Get ready for a wild ride through a Hawaiian paradise – with more caffeine than you can shake a palm frond at!
Kauai, known as the “Garden Isle,” offers many natural beauty and exciting activities. The enchanting island is part of the isles of Hawaii, where lush green landscapes meet dramatic cliffs, and vibrant cultural heritage blends seamlessly with outdoor adventures. From the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon to the rugged Na Pali Coast, Kauai offers an array of breathtaking natural wonders to explore.
Dive into the island’s rich history at the Kauai Museum, savor the flavors of freshly roasted coffee at the Kauai Coffee Company, and unwind on the golden shores of Hanalei Bay.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping hikes or tranquil beach days, Kauai’s diverse attractions promise an unforgettable experience at every turn.
Here are things to do and see in Kauai:
- Poipu Beach Park: Spend a day soaking up the sun at Poipu Beach Park, renowned for its golden sands, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles and colorful fish.
- Hanalei Bay: Relax on the golden sands of Hanalei Bay, one of Kauai’s most beautiful beaches, offering excellent swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding opportunities.
- Kauai Coffee Company: Take a tour of this Coffee Company’s plantation in Kalaheo to learn about the island’s coffee industry and sample freshly roasted beans.
- Limahuli Garden and Preserve: Explore the botanical wonders of Limahuli Garden and Preserve, a lush botanical garden nestled in a verdant valley. Learn about native Hawaiian plants, cultural history, and conservation efforts while exploring tropical landscapes and taro fields.
- Spouting Horn: Witness the natural phenomenon of Spouting Horn, where ocean waves force water through a natural lava tube, creating a spectacular spout of water. Located on Kauai’s southern coast, it’s a mesmerizing sight best enjoyed at sunset.
- Na Pali Coast: Explore the dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and hidden beaches of the Na Pali Coast by hiking, kayaking, a helicopter tour or taking a boat up the coast.
- Kalalau Trail: For adventurous hikers, the Kalalau Trail offers an epic 11-mile trek along the Na Pali Coast, showcasing stunning vistas and secluded beaches.
- Wailua Falls: Visit this iconic waterfall just north of Lihue, where you can admire the 80-foot cascade and enjoy scenic viewpoints.
- Kauai Museum: Explore the rich history and culture at the Kauai Museum in Lihue, featuring exhibits on Hawaiian art, artifacts, and heritage.
- Kauai’s Coconut Coast: Discover the Coconut Coast, stretching from Wailua to Kapaa, where you can enjoy scenic coastal drives, visit local shops and eateries, and relax on beautiful beaches like Lydgate Beach Park.
- Waimea Canyon: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this breathtaking natural wonder offers stunning panoramic views, hiking trails, and photo opportunities.
Did you know?
One interesting fact is that it served as the backdrop for filming the blockbuster movie “Jurassic Park.” The island’s lush landscapes and dramatic scenery were featured prominently throughout the film, captivating audiences with its stunning natural beauty.
Many of the iconic scenes, including the breathtaking helicopter arrival into the fictional Isla Nublar, were shot on location in the island’s remote and picturesque locations, adding to its allure as a tropical paradise.
A little history:
- Early Settlement: Kauai was likely first settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago, who arrived in voyaging canoes from other Pacific islands. They developed agricultural systems and established communities, leaving behind traces of their culture in the form of heiaus (temples) and artifacts.
- Kingdom of Kauai: In the late 18th century, the islean was ruled by its independent kingdom, separate from the unified Kingdom of Hawaii. King Kaumualii was one of the last rulers and famously resisted annexation attempts by King Kamehameha I of Hawaii.
- European Contact: European explorers, including Captain James Cook, encountered this isle in the late 18th century. Contact with Europeans brought trade and new technologies to the island but also introduced diseases that devastated the native Hawaiian population.
- Whaling and Sugar Industries: In the 19th century, it became a hub for whaling and later developed a thriving sugar industry. Plantations were established across the island, attracting laborers from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines.
- Annexation and Statehood: In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by American businessmen with the support of the United States government. Kauai and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands were annexed by the United States in 1898 and became a territory in 1900. Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959.
