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