Lovely Kauai

The Hawaiian island of Kauai is an amazing paradise with mountains, waterfalls, and a beautiful coastline. It is the oldest and westernmost of the large islands in the Hawaiian chain. This island has been nicknamed the “Garden Isle.”

The lovely Na Pali coast is the most popular attraction. Its landscape was made famous in the movie “Jurassic Park.” Among the highlights here are the Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, and beautiful vista. 

Na Pali Coast State Park consists of a remote area of Kauai. Here you can enjoy dramatic mountain scenery with cliffs, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. You can delight in the chain of mountains forming steep cliffs that seem to plunge into the sea. The volcanic mountains form bizarre shapes and include caves and waterfalls.

Waimea Canyon is among the most scenic canyons in the world. It has been referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The canyon has a mix of red soil, black volcanic rock, and green along the streams and waterfalls. There are two major lookouts and you can enjoy nature by taking several hiking trails. The deepest part of the canyon is within Kokee State Park.

Kokee State Park is an extension of Waimea Canyon State Park. The highlight here is the Kalalau Lookout which offers views of the 4000-foot cliffs of the Napali Coast. The cliffs are often clouded by mist.

There are many hiking trails to choose from and you can relax at the Kokee Lodge. 

Kokee Natural History Museum has displays on the weather, geology, biology, wildlife, and Hawaiian culture associated with Waimea Canyon, Kokee State Park, and the island of Kauai.

Allerton Garden is located on the southern shore in Koloa. It has lovely flowers and fruit and palm trees. There are tours available.

Princeville Botanical Garden lets visitors know about the history and use of medicinal plants. There are cacao trees and beehives. You can purchase the chocolate and honey that is produced at the garden. 

Na' Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park is located near Kilauea. It is home to an open-air sculpture gallery and performance center. Visitors have a choice of tours.

Limahuli Garden & Preserve is on the north side of the island. It is home to endangered plant and bird species. A large part of the area is dedicated to preserving the ecosystem of the valley. You can see ancient lava rock terraces and learn about the native flora. Tours are available.

Mahaulepu Beach is on the south shore. It is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and water sports like windsurfing. Here you can find great hiking trails. 

Lydgate Beach Park is the island's best beach for young children. There are two well-protected rock-enclosed swimming areas on the eastern shore. Beginners can learn snorkeling. Among the facilities here are a playground, a picnic area, rest facilities, and a paved 2.5-mile path stretching along the shore. 

Polihale Beach is located on the western side of Kauai and is a great place to catch sunsets.

Wailua Falls is located between Lihue and Hanamaulu. It is a lovely double waterfall plunging down a rock fall for 80 feet to a pool below.

The remote Polihale State Park is located at the western end of the Na Pali Coast. 

Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the northern shore of Kauai. It is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It is particularly lovely in the summer when sailboats are on the water. On the eastern end of the bay, there's a long pier.

Waioli Beach Park is a great place for swimming.

The Hanalei Valley Lookout is located just east of Hanalei Bay, at the edge of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. 

The lookout offers fantastic views of the Hanalei River flowing through the whole valley along sugar cane and taro fields with a beautiful mountain backdrop.

The small village of Hanalei lies by Hanalei Bay. It has a sandy beach and is the gateway to the Hanalei Valley. 

The Waioli Mission House is located on the edge of the village and is one of the best-preserved mission houses in Hawaii. 

Here you'll also find the Waioli Huila Church, which was built by missionaries between 1837 and 1841. It is the oldest surviving church in Kauai and still offers services and community events.