Dazzling cobalt blue waters surrounding a majestic lush garden
… is what you will find in the tropical paradise, known as Kauai, Hawaii. A mere 20 minute flight from Honolulu, and this magnificent family playground, with over 550 square miles of lush tropical forest and cultural oasis, rose from the Pacific Ocean floor some six million years ago.
Covered in green foliage and long stretches of pure sand beaches, this tropical wonderland features an endless assortment of relaxation and entertainment. If you are into nature and natural surroundings, you will find nothing better than the hundreds of beaches along the shoreline where you can watch the dolphins leap from the waters deep, watch the colourful sailboards skim across the surface of the water, or lie quietly and watch the breaking waves washing ashore. This is the essence of a tropical playground…rest, relaxation, and enjoyment…pure and simple.
Everyday on Kauai is like a party, starting with the entertainment that greets you in the airport lobby. Here you fill find the friendliest people in the world with their melodic rhythms and colourful gifts ready to share with you all that makes up their delightful island.
Kauai is divided into five major areas, each featuring it own natural beaches, golden green fields, and tropical bush lands. The five areas are called the North Shore, the South Shore, the West Side, the Coconut Coast, and Lihue/Kalapaki. Each of these individual areas has many things in common, but each area also is home to some pretty spectacular and outstanding natural and entertainment features as well.
Your stay on Kauai Island will be like having your own little bit of heaven, no matter whether you choose to stay in one of the secluded cottages, the breathtaking inns, the opulent bed and breakfasts, the ornate rental homes, or a luxurious resort. You will enjoy having everything you ask for catered, but you will find it impossible when it comes time to leave.
If you enjoy walking, hiking, and exploring, each of the areas offer much for you to see, although some areas are a little more rugged and challenging then others, with the North Shore featuring the most rugged climbing and hiking along high mountainous cliffs. In this area, you will find an unlimited amount of wildlife including the Humpback whales, Spinner dolphins, and migrating seabirds.
The Coconut Coast is home to Opaikaa Falls in Wailua, one of Hawaii’s major waterfalls. This glistening giant streams down from the cliff top and lands below in a burst of spray. It is wonderful to behold.
Will in this area, check our the Fern Grotto, a long deep cave featuring an hidden entrance, cloaked by ferns, and cooled inside the mist of the waterfall. Years ago, only royalty could visit this sacred place, but today it is open to everyone.
Lihue and Kalapaki Resort Area, features so many fine resorts, and is known as the romance capital of the islands and a destination chosen more often for weddings and honeymoons.
The South Shore is home to the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which has been chartered by the United States Congress with its rich colourful flowering beds, med-evil stonewalls, and abundant animal and plant life, as well as various water ponds.
Last, but not least, the West Side features Waimea Canyon, a gorge created by nature, where hikers walk amongst many rare plants and endangered birds. While in this area, one should also visit Hanapepe Town, with its historic Stores, colourful artists and studios, and beautiful swinging bridge overlooking the valley below.
So, as you can see, no matter what reason you come to Kauai Island it has something for everyone, including several world sanctioned golf courses and various daytime and lively night time entertainment. This island has a rich heritage and natural cultural awareness, so whether you are younger or older, there is something here to get your “mojo” flowing and your hips a-shaking, even if it’s a shopping trip and a night’s entertainment in a wee grass skirt.