Introduction:
When? : We visit Kauai at winter break (Feb.) of 2019
My
thoughts: Excellent vacation that combines relaxation and a lot of fun activity. Beaches, snorkeling, hiking, nice views, small towns and good food.
The
family want to come back to this beautiful island.
Links to more Blogs on Hawaii:
You can
split the Kauai island into 2 different parts, each has its own attractions and
even the weather is not the same.
The
north side of the island is like a green jungle that get a lot of rain where the south and west of the
island receives a lot less rain and has more "dryer" landscape.
Do
expect to have some rain during the days or afternoon/night mainly at the north
section of the island, but overall, it was not cold, and the rain clear after
some time.
We
stayed for 6 nights at the northern section of the island at town of Princeville,
so we explore more beaches and other attractions in that section of the island.
I think
that if you are coming more for relaxation ocean beaches and hotel pool kind of
vacation maybe it is better stay at the southern section of the island.
We
dedicate 2 full days to the south/west section of the island, but I do not fill
we covered what it has to offer.
We did
not rent a jeep as many do but rather regular mini-SUV, and this did not limit
us in any way.
During
our stay (winter of 2019) the road to Nā Pali Coast was closed right after Hanalei
(due to massive landslide). Once road is open it is highly recommended to take
hwy 560 all the way to it end, visit the beaches and hike the Kalalau Trail (or
a section of it).
Although
this is not a big island the drive from the north part to the beaches in the
south can take 1.5 hours, driving all the way to Waimea Canyon park takes 2
hours. The island airport located at the west central section near the large
city of Lihue (also has deep large Harbor). Most of the roads in the island are
single track so traffic can be slow when you are crossing the small towns on
your way.
We did a
helicopter tour around the island; it is somehow expensive but highly
recommended experience. This flight provides amazing view of the island, the
remote beaches, the mountains, clouds and too many to count waterfalls.
The
overall experience, from getting explanations at the office, driving to the
airport, actual 1hr flight and driving back to the office will take you at list
4 hr so plan accordingly. Try to check what is the best time to fly, when you will
not have constant rain/clouds so you will be able to enjoy the view.
There
are many more “hidden jam” to explore, places to visit and attraction to
experience, some are tourist attractions/traps, but many are nice and has their
charm (like: village markets, traditional dance night show, …).
I did
not cover any mountain biking, ATV, diving, surfing, boat tour and other tourist
activities, there are many options and you will need to choose according your
preference.
In the
following section I will provide high level information on specific visited location
and activities with link to the relevant blog posts.
North
Island section:
The
main town at the north of the island is Princeville (large hotels, resorts,
golf clubs), where there are many other small towns along hwy 56 with nice
beaches, centers and weekend markets.
The
town of Hanalei has many attractions, long sandy beaches, river kayaking, restaurants
and shopping center. It is the place to spend day on the beach and combine it
with other activities.
There
are few unique attractions nearby:
Queen’s Bath: Oceanside tide pool naturally carved into the lava rock
Turtle Cave: cliff sea cave where Turtles stay for their night sleep
Anini Beach and Kalihikai Park: Isolated beach with few people, protected sea sections
that can fit small kids, snorkeling, long sandy beaches and also has park
overnight Campground
Sealodge Beach: Small secluded sandy beach
Kīlauea
Lighthouse: Located at the northern tip of Kauai
Unfortunately,
Nā Pali Coast was closed so I can’t provide information on the nice beaches and
hikes this section has to offer.
South
Island section:
The
south section has much warmer weather compare to the north and it has many beaches
and towns to stay in.
This
section of the island has many Coffee plantations so you can visit in some of
the Kauai Coffee Companies.
If you
will go all the way west on hwy 50 and you rent a 4x4 car you can visit the Polihale
State Park and it secluded beautiful beach.
We visit
the following places in the south section:
Poipu Beach: Usually crowded but very attractive beach, option to spend a full day
here and at the few other attractions/hikes nearby.
Wailua Falls: one of the finest waterfalls with car aces viewpoint and short hike
going down the river.
Waimea Canyon State Park: this park covers the majority of the mountain ridge, road is
climbing the mountains from the south (city of Waimea).
The
following list is of places we did not manage to visit, and I think that they
should be on the recommended to visit list:
I do
not dive or surf so I can’t cover or recommend about those aspect.
Take a
sunset boat tour to Nā Pali Coast.
The
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii's most famous hiking trail, 11 miles along Kauai's Napali
coast (A permit is needed to hike all of it), you can hike section of the trail
to Hanakapi'ai beach (4 miles in&out) or to the Hanakapi'ai Falls (8 miles
in&out).
Hike
more at Waimea Canyon State Park.
Kayak or
Stand up paddle board at the Wailua River.
Explore
the deserted Jurassic Park movie location.
Hike to
Hoopii falls.
Polihale
State Park and the west beach.
Additional
Pictures:
- Maui – Overview, Visit Planning and Tips
- Big Island – Overview, Visit Planning and Tips
- Kauai - Island Visit and Trip Planning
- Kauai - Queen's Bath
- Kauai - Hanalei Beach
- Kauai - Turtle Cave
- Kauai - Wailua Falls
- Kauai - Poipu Beach
- Kauai - Sealodge Beach
- Kauai - Waimea Canyon State Park
- Kauai - Anini Beach and Kalihikai Park
The Island of Kauai:
You can
split the Kauai island into 2 different parts, each has its own attractions and
even the weather is not the same.
The
north side of the island is like a green jungle that get a lot of rain where the south and west of the
island receives a lot less rain and has more "dryer" landscape.
Do
expect to have some rain during the days or afternoon/night mainly at the north
section of the island, but overall, it was not cold, and the rain clear after
some time.
We
stayed for 6 nights at the northern section of the island at town of Princeville,
so we explore more beaches and other attractions in that section of the island.
I think
that if you are coming more for relaxation ocean beaches and hotel pool kind of
vacation maybe it is better stay at the southern section of the island.
The beautiful sunsets can be seen from the north side of the island, boat trip and from the high mountains.
We
dedicate 2 full days to the south/west section of the island, but I do not fill
we covered what it has to offer.
We did
not rent a jeep as many do but rather regular mini-SUV, and this did not limit
us in any way.
During
our stay (winter of 2019) the road to Nā Pali Coast was closed right after Hanalei
(due to massive landslide). Once road is open it is highly recommended to take
hwy 560 all the way to it end, visit the beaches and hike the Kalalau Trail (or
a section of it).
Driving:
unless you are planning to stay only in the hotel/resort it is highly recommended to rent a car.
Although
this is not a big island the drive from the north part to the beaches in the
south can take 1.5 hours, driving all the way to Waimea Canyon park takes 2
hours. The island airport located at the west central section near the large
city of Lihue (also has deep large Harbor). Most of the roads in the island are
single track so traffic can be slow when you are crossing the small towns on
your way.
Helicopter Tour:
We did a
helicopter tour around the island; it is somehow expensive but highly
recommended experience. This flight provides amazing view of the island, the
remote beaches, the mountains, clouds and too many to count waterfalls.
The
overall experience, from getting explanations at the office, driving to the
airport, actual 1hr flight and driving back to the office will take you at list
4 hr so plan accordingly. Try to check what is the best time to fly, when you will
not have constant rain/clouds so you will be able to enjoy the view.
There
are many more “hidden jam” to explore, places to visit and attraction to
experience, some are tourist attractions/traps, but many are nice and has their
charm (like: village markets, traditional dance night show, …).
I did
not cover any mountain biking, ATV, diving, surfing, boat tour and other tourist
activities, there are many options and you will need to choose according your
preference.
In the
following section I will provide high level information on specific visited location
and activities with link to the relevant blog posts.
North
Island section:
The
main town at the north of the island is Princeville (large hotels, resorts,
golf clubs), where there are many other small towns along hwy 56 with nice
beaches, centers and weekend markets.
The
town of Hanalei has many attractions, long sandy beaches, river kayaking, restaurants
and shopping center. It is the place to spend day on the beach and combine it
with other activities.
There
are few unique attractions nearby:
Queen’s Bath: Oceanside tide pool naturally carved into the lava rock
Turtle Cave: cliff sea cave where Turtles stay for their night sleep
Anini Beach and Kalihikai Park: Isolated beach with few people, protected sea sections
that can fit small kids, snorkeling, long sandy beaches and also has park
overnight Campground
Sealodge Beach: Small secluded sandy beach
Kīlauea
Lighthouse: Located at the northern tip of Kauai
Unfortunately,
Nā Pali Coast was closed so I can’t provide information on the nice beaches and
hikes this section has to offer.
South
Island section:
The
south section has much warmer weather compare to the north and it has many beaches
and towns to stay in.
This
section of the island has many Coffee plantations so you can visit in some of
the Kauai Coffee Companies.
If you
will go all the way west on hwy 50 and you rent a 4x4 car you can visit the Polihale
State Park and it secluded beautiful beach.
We visit
the following places in the south section:
Poipu Beach: Usually crowded but very attractive beach, option to spend a full day
here and at the few other attractions/hikes nearby.
Wailua Falls: one of the finest waterfalls with car aces viewpoint and short hike
going down the river.
Waimea Canyon State Park: this park covers the majority of the mountain ridge, road is
climbing the mountains from the south (city of Waimea).
The
following list is of places we did not manage to visit, and I think that they
should be on the recommended to visit list:
I do
not dive or surf so I can’t cover or recommend about those aspect.
Take a
sunset boat tour to Nā Pali Coast.
The
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii's most famous hiking trail, 11 miles along Kauai's Napali
coast (A permit is needed to hike all of it), you can hike section of the trail
to Hanakapi'ai beach (4 miles in&out) or to the Hanakapi'ai Falls (8 miles
in&out).
Hike
more at Waimea Canyon State Park.
Kayak or
Stand up paddle board at the Wailua River.
Explore
the deserted Jurassic Park movie location.
Hike to
Hoopii falls.
Polihale
State Park and the west beach.
Additional
Pictures:
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