Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii
There are many fun things to do in Kauai if you get lucky enough to take a vacation in Hawaii. Kauai is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Because of its beauty, many movies have been filmed at Kauai. The very best things to do in Kauai take advantage of the island's natural beauty. A vacation in Kauai is paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Kauai is the oldest and fourth largest main island of Hawaii. It is one of the wettest areas on the globe. Because of this, Kauai has numerous flora and beautiful scenery. It is nicknamed "The Garden Isle". The excessive precipitation has also caused valleys and canyons with amazing waterfalls on the Hawaiian island
Things to Do in Kauai for Nature Lovers
One of the things to do in Kauai that is not to be missed is to visit the beautiful canyons located in Waimea. Don't miss Waimea Canyon. Waimea Canyon is named the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". It is a 2,700 feet deep gorge. Waimea is also the first location that Captain Cook landed on the Hawaiian islands. A statue of him is located at Waimea in Kauai.
Visit the botanical gardens named Allerton Garden or one of the other botanical gardens for slower paced things to do in Kauai. Allerton Garden is open to the public every day except Sunday. If you want to visit Allerton Garden in Kauai, you must make reservations. Allerton Garden has been the home of the queen of Hawaii and site of many movie scenes. Don't miss rambling through this floral paradise. There are unique features such as a Bamboo garden, an orchard full of tropical fruit trees, cut-flower garden, fountains, statues, and reflecting pools. Photographers will want to spend the entire day here.
There are several things to do in Kauai for hikers, photographers, and bird watchers at the Koke'e State Park. Koke'e State Park in Hawaii has a Natural History Museum which is open 7 days a week and doesn't charge admission. This park is loaded with hiking trails. The hiking trails vary greatly in length and difficulty. See swamp land, native plants and birds, and canyon views. You may even see some wild goats.
Free Things to Do in Kauai
There are other free things to do in Kauai, Hawaii, besides visiting the Koke'e Natural History Museum and lounging at the beach. The island is also loaded with photographic opportunities and hiking trails. Here are some more free things to do in Kauai:
Moir Gardens is a 35 acre botanical cactus and succulents garden located on the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. It is open everyday with free admittance.
Visit the largest coffee plantation in Hawaii at Kauai. The coffee plantation is located on the southwestern side of Kauai. The visitor center tells about the history of coffee and growing coffee beans. The admission is free and the visitor center is open daily.Recreational Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii
The more active vacationer should visit the Wailua River State Park if looking for recreational things to do in Kauai. The park contains the only river in Hawaii that can be used for water recreational activities. There are several boating activities to choose, including riverboats, motorboats, skiing, and riverboats. Tourists like to visit the park. Be sure to see the Opaeka Falls located in the park. It is a double waterfall that is over 150 feet and visible all year. Fans of history will also enjoy visiting the heiaus, or temples, in the Hawaiian park. There are several that have been preserved in the park. Don't miss the Iraivan temple located along the Wailua River by the park. It is a Hindu temple that was hand carved in India and then assembled on Kauai.
There are plenty of things to do in Kauai for sun worshippers and surfers. Try a visit to Hanalei Bay. Hanalei Bay is a large bay on the north side of Kauai. The beach there is amazing. It is about two miles long. The scenery can't be beat, as the backdrop is of mountain scenery. Lifeguards are present at Hanalei Bay, and they are friendly and helpful. Surfing is a very popular thing to do in Kauai, especially at Hanalei Bay. There are several surfing schools if you want to learn while on vacation.Things to Do in Kauai for Kids
Looking for things to do for the younger set? Try Kee Beach on the north shore, which is nice for families. It is a lagoon that is surrounded by coral reefs. Kee Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, is great for swimming, hiking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. As long as a person doesn't venture too far out into the water or close to the rocks, it is safe. If a person does get close to the rocks or too far out, the current is very strong and there is a good chance of drowning. There are no lifeguards. Better safe than sorry. Summer months offer the calmest waters at Kee Beach. Kee Beach is also full of colorful fish and sea turtles for nature lovers. Don't touch the turtles unless you wish to pay a hefty fine, though. Photographers and romantics should stay long enough for the amazing sunsets. Kee Beach is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Kee Beach is very popular, so it is not suited for anyone that doesn't like crowds. Try visiting early in the morning for a more peaceful beach experience. The Kalalau Trail is also located by Kee Beach. Hike the trail for breathtaking views
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Top 5 Family Fun Beaches
Planning a vacation with the whole family means you have one primary consideration: keeping the kids happy. If planning a beach vacation, it seems you already have taken care of that main consideration, but not completely. You want to be sure you choose a kid-friendly beach that will also keep the adults happy.
Dr. Beach, otherwise known as scientist Dr. Stephen Leatherman, chooses the top beaches each year, always with an eye toward the kids as well. All of the following selections are made with the family in mind. These were Dr. Beach's selections for 2006.
1. Fleming Beach, Maui. This beach, of which part is the Ritz Carlton beach, is a popular destination for families. Here, you can surf, swim and picnic. Since the kids are with you, you'll appreciate that there are restrooms, showers and picnic facilities. If you're visiting in the winter, stay out of the water, as the surf is dangerously high then. Families also like the location - it's on the west side of Maui and is backed by a forest of trees which provide abundant shade.
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida. This beach makes a wonderful complement to a Florida vacation with kids. Head to Florida's west coast (this beach is near the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area) and visit this park, which offers a marina, picnic pavilions, shelling and fishing, as well as nature studies. There are also three miles of nature trail here. The beach is a family favorite due to the myriad of activities that complement your visit, as well as the beautiful sand beaches perfect for sandcastle making.
3. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Located on North Carolina's Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island is a popular destination for families. There's something here for everyone: the kids enjoy watching the "banker ponies", the wild ponies that live there, and parents enjoy the quaint shops, historic lighthouse, and darling homes. The village of Ocracoke is on the National Register of Historic Places. There's a free ferry service from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. It's a 40-minute ferry ride that can end up taking a lot longer in the summertime, as the wait for the ferry can be a long one.
4. Cooper's Beach, Southampton, New York. Southampton was the first settlement in New York State, in 1640, and this beach is the main beach in the Southampton area. Of course, Southampton is known as the playground of the rich during the summer months, so be sure to prepare yourself for that if you're not normally part of that moneyed crowd. But don't let that scare you off - the beach is also a favorite playground of kids everywhere. You should carry some cash: non-residents pay $25 for weekday parking and $30 for weekend.
5. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii. This beach, located on the north coast of Hawaii, is a quiet oasis of fun beach activities. There are many vacation home rentals in the area, so you can head from your condo or house rental right to this beautiful beach. Kids love it because the white sand beaches are prime for sand play, there are restrooms, picnic facilities and a lifeguard on duty. Kids can play in the water most times of the year and surfing and boogie boarding are also popular here.
Liz Boudreau is a beach bum with a passion for travel. She has traveled to and reviewed some of the best beaches in the world.
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The Inside Secrets of Popular Hawaii Vacation Destinations
These homes are superior to hotels, especially for large groups of people. Vacationers can rent a cottage or home that is big enough to accommodate an entire group of tourists. Vacation beach rentals are perfect for visiting an island such as Kauai. You'll be close to the beaches and have a wonderful place to stay as well.
A Haena vacation rental is just one example of a truly splendid place. Haena is a little township in Hawaii that has just about everything. This includes beaches, waterfalls, jungles, fantastic hiking trails, and dazzling sunsets. Anyone can visit this lovely place on the island of Kauai by renting a vacation home.
Moloa`a and Anahola are also places of interest for vacationers in Kauai. This location is unique because the local Hawaiian natives are said to live here so the majority of the land is set aside to accommodate them. Golfing, surfing, snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving are among the numerous activities that people can participate in. Anahola is located near the airport and harbor which makes it the perfect area for transportation facilities for local residents and guests as well. Anahola vacation rentals are also quite popular. These rentals usually offer easy access to the beach and provide a breathtaking view of the ocean too.
Hawaii is well-known for its vacation homes which provide the luxury of a hotel along with a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. Visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds. Vacation cottages are also wonderful places for visitors. Hawaii has many such places and a vacation rental in Kauai would be an excellent choice.
The main advantage of vacation homes is that a large number of people can stay in one place at a lower cost compared to a hotel. With the increasing demand for vacation rentals, the number of people involved in the vacation home business has also grown. Vacation rentals have many accommodations such as a kitchen to prepare your own food in, which helps reduce food expenses.
In addition to a kitchen most vacation homes also have grills, washers and dryers, Cable television along with a DVD and CD player, Jacuzzi bathtubs and a variety of other amenities so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Plan your vacation in Hawaii soon so you can be in the center of nature and enjoy the exquisite beauty. You'll be able to find a high-quality vacation home more easily if you reserve early. With some negotiation you might even receive a discount.
Hawaii has been blessed with rich scenic beauty. Places like Haena, are rare and unique. Staying at a Kauai vacation rental and enjoying the magnificence of the ocean is like living in a paradise.
Chris Jensen is a contributing Author of Jetfly Blog. For more related articles and reviews visit Jetfly Travel & Vacation Blog now. Also, for the Best up-to-date related Online Products, check out Jetfly Vacation Rentals Shop for Todays Current Online Deals.
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Guide To North Kauai
Kilauea
Kilauea is the northernmost point of the island. A lighthouse stands at the edge of the cliff, where it used to warn approaching ships. It measures 52 feet in height and was built in 1913. Since 1976 it has not been in service, but the public is welcome to visit the landmark. The lighthouse is situated at the end of a 31 acre Wildlife Refuge Park. The park was severly damaged in September 1992, when Hurricane Iniki struck the island. It took 2 years to repair everything, and the refuge opened again in 1994, more beautiful than ever.
Anini Beach, known as one of the most beautiful beach in all of Kauai, offers beach cottages for the real Hawaii vacation - secluded, surrounded by palms and in a world of their own. Make sure to reserve way in advance if you want to be one of the lucky ones to spent your vacation here.
Kilauea itself is a small town with a few restaurants, but its main attraction are its fabulous beaches. There is a wonderful lake which is home to a little island which has been called "the ultimate getaway". This wonderful vacation home is one of many which line the Kilauea beaches. . Along the beaches you will find a number of vacation rentals and homes.
Hanalei
Hanalei is a small village on Kauai’s North Shore with little more than 500 residents. It is the entrance to picturesque Hanalei Valley, and features a wonderful beach, the Hanalei Bay, home of many beautiful vacation homes, a great beach and some outstanding B&B's.For a real cozy place, pick Tutu's Cottage. A museum, a mission house, a church and various restaurants are the main attractions of Hanalei, as well as its natural charm. The museum is the Hanalei Museum, a small house from the 19th century. It features local articrafts and displays the local history. It is located on Kuhio Hwy at the beginning of Hanalei. At the end of the village is the Wailoli Mission House from the year 1841. The house faithfully capture rural life on Kaua‘i as is was 160 years ago. The church is the impressive Wai'oli Hui'ia Church, a very elegant and much photographed green church dating from 1912. Particularly of note is the magnificent stained glass window arch.
Hanalei is a beautiful village, perfect to relax and to spend some quiet days. From here you can start your hikes to the Na Pali coast, or one of the popular boat or rafting tours along the secluded coast. Enjoy the spectacular sunsets and views of the Na Pali coast sipping on an original Hawaiian Mai Tai. In the evening you have the choice between some good restaurants in the village Hanalei has become a very popular vacation spot. The Hanalei Bay resort is one of the few resorts in this area.
If you follow the road Rt. 56 towards the Na Pali Coast, you will pass several caves and come towards Haena, another small settlement with older farms and some newer vacation homes. Haena used to be a favorite hangout with the hippies in the 60's and 70's, who used to come out here from California and brought some of their music and influences to this place. Take the time to stop and enjoy the beaches. If there is good surf, you might get lucky and catch some kids in action.
Na Pali Coast
The most picturesque coastline of the Hawaiian Islands is also the most difficult coast to access. 4000 feet high, perpendicular cliffs are looming over the ocean, reflecting all colors of the rainbow. this coast is both breathtaking an unforgettable.
If you are not inclined to spent a lot of time, take a helicopter. Flights leave from Lihue and Princeville airports and will give you an aerial picture of this coastline. If you fly and have a deja vu, you are right, it's just like in Magnum P.I., only the helicopters are more reliable. Daily tours are also offered.
Rafting is the second option. In case you are used to exploring sea caves, having dolphins swim with the boat while you marvel at natures beauty, and snorkeling at secluded beaches, don't go. If you are not, don't miss this tour.
Hiking is the third option. You can park your car at Haena and start the hike there. The first section leads you 2 miles to Hanakapai Bay. The bay has a unique setting. At the back of the valley is a nice waterfall. The fresh water river flows across the bay into the ocean. So it is possible for you to take a swim in fresh water, but with a sandy bottom and views of the ocean – it is a fantastic experience.
Hanakoa is a very wet and rainy place. Very experienced hikers can dare to continue their hike another 5 miles to finally reach the Koolau Valley. Koolau is filled with natural attractions. There are several beautiful falls, pools, more hikes and ancient ruins. The whole hike consists of 11 miles and is rated difficult, especially after rainfall.
Beaches
Kauai’s North Shore Beaches offer unbeatable scenery, but swimming and snorkeling are dangerous, due to high surf and strong currents.
Hanakapiai
You will reach this wonderful and unique bay after a 2 miles hike along the Na Pali coast. During the winter months the surf is high and the currents strong, so swimming is not recommended. A fresh water river crosses the bay and flows into the ocean. It is safe all year round to take a bath in the river.
Hanalei Bay
Located at Kauai’s North Shore, the bay is not safe for swimming, due to the rough waters, but it is definitely one of the most beautiful bays. Ideal for walking and watching the sunset.
Lumahai
This beach became famous after the movie ‘South Pacific’ had been shot here. This wonderful long strip of white sand beach is not protected by any reef, so swimming is extremely dangerous.
Anahola Bay
A protective reef makes swimming relatively safe during the summer, but high surf and strong currents cause hazardous conditions in the winter. The beach has good facilities and is a local favorite.
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Paradise On Earth Make Your Vacation A Worthy One
Jason McGregor is a frequent traveler to Hawaii reviewing Kauai Hawaii vacation beach rental homes and Kauai Hawaii vacation cottages, Princeville Kauai Vacation Homes, Poipu Kauai Condo vacation rentals, Hawaii Vacation Homes Rentals, Hawaii vacation condo rentals, luxury Kauai vacation rentals, Haena Hawaii Vacation Homes Rentals, Hanalei
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Guide To The Volcanoes Of Hawaii
The Big Island, the youngest Hawaiian Island, consists of 5 volcanoes, out of which 2 are extinct, 2 are dormant and 1 has been actively erupting since 1984. The 2 extinct volcanoes are Mauna Kea and Kohala, which is in the north of the island. They lastly erupted many thousand years ago and sank back into the earth’s crust. The Kohala volcano is only one mile high, while Mauna Kea (Hawaiian for "white mountain") rises to 14,000 feet, making it the tallest volcano in the world.
The two dormant volcanoes are Mauna Loa and the Hualalai. Hualalai is in the Kona District of Hawaii and erupted the last time in 1801. It measures 8,500 feet. Mauna Loa is with its 13,500 feet almost as high as Mauna Kea. "Loa" means long in Hawaiian and was created, because Mauna Loa’s lava was so extremely hot and thin, that its lava streams were up to 40 miles long. Mauna Loa’s last eruption was in 1790.
The active volcano is Kilauea. The volcano 's caldera is the center of the Volcanoes National Park. The most spectacular eruption was in 1959, when the fountain reached a height of 2000 feet and torched thousands of acres of tropical forest into a collection of dead trees within days. Two different kinds of lava flow from Hawaii's volcanoes. One is called ‘pahoehoe’ lava. This type of lava is smooth, or ropy. The other one is ‘aa’ lava, which appears rough and sharp. Pahoehoe lava is generally more rich in gases and said to be the hottest substance on earth.
As Hawaii's biggest attraction, the Kilauea volcano and the National Park are sure to be one of the highlights of any trip to this magnificent Island.
Volcano National Park
The Volcano National Park is by far the Big Island’s number one visitor attraction. The park was established in 1916 and covers 344 square miles and includes the upper world-part of Mauna Loa, the summit of Kilauea, Kilauea’s eastern and southern seacoast of Puna.
2,5 million visitors come to the Volcano National Park every year, many of them on narrated tours from Hilo or as part of a Circle Island tour. Some stay longer than a day and enjoy hiking and camping in the park. You can reach the park after about 35 miles drive from Hilo. The entrance fee is $ 10.00 , but allows you to return for 7 days. If you don't, offer your ticket to some other tourists, or leave it at your rental car company.
If you planning to go into the park for a few days straight to see all the sights, stay at the incomparable Michael's Cottages, the Lodge or at the Volcano House inside the Park.
Stop at the visitor center at the entrance and gather information about the eruption and hiking trails. The legendary volcano goddess, Madame Pele, took permanent residence in the craters of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. In an big caldera, she mixes molten lava at 2000 degrees and pours it through lava tubes into the ocean. You can witness the spectacle of earth in the making on the southeast side of the Big Island. It is a land of awe, of mystery, legend and science. Here, the slowly shifting Hawaiian Archipelago is directly linked to the Pacific Plates’s source of magma.
From the planet’s core, the earth spits up at both Kilauea Volcano and the nearby underwater Loihi Seamount. Kilauea has been continuously spewing 100,000 cubic yards of lava daily since January 1983 and still is as of present time. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say the current eruption shows no signs of ending. Since Kilauea’s eruptions have not been violent, so the crater received the name ‘drive through volcano'. To see it from above, take a helicopter tour and see the red lava from above.
From the visitor center you can take the 11 mile Crater Rim Road, which circles the Kilauea Caldera. The underground movement of magma allowed the summit of the great volcano to collapse as the internal, molten support for the mountain tops withdrew. The result is a caldera, which does not signal the extinction of the mountain. It is believed, that the Kilauea Caldera is a product of recent geologic time, formed shortly before the first Polynesians arrived on this land 13 centuries ago. The caldera is about three miles across and abut 300 feet deep. At the bottom is the Halemaumau Firepit, about one half mile across and another 300 feet deep. The firepit is filled with molten lava, but it has a 20 foot crust on the top. The ever changing scenery lures many repeat visitors - Madame Pele's mood is unpredictable, and you will never know if the road you took during your last visit has not been devoured yet.
Volcano National Park History
According to legend the chief of the Big Island, Keoua, who was an enemy of King Kamehameha I, and his troops decided to rest close to the volcano in 1790. During their rest their were surprised by a sudden eruption, which killed most of his warriors. Consequently King Kamehameha had an easy battle against the few surviving men.
The first person, who saw commercial value in the land and petitioned to turn it into a public park was the publisher of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Lorrin Thurston. Joined by the new Director of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas Jaggar, he was finally successful in 1916, when a bill was approved by President Wilson. Over time more and more sights were discovered and so the park size kept increasing.
Observatory
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was founded in 1912 by Dr. Thomas Jaggar of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It enjoys a world-wide reputation as a leader in the study of active volcanism. Due to their usually benign natures, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the most active volcanoes on the Island of Hawai`i, can be studied up close in relative safety.
The research center has been managed by the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association, the U.S. Weather Bureau, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Park Service. Volcanologists from all over the world have been studying the earth-making progress here, using the latest seimographic equipment. Some of these spectacular machines can be seen in the Jaggar Museum next door. One seismograph battery is almost constantly showing earth movements. Every year approximately 100,000 small vibrations are measured here. Their current work is focused on the subject areas gas geochemistry, geophysics, ground deformation, geology, and seismology
The observatory is closed for the public, but a lookout gives you an excellent view over the Halemaumau firepit and the rest of the caldera. The observatory and the museum are located at the highest point of the crater rim drive.
Chain Of Craters
According to legend the chief of the Big Island, Keoua, who was an enemy of King Kamehameha I, and his troops decided to rest close to the volcano in 1790. During their rest their were surprised by a sudden eruption, which killed most of his warriors. Consequently King Kamehameha had an easy battle against the few surviving men.
The first person, who saw commercial value in the land and petitioned to turn it into a public park was the publisher of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Lorrin Thurston. Joined by the new Director of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas Jaggar, he was finally successful in 1916, when a bill was approved by President Wilson. Over time more and more sights were discovered and so the park size kept increasing.
Hikes
Hiking in an active volcano area is not the most usual thing to do. You have to be aware of some hazards and be prepared accordingly. The rangers in the visitor center are very helpful and can give you exact hiking maps, trail information, and weather and eruption updates.
The changes in climate and weather are abrupt and dangerous. It can be very cold, or humid on one side of the mountain, and very hot and dry on the other one. Lava fields bear a number of hazards. The floor is sharp like glass and the basalt adjusts to outside temperatures very rapidly. If you enter higher elevations, be sure to be well prepared. If you hiking in the park, stay at a B&B nearby or at the Volcano House inside the Park.
Crater Rim Trail - No permit required!
The trail is 11,6 miles long, and leads you along the Kilauea Caldera. It is a difficult and strenuous hike, because of the altitude and Hydrogen sulfide steams. The crater rim drive is very close to the trail, so can better drive along the rim.
Halemaumau Trail
This trail is only 3,2 miles short, but difficult. It crosses the Kilauea crater floor. Usually extreme weather conditions occur on the crater floor. It is either very hot and dry, or very rainy and chilly. You can combine this hike with the Byron Ledge Trail.
Byron Ledge Trail
The beginning of this trail is identical with the Halemaumau trail, but then the Halemaumau trail descends into the crater, and the Byron Ledge Trail continues on the rim of the crater. It is 2.5 miles long, and considered difficult.
Sandalwood and Sulfur Bands Trail
These combined hikes are only 1.5 miles long and easy to accomplish. The hike’s main attractions are the sulfur steams, and nice views over the crater.
Puu Huluhulu
This moderate hike is 2.5 miles long and takes you over some hills and through some dead tree forests. Good foot wear is required.
Thurston Lava Tube
This walk leads you on a paved trail to the old lava tube. You will experience a fairy kingdom of flora, fauna and geology. The walk takes about 10 minutes. Easy, paved ground with lots of foot traffic.
Devastation Trail
Southeast of the Crater Rim Road you will find the entrance to the devastation trail. The walk leads you through the bizarre moon like landscape, which is the result of the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. The fountains of this eruptions shot 1900 feet into the air. Great hike !
Mauna Loa Summit - Permit required !
The hike lasts about 4 to 5 days and you will reach an elevation of 13,677 feet at the summit. It is rated as one of the most difficult hikes in Hawaii. There are only 2 cabins on the trail. You have to stay overnight in the cabins, since there is nowhere else to camp. The first cabin is located 7 miles after the trail starts, and the next one is on the top. An unforgettable scenery will make your effort worth it. If you want to see Mauna Loa and not hike, there is only one way up.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea ( Hawaiian for "white mountain") is the highest largest mountain of the Hawaiian Island chain, and on a clear day can easily be seen from neighboring Maui. Mauna Loa has greater volume, with about 10,000 cubic miles, but measures only 13,500 feet, compared to Mauna Kea’s impressive 13,700 feet.
Mauna Kea erupted the last time 4,500 years ago and is now in its postshield stage. It is, like all the other Hawaiian volcanoes, a shield volcano, but its eruptions were different. Usually shield volcanoes erupt smoothly and slowly, but Mauna Kea’s lava exploded in the air and caused a large ash deposits. Mauna Kea’s geologic history shows that 3 different glacial units covered the summit’s surface. The erupting lava came in contact with water and triggered off explosions.
Apart from being the only place in Hawaii with snow and the chance to ski during the winter, Mauna Kea has a lot more to offer. Mauna Kea is the only glaciated summit in the Pacific with up to 500 feet of ice covering the summit at times. The volcano is considered the best accessible site in the northern hemisphere for astronomical observatories, which makes it great for stargazing-tours.
Mauna Kea is also a place of many myths and legends. The goddess of lightening and snow, Poliahu, is supposed to live here, and is engaged in earth-shaking rivalries with Pele, who lives not far away inside the Kilauea caldera.
Saddle Road
The road to the summit was first scoured out in 1964, at the time, when environmental impact statements did not exist.
It is rumored that while building the road,more than one skeleton was found, which would explain the occurrence of some spooky incidents. The saddle road is the shortest connection between Hilo and Kona, but because of its dangerous conditions, and extreme altitude, rental car companies do not allow driving it. It is possible to rent 4 wheel drive jeeps in Hilo and Kona, or you can participate in one of the guided stargazing tours. The road leads you through lava deserts and several layers of clouds up to an elevation of 6,600 feet. From there a paved road takes you to the lower slopes of Mauna Kea to the Onizuka Center of International Astronomy (OCIA), where new scientists can acclimatize to the altitude and temperatures. The center is named after the Ellison Onizuka, an astronaut from the Big Island who died in the Challenger disaster in 1986.A visitor information center is open on the weekends or by appointment.
The distance from Hilo to the OCIA is 34 miles and the travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. The road from the ‘mid level’ center to the summit is unpaved, steep and rough. Only 4 wheel drives are allowed beyond this point, so don't get brave with your Geo Metro.The warning sign reads : Ice, rain, fog, storm and bad road conditions. Just what you wanted to find in Hawaii. Extreme conditions demand caution ! Occasionally the road is closed due to snow storms, high winds, or fog. You can inquire weather information (808) 969 3218.
The Observatories
The summit of majestic Mauna Kea is considered the best astronomic site on our planet. At an elevation of 13,796 feet, the sky is clear 325 days per year, which gives the scientists excellent conditions. In addition the atmosphere above Mauna Kea is extremely dry, which make very exact measurements possible. Because Mauna Kea is surrounded by mostly dark oceans and dark lava fields, no light reflections disturb the observations. From there scientists can study the faintest galaxies that lie on the edge of the observable Universe.If you want to spot some meteorites, join a stargazing tour.
The land above 12, 000 feet is leased by the University of Hawaii and covers about 11,200 acres. The area is called the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. The University of Hawaii operates a 88 inch telescope, but some $140 million were invested in Keck Telescopes, which are operated by the California Institute of Technology, the University of California and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The capacity and size of these instruments are beyond normal perception. The twin Keck Telescopes are the world’s largest optical and infrared telescopes. Each telescope is 8 stories high and weighs 300 tons. One bears a mirror measuring a 10 meter diameter and is composed of 36 hexagonal segments. With the resolving power of another telescope you could sit in New York City and read a newspaper, which hangs at a kiosk in San Francisco.
If you are equipped with a 4*4 you can drive up to the Mauna Kea Summit . Daytime visitors are welcome and have the chance to visit the visitor galleries of the University of Hawaii 88-inch Telescope and the Keck I telescope. Since astronomers have to observe the sky during the night, car headlights would disturb their precise work, so it is recommended to reach the summit between sunrise and sunset.
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Hawaii Vacation Rentals - Enjoying Your Holiday
By Ellen Gentry
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A Kauai, Hawaii, Vacation: The Forbidden Island
By Phyllis Wheeler
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Helicopter Ride in Kauai
Check out the video footage from the Helicopter ride on the island of Kauai!
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Ohana Home - Vacation Rental in Kauai
Visit Luxurykauai.com for more info. This beautiful 4 bedroom luxury home located in Poipu, Kauai gives you all the comforts of central AC, designer furnishings and the privacy to relax and enjoy your Kauai Paradise.
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Going Green: Featuring the Magnificent Kauai Gardens
The National Tropical Botanical Gardens
The 3 national tropical botanical gardens are namely Limahuli Garden & Preserve, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden. Limahuli Garden & Preserve features about 1,000 acres of gardens in the Limahuli Valley on the north shore of the island. Allerton Garden features over 100 acres of oceanfront gardens in the Lawai Valley on the south shore of the island. McBryde Garden several endangered Hawaiian plant and animal species.
Limahuli Garden & Preserve is open all week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except on Monday and Saturday. You get to see the high peaks created by thousands of years of rain and wind.
A guided tour for 2 to 2.5 hours or a self-guided tour for 1 to 1.5 hours will take you through 17 acres of garden and rainforest showing the natural beauty and riches of Kauai. Taro continues to thrive on very old lava rock terraces. Some native plants in the Kauai garden were actually brought by Polynesian explorers thousands of years ago. It is ideal to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hat or umbrella.
Allerton Garden is a landscaped estate location presenting special collections of Polynesian herbal plants, coffee varieties, breadfruit cultivars, native Hawaiian plants, palms and erythrinas. Guided tours last 2.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride and an easy walk for 1 mile. The Kauai garden is open for tours from Monday to Saturday. It is recommended to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hats.
The McBryde Garden has some research and conservation collections as well as a laboratory where experts continue to study the various benefits of different native Hawaiian plants. The garden is located at Lawai Valley offering self-guided tours lasting 1.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride plus a moderate walk for 1 mile. The garden is open from Monday to Saturday and visitors are advised to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent, hats and bottled water.
Other Great Gardens of Kauai
Smith’s Tropical Paradise features 30 acres of fruits, flowers and other native Hawaiian vegetation in the Wailua River Valley plus a captivating backdrop of fish-filled lagoons. Kukuiolono Park is found on Papalina Road, Kalaheo on the grounds of the Kukuiolono Public Golf Course. The park is just adjacent to the golf course featuring Hawaiian legend stones, panoramic views of valleys, peaks, rainforests and the coast and a mini Japanese Garden. The place is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with no entrance fee.
Na ’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens is located at Wailapa Road, Kilauea which is a 240-acre Kauai garden containing unique garden scenes, water features, hardwood plantation, beach and over 90 bronze statues. You also get to see the beautiful orchid collection and miniature ahupua’a.
Tours are available from Tuesday through Friday all-year-round. Moir Gardens at Poipu is found on the grounds of the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation which used to be the estate of Hawaii’s first sugar plantation manager. Moir Gardens publicly opened in 1954 showcasing orchids, water lily ponds, cactus and succulents.
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