Kauai Hawaii...Lush Majestic Settings Surrounded By Blue Water...

If you are looking for a majestic tropical paradise, you cannot beat the pure and pristine beauty offered by Kauai, Hawaii.  Situated a mere 20 minutes from Honolulu by air, this magnificent family playground rose from the Pacific Ocean’s floor over six million years ago and is approximately 550 square miles of rich garden oasis and natural, cultural heritage.

As you fly into the airport at Kauai, you will pass over miles of shimmering cobalt blue waters and miles of lush green foliage, only interrupted by fragments in time as dolphins skim the surface or sailboards bright and wild sails crest over the breaking waves.  This is the true essence of tropical wonderland.  Good time, good laughs, and great friends are what make Kauai a sought after travel destination that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Once the plane wheels touch down, you will have no doubts that you have entered another world.  Inside the Lihue Airport, free Hawaiian entertainment greets the guests as as they come and go.  This greeting is compliments of the County of Kauai’s Tourism Authority and meant to make its visiting guest feel at home.  These friendly fun-loving people with their colourful cloths are a delight to watch and enjoyment is sure to be top on the list of what you have come to do.

Kauai Hawaii....Your Vacation Fantasy

The island of Kauai is divided into five distinctive areas, each featuring the cultural heritage unique to that area.  In every region, there is something wonderful to discover, so be sure to stay a while and visit them all – North Shore, South Shore, West Side, Lihue/Kalapaki, and the Coconut Coast.  You won’t be disappointed.

The ruggedly dramatic North Shore region is rich with appealing coastlines, dazzling blue waterfalls, lush golden green fields, and tawny sand beaches that all lead to majestic mountainous cliffs, yet throughout the area there is a sprinkling of delightful towns and comes into full display magnificently set off by an old historic lighthouse at the northerly point.  This shoreline is known for its wildlife whether it be Humpback whales, the Nene goose, Monk seals, Spinner dolphins, or just migrating seabirds. 

Like all over Kauai, your stay will be like living in a little piece of heaven, no matter whether you choose to stay in one of the opulent bed and breakfasts, the ornate rental homes, the secluded cottages, the breathtaking inns, or one of the more luxurious resorts.  You will enjoy having everything catered and find it impossible when it comes time to leave, and leave it all behind.

Early morning sunrises blazing over calm waters will awaken you from slumber to a day so endless visual rewards. If you are a sunbather, you will find no beach in the area than Kee Beach.  The gently rolling waves lapping upon the sandy shore will lull you with serenity.  Moreover, if beaches are not your thing, why not explore one of the many caves that are located along the shoreline.  Maybe your interest range to golf, a sport appreciated here year round, or maybe a former plantation, Kiaueu, is more your style with its natural wildlife refuge and traditional lighthouse perched high upon the bluff.  However, if a casual stroll in a beautiful setting is more to your liking, why not visit Limahuli Gardens and discover the rich plant life in its exotic abundance, here in this mystical land.

After spending a few days touring the North Shore, it is time to move onto the East Side Resort Area, also known as the Coconut Coast.  The Coconut coast’s richness lies in its variety.  This area is the perfect place to discover the beauty of Kauai with its many sacred sites, called Heiaus, unique Hawaiian culture, and petroglyphs, while boating or cruising up the Wailua River, stopping to explore along the way.

The Coconut Coast is renown for many things, but the most famous is the Kauai wedding and vow renewal ceremonies that occur on a regular basis.  Kauai is considered one of the top romantic locations in the world.  These romantic exchanges occur all day long on beaches, in parks, and under bountiful swinging baskets that line garden entrances, but when night falls it is time for all visitors to enjoy a luau, featuring the melodic Hawaiian melodies of long past, as reflections of the moon rising dance on the ocean’s surface. 

During peak daylight hours a trip to see Opaekaa Falls in Wailua, a glistening waterfall, which is the easiest to access of all the major waterfalls on Kauai.  Thanks to the tourist board, finding the lookout has been made easy with a large sign along Route 580. 

Fern Grotto

After watching the waterfalls cascade down, down, and down further yet, it is time to move onto the Fern Grotto located along the Wailua River.  The only way to access the Fern Grotto is by riverboat, so enjoy the leisurely ride and watch as wildlife wanders along the shore.  The Fern Grotto is a long, deep cave with its entrance hidden by ferns, and its interior cooled by the waterfall’s mist.  At one time only royalty were allowed to visit the Fern Grotto, but for more than 50 years, the riverboats have toured this area bringing curious visitors. This is the area of Kauai that you will find Fern Grotto Inn Vacation Cottages and Rentals.

For the more adventurous, why not take a little trek along the Sleeping Giant Mountain Ridge between Kapaa and Wailua.  You will need a bottle of water and a good set of hiking boots but I guarantee you the hike will be worth taking.  Named the Sleeping Giant, because if you squint your eyes just a little, the mountain ridge resembles a human sleeping on their back, or so the story is told.  This mountain ridge has been the stuff of folklore with many a fine tale being told, and many myths and legends being created.

And, after such an ambitious walk, who wouldn’t enjoy cooling off for a few hours at the snorkelling lagoon.  Lydgate Beach is a popular spot as colourful marine life is abundance and it is the perfect swimming spot for small children with a lifeguard ever vigilant.  This lagoon is protected from the open ocean thanks to a natural lava rock barrier.

The Coconut Coast also features a 19th century town, a former plantation where the streets host a variety of unique restaurants and shops.  This is a delightful place to enjoy a late morning or afternoon stroll, as you can stop along the way and enjoy some of the freshly prepared delicacies offered at the snack bars and diners.

Moving along to the next region, we find Lihue, the county seat for commerce and transportation.  This area is a major docking destination for large cruise ships, and travellers who enjoy luxurious living.  This region is also known as the Lihue and Kalapaki Resort Area, as there as so many fine resorts, it couldn’t possibly be called anything else. 

You will find that Lihue is another magical wedding and honeymoon destination by young and older couples alike.  Several of the resorts cater to festive parties that accompany group and family weddings, adding special touches you can only find in Hawaii.

If you are an avid golfer, you will love this area as it has not one, but two, 18 hole golf courses designed by world famous golfer, Jack Nicklaus.  This area is full of wildlife and features a natural wildlife sanctuary.  Nearby is the beautiful Kalapaki Beach, which is perfect for those who worship the sun and enjoy a fine swim. 

This area also features the renowned Kauai Museum with an extensive exhibit of memorabilia from a century old 80-acre sugar plantation.  This working sugar plantation has been preserved to depict how life would have been during that era.

The South Shore is home to the United States congress chartered National Tropical Botanical Garden.  This outstandingly rich garden features several ancient, but well cared for stonewalls, as well as an abundance of colourful blooming tropical plants and flowers.  The walkways weave an enchanting path through the various gardens and water ponds.

And if you have ever had an interest in history, plantation era, there is no better place in Kauai to visit than Old Koloa Town which features artefacts and background from that era.  The 1830’s plantation was an old sugar one, but Old Koloa Town also features a historic center where visitor learn about the history of this area.

Then we can move onto one of the many other activities located in this area.  This region is considered the island’s playground with its numerous beaches, plentiful resorts, quaint shopping district, and wonderful nature hiking trails, waterfalls, horseback riding, snorkelling, picturesque scenery, and golf courses.  This area features the nation’s top 18-hole golf course and if you are a avid golfer or even just a duffer, this is the place to be.

Before leaving this area, be sure to stop by the Spouting Horn and check one of Kauai’s natural phenomena.  The Spouting Horn is a force-fed lava tube that sprays massive burst of water from its opening above ocean level.  While blowing this spray high into the air, the Spouting Horn makes a loud somewhat eerie sound.  The old-time Hawaiians believe that the lizard goddess became trapped inside the lava by a smart fisherman and to this day the noise heard when the spray spouts is the angry screams of the Kaikapu, the lizard goddess.

The South Shore has been considered one of Kauai’s playgrounds, as it has so many activities for the visitor to enjoy, by many visitors for many years.  This region is filled with scenic beaches and miles of sandy coast, walking and hiking trails, kayaking, waterfalls, bodysurfing – some of the best in the world, swimming, horseback riding, picturesque landscapes, rugged and rocky coastlines, and one of the nation’s top 18 hole golf courses found in Poipu Bay.

Last, but certainly not least, is the West Side of Kauai.  This region features Waimea Canyon, a natural gorge that enables hikers to walk amonst many rare plants and endangered species of birds.  This area is considered by many to be the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.  Inside the valley, you will find mokihana berries, eucalyptus trees, rich vegetation, and pure brilliant colours, so bring your camera when visiting here.

While in this area, you surely will not want to miss Hanapepe Town with its many artist studios, colourful and historic stores, the beauty of the valley, and the footbridge that swings freely in the air and offer a breathtakingly steep view of the valley below.  And if you want a fantastic view of the valley walk up to the Kalalau Valley Lookout to view the stunning waterfalls and deep carved valley floor below.

A museum in this region worth checking out is located at Kokee State Park, named Kokee Museum.  Unlike most of the museums on Kauai that are devoted to preserving the history of the sugar plantations, Kokee Museum is dedicated to preserving the fauna, flora, and natural history found only in this area.  This museum also has a fantastic collection of shells, as well as Hawaiian artefacts.

Before leaving this area, you will have to stop around and take a good look at Captain Cook’s monument.   This monument is located in the rural town of Waimea, Hofgaard Park, by the roadside and marks the site where Captain James Cook first landed in 1778.

Now you can see why Kauai is one of Hawaii’s most treasured islands. With its richness in cultural diversity and many sandy beaches, plus plush resorts, and unlimited wildlife, you have to wonder how it remained hidden for so long.

Whether you are young or old, you will never find another location where heaven and earth meet to blend cultural diversity, natural beauty, and tranquility into a surreal playground for all to enjoy.