Na Pali Coast State Park
Na Pali Coast State Park encompasses a remote area of Kauai, with dramatic mountain scenery that includes cliffs, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. The Na Pali Coast in the northwest of the island is one of the most inaccessible parts of the Island of Kauai, but many will argue that it is the most beautiful.
The chain of mountains, climbing in places to 3,938 feet, forms steep cliffs plunging into the sea, whose beauty can only be fully appreciated from the water or from the air. Steep valleys on the landward side divide the mountain crests – a stunning sight many will recognize from the film Jurassic Park.
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon rivals some of the most scenic canyons on earth and is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” But unlike the Grand Canyon, Waimea is a lush and colorful scene with contrasting red soil, black volcanic rock, and shades of green lining every stream and waterfall.
Two major lookouts and some of the best hiking trails on Kauai start from the road, which runs along the rim. While the Canyon runs to the sea along Waimea Canyon Drive (SR550), the deepest part of the canyon is within Kokee State Park.
Explore Kauai’s Vibrant Gardens
It should be no surprise that the Garden Isle is home to some of Hawaii’s most lovely flower gardens, the tropical conditions providing a perfect environment for bright and happy plants. The gardens are also home to a variety of wildlife and are an excellent place to spot colorful birds.
Exotic flowers at Princeville Botanical Garden are just the beginning, and visitors will learn all about the history and uses of its medicinal plants as well. Guests can also see cacao trees and beehives, the homes of the ones who really keep the flowers blooming. There are also opportunities to sample (and buy) the chocolate and honey produced right at the gardens.
Visit Kauai’s Best Beaches
You’ll find plenty of excellent beaches to choose from on the Garden Island, but some have gained a reputation for being especially popular with both tourists and locals. The beaches along the northern shore of the island tend to have rougher conditions during the summer months, and unfortunately many in this area are closed intermittently due to flooding.
On the south shore of the island, Mahaulepu Beach has something to satisfy everyone, with conditions that are good for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and water sports like windsurfing. Located on an undeveloped stretch of coastline, you’ll find excellent hiking trails with great views and culturally significant sites.
Wailua Falls
Between Lihue and Hanamaulu, road 583 branches off road 560 and winds its way for a few kilometers to Wailua Falls. This beautiful double waterfall plunges 80 feet down a rock face to a pool below. Legend has it that the chiefs of old Hawaii had to take the risk of jumping from the top of this waterfall to prove their strength and courage.
Koke’e State Park
Koke’e State Park is an extension of Waimea Canyon State Park and contains the deepest parts of the canyon. Another important spot is the Kalalau Lookout which, in theory, offers a view of 4000-foot cliffs of the Napali Coast, and is the only place to see this spectacular feature of Kaua’i from land.
Be aware that the cliffs are often clouded in mist, so a picture-perfect view isn’t always guaranteed. The lookout is at the end of the scenic road running through the park. Koke’e maintains numerous hiking trails, most of which spread out from the natural history museum and Koke’e Lodge.
Get a New Perspective on a Scenic Flight
While tourists can get good views from the water and explore many of the natural attractions on foot, a tour by air is hands down the best way to see Kauai’s natural attractions. There are few things in the world more breathtaking than approaching the misty, rugged Na Pali coast landscape from the air — an adventure that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Polihale State Park
The remote Polihale State Park at the western end of the Na Pali Coast offers a wide white-sand beach, backed by the Makaha Ridge.
Visitors should be aware that lifeguards are not usually here, and currents are strong, so swimming and water activities in this area can be very dangerous during many parts of the year. Despite this, the park and its beaches are popular thanks to stunning views of the Na Pali coastline, as well as excellent shelling opportunities and breathtaking sunsets.
Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Valley Lookout
Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on Kauai’s northern shore and a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It is incredibly scenic, too, with a perfect crescent shape and a backdrop of fields and mountains. The view of the bay is lovely, especially in the summer months when colorful sailboats fill the water.
There is a long pier on the eastern end of the bay, and this area is the best place for swimming. There are a total of two miles of beach along the bay, with Waioli Beach Park located in the center. This is where you will find rest and shower facilities; lifeguards aren’t officially stationed here, but they may be present during peak times. Visit during the week to avoid crowds.
Po’ipu
Poipu lies on the warm and sunny south coast of Kauai, where the island’s finest beaches are located. Until the tourism boom, sugar was the main source of income for Poipu and its surrounding area. The development of tourism started relatively late here and consequently, it was far more intense than in other places.
Now, Poipu possesses Kauai’s largest number of luxury hotels and holiday homes. An urban development regulation permits buildings to be no more than three stories high so that Poipu can protect and retain its rural character.
