Escape to Paradise on Kauai, Hawaii’s Breathtaking “Garden Isle”

Kauai proudly boasts over 50 miles of sparkling sand beaches, each more breathtakingly beautiful than the next. Sunbathers tend to flock to Poipu Beach on the southern shore to lounge beside sea turtles and boogie board in the fun shorebreaks, while snorkelers explore the reef at saltwater Queen’s Bath on the North Shore. The towering sea cliffs and palm tree tunnels of Maha’ulepu Beach also captivate, though nothing quite compares to watching the sunset at Hanalei Bay where verdant mountains cascade beautifully down to fine ivory sand.

Still, as spectacular as its beaches may be, Kauai offers much more beyond its coastline. Outdoor adventurers find themselves equally drawn inland to explore breathtaking natural sights tucked deep within the island interior. River canyon kayaking and hiking bring you face to face with brilliant tropical flora and fauna, while zip-lining and ATV tours send you soaring high above the impossibly green expanse of Kauai from exciting new vantage points. What looks like prehistoric terrain conceals awesome adventures for those willing to delve deeper into Kauai’s magnificent wilderness playground.

Immerse in the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”

Of all Kauai’s inland treasures, none captivate quite like Waimea Canyon. Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this massive gorge carved over eons by the Waimea River showcases crimson and ochre rock cliffs dotted dramatically with greenery. Though only 10 miles long and over 3,000 feet deep at its deepest point, Waimea Canyon makes a huge impression even when viewed from above at various lookout points. The main road through Waimea Canyon State Park provides jaw-dropping vistas for casual sightseers, though hardcore hikers can access the canyon floor itself by trekking steep trails like the rigorous 11-mile roundtrip hike to Waipo’o Falls. No matter how you experience it, taking in Waimea’s size and colors makes for an unforgettable Kauai spectacle.

Go “Jurassic” at Koke’e State Park

Neighboring Waimea Canyon, the equally stunning Koke’e State Park spans over 44,000 acres of virtually untouched wilderness along Kauai’s northwest region. Hikers who brave Koke’e’s muddy trails through rainforest, bogs and fog-enshrouded ridge tops feel like they’ve suddenly landed in Jurassic Park, with many of Kauai’s rare and endangered species protected within the park confines. Lucky trekkers might spot native birds like the red Apapane or brown Nene goose as they traverse landscapes so primeval they provided backdrops in films like King Kong and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Don’t miss the comparatively easy 4-mile round trip hike to dramatic Waiahulu Falls or the iconic viewpoint from the Kalalau Lookout where dizzying sea cliffs will leave you gobsmacked. Hardy adventurers can also try conquering the steep 8-mile trail leading down to the secluded Kalalau Beach, considered one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and remote destinations. Just be prepared to camp if attempting the rigorous 18-mile round trip journey in a single day. With so much diversity packed within its interior rainforests, Koke’e State Park really lets Kauai’s untamed beauty take center stage.