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Waimea
Canyon or the "Grand Canyon" of Hawaii is located on the west side of Kauai in Kokee State
Park. The canyon rises over 3,000 feet with lush vegetation and the Waimea River
draping the canyon floor. Gazing across the shimmering red volcanic formations, you
will notice spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking scenery. The Kokee Lodge and
Museum are also located in Kokee State Park.
Driving south from
Waimea will bring you to the south side of the island and to the resort area of Poipu.
The National Botanical Gardens are located in lush fertile Lawai Valley, which is
an ideal natural greenhouse. There are tours through the Botanical Gardens, which
usually take around two hours.
To the west of Poipu you
will come across one of Kauai's favorite spots, Spouting Horn. This natural
formation is actually water being pushed through an ancient lave tube, causing a geyser
effect. It is said the groaning noise you here from the tube are actually the cries
from Lehu, the legendary lizard who became trapped within the lava tube.
Traveling to the the
east side of Kauai will bring you to some of Kauai's magnificent waterfalls, Opaekaa Falls
and Wailua Falls. Located in the Wailua River State Park, the falls have several vantage
points and are truly spectacular.
The Fern Grotto
is also located in the Wailua River State Park and can be accessed by a boat traveling up
the Wailua River. When you reach the Fern Grotto, you are immediately taken with the
beauty and peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the area. As you walk towards the
grotto you can hear the dripping of the water as it cascades down the ferns. The
tropical environment and breathtaking beauty make this an absolute must see on your Kauai
visit. Located
on the north side of Kauai are the tropical towns of Hanalei and Princeville.
Hanalei is a peaceful town with summer homes and vacation rentals. The
Hanalei valley provides splendid scenery, with it's taro patches, lush valleys and emerald
green mountains. The Hanalei River runs through the valley providing an excellent
backdrop for photographs.
Adjacent to Hanalei is the Kilauea Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge. The lighthouse sits on a bluff overlooking
the sea below and is also the first light sighted by ships heading east to the Orient. The wildlife refuge is home to endangered seabirds
and is the summer resting place of the red-footed boobies. |
