Santhu
I thought there are ample destinations in the US which offer unique blends of nature and outdoor enthusiastic activities, but for me personally Kauai made some magic. Yes, since nature and romantic atmosphere are part of my travel journey, I would like to highlight today how this place is exclusively the best travel option if you have the same travel intention.
Before digging into its vibrant activities and nature centric things to do, Kauai witnessed some of the world’s brilliant coastlines, epic viewpoints, rugged hiking trails, romantic ambiances and centuries old traditions, morover ranked one of the best islands to visit in Hawaii. All these things help you to take some daring steps to do below activities and maximise Kauai beauty expeditions.
What to Do in Kauai
1. Start from Exploring Brilliant Na Palu Coast
May this is the right place to know why exactly Kauai is often called “Garden Isle”. I know you’re eagerly looking to start your day at Kauai through the regions most spectacular and friendly natural beauty, and I would highly recommend this 17 mile coastline called “Na Palu Coast”.
Na Palu Coast is all about natural beauty and you’ll admire its towering emerald cliffs with razor sharp ridges. Once you sit on the edge of these cliffs it gives you easy visibility of nearby beaches and Napali Coast. Even hiking at Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is also a great way to experience different sides of its scenic beauty.
But what I really love to say (besides hiking) is take some chances to ride at the Na Pali boat ride. Riding close to Na Palu Coast massive mountains and green ridges makes every ride feel close to interactions with cascading waterfalls, and reach deep sea caves. Don’t miss to take photos of green cliffs and rare guest spinner dolphins.
Love to watch the entire coast from the above or looking for more experience rather than just boat ride, book your helicopter tour today to make full appreciation.
2. Enjoy Your Hiking at Kalalau Trail
If you have been hiking for a long time and looking to do it often at different destinations, then Kauai is a core reason to visit as a nature backpacker. Hiking at Kalalu Trail exhibits a total of 11 miles which leads to the most remote region of Kalalau Beach.
Throughout your hiking journey here in Kalalau Trail could include many beautiful attractions, but the most iconic beauty of the Na Pali Coast is really a gem to you to see in a unique way. The shorter hike to Hanakapai ai Beach offers a great place to get photographic views of the terrain systems.
There are ample reasons why you’d choose hiking at Kalalau Trail, but a major reason (one of my favourite) is to unlock adventurous scenic views of green sea cliffs that sit exactly opposite of the blue Pacific Ocean and eye catching tropical valleys and waterfalls. Additionally you have to appreciate how romantic ambiance offers while walking its trail.
3. Appreciate the Beauty of Waimea Canyon State Park
You haven’t visited the Grand Canyon of Arizona yet, don’t worry, Kauai’s Waimea Canyon State Park has similar features where you can experience the same travel vibe and opportunities. Often referred to as a “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” dotted with huge, steep and rugged canyons.
I personally love its long 14 miles of canyon stretches. Each time while you look from its top it exhibits massive red earth gorgeous amidst lush greenery spaces. However, its 3,600 feet deep valleys make it very easy to spot nearby reddish blue waterfalls and striking colors of the canyon tops.
I also extend my experience to you that please choose lookout points like Waimea Canyon Lookout for better experiences. If you’re a big fan of hiking, choose Waipo’s fall trail (3.2 miles roundtrip trail) to choose dramatic beauties of tropical rainforests, different sections of canyons, and nearby beaches.
4. Spend Your Time at Tunnels Beach for Snorkeling
Makua Beach is vividly remembered as a snorkeler’s paradise, and if you’re such a backpacker, choose to start your Kauai day from here. Majorly its calm and crystal clear water along with abundance of coral reef systems positively help snorkelers to spend more time at Tunnel Beach.
Before going to explain snorkelling features, I would like to know how you can experience beach attractions along with. Once you start walking its shores there are plenty of palms and ironwood trees and golden sands with backdrop views of Mount Makan give a more tranquil feeling.
When it comes to snorkelling, as I said earlier during summer, its water exhibits us to see colorful fish species, green sea turtles and some Hawaiian monk seals. Start your snorkelling from Makua Lagoon, recognised as a Marine Refuge and adhere to vast areas of marine species and coral reefs.
5. Enjoy Your Helicopter Tour
There are only limited destinations on earth which are eligible to see from Helicopter ride especially when it comes to nature. But this time we’re so glad to enjoy a unique travel experience like aerial views of the surroundings which are epic one here in Kauai.
Since Kauai’s interior is a little challenging and not friendly to explore even by the roads, it is a welcoming idea to explore the beauty of Kauai from above, especially with your family. To make it simple book your helicopter today to see Kauai’s some of the underrated waterfalls, canyons series and interior beauty of the Waialeale Crater.
There are multiple advantages you’ll get, sometimes it feels costly but my point of view is it provides more breathtaking views of the landscape in a short period of time (45 minutes) and costs too. Don’t forget to bring your camera before stepping into the helicopter, because most of the points where the helicopter passes each and every viewing angle motivate you to click photos from the camera.
6. Explore Poipu Beach Park
Exploring Kakai’s beaches is an integral part of your nature centre journey. But I know you’re a little confused where to start, don’t worry Poipu Beach Park is exclusively waiting for you. If you made a plan to visit Kauai with your family, Poipu could be a better option to spend more time with your family
Poipu Beach Park is located on the South Shore heaven for those who love to swim at protected swimming areas and spend more time sleeping golden sands amidst its vast stretches of palm trees. The best part of this Poipu Beach Park is that even kids can safely swim, bodyboard and spot Hawaiian monk seals as adults do. Thanks to the beach’s safe swimming conditions and friendly waves.
I would like to extend its brilliant features to family visitors, park is often dotted with family friendly picnic tables, branches and family gathering pavilions. Every section offers a quiet and tranquil vibe to spend more time with your family. However, don’t just limit your days at Poipu to do swimming or boardings, try to spot sea species as much as possible like monk seals while resting on the sand.
7. Take a Look for Hanalei Bay Natures
If you’re not happy at Poipu Beach Park or looking to do even more swimming or additional water activities like surfing and scuba diving with views of nearby mountains and waterfalls, choose Hanalei Bay.
You have to go southwest of Princeville to find this Hanalei Bay where plenty of resort areas and different beach sections exist. I think visiting Hanalei has multiple advantages to water lovers. Once you reach it, you can choose 3 different beaches Waioli Beach Park, Black Pot Beach and Hanalei Beach Park and all these beach parks are often dotted with best swimming and kayaking spots, beach restaurants, and family friendly amenities.
When we talk about the speciality of Hanalei Bay, it is purely a heaven for swimmers. There are tremendous advantages like safe spots, calm water and spilling waves. But taking lifeguard help is very crucial even though the place is safe for swimmers.
8. Try to be Part of Traditional Lu au Tradition
It is a good idea to be part of native Lu tradition and even a great way to understand local storytelling, music, food and hula dance cultures. Even today I like its traditional food styles like Kalua Pig and Poi which you can see and sometimes try along with watching local Polynesian music and dance performances.
Besides these 2 recipes, you will have an opportunity to taste Laulau, Lomi Lomi Salmon and Haupia and Kulolo. But an interesting fact here is you’re allowed to be part of Pit preparations, serving and burial and blessing ceremonies throughout this programme.
There are plenty of places where you can find Lu au traditions. Out of that my favourite is Smith’s Family Garden Luau in Kauai. Where it is easy to see family recipes and mu demonstrations. However, if you’d like to open bar and upscale dining along with Lu au, choose Luau Kalamaku deluxe or Kilohana plantation.
9. Discover Koke’e State Park
Sit at the higher elevation than Waimea Canyon, Koke’e State Park is most of backpacker’s choice to do hiking at different trails through native Hawaiian forest with cooler climates.
Spread across 4,345 acres of land where you are much blessed to appreciate the park’s beauty through the vast rain forest, rim of Waimea Canyon and lookout points. All these things we’re going to enjoy through hiking and camping. But what I feel here is that since it is well organised for hiking, it is better to do it not just to enjoy these attractions, moreover to spot native plants and forest birds.
2 things that make me remember Kake’e State Park even today. One is its unique vintage point that is always looking down over the Kalalau Valley. Another one park’s hunting and trout fishing. Yes you have an option to choose pig and goat hunting within the park’s designated spaces.
10. Choose Kayaking at Wailua River
You may have done kayaking at multiple places, but I insist everyone to do your kayaking at Wailua River one more time. There are a lot of things positively influencing your kayaking journey, especially calm water, calm atmospheres and hidden tropical beauties.
Wailua is the rarest navigable river in Hawaii, but it blends a region of large and deep islands. Once you start your kayaking you’re eligible to reach nearby Uhuwehi Falls and Mount Waialeale. Take your kids along with you to see how beautiful the surroundings are and give them a chance to paddle.
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