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Things to do / Travel Guide
Kauai Vacation Spots
Kauai is considered by many to be the most beautiful island in Hawaii. It is a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, countless waterfalls, steep, green mountains, lush valleys, and even a miniature "grand" canyon. Much of the island is inaccessible by road, so expect challenging, but rewarding hikes. Get a good topo map of Kauai.
Kauai Tourist Attractions
Your definition of the color green will change forever after a trip to Kauai. So will your definition of the word “wet.” The cliffs drip with green vegetation lit up by the bright sun and contrasting with the black lava, creating a palette of different shades of green, a sort of rainbow of shades, textures, and hues.
Waimea Canyon, also known as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," is a top tourist attraction on Kauai. It is impressive, inside and out. Much of the interior, however, is inaccessible; the soft and waterlogged land is not suitable for hiking. If there is anywhere you would consider a sightseeing flight, over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific or the interior of Kauai would be it.
Kauai Getaways
Interested in launching an interest in kayaking? Already a kayaking expert or enthusiast? If so, then you've chosen the right island for a kayaking getaway. This kayaking mecca offers stunning coastlines—perfect for kayaking (and other forms of boating) exploration.
The commercial portion of Kauai is located on the east side of the island. This is where Kapa'a, the island's largest town, is located, as well as the airport and the main harbor. You'll find that this serves as a great launch point for tours and excursions, especially due to the bulk of hotels located in the area.
The west side of the island is ideal for adventurers, as this is where the canyons, cliffs, and more difficult trails are located. There are also great small towns that offer a historical and cultural peek into the islands past and present, including Hanapepe, Waimea, and Kekaha.
Hawaiian Vacation Spots
We've talked about the east and west sides of the island, but what about the north and south portions of Kauai?
The South Shore of Kauai is yet another area filled with resorts. Tourists who choose to park in the southern section of the island are generally more interested in lounging around on the beaches and heading underwater, then, say, those visiting the west side of the island. While some the South Shore does host some of the largest and most popular beaches, you'll also have no trouble finding smaller, more intimate, more secluded, and according to some, more beautiful beaches as well. Consider horseback riding along the miles of white sandy beaches here.
The northern section of Kauai is the rainiest part of the island, but most of the rainfall occurs in the winter, so if you check the weather report in advance, it is possible to get in some dry days. One of the top attractions on the North Shore is the historic town of Hanalei. Here you'll get in your best people watching, experience some the most authentic (and some of the cheesiest) luaus, and of course take in some more of Hawaii's magic: There's whale sightings here, the Hanalei Valley, old plantations, and the legendary Maniniholo Dry Cave.
Kauai Road Trip Getaway Planner
Kauai is small enough that you should be able to create your own itinerary and cover much of the island without a guide and without a tour. However, there are some excellent touring opportunities on the island that will provide for you a more informed, themed view of the island. For example, there are tours that give visitors a glimpse into the role Hawaii plays in the film industry and brings them to some places where popular movies have been filmed. There are also plantation tours that provide an insider look to the plantation history of Hawaii.
Kauai is small, so 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions on the island. If you have more time and like long hikes, you can reach places where you will see some of the most amazing tropical scenery in the world. In terms of road tripping, you can get pretty much anywhere on this small island by car in about an hour. There is, however, an exception: the Na Pali Coast. This area is one of the most amazing coastal hikes in the country, but there is no road access and no way out other than the way you came in. The cliffs are impassable. If you are up for a challenge, you will be well rewarded. (You can also get to the Na Pali Coast by boat or by air, if the hike is too arduous.)
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Hawaiian Island of Kauai
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
Lawa'I Beach - Kauai, Hawaii
Shipwreck Beach - Kauai, Hawaii
Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse
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