Breathe deeply. You are about to achieve bliss. Kauai is a place where the ‘aina’ (land) received much more than its fair share of ‘mana’ (spirituality). Just gazing over the verdant mountain ranges or hiking through a spectacular trail into a lush landscape where the sun creates rainbows from the waterfalls is enough to make you feel truly blissful. There are snaking red rivers, powerful waves perfect for surfing, grazing sea turtles on colourful coral gardens and playful dolphins and whales emerging from cobalt blue seas. There’s only really one word for it: bliss.
Areas & Neighbourhoods on Kauai
Kapaa – Over on the drier east side of the island is its largest population centre. In the middle of Coconut Coast lie many restaurants, cafes and bars that are perfect to enjoy a relaxed night out in.
Lihue – If all that natural beauty gets too much and you just have to lose yourself in a shopping mall then you will find the best shops on the island at Lihue. Whilst you are here drop by the Kauai Museum to learn a little more about the fascinating history, geography and people of Kauai.
Poipu – This is where you can find beautiful beaches, wonderful snorkelling, thrilling surfing, sea turtles, whales, monk seals, palm trees and spectacular sunsets. Phew! As if that weren’t enough there is also the Allerton and McBryde National Tropical Botanical Gardens of the Pacific here.
Princeville – The two golf courses here are flanked by Kauai's impressive north shore mountains. Try not to let the stunning scenery put you off your stroke, though.
Hanalei – The crescent-shaped bay here is known for its sandy white beaches and world-class surf.
Things to See on Kauai
Sights abound on Kauai. Check out the surf at Hanalei, the waterfalls of the interior, the stunning mountains that create a backbone to the island, the whales out to sea or the turtles plodding through the coral. Take an aerial tour to try and take it all at once or a hiking tour to really experience the sights. Head out to Kilauea Point Lighthouse for more stunning sights. Situated in Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, the lighthouse was built in 1913 and today marks the centre of the nesting ground for many different seabirds.
Things to Do on Kauai
Kauai offers great snorkelling, surfing, ocean swimming and diving opportunities, but there’s plenty to do on land too. Play a round of golf with what must be one of the world’s most scenic backdrops or take a trip to the delightful art galleries and craft shops in Hanapepe. If you’d like to spend a day on a picture perfect beach you should head for Lumahai Beach, accessible only by a walk through a tropical path. Located between Hanalei and Haena beaches, this secluded beach offers beauty, solitude and lava formations and caves to explore when the urge strikes you.
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