Kauai - The Garden Island
Kauai is the Hawaiian island treasured for its lush tropical greenery and sparkling sand beaches. Visitors to the island are in awe of its postcard-perfect beauty, as well as its diversity of cultures, activities, shopping and dining. Verdant rainforests, impressive golf courses, vibrant scenery, friendly faces, blissful breezes, navigable rivers and striking waterfalls are just a few of Kauai's spectacular offerings. Exploring Kauai is to unearth secrets more than five million years old and the world's greatest natural wonders. Walk along beaches where the ocean marries the coastline in a heavenly match; watch with wonder as dolphins and whales swim in their natural habitat; and observe the panoramic beauty of Kauai's remarkable vistas. Where else in the world can you discover an island that truly bestows everything on its guests: soft, refreshing coolness atop a mountain; brief, misty rain showers; an arid desert; and the ever-smiling warmth of the sun?
A quick glance at a map gives little clue to the unfolding wonder and diverse scenery that Kauai has to offer. From tranquil forests, interrupted by the occasional calls of native birds, to the steep green ramparts of the Na Pali Coast, to the beaches and towns that dot the shore - Kauai deserves leisurely exploration. With essentially one road, you can take time to get acquainted with the island's geography. Along the way, you'll discover natural beauty, historic byways and very contemporary luxuries. Take your beach towel, hiking shoes, sunglasses and a picnic lunch, and follow the signs to the amazing sights. Don't forget your camera!
NORTH SHORE: A gathering of stunning vistas, historic sites and quaint towns. North Kauai is perched between mountains and sea. This quiet stretch of road, stitched together by one-lane bridges, leads to the Hawaiian Islands northernmost point; to tranquil Hanalei, and beyond, at its end, to the cliffs and idyllic beaches of the Na Pali Coast.
HANALEI: The grandeur of Kauai's North Shore is revealed from picture-perfect Hanalei Valley Lookout. The small, peaceful town of Hanalei is filled with colorful shops, restaurants and unique art galleries. Lumahai Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of my hair" in Hollywood's memorable musical, South Pacific. Or pack a picnic and venture out to Hanalei Bay, which Dr. Beach named America's Best Beach in 2009. On Sunday, listen to Hawaiian hymns at Waioli Huiia Church. And after a busy day, relax under a luminous Hanalei Bay sunset.
EAST SIDE: Known as the Royal Coconut Coast, East Kauai was once the home of royalty. With its tumbling waterfalls, palm-fringed river and beautiful beaches, it's easy to see why this place was chosen. Explore the Wailua River's meandering waters, play on the golden sands of the East Side beaches and stop for a meal and stroll in the town of Kapaa.
LIHUE: Lihue is the island's government hub and airport gateway, but it also captures the unique spirit of Kauai. Beautifully preserved traditional fishponds, plantations and museums offer a glimpse into a rich and treasured past; while pristine beaches, exquisite golf courses, a cruise ship harbor and plenty of shopping extend a very present-day welcome.
SOUTH SHORE: Once the main port of entry to Kauai, the island's south shore includes the 10-mile Koloa Heritage Trail - an ideal place to examine relics of local history. Take in the recurring drama of the Spouting Horn; keep an eye out for rare monk seals; enjoy the sunny beauty of Poipu Beach; visit two of Kauai's impressive botanical gardens; play a round of golf. There's so much to do on Kauai's sunny side.
WEST SIDE: Kauai's West Side is defined by nature and scenery on a grand scale. From the laid-back and historic town of Waimea to the enormous drama of Waimea Canyon, this stretch of shore, road and parkland includes some of the island's most memorable sights and stunning panoramas.
WAIMEA CANYON: This massive canyon known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," provides stunning views of Kauai's lush valley and tropical forest canopies. There are numerous lookouts if sightseeing by car, as well as over 40 miles of hiking trails.
NA PALI COAST: Spectacular, drama, challenge, beauty. These words begin to describe the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, but miss the epic proportions, the stunning colors of land and water, the historic importance, the remote isolation and the magic. Iconic green-clad ramparts overlooking uninterrupted views of the Pacific soar more than 3,000 feet above the turquoise sea. White sandy coves sit undisturbed in their rocky shelter. This is a place of awe and wonder.
FILM LOCATIONS: Jurassic Park I, II and III; Pirates of the Caribbean; Avatar; King Kong; Raiders of the Lost Ark; Tropic Thunder; The Descendants and South Pacific, to name a few, were all filmed on Kauai. Is it any wonder? With the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains and cascading waterfalls in an almost primal setting, it makes any screenplay come to life.
Nicknamed "The Garden Isle," Kauai is covered with green mountainsides, carved with dramatic cliffs and canyons, and drenched with enchantment. The northernmost and oldest of the Hawaiian islands is a place that is shared among those who celebrate the incredible natural beauty of this remarkable place. Enjoy Kauai's easy pace, whether you're kayaking down Hawaii's only navigable rivers, riding a zipline over the treetops, or sipping a Mai Tai on a sunset sail. Allow the island's unique charm to tantalize and enrich every moment of your vacation. An emerald treasure, Kauai is your special island to explore, discover and appreciate.
Travel Tips and Tidbits
HANALEI BRIDGE REPAIRS
Effective June 27, 2023 Kuhio Highway between Hanalei Plantation Road and Ohiki Road in Hanalei (North Shore) will be closed from 11:00 PM to 5:30 AM every Sunday through Thursday night due to essential repairs to the Hanalei Bridge. The repairs are expected to be completed in about six months, but could take longer due to weather and other potential repair delays. If you're planning a visit to this part of the island, be sure to check the current status to ensure you are able to enter and exit the area when you want/need to do so.
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is located on a portion of the former Kilauea volcanic vent and includes spectacular views from atop a 180-foot ocean bluff. The
Refuge is one of the best places in the state to view seabirds rarely seen from land, like the red-footed booby, great frigate, and Laysan albatross. The world's rarest goose and Hawaii's state bird, the nene, frequents the Refuge as well. Visitors also have a chance to view
spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and humpback whales (December - May) in the water below. Native Hawaiian coastal plants are abundant. The Refuge is also home to the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse. A timed entry reservation is required to visit Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Reservations can be made here.
If you plan on going past Hanalei to see more of the North Shore's spectacular scenery, such as Ha’ena State Park, Ke’e Beach, Hanakapī’ai Beach and Waterfall, etc., non-residents will need to obtain a parking + entry pass or a shuttle + entry pass in advance of their arrival. Advance reservations can be made here. Parking is extremely limited and the parking passes sell out quickly, so please consider a shuttle + entry pass.
Waimea Canyon is a spectacular destination known for its scenic beauty. Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, it offers multiple drive-up lookouts, vantage points, hikes and waterfalls. Koke'e State Park is adjacent to Waimea Canyon State Park; the two running together to essentially form one big park. Kokeʻe is blessed with a myriad of hiking trails to explore, as well as a natural history museum, a restaurant & lodge, and a campground. Reservations are not required for entrance or parking at Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke'e State Park, but non-residents must pay a per person entry fee, as well as a parking fee. Once paid, the fee covers both parks and includes all four lookouts - Waimea Canyon, Pu'u Hina Hina, Kalalau, and Pu'u o Kila. Fees can be paid at any of the kiosks (pay boxes) located in the parking area of the lookout sites. Credit card payments only.
In many cultures, a waterfall is often used to symbolize letting go, cleansing, and the continuous flow of energy and life. Kauai is known as "the rejuvenating island" and is referred to as "the Garden Island." As such, it is home to several waterfalls that complement some spectacular sites around the island. Two of the easiest to see are located near the Wailua River, the largest navigable river in Hawaii. Drive to Wailua Falls on Ma'alo Road (Hwy. 583) to see these twin falls plunge almost 100 feet to the bottom. (There are parking spaces right by the falls.) You might recognize Wailua Falls from the opening credits on the TV show Fantasy Island. Next, drive up Hwy. 580 on Kuamo'o Road to the scenic overlook of Opaeka'a Falls. There is a large parking area from which you can view the falls. In addition, there's a Wailua River Valley overlook right across the road that offers scenic views of the valley. Your GPS will direct you to both of these waterfalls.
Farmers' markets are a wonderful way to support the local community and enjoy some of the local food. One of the best farmers' markets on Kauai is the Kauai Culinary Market that is held at The Shops at Kukuliula every Wednesday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Not only do you have the opportunity to enjoy some great food and great music, there are many other local products you can purchase, which is a good way to support small business owners. If you happen to be on the island's east side on a Saturday between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM, another good option is the Kauai Community Market at Kauai Community College in Lihue.
HANALEI TO HA'ENA ROAD CODE OF CONDUCT
Aloha!
Please take the shuttle.
If you choose to drive your own vehicle, please follow these helpful hints:
- Conduct thorough research on the road from Hanalei to Hāʻena. Check weather reports before heading out to clarify driving conditions.
- There is only ONE way in and ONE way out.
- Driving the road from Hanalei to Hāʻena is HIGHLY discouraged on occasion of heavy rains or high winds.
- If road closures occur due to flooding, downed trees or landslides, and you have not evacuated in time, you will be stuck until the weather abates and crews can come to clear the road. This can take hours and even days.
- Check before crossing a one-lane bridge to see if there is already a vehicle starting to cross from the other side. If so, yield and leave room for them to pass you. If no one is there, go. Follow the flow of traffic in groups of 5-7 cars over bridges. Each side takes turns.
- Be cautious driving over stream crossings. "Turn around, don't drown". Heavy rain in the mountains can cause flash flooding in coastal areas, even if it's not raining here. Better to wait an hour than to get swept out to sea.
- Parking is limited to only 100 stalls at Hāʻena State Park (advance reservation required) and only 40 stalls at Maniniholo County Park.
- Parking is heavily enforced with $200 fines for illegal parking.
- Use caution and plan accordingly for the areas rural landscape, limited amenities and only a single restroom at both the County and State Parks.
- Before entering Hanalei, clean and decontaminate all footwear, hiking gear and vehicles with 70% alcohol or 10% bleach solution to prevent both Rapid Ohiʻa Death and other invasive species from spreading.
- Focus on the road and around corners and turns ahead of you. Drive with full awareness.
- A build up of cars behind you indicates there is traffic that can maneuver the road more efficiently. Please safety pull over to let veteran commuters pass.
- Remember, you are driving in a rural neighborhood. Share the road with bicyclists, kids, dogs, cats, pigs and horses.
- Look for welcoming signage to let you know if an area is public. If none is visible the area is private property. Please do not intrude.
- Please leave every place better than you found it. Pick up all rubbish you bring and any you may see.
- Mahalo for being safe during your stay and sensitive to the fragile natural and cultural resources of Kauaʻi.
