Kaua’i Travel

The Ultimate Island Getaway

by Danielle D’Adamo

Perhaps it’s the seductive beauty of the lush valleys and white sand beaches that attract so many travelers to this tropical paradise. Or maybe it’s the tranquil rivers, romantic lagoons, towering waterfalls and endless canopies of eucalyptus discovered in its unspoiled landscape. It could be the simplicity of fresh orchid leis or even the unforgettable sighting of a whale breaching out of the crystal blue waters. Whatever the reason, the ancient beauty, serenity and magic of Kaua’i touches everyone who steps foot on this island.

THE NORTH SHORE

Kaua’i’s North Shore boasts the most breathtaking scenery on the island around the quaint towns of Hanalei, Wainiha and Ha’ena. Aside from the sweeping valleys, mountains and rivers, one is mesmerized by pristine coastlines including Lumahi Beach, the place where Mitzi Gaynor famously “washed that man right out of her hair” in “South Pacific.” And no visitor wants to miss the celebrated Hanalei Bay, a two-mile long half-moon-shaped bay with its white sand and majestic mountain backdrop. The bay is a favorite spot to watch daring surfers as well as boats departing for a spectacular tour of the Napali Coast.

Also situated among the sea cliffs overlooking Hanalei Bay is the world-famous Ocean View Resort Community of Princeville. A luxurious tropical commune of hotels, condominiums and vacation homes, recognition of the area as a place for regal living dates back to the Kamehameha dynasty. In fact, the region is named for Prince Albert— son of Hawaii royals King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma.

The North Shore is home to a variety of adventurous activities for water lovers. Visitors can tackle the Blue Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour along the scenic Hanalei River and Bay Reff Lagoon. Once you catch the stunning views of Makana Peak—better known as Bali Hai—it’s easy to see why plenty of art and music is dedicated to this single South Pacific panorama.

To hang 10 like a pro, visit Hawaiian Surfing Adventures for a private surfing instruction and a chance to catch a few waves in Hanalei Bay. Or, for a more tranquil way to pass the hours, try a leisurely horseback ride at Silver Falls Ranch near Kilauea Town. The trail ride takes you through an ancient volcanic caldera at the base of Mount Makaleha and ends with a delightful picnic and the opportunity to swim at a mountainside pool.

Movie buffs can enjoy an excursion to visit the sets of some of Hollywood’s most memorable movies such as “Jurassic Park,” “Six Days Seven Nights,” “Blue Hawaii,” “South Pacific” and “Honeymoon in Vegas.” And shopaholics love Hanalei Town with its many eclectic shops and restaurants.

If typical lodgings aren’t your style, the Hanalei Colony Resort will bring you closer to nature. You’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world as you cross over one-lane bridges to arrive at the five-acre beachfront property. The resort’s well-appointed condominiums include fully equipped kitchens and private verandas that overlook Hanalei Bay. Right on site is The Mediterranean Gourmet, a fusion of Greek, French, Middle Eastern and traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Whether you fancy stuffed grape leaves, banana leaf baked ahi or rosemary rack of lamb, the taste of the Mediterranean will please the palette.

Also on site is Hanalei Day Spa where you can treat yourself to body treatments, facials, private yoga lessons and a vast array of massages. At Hanalei Colony Resort, there is nothing to distract you from taking in the natural beauty and spiritual ambiance. Leave your Blackberry and laptop at home—this stress-free getaway destination doesn’t include TV, stereos or phones.

EAST KAUA’I

Appropriately called “The Coconut Coast,” East Kaua’i is peppered with clusters of coconut trees along its golden sand beaches. Rooted in history and mythical legends, remnants from the ruling period by Hawaiian royalty can still be seen in scattered temple ruins. Visitors also relish the old world charm of its lush jungles and cascading waterfalls that filter down into the sacred Wailua River.

For unforgettable photo ops, be sure to visit the Wailua River State Park, Fern Grotto, Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls where the Makaleha Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to a restored Hawaiian village on the riverbank. You can take a memorable riverboat cruise with Smith’s Motorboats along the Fern Grotto on the Wailua River and hear stories of the lifestyles of the ancient Hawaiians who once lived here.

More energetic travelers can opt for an all-day adventure tour at Kipu Falls Zipline Safari. It begins with a leisurely two-mile kayak on the Hule’ia River where you’ll paddle along the historic jungle stream, passing by the site of the unforgettable rope-swinging scene in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Then, take a short hike up the valley and jump on a covered wagon for a trip across Kipu Ranch. After a picnic lunch, you’ll be soaring on a zipline through a rainforest canopy, wishing you could repeat the entire trip again and again.

LIHUE

As the county seat and center for activity on the island, Lihue will likely be your first stop on Kaua’i. The town boasts an enchanting rural atmosphere mixed with unique shopping, dining, museums, plantations and mystical legends. If you’re a history junkie, be sure to visit the Kaua’i Museum where you can gaze upon a fabulous collection of artwork and cultural artifacts of Native Hawaiians.

Another unique tourist stop is the Kilohana Plantation, an early 1900s Tudor-style plantation. Visitors can hop on the authentic Kaua’i Plantation Railway for an informative tour of more than 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown on site, as well as a history lesson on the island’s plantation days. Kilohana also offers an authentic Hawaiian luau on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For an up close and personal tour of the 3,000 foot cliffs of the Napali Coast, grab your bikini (and some Dramamine) and climb aboard the Blue Dolphin Charters snorkeling cruise. You’ll be bouncing on the waves up the Kalalau Valley, feasting your eyes on its lush green valleys, waterfalls and sea caves. You’ll likely get a visit from dolphins and even a whale or two. Then, before you know it, you’ll be snorkeling right off the coast in calm, pristine waters alongside sea turtles and spectacular reef fish.

If you stay in Lihue, retreat to the Kaua’i Marriott Resort and Beach Club on beautiful Kalapaki Beach. The resort stretches out behind the crescent-shaped sand beach and overlooks Nawiliwili Bay. It offers over 800 acres of garden courts, water features and the largest family-friendly pool in the state. For a true oceanfront dining experience, visit Duke’s Barefoot Bar & Grill where the casual, tropical atmosphere is as fabulous as the food.

SOUTH KAUA’I

South Kaua’i could give our Valley of the Sun a run for its money as a place of endless sunshine. At the southernmost tip of the island, Poipu’s dazzling white sand beaches are bathed in sunlight almost year round. In fact, Poipu Beach has been ranked “America’s Best Beach” by the Travel Channel and is a favorite hub for snorkeling, swimming and surfing or just doing the beach potato thing while Hawaiian monk seals also sun bathe on the sandy shore.

Not only is South Kaua’i a sunny paradise for beach lovers, it is also home to the only garden to be chartered by Congress. The National Tropical Botanical Garden holds the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered plants. You’ll also be amazed by the sculptures, pools, fountains and flowers at the adjoining oceanfront Allerton Garden, originally planted by Queen Emma in the 1870s.

Another must-do destination in South Kaua’I is Koloa Landing. Once the main port of entry, the remnants of the island’s first sugar mill can be found here. You can venture out on the Koloa Heritage Trail and take a 10-mile walk, bike ride or drive and visit 14 historic landmarks.

For the vacationer seeking an exquisite luxury hotel experience, look no further than the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa in Poipu. Located on the beautiful Keoneloa Beach, this
Four-Diamond hotel boasts 52 amazing oceanfront views. Orchid pedals are sprinkled throughout your marble bath, sink and bed chambers, and the private lanai is ideal for sipping a cup of Kona coffee and taking in the spectacular ocean, mountain or garden views.

Before you check out of this lavish island resort, be sure to visit Tidepools, the hotel’s premier fine dining experience. Sip on an exotic lichee martini while overlooking waterfalls and koi ponds under a rustic thatched hut. Seafood fanatics can’t get enough of their jumbo lump crab cakes, poke and garlic chili-glazed opah.

WEST KAUA’I

Welcome to the jungle. A unique blend of spectacular natural wonders and cultural landmarks are woven together on West Kaua’i. Between the old-town charm of Hanapepe, the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon and the rich history of Captain Cook’s landing, the attractions are limitless.

Start your journey across West Kaua’i in Hanapepe Town where you’ll be treated to a booming artist community complete with historic wooden storefronts and restaurants in a storybook setting. Be sure to pause for photos at
Hanapepe Valley Lookout to see breathtaking views of tropical valleys, waterfalls and rivers under colorful rainbows.

The must-see attraction on West Kaua’i is undoubtedly Waimea Canyon, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Okay, so it doesn’t really pose a threat to the grandness of our Grand Canyon, but Waimea Canyon’s dramatic gorge stretches for 10 miles and is more than 3,500 feet deep. It certainly offers breathtaking vistas. At the heart of the canyon is Waipo’o Falls, a magnificent waterfall that cascades into a multitude of pools and swimming holes. Daring travelers can take a strenuous three-mile hike to Waipo’o Falls with a Kayak Kaua’i tour that will give you an up close and personal view of the canyon.

For a more laid-back approach, try the Waimea Canyon Experience with Polynesian Adventure Tours. You’ll behold the natural wonder of the canyon from the comfort of a deluxe coach that takes you to Kalalau Lookout for a spectacular view of its rocky cliffs dropping down into the sea. The panoramic views with take your breath away.

Within Kauai's 550 square miles is a variety of bio-diversity, including 50 miles of sand beaches at sea level to mountains over 5,000 square feet. The weather is nearly perfect year-round with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. Nicknamed “The Garden Isle,” few places on the planet can offer its range of activities for vacationers, and even fewer can offer its beauty. A visit to this magical island leaves one forever changed— and longing to return.

Danielle D’Adamo is a contributing editor for Phoenix Woman.

www.kauaidiscovery.com