Kaua'i Hawaii

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Waimea Canyon

Helicopter Tours

A trail traverses 11 miles along this rugged stretch of coastline. Because the trail is so famous, getting permits to camp along the trail is difficult. One can day hike the route without permits but the whole way out and back is a tough day because the trail isn't an easy walk (so they say). Many hike the first few miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach to get a feel for the trail. Click the link to see our full trail hike.

Of the 5 Hawaiian Islands we have toured, we enjoyed Kauai the most. We found the best hikes, the most remote beaches, more scenic vistas, biggest waterfalls, the least crowds and so forth across the island. The only thing it is lacking is all the amenities the fancy resorts seem to attract. Go to Maui to be pampered, Kauai is for the more adventurous vacationers.

A nice road runs the rim of the canyon offering several dramatic viewpoints. The canyon is a smaller version of the Grand Canyon...in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! A few lookouts also peek down several thousand feet to the ocean and the Napali Coast. Hiking trails drop to the bottom. Down in the canyon we camped and enjoyed some nice solitude with the wild chickens and diverse plant life.

Because so much of Kauai is inaccessible by vehicle, a helicopter sightseeing trip makes the most sense on this island. Highlights include the Napali coastline, going into remote cirque waterfalls and flying into Waimea Canyon. Jurassic Park was filmed here for a reason.

Wailua River Kayak Trips

Remote Beaches

This is the only navigable river on all the islands. You can go on a tour or rent kayaks and take yourself up river to several sights. There is a village, a fern grotto, picnic areas and a nice trail to a big waterfall. Plan about a half day for all of this.

The beaches of Kauai just aren't crowded. Most people I've met who have been to them all agree Kauai is the place to get away from people. Even better are the very scenic beaches that require hiking trails for access.

Remote beaches

Napali Beach

Overlook in Waimea Canyon State Park

Napali Coastline

Waterfall accessed by trail after kayaking up Wailua River

Helicopter Tour

Waterfalls

Waimea Canyon overlooks

At bottom of Waimea Canyon

Up the Wailua River at a trailhead

At the bottom of Waimea Canyon

Views from a helicopter tour