Escape to Paradise on Kauai, Hawaii’s Breathtaking “Garden Isle”
Kauai is one of the most underrated Hawaiian islands to visit
Known affectionately as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” the island of Kauai captivates visitors with its lush tropical rainforests, towering waterfalls, striking canyon landscapes, and seemingly endless pristine beaches. Though Kauai is smaller and less developed than popular Oahu or Maui, this natural paradise overflowing with exotic plants and wildlife has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in all of Hawaii, if not the entire world.
From snorkeling among sea turtles to hiking through Jurassic-looking landscapes to soaking up a legendary sunset from the sands of Hanalei Bay, Kauai offers limitless ways to immerse in its raw, untouched beauty. Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and even relaxation seekers all find their happy place amidst Kauai’s magnificent waterfalls, beaches, canyons, and rainforests. If you’re plotting your first or next Hawaiian getaway, be sure to include this impossibly verdant island where tranquility rules and nature astounds.
Come for the Beaches, Stay for Everything Else
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.
Take in “Mount Waialeale”
Speaking of untamed nature, the center point of Kauai essentially remains impossible for humans to tame - and that’s exactly what makes Mount Waialeale so extraordinary. Receiving over 400 inches of rainfall annually, Mount Waialeale holds reputation as the rainiest spot in the world amongst towering emerald peaks more reminiscent of the deep Amazon than Hawaii. Waterfalls seem to burst spontaneously forth from slippery cliffs all around the mountain’s central crater called Wai’ale’ale, or “rippling water” in the native Hawaiian tongue.
Only the most extreme hikers ever attempt summiting the mushy 5,100 ft summit, which offers arguably unmatched views of Kauai’s wrathful interior when the fog and rain briefly clear. Instead less masochistic visitors can admire Mount Wai’ale’ale from a distance and simply drive the narrow road near Waialeale’s foot to witness the stunningly lush, velvety green terrain this monster rainmaker nourishes. You don’t have to endure its soggy assault to appreciate Mount Wai’ale’ale’s magic - simply observe in awe this powerful force of nature unique to Kauai.
Where to Stay
Kauai offers no shortage of fabulous accommodation options, many affording easy access to popular beaches. Five Star hotels Kauai like the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay or the Westin Priceville Ocean Resort Villas both boast Poipu Beach locales near excellent snorkeling, while Sheraton Kauai Resort, Kauai Marriot Resort and Kauai Beach Resort all line gorgeous Kalapaki Bay. Those seeking peaceful seclusion can bunk beachfront at the St. Regis Princeville Resort on Hanalei Bay or beside the Wailua River at the retro tropical Aston Aloha Beach Hotel. These are some of the best hotels on Hawaii island.
For more budget conscious travelers, charming bed and breakfast style inns like Bamboo Jungle Hideaway or the Garden Island Inn provide comfortable rooms around beautiful Hanalei complete with delicious homemade breakfasts. Vacation rental homes also give DIY travelers lush and tranquil plantation style digs across the island, allowing you to wake up to rainbows and roosters crowing amidst the splendid garden paradise found only on Kauai.
An Untouched Hawaiian Eden
Fringed by epic stretches of glittering ivory sand yet overflowing with dramatic waterfalls, breathtaking canyons, and primeval rainforests interior, Kauai embodies everything people visualize when they dream of Hawaii’s unspoiled natural splendor. The oldest and northernmost inhabited Hawaiian island, Kauai remains blissfully undeveloped, inviting adventurers to embark on Conquistador-like journeys to secret waterfalls, secluded beaches, and vertigo-inducing cliffs unchanged for centuries. Its wildness emanates through every palm-filtered mountain vista and crashing surf-filled seaside panorama.
See for yourself why everyone falls utterly, hopelessly in love with Kauai, for discover once you soak up its soul-stirring tranquility and flawless fusion of sky, sea and emerald earth, leaving this Garden of Eden paradise proves incredibly hard, if not downright impossible for both first time and frequent visitors alike. Like a siren song you can’t resist, Kauai simply calls everyone back to bask again and again in its dream-like natural beauty amongst the falling rain, the laughing songbirds and the scent of plumeria wafting gently on the breeze. One visit and you'll surely find yourself merrily answering the return call back to Hawaii’s treasured island prince, where beauty and serenity reign.
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