in winter that can make it
majestic, sweeping valleys, such as the dangerous to swim.
Kalalau Valley on the Na Pali Coast. Shipwreck Beach on the South Shore is a
The most notable and well-known scenery body surfer's heaven. This Kauai beach on
includes the Waimea Canyon and the Keoneloa Bay is one of the largest
breathtaking cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. expanses of beach in the Poipu area.
Waimea Canyon--aptly named the "Grand During much of the year, Shipwreck Beach
Canyon of the Pacific"--and Koke'e State is better suited for strong swimmers and
Park, in Lihue, are open year-round. The surfers. This is due to the powerful and
canyon stretches 10 miles from Captain potentially dangerous waves, which break
James Cook's famous landing site--in close to shore.
1778--to Koke'e State Park. Whether you favor a quiet and relaxing
This canyon has been the site for a time at a resort, or an oudoor adventure
number of movies including Jurasic Park in a tropical paradise, the island of
and Raiders of the Lost Ark. In fact, Kauai is a good choice.
more than two dozen Hollywood movies have I hope you have enjoyed this series and
been filmed on Kauai! that you will soon be able to enjoy your
Hiking trails in the park offer own Hawaii vacation. Considering all that
unbelievable views of the canyon and lush these islands have to offer, the hardest
"forest" environment. The canyon itself part may be choosing where to start. Just
is also accessible for hiking, fishing remember, you won't see everything in one
and camping. trip, so do your planning with this in
Kauai's Na Pali Coast cliffs, are pure, mind and you will likely be a happier
rugged beauty, featuring deep, narrow traveller.






1 - A - B - C - D - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 - 32 - 33 - 34 - 35 - 36 - 37 - 38 - 39 - 40 - 41 - 42 - 43 - 44 - 45 - 46 - 47 - 48 - 49 - 50 - 51 - 52 - 53 - 54 -