Kauai Island Holidays & Accommodation
Hawaii Islands, USA, North America
Kauai is an island with a strong sense of traditions, and a great sense of this pervades the island. Whether it is a sense of the natural history of the island, or the cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people, there is a lot to be learned here. Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, and like the other islands, its eastern side is the windward side while the westerly side is the leeward side. Its climate varies a lot, and at its highest point, the temperature can be a lot cooler than at lower altitudes, so bring a sweater!
Kauai Island Holidays Planner
Kauai Island was the first of the Hawaiian Islands that Captain Cook landed on, there is a statue commemorating his arrival in Waimea. The island has a history of sugar plantations, a product introduced with Captain Cook's arrival, and visitors can arrange to see tourist attractions like Kilohana Plantation today with its preserved plantation buildings, farm, and working scenic railroad. There are also many beautiful sites throughout Kauai like Waimea Canyon and the scenic Napali Coast.
On the northwest shore of Kauai is the Na Apali Coast, velvety green pinnacled cliffs with deep and narrow valleys, over 17 miles of them, that mark some of the most spectacular scenery of Kauai. People may want to kayak along the coast to view this scenery, or charter an air tour, but many others choose to hike the area. The Kalalau Trail stretches between Kee Beach and Kalalau Beach for eleven miles, and the hike can be quite difficult, so much so that often people who embark on the walk choose to overnight somewhere along the trail rather than attempt to complete it in one day.
It is said that the hula tradition originated on Kauai, and on the Na Apali Coast, dancers still visit the Ka Ulu o Laka heiau (temple), to honour this tradition. Should you decide to visit the area, remember that the site is considered sacred to the Hawaiian people, and do not take anything from the site and treat the area with respect.
Also on Kauai is the Pacific's answer to the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon. This canyon is over 14 miles long, one mile wide, and 3 600 feet deep. From a vista off the main road abutting the canyon, you can view crested buttes, jagged crags and deep gorges. Nearby is Kokee State Park with numerous trails for people to hike and view the indigenous Hawaiian plant and bird life. Also worth a look is the Kokee Natural History Museum which can give you a perspective on the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.
Kauai has more white sand beaches per mile of coastline than any other of the Hawaiian Islands. For people who prefer the resort life, there is Poipu Beach on the south shore with access to both great shopping, and snorkelling. Just offshore you may encounter sea turtles, or see humpback whales breaching, or the endangered monk seals lounging on the beach. One of Hawaii's nicest beaches can be found on Kauai's south shore at Salt Pond Beach Park near Hanapepe. For adventurers, there is Nawiliwili near Lihu'e where enthusiasts can often be found riding catamarans, canoes, surfing, and swimming. For family outings, there is Lydgate Beach Park where protective boulders keep the lagoon calm for children and snorkelers, and there is a pavilion for picnickers.
For a picturesque visit to a historic town, you may want to visit Hanalei town with its art galleries, and Waioli Mission House for a perspective on Kauai's history. While there, you may want to visit the Hanalei Pier, built in 1892, that has become a gathering place for locals, and was made famous in the film South Pacific.