Walk Back Through Time: Spotting Kauai Museums
Agricultural History
Kauai actually has a very rampant agricultural lifestyle. Early Polynesian explorers brought many unique plants and herbs that are still existent today. Several farmers and workers used to tend plantations and fields with products such as corn, sugarcane, coconut, rice and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The Faye Museum at Kaumualili Highway, Waimea is a single-room location at Waimea Plantation Cottages that contain exhibits and pictures of H.P. Faye, a pioneer sugar planter at West Kauai.
The Norwegian immigrant arrived in 1880 and began a small plantation at Mana which established Kakaha Sugar and Kokee Ditch Systems. Two more generations followed and continued to manage the plantation. You get to see the intricate drainage canals that serve the big swamps of Mana. Admission is free.
Grove Farm Museum at Lihue is that oldest intact sugar plantation in Hawaii. It was originally acquired by George Wilcox in 1864, the son of missionary educators. You will see some original structures and furnishings that were used from 1864 to 1978. Guided tours are available by reservation plus a $10 requested donation for adults and a $5 donation for children ages 5 to 12 years old.
Hoopulapula Haraguchi Mill is locatd at Hanalei at the north shore of Kauai. The Kauai museum is the lone rice mill left in Hawaii found inside a National Wildlife Refuge at Hanalei Valley. The place is usually not open to the public although you can occasionally have the opportunity to know more about Hawaii’s agriculture and cultural lifestyle dating back 130 years ago. You can also witness some rare wildlife species like native waterbirds and the various ways to grow and use taro, a Polynesian crop.
Other Fascinating Museums
Kauai Children’s Discovery Museum is located at the Kauai Village Shopping Center in Kapa’a and is the ideal educational experience for kids and the entire family. This place offers kids and parents to enjoy various activities and stories. The lessons are very hands-on and particularly focus on letting children understand Kauai’s unique and interesting background.
Kokee Natural History Museum is located at Kokee State Park at Kekaha and is also recommended for big groups and families. The museum promotes and sparks interest about the island’s natural history, wonders as well as the entire Hawaiian archipelago. Seminars, workshops and events are held occasionally. Shops are available as well.
Waioli Mission House Museum is located at Hanalei on the north shore of the island. The Kauai museum used to be a missionary house built in 1837 and restored in 1921. You will find historic furnishings, native plants and trees and traditional Hawaiian horticulture in the old structure.
Guided tours are available with no admission fees required. West Kauai Technology & Visitor Center is at Kaumualili Highway, Waimea provides a modern approach to educating tourists about the many facets of the island and its people. Multimedia presentations, guided walking tours and other state-of-the-art facilities are available.
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An Introduction to Kauai Vacation
About the Island
The name Kauai probably originated from Hawai’iloa, the Polynesian explorer who is known to have discovered Hawaii. Hawai’iloa was said to have a favorite son whom he named the island after. It also translates to “food season” or “place around the neck” just as how a father would lift his favorite child. The population in the island ranges over 60,000. The United States Census Bureau defines Kauai as Census Tracts 401 to 409. This includes all of Kauai County except for the islands Lehua, Ni’ihau and Ka’ula.
Kauai or Kaua’i is the oldest and fourth largest main island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the 21st largest island in America which lies 105 miles across the Kaua’i Channel, just northwest of O’ahu. It is also called “Garden Isle” with blooming flora and fauna, great weather and captivating volcanoes.
The island is of volcanic origin with Kawaikini the highest peak standing at 5,243 feet and Mount Wai’ale’ale at the center of Kauai at 5,148 feet. It is one of the wettest places in the plant with annual rainfall resulting to deep valleys, canyons and waterfalls.
Lihue Airport is the main air transportation hub of the island. There are several towns and cities all over Kauai but majority of the distinctive ones are located from the northern tip of Hawaii Route 560 to the western end of Hawaii Route 50. Some popular places include Kapa’a, Lihu’e, Wailua, Princeville, Hanalei, Hanapepe, Kilauea, Lawa’i and Anahola.
Kauai resembles the shape of an almost perfect circle over an area of 552 square miles. The location provides warm waters from the Pacific Ocean as well as great temperature any time of the year. About half of the shoreline of the island is comprised of Kauai vacation beaches. You can expect to find some very rare species of animals and plants both on and off shore such as bamboo, orchid, hibiscus, sandalwood, eucalyptus, java plum, kiawe, iwi, nene goose, sea turtle, whale, dolphin and humuhumunukunukuapuaa.
What to Expect
You get to enjoy several open and commercial beaches all across the island as well as the vast richness of marine life. Hiking is another great Kauai vacation activity because of its mountainous regions specifically the Waimea Canyon or the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” rising up to 4,000 feet. Another popular site is the Napali Coast featuring captivating coastline views, free-flowing waterfalls, secret sea caves and tall cliffs.
Enjoy the tropical weather of a Kauai vacation all-year round. Temperatures also drop later in the afternoon for cooler nights. There are micro-climates on the island wherein both lush and dry areas exist Mount Waialeale has a beautiful rainforest having more than 400 inches of rain per year.
Other areas usually have sunny days and warm breezes and surrounding sites around the peak are generally unaffected by the rain. Coastal spots have an average of 18 inches of rain annually. Rainfall usually occurs at night.
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Delectable Dishes: Finding the Best Kauai Restaurant
What the Experts Recommend
Some Kauai restaurants particularly focus on keeping the whole family entertained and full. The Hanama’ulu Tea House and Ono Family Restaurant are popular spots for having quality service, special attention to children as well as great food and drinks. Here you can enjoy some authentic Hawaiian meals at the right sizes for every member of the household. Brick Oven Pizza is another fun restaurant as well where kids can feel right at home. If the family are up for nice meats and steaks, they can visit Tip Top, Kintaro and Brennecke’s. These places have very extensive menus.
If you’re looking at value, there are some spots that offer great prices as well. Barbecue Inn is located at the eastern side in Lihue featuring large servings at very affordable rates. For Mexican food lovers, they can visit Tacqueria Nortenos, Neidei’s Salsa & Samba and Pony Island Cantina. The Palm Tree Terrace in Wailua is ideal for big groups. You can also enjoy dining bargains at Mema’s and King & I in Wailua which offer fine Thai food and Hamura’s and Okazu Hale.
More excellent steaks and seafood await at Kalaheo Steak House which features their specialty prime rib and island fish. Meat and fish are cooked to perfection together with great appetizers and top quality wine. Bull Shed is located on the eastern shore which also has delicious steaks and seafood. Duke’s Canoe Club in the Kauai Marriott is found on the eastern shore offering an extensive salad bar and beachfront view. Winds of Beamreach is another must-visit Kauai restaurant on the north shore.
For Formality and Romance
For honeymooners and others visiting Kauai for a romantic vacation, the Princeville Resort has a few restaurants with a spectacular view of Hanalei Bay such as Cafe Hanalei, La Cascata and Bali Hai Restaurant. The Beach House Restaurant also offers seaside views on the south shore.
If you’re up to garden scenes, Piatti in Poipu and Gaylord’s near Lihue are ideal locations. Chef Jean Marie Josselin offers you some of the best Pacific cuisines on the east side of the island at A Pacific Cafe. Postcards Cafe is great for dieters since it features natural dishes with no meat and additives. Brennecke’s can provide you with the best seafoods in Hawaii such as fresh ono, snappers and ahi.
Enjoy candlelight dinners in Kauai restaurants such as Dondero’s with its array of Italian dishes. The place has an excellent wine selection coming from California and several European countries.
La Cascata has a very unique and romantic setting with inlaid marble floors, Franciscan murals and ocean view. The restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine plus authentic Italian and Hawaiian desserts. Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill at Kiahuna Plantation Drive offers Euro-Asian fusion with its delightful seafood, vegetable and meat dishes.
It also keeps you very close to Poipu Shopping Village so reservations are recommended.
Getting to Know the Best Kauai Beach Destinations
The Favorite Choices
Kalapaki Beach on Rice Road, Lihue, East Kauai is considered as the best beach in all of the island’s east coastal region. Residential spots on the area are among the most expensive in the county. The beach resembles a half moon of golden sand that leads to the Kauai Marriot Resort & Beach Club.
Kalapaki Beach is 50 yards wide and almost half a kilometre long. This place is ideal for swimmers, surfing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, surfing for beginners and windsurfing and also has a jetty for protection. The Haupu Ridge rises at 2,200 feet nearby protecting Nawiliwili Bay.
The beach opens out to the Harbor and Hoary Head Mountains. Other enjoyable activities are catamaran cruises, shopping at nearby Anchor Cove, sailboating, kayaking, beach volleyball and picnicking. Kauai Lagoons championship golf course is also a short walk away.
Poipu Beach Bark on Poipu Road, Poipu, South Kauai is the major beach on the south shore the island and is actually a combination of two beaches divided by a sandbar or tombolo. The left side has a lava-rock jetty that protects that sandy-bottomed pool where most families bring their kids. The right side has an open bay for swimmers, surfers and snorkelers.
The layout and weather of Poipu Beach Park makes it a very special Kauai beach destination such as great waves for swimming and surfing, beautiful reefs and marine life for snorkeling and strong steady wind for windsurfers. You will find sandy white beaches, rocks, grassy areas and shady spots around. The sandbar called Nukumoi Point is quite unique since ocean currents rush to the beach from opposite directions forming a tombolo by sand deposition. Restrooms, showers, picnic areas and lifeguards are available.
Popular Parks
Polihale State Park on Old Mana Road, West Kauai is the last beach on the westernmost point of the island. It is also the biggest beach in all of Hawaii ranging 17 miles long and about 300 yards wide. This is a great place to hold picnics, sunbathe, stroll in the sun and play beach sports. Temperatures seem to rise higher in the area compared to other beaches in Kauai.
Some attractions in the state park include Hawaiian temples or heiau and burial sites, the forbidden island of Niihau and Barking Sands Beach. Sand dunes can rise up to 100 feet and currents can be very strong because of the full exposure of the shore to the Pacific Ocean. There are facilities in Polihale State Park including picnic tables, showers, drinking water and restrooms. There no lifeguards however so caution should be taken if going off-shore.
Anini Beach County Park on Anini Road, North Shore Kauai is considered as the safest and most protected beach on the north shore of the island. It is ideal for Kauai beach destination activities like swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing. The location is captivating as well since it is found on a blue lagoon right at the foot of emerald cliffs.
The beach measures 3 miles long and is protected by the longest and widest reef in Hawaii. The areas on and off shore continue to drive in tourists with the abundance of shallow and deep blue waters and white sand beaches complete with shells and cowries.
Hawaiian Heritage: The History of Kauai Island
The Origin
Around 400 to 500 A.D., Kauai had its first share of settlers who brought basic food products like taro which is commonly used to make poi. The Marquesans sailed from Polynesia and became the first inhabitants of the island. In 1000 A.D., Tahitians arrived and overpowered the Marquesans to settle in Kauai as well. Several of the Polynesians brought many of the plants that you can still find in Kauai today.
Westerners arrived at the scene only during the 1700s. Captain James Cook is the most famous of all western explorers who navigated Hawaiian waters and islands. The HMS Discovery and Resolution of the captain first landed in Waimea Bay, the west coastal region in 1778 resulting to trinket and food trading as well as cultural education from Hawaiian hosts. Captain Cook named the islands “Sandwich Islands” after the captain’s superior officer, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
Cook however, attempted to kidnap a Hawaiian high chief when a boat was stolen but was killed by the islanders. James King assumed the lost position and a few years later, merchants, missionaries and diseases found their way into Kauai history. There are also undocumented reports that Gaetan, a Spanish explorer was accidentally blown off course into the island in 1542.
In 1810, King Kamehameha took Kauai non-violently from King Kaumuali’i. He reigned over almost all the islands. In 1815, Georg Scheffer, a Russian doctor visited Kauai to hopefully establish trade privileges with King Kamehameha. The island however, was still nominally under the control of King Kaumuali’i so the doctor promised Kaumuali’i to liberate Kauai with the help of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia in exchange for cargo located in Waimea. Fort Elizabeth was then constructed on the western part of the island plus a couple more near Hanalei. Unfortunately, Scheffer was called back to his home country resulting to the fall of Fort Elizabeth into the hands of King Kamehameha.
The Kilauea Lighthouse was created in 1913 at the northernmost point of the major Hawaiian islands which featured the largest glass lens of its kind guiding sailors from the Orient. It continued to function until 1970 and is now considered as a historical landmark. Hawaiian history continued to flourish throughout the years and was well-preserved even after American colonization during the 1900s.
More Historical Sites and Museums
You will find several other historical stories, items and structures all over Kauai island such as Polihale Heiau along the Coconut Coast which is a Hawaiian temple that contains several ancient idol sites on its terraced location. The Hauola Place of Refuge used to be a sacred sanctuary if a person loses in battle or breaks the law. The Waioli Mission House features antique furnishings dating back to 1850.
Kauai Museum features some of the best in Kauai history with artifacts, exhibits and dioramas. Grove Farm Homestead Museum features the Wilcox family as well as how sugar plantations existed in 1860. Kamokila Hawaiian Village lets you experience the ancient lifestyle of the Hawaiian people complete with crafts, games and demonstrations.
Koke’e Natural History Museum boasts the rich flora and fauna of Kauai history. It is located near Koke’e State Park and Koke’e Lodge.
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Hawaiian Holidays: Experience Unforgettable Kauai Festivals
Frequent Kauai Festivals
Every tourist can expect to witness at least one festival while visiting Kauai. The Waimea Historic Walking Tour at West Kauai Visitor Center is a weekly event held every Monday starting at 9:30 a.m. This is an outdoor occasion requiring individuals to register to participate and avail of special group tours. You walk through some great landscapes and structures that define the early lifestyle of Kauai villagers.
You get to see the exact spot where Captain James Cook first landed in the 1700s as well as agricultural landscapes featuring corn, rice and taro plantations and a sophisticated ditch system. You also get to learn about some great Hawaiian kings, citizens and foreign missionaries including a number of landmarks that these important people of the past left behind. The entire tour lasts about 2 hours.
The annual Kauai Coconut Festival started in 1996 presented by Bob Bartolo from KBA or the Kapa’a Business Association. The main mission of this grand event is to promote, preserve and enhanced the quality of life and business along the Royal Coconut Coast. The association aims for people to have a new respect for a very important fruit in Hawaii’s history.
The Coconut Coast area was a strategic area for growing rice, pineapple, sugarcane and coconut when the Western explorers discovered the island. Groves of coconut trees were planted and cultivated along the coast to produce copra or dried coconut meat that produces oil. You can still see old plantations along Kuhio Highway. Activities to enjoy in the Kauai festival include cooking demonstrations, food, games, shopping and contests.
The Solo Auana Hula Award Finale is a cultural festival in Lihue founded by Nathan Kalama wherein solo hula dancers compete for the ultimate award. The event starts at 12:00 noon and it is recommended to buy tickets in advance due to seating reservations.
This is an indoor program featuring contemporary Hawaiian culture, music and hula. The festival actually lasts one whole week with great highlights like the Kauai Composers Contest & Concert, workshops and other live performances. There are 3 evenings of hula competition plus a special honor given to cultural contributions by important Hawaiian figures.
More Fun Festivals
The Kauai All Girls Rodeo is a sporting event in Poipu held at CJM Country Stables starting at 10:00 a.m. You get to see the finest cowgirls on the island compete in various horse-related activities like horseback riding, team roping and barrel racing. Competitors’ ages can be anywhere from elementary kids to grandmothers. There is a large parking area, free admission with open air bleacher seating arrangement and shops where you can buy food, logo t-shirts and other souvenir items.
Kauai Powwow – Honoring the Drum is a cultural Kauai festival featuring great traditional songs from all areas of Hawaii. The event is held at Kapa’a beach park where you get to see live drum entertainment, food and gift booths, hula and other fun games and activities.
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Hawaiian Travel Guide: Your Ultimate Kauai Plan
The Best Time to Visit
Your Kauai plan should merge into the busy tourist season or work around it. Generally, most tourists flock to the island 2 times every year from middle of June to Labor Day and from the middle of December to Easter. Visitor centers tend to crowd during Christmas and in August so you may have to book hotel reservations, car rentals, park tours and other attraction entrances earlier.
If you buy tickets and make reservations on the spot, expect to pay more since prices usually soar during these periods. Traffic congestion is also more common during peak seasons. It will help a lot to ask help from travel agents. Package deals that provide discounts and reserving months in advance will help reduce costs.
If you’re planning to relax and enjoy the attractions, events and sceneries more, you may want to visit Kauai during the off-season. Prices are cheaper, there are fewer people so you can get the best deals and spots on different major locations and you will not have any problems when it comes to making hotel and restaurant reservations.
The temperature in Kauai generally averages at a comfortable 78 degrees Fahrenheit regardless if you’re visiting in the summer or winter months. The hottest and coldest seasons will only cause temperature to rise or drop by 5 to 6 degrees. Water temperature ranges between 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature does tend to drop early in the morning and in the evenings.
Kauai plan should include rain as well since there is a lot of it in the island. From December to March, expect hard rain showers so hiking and other water activities can be affected. You can enjoy better weather in the summer. The northeast side of the island is the one most affected by rain so you might enjoy the weather more on other ends. Heavy showers however, provide the advantage of having bigger and better flowing waterfalls and healthier vegetation.
What to Bring in Kauai
Include some of the most essential items in your Kauai plan to ensure a comfortable visit. Sunscreen or sunblock lotion is important preferably waterproof ones with an SPF of at least 25 to 30 since the sun can be intense at the beach. Bring sunglasses as well to protect your eyes from UV rays. Don’t forget a camera with a lot of memory or film to capture fun moments and captivating sights. Temperature does not go into the extremes in the island so bring comfortable clothes which you can readily hit the water in.
Other important items include a Kauai map that reveals the important highways and bypasses as well as popular tourist attractions. Bring a water jug when hiking and going deep into the island since rivers and streams may not always be safe to drink from. Mosquito repellents, hiking boots, beach games and water sports gear will keep the whole Kauai plan complete and enjoyable too.
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How to Plan Your Kauai Wedding and Honeymoon
Romantic Wedding Ideas
The most common wedding idea would be to exchange vows and have the ceremony with a beautiful oceanview backdrop. You get to have the best venue preparation complete with tropical plants and flowers, attractive leis and original hula and Hawaiian music. Other excellent sites and venues include mountain views, cliff side, tropical rainforests and ancient architectural wonders. Some unique activities that can be incorporated into your wedding are a horse-drawn carriage or limousine, conch shell blowing, tiki torch lighting and special presentations by local performers.
If you want to get married in more isolated zones, you may try Kalihiwai Beach or the “Secret Beach” as well as Lumahai Beach. Hanalei and Haena also has marvelous beaches that take you away from the crowded areas so you can have all the serenity and quietness you’ve always wanted. The south shore of Kauai has Mahaulepu beach accessible via a well-protected cane road.
Professionals allow you to choose from a variety of themes with special additions that cater to your personal preferences. Professional wedding photographers and videographers are also available so ask for a list from your hotel, view the local directory or surf the internet.
A number of world-class hotels are also located conveniently near the ocean and coast so you get to have a magnificent view as well as luxurious accommodation and reception. Kauai wedding planners and event organizers are located throughout the different towns and cities so you can conveniently apply and acquire your marriage license.
To obtain a marriage license, the couple needs to be at least 18 years of age with certified proof. The groom and bride should appear together in person before a marriage license agent and prepare and file the official application. A fee will be asked upon approval and the license is valid for 30 days throughout Hawaii.
A Hearty Honeymoon
Several great places are located throughout the island for your grand Kauai wedding and honeymoon. Na Aina Kai and the Limahuli Gardens feature a tropical garden with unique Hawaiian plants and flowers for a great photography background.
The Coco Palms is a popular place where Elvis was married to Joan Blackman in the movie Blue Hawaii. You can also checkout other natural treasures like the Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, Fern Grotto on the Wailua River and Opaekaa Falls. Several lagoons are found all around the island where you can have a very romantic canoe ride or quick dip.
Some of the best hotels to stay in are the Princeville Resort, Grand Hyatt and Marriott featuring several unique amenities like an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, 18-hole golf course, Jacuzzi, spa, fine dining areas with a wonderful view of the ocean, clubs and bars and special events occasionally.
Go to the beach and downtown to experience the night life for your Kauai honeymoon. Luaus are held frequently so check with the hotel front desk to make reservations and avail of special buffets and treats for newlyweds.
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Kauai Travel Tips for Lone Visitors and Big Families
Kauai Driving
If you’re visiting a relative, you may be fortunate to be lent a car to drive around in. There are 2 major highways in Kauai and both starts in Lihue. From Lihue Airport, Kapule Highway or Highway 51 is on the right. Kapula Highway eventually merges 1 mile away into Kuhio Highway or Highway 56. Kuhio Highway leads to Coconut Coast and through the North Shore then ends at Kee Beach at the starting point of Na Pali coast. There are no roads along Na Pali Coast in the northwest of the island.
Following Kapule Highway will lead you through Lihue and Nawiliwili. Taking Nawiliwili Road or Highway 58 will lead you to an intersection with Kaumualili Highway or Highway 50 that leads to the south and southwest parts of Kauai up to Waimea then ends at the opposite end of Na Pali Coast. Take Maluhia Road or Highway 510 south if you want to go to Poipu. Waimea Canyon Road or Highway 550 or Kokee Road or Highway 55 both join halfway up to Waimea Canyon.
Traffic tends to congest from Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. You can get stuck in traffic for over an hour since only a single road circles the entire island connecting all towns and locations.
The 2 main highways, however, almost lead to every popular attraction and site for your Kauai travel. Hawaii traffic regulations also strictly enforce proper of wearing of seat belts. On the highways, go for an average of 40 to 50 mph and 30 to 35 on smaller roads.
With fairly normal traffic, expect to reach Poipu from Lihue in 20 minutes, from Poipu to Polihale in 35 minutes, from Lihue to Kapaa in 10 minutes and from Kapaa to Hanalei in 30 minutes. It is important to know about contra flows wherein cones are placed on lane divisions resulting to traffic driving on the wrong side of the road. This approach aims to reduce traffic congestion during commute hours. Bypass roads ideally help you enjoy the scenery without having to worry about heavy highway traffic.
More Kauai Driving Tips
As far as insurance goes, Hawaii is a no-fault state so you are required to pay for all damages should you be involved in a collision and do not own collision-damage insurance. This applies regardless of whose fault the accident was and you need to pay before leaving the state. Some car insurance plans cover a number of car rental policies so check your company for privileges and insurance benefits.
You may opt for the optional insurance but bring your insurance identification card if not. Aside from insurance companies, credit card companies may also provide collision-damage insurance so check for these.
Hawaiian state law requires all car passengers to wear a seat belt. All infants should be strapped into car seats as well. A $50 fine will be given to violators. Pedestrians always have right of way all the time. You can cautiously turn right on red from the right lane after a full stop unless there’s a sign that prevents you.
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Nature at Its Best: The Famous Kauai Trails
The Great Hikes
The Kauai Kalalau Trail Na Pali Coastline is one of the ultimate hikes in the island which takes about 2 days to finish. The trail starts at the end of the road at Kee Beach. Many hikers hike for 11 miles and upon reaching the end at Kalalau Beach, get picked up by a tour bus. From the starting point, you work the incline up to the Na Pali Coastline.
The first 25 minutes of the trail is fairly mudde, steep and rocky although you get to see a great view of Kee Beach. Views of the coastline will come and go as you continue on the trail. Hanakapi’ai Beach is just 2 miles from the starting point but you get to go through streams, boulders, caves and cliffs along the way.
You may choose to stop at Hanakapi’ai Beach. If you go 2 more miles inland, you get to see the 300-foot majestic waterfall where you can enjoy a quick dip. It takes about 8 hours back and forth if you pick Hanakapi’ai Falls as your destination spot.
For families and beginners, the Kauai Kuilau Ridge Trail is good. Drive past Opaekaa Falls to the end of the road just before reaching Keahua Arboretum and the first stream crossing to find the starting point on the right. The first mile has an asphalt base path which slowly rises to a picnic area on top of a valley. Views include Mt. Wai’ale’ale, rolling hills and the ocean. There is a wooden bridge that leads to the end of the trail as well as the starting point of Moalepe Trail. Most find this an easy and relaxing hike.
Kauai Kukui Trail is more challenging which winds down 2000 feet into the Waimea Canyon floor. You get to see a lot of unique landscapes and views in the first 1.5 miles such as dramatic canyon formations, mountain goats and plants.
Choose the forest and brush paths if you’re up for a tough hike. Expect the trails to be slippery during dry days and make sure you have enough energy since you still need to hike back up. The end of the trail is at the Wiliwili campsite and Waimea River. You can also walk to nearby Waimea town through the canyon.
Beautiful Isolated Walks
Kauai Nounou West Trail is located about a mile from Opaekaa Falls. You climb the mountain known as “Sleeping Giant” leading to a sheltered picnic area on the giant’s chest. Some magnificent views include Wailua River, Mt. Waialeale and the ocean. Mt. Waialeale will provide you the same view similar to the remake of the movie “King Kong”. It takes about an hour and a half to reach to total elevation of about 1000 feet from the base to the head.
Kuamoo Trail is another fairly easy isolated route that starts half a mile past Opaekaa Falls. The first mile features a few Hawaiian homes and green canopies. You also get to see a wooden bridge and the river feeding Opaekaa Falls.
Total Kauan trail is about 2 miles long with lots of ferns, vegetation and mud. The destination is in a pine tree grove at the intersection of the Nounou West Trail.
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Practicing Kauai Safety Guidelines for a Vacation to Remember
Staying Safe at the Beach
Kauai is located at 22 degrees latitude which is very close to the equator so it gets more direct sunlight compared to other islands in the Pacific. Although temperatures on the average range from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, some areas particularly in the northwest part of the island tend to experience intense rays from the sun. During the summer months, it is recommended to stay in shady areas or completely avoid sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beaches in the southern and eastern shores are cooler. Wear waterproof sunscreen or sunblock preferably with an SPF of 30 but definitely not less than 15. Wear a wide brim hat or bring an umbrella. Drink lots of water to prevent sunstroke and dehydration. If you plan to sunbathe, the best times would be from 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Start by lying out 15 to 20 minutes per side on the first day. Gradually increase the duration over the week to avoid sunburn.
Always be on the lookout for warning signs, rules and regulations. Popular beaches usually have lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas and other facilities. Open shores however, may be completely uninhabited so make sure you know the right route to the nearest medical institution should any accident occur.
Inform people in other areas if you plan to explore wild beaches. Observe the beach as well as the water. Large waves can be good but stay away from rocky areas since you can get slammed by the current. Winds can mean larger and stronger currents. Find out about the current tide as well as the presence of drop offs.
The tide can change depending on the season, time of day or weather. People are recommended to stay out of the water before it gets dark. Snorkelers, surfers and scuba divers should always enter the water in pairs. Children should always be supervised by an adult. Heed warning signs and watch out for the presence of other marine species like seals, crabs, jellyfish and sharks.
Water and Forest Safety
Kauai safety guidelines cover all types of terrain and bodies. Rip currents are currents of water channelled away from the beach. Waves breaking over sandbars and shallow reefs with deeper channels without breaking waves are signs of a rip current. Conserve energy and don’t fight if you find yourself in one. Call for help and go with the flow instead. Most currents will release you offshore after some time.
Bring insect repellents when hiking as well as a water jug. You can get leptospirosis by drinking from infected streams and ponds. Wild animals and poisonous plants can lead to emergency situations so always stay on the trail and follow hiking rules and tips.
It is recommended that you go in groups or in pairs to stay away from danger and potential threats. Kauai safety and health personnel are available in most state parks and tourist spots.
The Top Kauai Activities You Should Not Miss
Appreciating Nature
Kauai has a lot of state parks and natural scenic views such as Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon. Koke’e State Park borders the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and ranges more than 4,000 acres. Here you can enjoy over 40 hiking trails with captivating backgrounds. Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, 2 miles wide and 3,600 feet deep featuring an array of colors.
The Na Pali Coast is one of the most popular sites in the island featuring 22 miles of volcanic cliffs. Take a boat or helicopter ride to view the coast fully. Helicopter rides are definitely preferred if you want a clearer picture of waterfalls, sea cliffs, mountains and volcanoes. The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is more than 1,000 acres of tropical abundance in Haena at the northern part of Kauai.
Some spots in Kauai have been used in movies and television shows. Find out where big hits like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Gilligan’s Island, Blue Hawaii, etc. were shot by taking the Movie Tours via bus, 4x4 or helicopter. Learn more about the plantation life and fields of old Kauai by taking the Kauai Plantation Train which features wooden cars at Kilohana camp. You get to see the best of Hawaiian agriculture and produce like pineapple, coffee, tropical flowers and banana.
Enjoy the many open and commercial beaches and resorts all across the island where you can enjoy Kauai activities on and off shore. Some must-visit spots include Princeville resort, Hanalei Lookout and town, Ke’e Beach, the Coconut Coast and Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse. Kauai is also every golfer’s paradise featuring some of the best golf courses in the world. Try a few holes at Poipu Bay Golf Course which has an attractive ocean view and challenging layout.
Modern Kauai Activities
If you prefer to explore the towns and cities in Kauai, there are also a wide array of restaurants, spas, shopping centers and business hubs available. Poipu Beach has several great dining places specializing in ethnic cuisine and seafood. In Hanapepe Town you can find Hanapepe Cafe for a romantic dinner and original slack key guitar tunes by Cindy Combs then visit the nearby galleries afterwards.
Hanapepe comes to life in the evening especially during weekends so expect to see clubs and bars offering delectable appetizers and cocktails. Tradewinds, a South Seas Bar is located in Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa where you can enjoy a Hawaiian style bar with karaoke, games and other fun Kauai activities.
Crafts and other gift items are available at Vintage Aloha in Hanapepe Road, Kalaheo. Glass art can be found at Kela’s Glass Gallery while Hawaiian tank tops, shirts and outfits are sold at Nite Owl T-Shirts in Eleele, Kauai.
Shopping centers and malls are also located in Lihue such as the Anchor Cove Shopping Center where you can buy Hawaiian books, crafts and souvenirs.
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Vital Kauai Tips for a Stress-Free and Relaxing Vacation
How to Go Around Kauai
Kauai tips are available on the internet and it is ideal to make transportation reservations early since some days of the week and seasons tend to be packed. The easiest method for most would be to borrow a car from a friend or relative living in Kauai or avail of car rental services. Car rental rates in Hawaii are actually much cheaper compared to other states in America.
Expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $60 for a 1-day rental of a medium-size car. The price range already is non-discounted and has unlimited mileage. You can make reservations by phone, online or personally at agencies nearby Lihue Airport. Most companies allow you to drive anywhere on the island provided that you are at least 25 years old and have a valid driving license and credit card.
Motorcycle rentals are also available and most companies offer a wide selection of brands like Harley Davidson, Ducati, BMW, etc. Scooters and race bikes are available as well. Rental rates will depend on the motorcycle model, duration and location. Some companies may charge you by the hour. Age restrictions vary but every client is required to have a valid driver’s license. Check your credit card and insurance companies if their coverage includes vehicle rental services in Kauai.
Public and private transportation options are also present in Kauai such as taxis, buses, limousines, airport shuttles, boats and helicopters. Buses and taxis generally pass through the two major highways on the island.
However, buses do not stop at any resorts and requires a baggage limit for each passenger. Buses are available from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. It may be more convenient to take a taxi when going to particular attractions. Kauai tips recommend that you take either a boat or helicopter for specific locations that are generally non-accessible by land.
Bringing Kids Along
Traveling to Kauai with children can be stress-free and fun if you know the right services and methods. For flight plans, ask for seats with lots of leg room. Bring toys and other items that will relieve boredom for the duration of the trip.
You might want to try an overnight stopover in California if you’re flying from the east coast to prevent tired kids from getting irritated and help them adjust to the time zone. Always ask for a child or baby seat when driving around Kauai. Babies will need high chairs, strollers and cribs. You can contact your hotel and other transportation service to provide these for you at a fee.
In some areas and events, kids may not be allowed but some Kauai tips suggest that you avail of babysitting services in the island. Kauai hotels, lodges and other locations will be glad to provide you a list of professional babysitting services. You only pay the person by the hour but make sure you inform and ask the front desk to check on your children regularly.
There are also special places like museums, beach events and parks that particularly cater to children with guides, caretakers and educators so you might consider leaving your little ones momentarily as you go to other attractions.
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