Welcome to Kauai

Kauai - The Garden Isle

Kauai's pristine natural scenery is the number one reason to visit this island paradise. Don't let this fool you though, there is a little something here for everyone in your party. Eco-warriors will enjoy the rugged hikes available all around the island, but there are also plenty of opportunities for family hikes that are enjoyable for all ages and abilities. Keep your camera at the ready, around every corner await amazing vistas. Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and even skydiving are among the activities available on this great island.

Lihue

This is the site of Kauai's main airport and harbor. Lihue will probably be the first and last place you see on Kauai. There is some shopping available here as well as a few hotels and restaurants, but chances are you won't be spending too much time here. The downtown area is quaint with some interesting shops and a fine museum if you do find yourself wanting to explore Lihue. Puakea Golf Course and Kauai Lagoons Golf Courses are also popular spots to visit while in Lihue.

Poipu

Poipu is the home to the majority of the hotels and condos on Kauai. Located at the Southernmost tip of Kauai the beaches here receive more sunshine than anywhere else on the island. Beautiful white-sand beaches are the main stay of what you will enjoy here. Surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling are all great activities here. Allerton Tropical Gardens provide a guided tour of this park dedicated to preserving Hawaiian trees, plants and flowers. Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course offers a golf experience with incredible views. The resort also hosts the PGA Grand Slam each year.

Princeville

Located on the North Shore, Princeville is a resort community consisting of a few large upscale condo complexes and several vacation homes. Set against the background of gorgeous mountain sights, Princeville creates a picture perfect vacation community. Golf is huge here, with two world class courses. The Prince Course has been called Hawaii's number one golf course. While definitely a pretty course, this course is a challenge sure to test all of your skills. The links style layout was created by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The Princeville Makai Course offers three nine hole layouts. One is an ocean course, another weaves through natural Hawaiian forests while a third is placed amongst pleasant placid lakes.

Hanalei

Hanalei is an old time local North Shore town. Here you will find hippies, surfers and local artists enjoying the sun and surf. Uncrowded beaches such as Anini Beach Park are highlights in this area. Windsurfing is a popular activity on the North Shore, and if you want to try your hand there are several options for lessons. If you are a shutterbug, Rev William Alexander established a mission here in 1834 that offers plenty of photo opportunities. There are also two small shopping areas that hold many local crafts as well as some pretty neat Hawaiian antiques if you are still looking for just the right gifts to take home.

Waimea Canyon

Sometimes called 'The Grand Canyon of the Pacific', Waimea Canyon is truly an awesome sight. Red, brown and green peaks and valleys flow for miles. There are numerous hikes available here including a nature loop that is suitable for the entire family. The Koke'e Natural museum has all the info you need to take advantage of this beautiful park.

Na Pali Coast

The rugged coastline along the Na Pali Coast is breathtaking to say the least. Often called one of the world's best hikes, the 11 mile Kalalau Trail boasts amazing peaks, lush valleys and splendid waterfalls that will wow the most jaded of hikers. This trail is tough to say the least though. The trail is often wet and slippery with plenty of tree roots, slippery situations and repetitive up and down climbs and descents. Hiking the first two miles of the trail and then heading off to Hanakapiai Falls is an alternative for those who don't wish to spend the night before a turn around.

Luckily, there are other ways to take in the beauty of the Na Pali Coast. Helicopters allow for viewing of the coast as well as traveling to waterfalls that even the most dedicated hiker may never reach. On most helicopter tours you will also be afforded a chance to visit many other scenes on the island in one trip. One of our favorite trips allows you to see Na Pali, Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, Hanapepe and Mt Waialeale (wettest spot on earth) all in one day.

Another option is taking a raft or boat tour. Most of these trips will include stops for snorkeling or scuba at secluded bays along the way. Some of the rafting trips will allow you to visit small beaches inaccessible by any other means. The snorkeling along this coast tends to be spectacular so don't forget to pick up an underwater camera for these trips.

With all said and done, it doesn't matter how you see Na Pali, if you come to Kauai just make sure you do see the Napali Coast. You may just find that you want to try all the ways!