Kauai Travel Blog
Visiting Kauai was a trip of a lifetime. If you are planning a trip to Kauai, you should be excited. Kauai was one of the most incredible destinations I have ever been to, and I am not just saying that. That is the reason I have written this Kauai travel blog.
As soon as you step out of the airport, the scenery will floor you. Even driving the Kuhio Highway, one of the main roads in Kauai, will provide you entertainment as you gaze at the impossibly stunning nature.
The plants and flowers are abundant in all parts of the island, even DURING WINTER. You will see flora that you may have only seen in movies before on your Kauai road trip.
I visited Kauai in December 2021 – January 2022, after many rescheduled attempts due to travel restrictions. With all the rescheduling, I had time to fine-tune my trip and do even more research on the best restaurant in kaui and the best boat ride to see the Na Pali Cost
| TABLE OF CONTENT |
| 1. How To Get Kaui? |
| 2. Kaui Place To Visit? |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaUz6E3ai7U
HOW TO GET KAUI?
Kauai is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the island’s top attractions:
- ‘Ōpaekaʻa Falls: This stunning waterfall in Wailua River State Park is a must-see. The falls are easily accessible and offer a great photo opportunity.
- Wailua River: The only navigable river in Hawaii, the Wailua River is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking a riverboat cruise to the Fern Grotto.
- Fern Grotto: This natural lava rock grotto, located on the Wailua River, is home to various species of ferns and offers a unique sightseeing experience.
- Waimea Canyon: Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers breathtaking views of deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
- Kōkeʻe State Park: This state park offers some of the best hiking trails in Kauai, with stunning views of the Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast.
- Daniel K Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse, located on a wildlife refuge, offers panoramic views of the ocean and the chance to spot seabirds and whales.
- Nāpali Coast: Known for its towering sea cliffs and emerald valleys, the Napali Coast is one of Kauai’s most iconic landmarks. You can explore it by boat, helicopter, or on a challenging hike.
- Waiʻoli Mission House and Church: This historic site in Hanalei offers a glimpse into the life of early Christian missionaries in Hawaii.
- Allerton & McBryde Gardens: These botanical gardens in Lawai offer a peaceful retreat and the chance to learn about Hawaii’s unique flora.
Kauaʻi Museum: Located in Lihue, this museum offers exhibits on the history and culture of Kauai and the rest of Hawaii.
KAUA’I PLACE TO VISIT?
There are four areas to the island of Kauai, and these are generally referred to as north, south, east, and west Kauai. Each location has different offerings in terms of landscapes, restaurants, and activities.
Let me share some key identifiers and attractions for all sides of Kauai to help you decide where to visit in Kauai.
EAST KAUA’I
1.Wailua River Kauaʻi
What: Kauaʻi’s largest navigable river
Where: About 15 minutes north of Līhuʻe, on Kauaʻi’s East Side
The tranquil Wailua River weaves by gorgeous waterfalls and lush, jungle landscapes along the island’s East Side. Kauaʻi has the only navigable rivers in Hawaiʻi, and the Wailua River is the largest.
The 20-mile long river, that once wove through the settings of seven different heiau (temples), flows from the 5,148-foot Mount Waiʻaleʻale in the center of the island. The Wailua River feeds two popular and accessible waterfalls: Opaek”a Fallsand Wailuna Falls The scenic river itself can be explored by kayak, SUP or outrigger canoe, and a boat tour is also available. Open-air boats also offer guided tours of the Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock cave sheltered by draping ferns. This romantic area is a popular wedding venue. Also look for the Nounou Mountains(Sleeping Giants), a formation on a mountain ridge between Wailua and Kapaʻa that looks like a human figure lying on its back.
You can also see the river by car. Take Kuamoʻo Road (Hwy. 580), which goes inland along the north side of the river from Kūhiō Highway (Hwy. 56). You’ll want to take in the special and sacred landmarks along the way, including heiau (temples), historical sites, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls and the Keāhua Arboretum.
2.Fern Grotto, Kauaʻi
What: Natural, fern-filled grotto on the Wailua River
Where: Up the Wailua River on the East Side
On Kauaʻi’s East Side, the Fern Grotto is one of Kauaʻi‘s signature attractions. Accessible only by a short boat trip up the Wailuna River, the grotto is a natural lava-rock grotto, lush with hanging ferns and tropical foliage, cooled by the mists of a waterfall. There was a time when the Grotto was off-limits to all but Hawaiian royalty. But for more than 50 years, riverboats have provided tours of the site.
In this serene setting, the grotto acts like a natural amphitheatre. Taking advantage of the incredible natural acoustics, visitors are often treated to musicians playing beautiful Hawaiian music. It’s no wonder why this unique Kauaʻi setting is such a popular destination for wedding ceremonies.
WEST KAUA’I
The west of Kauai is one of the biggest surprises on the island because the scenery is unlike anything you may have ever seen.
Two of the main spots in West Kauai are Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park. Here, you will find many viewpoints that do not require much effort to reach, plus plenty of strenuous hikes if that is more your style.
Additionally, there is a port town where many boat tours to the Na Pali Coast start. You will also pass Hanapepe, the town that inspired Lilo & Stitch.
There are fewer accommodation options and food outlets here, so you may need to come prepared and make a day trip out of a visit to West Kauai.
1.Waimea Canyon
Where: Scenic canyon nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
When: Open daily during daylight hours
How much: free admission
More Info: Parking lot, restrooms, lookout
Waimea Canyon, on Kauaʻi‘s West Side, is described as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Although not as big or as old as its Arizona cousin, you won’t encounter anything like this geological wonder in Hawaiʻi. Stretching 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges. The grand inland vistas go on for miles.
The main road, Waimea Canyon Drive, leads you to a lower lookout point and the main Waimea Canyon Overlook, offering views of Kauaʻi‘s dramatic interior. The road continues into the mountains and ends at Kok’e State Park There are numerous trails to traverse for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
2.Kōkeʻe State Park
Where: North beyond Waimea Canyon
When: Open daily during daylight hours
How much: tent camping fees start at $12 per campsite
More Info: Hiking trails, restrooms, camping, picnic areas.
North of Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi’s West Side is Kōkeʻe State Park. Spread over 4,345 acres on a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, Kōkeʻe State Park is covered in forest, wild flowers and hiking trails making it an excellent spot to see native plants and colorful endemic Hawaiian forest birds like the ʻapapane, ‘iwi and moa. The park also offers roughly 45 miles of the state’s finest hiking trails. Some trails lead to views of Waimea Canyon, others wind through wet forests with sweeping views of valleys opening up to the North Shore.
The Koke’e Natural History Museum is a must-stop shop for information about the park and the trails. Exhibits will give you an overview of the park and Waimea Canyon. Staff will also provide you with helpful assistance, advice and information on trail and weather conditions.
Beyond the museum and the Lodge at Kōkeʻe (12 rustic rental cabins for campers) are two amazing lookouts. Both the Kalalau Lookout and the Puʻu o Kila Lookout offer commanding views of the Kalalau Valley stretching out to the sea. This view offers a glimpse at the towering cliffs of the Napali Cost. Note that the temperature drops as you climb up to the 3,200 to 4,200 foot elevations of the park. Temperatures range from 45 degrees in January to 68 degrees in July with annual rainfall of about 70 inches, so remember to dress warmly.
Note: If you are scuba diving during your visit to Kauaʻi, you should wait at least 24 hours before visiting this location due to the higher elevation of Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park.
NORTH KAUA’I
Some of the best North Kauai things to do include hiking the Kalalau Trail, visiting one of the most beautiful beaches on the island: Tunnels Beach, and exploring the laidback town and beach of Hanalei Bay.
1.Nāpali Coast
Where: About 90 minutes north of Līhuʻe
Spanning 17 miles along Kauaʻi’s North Shore, the Nāpali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty. These emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean, revealing beautiful beaches and waterfalls that plummet to the lush valley floor. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in these deep, narrow valleys, existing only on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.
There are many ways to explore the Nāpali Coast, but the safest access and best views are found by sea or by air. Boat tours depart from Port Allen on the West Side, and during the summer months, guided kayaking trips bring you up-close to soaring cathedral cliffs. When conditions are right, raft tours are available to guide you to hidden sea caves and remote beaches.
Aerial tours, most lifting off from Lihu’e Airport, are perhaps the best way to grasp the magnitude of the Nāpali Coast. You’ll also get a front-row seat to scenic areas that are largely inaccessible by land or water, like majestic Manawaiopuna Falls, a backdrop in the film “Jurassic Park.” Whichever tour you choose, the natural splendor of the Nāpali Coast will leave a deep impression on your soul
2.Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church and Mission House
Where: In Hanalei, minutes from Princeville
Step back in time at the 1837 home of early Christian missionaries Abner and Lucy Wilcox. This Hanalei Town landmark, restored in 1921 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflects the southern roots of its architect, the Reverend William Alexander of Kentucky.
Inside, synchronize your watch with the wall clock, which was installed in 1866 and still keeps perfect time. View the significant features like the lava rock chimney and the fine koa furniture. Lucy Wilcox gave birth to eight sons in the master bedroom, a significant feat on its own.
In front of the house is the old Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church, which was founded in 1834. Its green shingles and stained glass windows are a picturesque symbol of Hanalei.
Tours are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a first come, first served basis.
SOUTH KAUA’I
oipu is one of the most well-known spots in Kauai and there is plenty to do there Many resorts are in Poipu, plus there are some incredible restaurants.
However, one of the main draws of South Kauai is the beaches with seals and turtles frequently spotted on them. If you visit Poipu Beach or Shipwreck Beach in the morning or evening, you may be lucky enough to spot one (or more).
Furthermore, there is a world-class golf course in South Kauai, Poipu Bay Golf Course, in addition to a stunning coastal walk called the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
1.Poʻipū Beach Park
Where: South Shore
Activities: Surfing, fishing, snorkeling, bodyboarding
Amenities: Parking, lifeguard (seven days a week), restrooms, showers, picnic tables
Popular with visitors and locals alike, this crescent-shaped beach offers crystal-clear waters and occasional Hawaiian monk seal appearances. (If you do spot a monk seal, please be mindful by staying at least 100 feet away and no flash photography as they are currently on the endangered species list.) With lifeguards, picnic facilities, showers and a natural wading pool for young swimmers, it’s also a great destination for a family beach day. There’s a bodyboarding site directly in front of the park for older children and novice adults, a surfing site for experienced surfers and a good reef for snorkeling. From December through April, you can sometimes spot humpback whales in the distance.
