Secret Kauai Bay - picture by Justin Donnelly
Just 20 minutes by air from Honolulu, the garden island, Kauai is over 550 mi.² of some of most beautiful terrain on earth. Kauai is known as the garden isle and is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Receiving over 450 inches of rain a year Kauai is one of the wettest spots on the planet. The millennia rains have carved out some of the most beautiful canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls in the world.
Kauai offers a truly relaxed atmosphere with small quaint towns and a plethora of tropical beaches and resorts. If adventure is in your heart then you won't have to go far to find world-class hikes, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing or other Hawaiian style activities. Here are a few gems of the garden island to wet your appetite.
Waipouli Beach Resort
Words can't do justice to the beauty of Waipouli Beach Resort. This works well for the entire family or for a romantic getaway for that special someone. It's one of those places where you actually feel like YOU want to say thank you for letting you stay there. Everything you need is within walking distance. We strolled across the street coconut marketplace to get a taste of the local scene and found a free hula show right there in the center of the quad.Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is located on the Westside of the island. It is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and believe me, that is no exaggeration! Make sure you follow the main road all the way into the mountains where it ends at Kokee State Park. This is the furthest end of the canyon and when you get there get ready to look down to the ocean over 4000 feet below you. If you are a newcomer then stop by the Kokee Natural History Museum and ask the staff to provide you with the best trail and scenic advice for the day.Polihale State Beach Park
This beach-park is located miles away from the nearest town and only publicly accessed through poorly marked dirt roads. The road is bumpy, dusty, and turns into somewhat of a mini road trip but it is worth it once you arrive. There is open beach for miles and it is nearly empty most of the time. If you want to get away from life on the mainland and from the tourist traps you can fall in, then go to Polihale. I was there on a holiday weekend and still only saw about 10 people all day. Amazing!Kipu Falls
Kipu Falls is a lovely little gem hidden off the main highway. Use extreme caution though, when entering the pool. It may look inviting and calm, however, there has been a few serious injuries and deaths over the past few years. This has prompted local authorities to remove Kipu Falls from tourist guidebooks. This makes the place a little bit more exotic and less crowded. Only go here if you understand the risks and are confident in your swimming abilities. Enjoy the scenery and if you douse the rope swing take the tips from the locals and never dive headfirst.
Kauai Sunset - picture by Doug Brown
