KAUAI
For many, Kauai is their favorite island. Nick-named the Garden Isle, it has a variety of landscapes to choose from. The North side has the lush greenery of a tropical rain forest with areas receiving over 400 inches of rainfall while the opposite side of the island is almost arid. The island boasts of 60 major movies being filmed here which may give you a clue to the beauty it offers. The Napali coast is ideal for whale watching tours or on some days watching them from the shore. Many waterfalls dot the landscape, and hiking trails traverse the green mountains as well as along less-traveled beaches. River tours are offered as well as scenic helicopter flights. If you want to relax a little, Kauai might be your personal bit of heaven.
| THINGS TO DO | THINGS TO SEE |
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Princeville, on the North, is one of the primary resort areas in Kauai. There are a variety of condominiums, hotels and golf courses. Boat tours leave from the Princeville area for sight seeing tours up the Napali Coast. Many offer meals, snorkeling and whale watching. Hiking along the coast is a beautiful experience as well and provides a quiet opportunity to experience the waterfalls, birds, and abundant plant species.
On the Southwestern side of Kauai lies the beautiful Waimea Canyon. Boats depart the Waimea Marine Harbor for a 90 minute narrated trip up the only navigable river on the island. Waterfalls are visible from the boat. Naturally grown flowers and abundant vegetation make you think you are floating through a garden.
Kalapaki Beach
This is a popular family beach well suited for swimming, windsurfing, boogie boarding and surfing. Equipment rentals are available.
Princeville
Princeville is an upscale resort on the North shore with world famous golf courses. A variety of accommodations are available. During migration you can view the humpback whales from a bluff high above the ocean.
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
The Na Pali coast is a rugged area with large amounts of rainfall. There are beautiful, but dangerous beaches along the coast. Hiking trails run along the coast where archaeological sites of early settlers can be viewed.
The Sleeping Giant.
As you travel the highway toward Princeville you can observe a mountain formation the the local population refer to as the sleeping giant. See if you can spot it.
