Hawaiian Island of Kaua'i
The fourth largest Hawaiian Island behind The Big Island of Hawaii and the islands of Maui and Oahu, the island of Kaua'i is nicknamed "The Garden Isle". With only four percent of the island having been developed with commercial and residential use, the remaining 96 percent of the island is a paradise of unspoiled wonder, which makes Kaua'i a truly spectacular place to visit on your Hawaiian vacation.
From the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon, Kauai enchants the senses like no other island. The plunging ravines and cascading waterfalls, along with the absolutely unforgettable cliffs, canyons, beaches, and bays. "The Island of Discovery," begs to be discovered. The volcanic earth of Kauai is very fertile, and is home to many different varieties crops. These include Guava, sugarcane and delicious pineapple.
The island of Kaua'i was the first place in Hawaii visited by famed British explorer James Cook in the year 1778. Travel and Leisure Magazine's "13th Annual World's Best Awards Readers' Survey" results included the island of Kaua'i itself, along with three of its hotels.
Located on the western shore of Kaua'i is also the U.S. Navy's Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility. The Navy is working with the State of Hawaii and Kauai County to ensure its viability.
You will be mesmerized on your visit to Kaua'i. This enchanted forest is carpeted in lush greenery, all kinds of beautiful flowers, luscious island guava and pineapple, along with a gentle cool mist breeze every so often.
Activities on Kauai
Some of the islands' natural wonders include the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific", along with the 3,000-foot tall towering mountains which overlook the Napali Coast along the islands' northwestern shoreline.
A wealth of activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, mountain tubing, horseback riding, ATV adventures, hiking, helicopter and boat tours, along with many other activities, make the Garden Isle an adventure you will never forget.
Wailua Falls
This majestic, 80 foot tiered waterfall is located close to the roadside lookout, making it easily accessible for everyone to enjoy. The appearance of the Wailua Falls change dramatically, depending on rain levels and the river's flow. The best viewing time is in the early morning when the sun is shining on the water. Brave tourists can take a slippery trail down to the bottom of the falls for a cool dip in the mountain water.
In ancient times, warriors would show their bravery by leaping down from the top of the falls. We strongly advise you not to try this, as this is extremely dangerous!
The Kiahuna Golf Club
Designed by famous golf course designer and architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., these greens feature Seashore Paspalum, Kauai's only course to offer them. The course weaves around many ancient remnants of authentic Hawaiian culture. Voted "Kauai's Best" by the Locals, Kiahuna is a 6,925-yard, par 70 with a rating of 73.5 and slope of 13.
Be sure to check out a helicopter tour of the Napali Coast. There is also snorkeling, dolphin and whale watching tours. You should also see if you can book a kayak reservation in advance. Kayaking down the Wailua River is an unforgettable experience! The Kauai Island's Wailua are Hawaii's only navigable rivers.
Rene Thompson,
Tuesday, February 24th