Napali Coastline

The majestic Napali Coast State Park draws visitors from throughout the world intent on experiencing its rugged coastline and the otherworldly mystic of its natural beauty and haunting heritage. This is a place that time has barely brushed. The fluted sea cliffs, or pali, rise like sentries straight up from the green valleys and white sand beaches below. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in Napali Coast valleys and inhabitants practiced a self-sufficient lifestyle existing on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.

Shopping in Kapaa Town

                                              
Kinipopo Shopping Village offers a variety of fun shops and some eateries. It also has a water sports shop that carries everything you need to purchase or rent for water fun activities, and can also arrange for water skiing or kayak rental. Aloha shirts, vintage maps, fine art, and lovely jewelry are all available at this shopping village. Wailua Shopping Plaza houses several restaurants and an eclectic antique shop. The Coconut Marketplace is home to more than 70 shops in which you'll find precious Hawaiian mementos, fine artwork, antiques, jewelry, craft items, and so much more.

Opaekaa Falls in Wailua, Kauai

Cascading down into a hidden pool, this lacy waterfall is easily the island’s most accessible major waterfall. About 2 miles up Kuamoo Road (Route 580) from Hwy. 56, signs clearly point to the lookout on the right. ‘O-paeka‘a means “rolling shrimp,” which were once abundant in the stream. Walk uphill and across the road for another view of the Wailua river valley and interior plains beyond.

Lydgate Beach Park and Snorkeling Lagoon

The snorkeling lagoon at Lydgate Beach Park is a very popular place to see colorful and friendly tropical fish. A perfect swimming spot for small children since there's a lifeguard and the lagoon is protected from the open ocean by a lava rock wall.

Spouting Horn Blowhole

The "Spouting Horn" blowhole on the south shore shoots a large plume of sea water into the air with each incoming wave. Likely one of the most photographed spots on the island, it's also a great place to look for whales or dolphins cruising along the Poipu coastline.

Tree Tunnel on the Road to Koloa

Less than 5 percent of the landscape is devoted to commercial and residential development, leaving the vast majority of land divided between agriculture and conservation. So it's not surprising to turn off a highway and find yourself suddenly shaded by a canopy of eucalyptus trees. The gateway to the Koloa/Poipu area provides such an experience. Long called the Tree Tunnel, this delightful stretch of Maluhia Road is just past the six-mile marker off Kaumualii Highway. The trees were first planted a century ago when they were donated to the county by a resident. Two hurricanes have taken their toll, but like all of Kauai's exuberant plant kingdom, the Tree Tunnel still thrives.

Poipu Beach Park, Kauai

Continuing past Koloa on Poipu Road, you'll find Poipu Beach Park. This is one of the most popular and safest beaches on Kauai, so safe and so popular that critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals have joined the crowd. These huge 400 to 600 pound creatures generally avoid crowds, but one momma seal has delivered and weaned pups on the beach for the past two years. The waters off Poipu Beach are crystal clear and good for snorkeling, swimming, wading and surfing. There is a natural wading pool for toddlers and young swimmers and the park is protected by lifeguards (a Monk Seal Watch team protects the seals). The shaded park adjacent to the beach has restrooms, showers and picnic tables.

Unique Shopping in Hanapepe

Located between Eleele and Kaumakani on the banks of the Koula River, Hanapepe once flourished as one of Kauai's largest communities. Today it's an art colony tucked away in buildings that haven't changed a lot over the last century. Its historic buildings are so authentic looking that the town has become a choice location for filmmakers. Films such as "The Thornbirds" and "Flight of the Intruder" were set in this storybook town. Hanapepe lays claim to more fine art galleries than any other place on the island. There are at least seven galleries listed among the gift shops and restaurants that do business here.

Waimea Canyon Lookout, Waimea Kokee State Park

Designated canyon lookouts appear along this stretch of roadway. If the clouds get in your way, try another lookout. Each view of the canyon, which is certainly one of Kauai's premier attractions, is stunning. And if looking isn't enough, try hiking one of the canyon trails.

Kalalau Valley Lookout in Kokee State Park

The rugged cliffs and mythical beaches of Kauai's spectacular Napali Coast can be experienced on foot, by sea and by air. The lazy way to get an abbreviated version is to drive up the mountain from Waimea into Kokee State Park, go past the lodge and the museum to either the Kalalau Lookout or the Puu O Kila Lookout and gawk. From the lookout, the view changes from moment to moment as the sun and the clouds play tricks on the fluted walls of the valley. This kaleidoscopic effect takes nothing from the experience and only adds to the mystical aura of the scene below.

Kauai Fact Sheet

History


Kauai, Hawaii's Island of Discovery, was the first Hawaiian island to be populated. According to legends, the first inhabitants were Polynesian gods from Tahiti. Legends also say Kauai was home to Menehune, a race of tiny people who were exceptional stonemasons and extraordinary builders. Tradition has it that even before the Menehune, another people called Mu, inhabited the island. Whoever the early inhabitants were, their skills in exceptional ancient stonework are unique to Kauai and are still evident. Archaeologists believe Kauai's first settlers came from the Marquesas, Tahiti, Samoa and other South Pacific islands around 500 A.D.

The intrepid explorer Captain James Cook and his crew first landed in Hawaii at Waimea on Kauai's west coast in 1778. These first tourists to Hawaii shocked the native Hawaiians with their large ships, remarkable attire and strange language. They spent five days on Kauai; learning the culture, language, trading and enjoying Hawaiian hospitality.

Kauai was inhabited briefly by the Russians during the reign of Kaumuali'i, Kauai's last king. He allowed Russian traders to build a fort at the mouth of the Waimea River. The remains of the fort are still standing. Kauai was the only island not taken in battle by Kamehameha the Great when he established the Hawaiian Kingdom. Kaumuali'i ruled until his death in 1810.

Missionaries and sugar altered the face and future of Kauai. Missionary descendants became successful planters and the island was blanketed with green. Hawaii's first sugar plantation was founded in Koloa in 1835. The sugar industry brought an influx of immigrants from Asia and Europe who have shaped much of Kauai's history and contributed to its cultural diversity.

General Description

Kauai is one of eight main islands that comprise the Hawaiian chain. The oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, Kauai is 70 miles northwest of O'ahu. Kauai is 33 miles wide and 25 miles long, and is remarkable for its spectacular and widely varied landscape from Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," to the Napali Coast, with cliffs rising 2,700 feet and more than 40 white sand beaches. Within Kauai's 533 square miles, there are distinct micro-climates including coastal sand dunes, desert-like plateaus, verdant river valleys, foothills and mist-shrouded mountain tops.

Kauai has virtually no manufacturing -- tourism is its major industry. Pineapple is no longer commercially grown on the island, but papaya, beef, coffee and guava are becoming increasingly important. Kauai also produces more than 60 percent of Hawaii's taro, growing more than five million pounds each year. In addition, the island has been very active in developing ways to diversify the economy including aquaculture and tropical flower cultivation.

Kauai has greatly benefited from a visitor industry that hasn't compromised the beauty of the island. Because of its diverse and spectacular scenery, Kauai has played a role in more than 75 movies and full-length television features including "Jurassic Park I, II, III," "Six Days, Seven Nights," "Dragonfly," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Uncommon Valor," "Flight of the Intruder," "Blue Hawaii," "King Kong" and "South Pacific."

Climate

Kauai's climate is semitropical. Daytime temperatures at sea level range from about

88F to a pleasant evening low near 60F. Although winter temperatures are cooler, daytime temperatures are usually in the 80s. The trade winds provide cooling fresh air and rain showers are brief in the early morning and evening. Overall, the climate on Kauai is suitable for all types of outdoor activities.

Transportation

Kauai is accessible daily by interisland jet flights between Lihue and Honolulu International Airport on O'ahu. The flight time is just 25 minutes.

Nonstop service from Los Angles and San Francisco to Lihue is available. Weekly charter service from the Mainland is also available.

Rental cars are available from all major car rental companies located at the Lihue Airport, as well as major hotels. Taxicab service is available island-wide. Some hotels and condominiums offer shuttle service between the airport.

Population and Visitor Stats
According to the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, there are about 58,000 people living in Kauai. Kauai's top U.S. visitor markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Diego, Phoenix, Denver, Sacramento and Dallas.

Resort Areas / Visitor Accommodations

Kauai's widely varied landscape is equaled only by the diversity of its resort retreats.

Poipu Beach, on the sunny, dry south coast of the island, is blessed with wide, white sand beaches, as well as great weather. Poipu Beach has become the fastest--growing destination on Kauai, with a diverse range of accommodations including bed and breakfasts, cottages, villas, vacation homes, condominiums and hotels. In 2001, Poipu Beach was named "America's Best Beach" by Florida International University Coastal Geologist Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach. Poipu Beach is famous for its water sports. An offshore reef protects much of the shoreline, creating ideal diving, surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling and swimming conditions.

The Royal Coconut Coast, on Kauai's east coast, is named for its acres of ancient coconut groves. This is where the ancient ali'i (chiefs) once lived and there are still many reminders of their lives to observe today. The Royal Coconut Coast is home to numerous budget and moderate-priced accommodations and many shopping centers and dining options.

Kalapaki Beach, on the southeast coast of Kauai reflects a perfect blending of the Hawaii of yesterday and today. Kalapaki Bay is a favorite surfing, swimming and fishing spot. Nearby to Lihue Airport and Nawiliwili Harbor, this area features hotels, motels and condominiums.

The North Shore of Kauai is tropical and famous for its spectacular scenery including the Napali Coast and Mount Makana, also known as "Bali Hai," the famous view in "South Pacific." Visitor accommodations also are varied and memorable and include upscale resorts, moderate-priced condominiums and bed and breakfasts.

The West Side, best known as the place Captain James Cook set foot upon when he first sighted the Hawaiian Islands, offers a fine example of the old-fashioned, plantation-style towns that used to dominate the islands. It's home to the quaint Waimea Plantation Cottages and the charming town of Hanapepe. Recent developments include organized tours of the Gay & Robinson Sugar Plantation and self-guided tours of the new West Kauai Visitor and Technology Center.

Attractions

For the ultimate adventurer, Waimea Canyon State Park provides unsurpassed opportunities for exploration. Follow Waimea Canyon Drive as it winds up 12 miles into the interior of the island, hugging the rim of the canyon for a dramatic panorama. The view of the 3,000-foot canyon is staggering. Hues of orange and red are splashed against the tropical green of 1,866 acres of park land. Contiguous with Waimea Canyon is Koke'e State Park. Open to the public at no charge. Phone: 808-274-3444.

Koke'e State Park encompasses 4,345 acres of upland wilderness and is a Mecca for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts. This sprawling park is heavily wooded and offers numerous hiking trails for a unique perspective on the island. Within the park, the Kalalau Lookout peeks over cliffs and gorges to the ocean 4,000 feet below. With 19 different trails to explore, hiking is one of the most popular activities at Koke'e State Park. Trail lengths vary from 0.1 mile to over 10 miles. Recommended hiking trails include: the Canyon Trail, a popular scenic trail with great views of Waimea and

Po'omau Canyons. The Kumuwela-Canyon trail is a moderate nature hike with beautiful scenic views. The Nu'alolo Cliff trail is a strenuous hike with a mix of native plant species and stunning views of the valleys. Open to the public at no charge. Phone: 808-274-3444.

Adjacent to Koke'e State Park is the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, which includes the Alakai Swamp. The swamp is 10 miles long and two miles wide. There are pristine nature trails and a new boardwalk over the boggy terrain for viewing some of Hawaii's rarest flora and fauna. Open to the public at no charge. Phone: 808-274-3433

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), the nation's only tropical botanical garden chartered by the United States Congress, offers public tours at three garden sites on the island: McBryde, Allerton and Limahuli gardens.

Lawai Garden, the site of NTBG's headquarters, encompasses 186 acres in Kauai's lush Lawai Valley. The garden is made up of rare and unusual varieties of native Hawaiian plants, as well as extensive collections of tropical plants from around the world. The adjacent Allerton Garden, formerly a private estate, is managed by NTBG under an agreement with the Allerton Estate Trust. The historic 100-acre garden is made up of tropical flowers and trees set amidst pathways, fountains, sculptures and other outstanding examples of landscape architecture and design. Reservations are required for tours of McBryde and Allerton gardens. Cost is $30 per person for guided tours. Call 808-742-2623 for tour schedules and reservations. The 17-acre Limahuli Garden, on Kauai's magnificent north shore, is surrounded by towering mountains, breathtaking beauty and a 990-acre natural preserve. The garden consists of rare and endangered native Hawaiian and other tropical plants including many with significance to Hawaiian culture. The area also includes ancient sites of great historical and archaeological significance including stone-faced terraces believed to be more than 700 years old. Limahuli Garden offers both guided and self-guided tours. Reservations are required for guided tours. Guided tour cost is $15; self-guided tours are $10. For current tour schedules and reservations, call 808-826-1053.

The majestic Napali Coast State Park on the north shore includes the eastern valleys of the Napali Coast. Kalalau, the best-known valley, can be reached by an 11-mile trail that begins at Ke'e Beach on the northwestern end of the main highway snakes its way up and down Napali's steep cliffs. For most, the 11-mile hike is a three-day journey that requires camping along the way. This trail is considered one of the best in Hawaii. Camping permits are required and can be obtained by the State Parks office at no charge. Phone: 808-274-3444.

Avid hikers may choose to explore the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail which takes you to secluded Hanakapi'ai Beach. This half-day trek will expose you to the Napali Coast's rugged, uninhabited coastline and breathtaking beauty.

The towering cliffs of the Napali Coast can also be viewed by boat or helicopter.

Spouting Horn. Located near Poipu Beach this natural attraction is a lava rock outcropping known for the shooting geyser of sea water that appears during high tide. The spouting results from the surf washing into the lava tube and sucking up through a hole in the coastal rock. The geyser reaches as high as 60 feet. Open to the public at no charge.

On rugged Kilauea Point, the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a nesting site for the red-footed booby, wedge-tailed shearwater, Laysan albatross and many other species of Hawaiian seabirds. The visitor center adjacent to the Kilauea Lighthouse has displays explaining Hawaii's seabirds and their sanctuaries. Open to the public Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Entry is $3 for adult and children 16 and under are free. Phone: 808-828-1413.

Beaches

Kauai is blessed with expansive beaches along most of its coast. As ocean recreation was an important part of life for the ancient Hawaiians, so is it today for Kauai's residents and visitors. Beach conditions vary seasonally. Visitors should check with their hotel activity director or local residents for the best seasonal places. Kauai boasts more than 40 superb beaches. The following are some of the most popular and captivating:

Ke'e Beach. small, lovely curve of a beach with calm, shallow water. Patches of reef provide excellent snorkeling grounds. At the end of Kuhio Highway on the northwestern end of the island.

Tunnels Beach. Gently sloping beach with patches of rocky reef in the shallow waters that is great for snorkelers with good swimming areas as well. Access to Tunnels is off Kuhio Highway via a sandy road.

Lumahai Beach. Among the most beautiful on the island with a huge, wide sandy shoreline. The beauty of this beach is equaled by the pounding of the ocean along its shore. Access at the western end is directly off Kuhio Highway. At the eastern end, a steep, dirt trail descends from the road.

Hanalei Bay Beach. � Perfect, curved bay of legendary beauty. The beach is subject to strong currents, even during the summer months. The best area to swim is in the center of the bay at the Hanalei Beach Park, which has restrooms, a pavilion and a lifeguard in attendance. Access via Aku Road or Weke Road, both off Kuhio Highway at either end of Hanalei. Hanalei Bay Beach was named America's No. 2 Best Beach in 2002 by Dr. Beach.

Anini Beach Park. Miles of white sandy beach and a quiet lagoon created by a reef. Sunsets here are glorious and perfect for a romantic swim. Follow Kuhio Highway to Kalihiwai Road and take Anini Road to the beach.

Lydgate Beach Park. One of Kauai's prettiest with its ironwood grove and two large lava pools. This beach park offers great snorkeling for families. Located just south of the Wailua River on Leho Drive.

Ninini Beach. Hidden along a rocky coastline between Nawiliwili Bay and the lighthouse on Ninini Point. Ninini Beach and Running Water Beach are pocket beaches separated by a lava rock formation and protected by currents and winds. Take the road leading through the Kauai Marriott Resort and park at the golf course clubhouse.

Kalapaki Beach. A picturesque haven fronting the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club, Kalapaki offers calm waters for keiki (children) and rideable currents for surfers and boogieboarders.

Mahaulepu Beach. Two-mile stretch of reef-protected shoreline and white sand. This beach also features 100-foot-high sand dunes and a mushroom-shaped sea stack. Follow the cane road beyond Shipwreck Beach.

Poipu Beach. Long stretch of sandy shoreline with good swimming and bodysurfing conditions. Lifeguards, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, barbecues and a keiki playground at the nearby park make this an ideal family beach. Follow Maluhia Road or Koloa Road to Koloa Town, then take Poipu Road to the coast.

Salt Pond Beach. Crescent-shaped beach with a protecting reef and numerous coconut trees. A great place to collect shells. Located at the end of Route 543, leading from Hanapepe.