Kauai, HI
Trip Start
Oct 06, 2008
1
3
8
Trip End
Oct 18, 2008
Lihue,
Hawaii,
United States
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Kauai is the oldest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands, with volcanic rock dating back 5.5 million years, but it displays all the beauty and vigor of youth. From lush rain forests and valleys to majestic mountains and long stretches of white sand, there's no question: Nature takes center stage here.
In fact, Kauai has 43 beaches -- more per mile of coastline than any of the other islands. Only 3 percent of the island has been developed for commercial and residential use; the rest are agricultural and conservation lands. Two-thirds of Kauai's 533 square miles are impenetrable.
Kauai is notable for many other reasons. Scholars believe it was the first island to be inhabited, around 500 A.D., by courageous voyagers from the Marquesas Islands. British Captain James Cook and his crew first landed in Hawaii at Waimea, on Kauai's west coast, in 1778.
When Kamehameha the Great embarked on his campaign to unite all the islands under one rule, Kauai alone clung to its independence. After Kamehameha died in 1819, his son, Liholiho, became king. He lured Kauai's king, Kaumualii, aboard his royal yacht and sailed to Oahu. There, Kaumualii was coerced into marrying Kaahumanu, Kamehameha's widow; thus, Kauai became part of the Hawaiian kingdom.
Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with navigable rivers; a breathtaking gorge that Mark Twain dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"; and 22 miles of sheer cliffs rising twice as high as the Empire State Building. Hollywood has been so taken with Kauai that the island been cast in more than 60 movies and TV productions.
To ensure that concrete will never conceal Kauai's beauty, officials passed a law stipulating that no buildings on the island can stand higher than a palm tree (three or four stories). So no matter when or where you are on Kauai, nature will always reign. Kauai stands out as the vacation destination of choice, blending the enchantment of ancient Hawaii with all modern conveniences. Kayak on the same river where Indiana Jones escaped, or windsurf with playful spinner dolphins swimming at your side. Enjoy a whalewatching expedition, or explore exquisite waterfalls on a scenic helicopter tour, or from a zodiac craft. Sportfishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all popular in the pristine waters off the incomparable coasts. Horseback riding offers breathtaking vistas from the mountains to the beaches.
OPAEKAA FALLS - the Wailua River makes a dramatic plunge over a high clif. Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp" and dates from days when swarms of shrimp were seen rolling in turbulent waters at the base of the falls.
POIPU BEACH - Exceptionally fine bathing beach.
ROYAL BIRTHSTONES, WAILUA - women of Hawaiian nobility always tried to reach these sacred stones in time to give birth to insure the royal status of their children.
SLEEPING GIANT - the outline of a mountain ridge shows a striking resemblance to a reclining giant.
SMITH'S TROPICAL PARADISE this 23-acre site has gardens, lagoons, exotic birds and unique narrated train ride which meanders through a rain forest, a Polynesian village, a Japanese island, a Filipino village and other interesting areas. Kauai's ethnic heritage is reflected nightly in a 75-minute musical production in the lagoon theater. SPOUTING HORN - when tide is running high, waves pressured through lava tubes are forced through a hole in coastal rocks to burst noisily into spectacular fountains of salt spray and foam.
WAILUA FALLS - nicknamed Fantasy Island Waterfalls.
WAIMEA CANYON - this is more than a view, it's an experience! You'll treasure in memory its grandeur and jewel-tone colors, its awesome depth and breadth.
WAIOLI MISSION HOUSE - visitors are welcome to look through this quaint home, built in 1834 and restored by descendants of the first missionaries.
WET AND DRY CAVES OF HAENA - these eerie caverns, one dry, the other two filled with limpid green water, are where chiefs are said to have gathered in ancient times.
