Why Kaua'i?
Written: Jul 31 '00
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Pros: Spectacular Beauty
Cons: None
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| TheSmartTraveler's Full Review: Kauai |
We took a non-stop United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Lihu'e Airport on Kaua'i. You have to rent a car to get around this beautiful island that is less commercialized and not as developed than some of the others. As you drive around you will see lush papaya, pineapple, guava, coffee, and sugar plantations. The most developed part, 10 miles north of Lihu'e, is the Royal Coconut Coast. It has a lot of shops, historical sites, and accommodations. My favorite area is Princeville because of its gorgeous valleys, mountains, bays, and lush landscaping. It is a forty-five minute drive from the airport. Some of the best beaches are 20 minutes south of Lihu'e in Po'ipu.
Hanalei, Wainiha, and Ha'ena are three gorgeous little towns to visit on the north shore. They have charming galleries, shops, and restaurants. Go to the Hanalei Valley Lookout for spectacular views of mountains, waterfalls, valleys, rivers, and emerald green fields. Anini Beach, Hanalei Bay, Lumaha'i, Makua, and Tunnels Beach are great places for swimming and snorkeling. We saw ancient sea caves in Ha'ena with eerie blue pools of water. I loved walking on the Kalalau Trail because it had cascading water falls next to the paths and below the surf was pounding. The scenery is spectacular.
The east part of the island is much more commercialized with lovely restaurants, shops, and hotels. Check out the Kaua'i Museum if you want to know the story of the island.
The south of Kaua'i is a gorgeous place to see old sugar towns, endangered Monk Seals on Po'ipu Beach, and the Spouting Horn lava tube.
You'll want to go to the Waimea Canyon in West Kaua'i. You can hike its trails or take a four-wheel drive guided tour. Stop by the many lookouts along the Waimea Canyon Drive to take pictures and just take in the natural beauty. If you want to see excellent exhibits on the unique vegetation and importance of this area, I highly recommend a visit to the Koke'e Museum.
If you're looking for the road less traveled, I highly recommend at a few days or more in Kaua'i.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
TheSmartTraveler
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Member: John Isaacs
Location: Miami, Florida
Reviews written: 493
Trusted by: 178 members
About Me:
I get the shakes if I don't take at least 5 good trips a year.
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