Kauai: A peaceful Hawaii
Of all of Hawaii’s islands, Kauai is where vacationers wanting a peaceful getaway need to go. Its laid back spirit and under-developed scenery are easy to adore and boasts breathtaking views — from the Kilauea Lighthouse on the northern coast to a neat “tree tunnel” which was planted more than 150 years ago. There’s hiking at Koke’e State Park, sunbathing at Poipu Beach, as well as Mount Waialeale — a spot that’s considered the wettest in the world. Plus, the island boasts more rivers and waterfalls than any of the other Hawaiian islands.
Although 82 percent of the island isn’t accessible by car, there are plenty of tourism companies that will help you see its gorgeous coastline, mountains and lush forests. The island truly offers something for whatever pace its visitors are seeking, whether it’s a day in the sun or a day on the move.
Kauai spy
It is essential to check out these Kauai attractions:
1 Na Pali Coast. Truly a sight to behold. This 15-mile coastline of amazing cliffs is inaccessible by car, but boats offer several-hour tours. From the water, visitors can see it all — majestic sea cliffs, waterfalls and even spinner dolphins.
2 Waimea Canyon. The magnificent canyon (10 miles long by 1 mile wide) is visible by tourist lookouts to take panoramic photos and hiking trails for visitors to get a more intimate view. The best time to go is by noon, before the fog rolls in. It’s known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
3 The wildlife. The island’s unique sea creatures can be found simply by tossing on some snorkeling equipment or by signing up for a scuba adventure. The island’s lush interior and jungle terrain can be discovered in many ways — by kayak, zipline, ATV and helicopter.
The best of what Kauai has to offer
The best restaurant
Not only does The Beach House Restaurant offer sensational food, it’s said to be the best eatery on the island to watch the sunset — so make sure you book a table on the outer part of the seating area
Our favorite local dish
When eating out, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with a seafood dish in Kauai, but ahi (yellow fin tuna) and ono (wahoo) are two that tend to be popular.
The best time to go
Let’s put it this way: There’s no bad time to visit. But keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November, when the rainy season begins. Some say the best weather is during April and May or September and October.