Kauai's lush vegetation led to the nickname "The Garden Isle". Hawaii's oldest island offers waterfalls, rugged cliffs, tropical flowers and miles of beaches. With a dramatic landscape, some areas of the island are only accessible by air or sea. Travelers can experience outdoor activities including whale watching tours, sight-seeing, hiking, kayaking and scuba diving.
Hiking Trails
Kauai hiking trails feature breath-taking sights. The Na Pali Coast Kalalau trail is an 11-mile rigorous hike leaving from Ke'e Beach. Hanakapiai Falls is two miles into the hike, and many backpackers camp overnight on the trail. The Sleeping Giant trail is one of three Nounou Mountain trails. The majority of this trail leads over the "giant's chest". Once reaching the peak, or the "giant's head", there is a 360 degree panoramic view of Kauai.
Scenic State Parks
On the west side of the island, Koke'e State Park is well known for hiking, camping and lookout points. With 4,345 acres of plateaus, this park features the Kalalau Lookout and the Puu O Kila Lookout with stunning views of the Kalalau Valley. Koke'e Natural History Museum provides hiking maps and features a collection of Hawaiian artifacts.
Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", is 14 miles long and 3,600-feet deep. Located on the west side of the island, the main attraction is the Waimea Canyon Lookout featuring panoramic views of the tropical forest canopies and colorful valley gorges. Hiking trails within the canyon provides a spectacular view, but some sites can be viewed from the car.
Whale Watching Tours
Blue Dolphin Charter features a variety of whale watching, snorkeling or scuba diving trips near or around the Na Pali Coast and Niihau. Niihau is known as the "forbidden isle" and is not accessible to anyone except Hawaiians. Whales, dolphins, monk seals, turtles and other marine life can be viewed on the trip. Peak season for whales is in the winter season, with January and February being the best sighting months. All tours depart from Port Allen in Ele'ele.
Farmers' Markets
Hawaii is known for exotic fruit, macadamia nuts and coffee, which can be purchased at the community farmers' markets, also known as the Sunshine Markets. Popular markets include the Saturday Kilauea Farmers' Market, Kapa'a New Town Park Market or the Hanapepe Town Park Market.
Beaches
Visiting Kauai's beaches is a must for relaxation or water activities. Lumahai Beach on the north shore is known to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Kauai. Swells can be dangerous, so swimming is not recommended. The north shore's Anini Beach Park features miles of sand and is a quiet reef beach for snorkeling. East side, Kalapaki Beach is a well-known surfing beach. Poipu Beach Park on the south shore offers quiet waters.
Botanical Gardens
Viewing Kauai's fertile and tropical botanical gardens can be explored with or without a guided tour. McBryde Garden's biodiversity offers the tropical flora of Kauai amid the Lawa'i Stream, bamboo bridges and the Maidenhair Falls. McBryde Garden features self-guided tours. Allerton Garden, located near McBryde Garden, strikes the eye with European statues amidst tropical fruit trees and flower gardens. Guided tours are available at Allerton Garden.
Water Activities
Kayaking the east side Wailua River features scenic views of the tropical landscapes along this 20 mile river. Adventurous paddlers paddle the ocean kayak or the 17-mile Na Pali Coast.
Kauai scuba divers experience life under water viewing reefs, marine life and lava tubes. Dive shops feature trips for beginner or experienced divers. North or south shore dives are friendly to beginners where as the east and west side features more adventurous dives.
Surfing or "hee nalu" is popular on the north and south shore. Beginners can take lessons at a surfing school, where experienced surfers ride large swells November to February.
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