By Jessica Morelock
Kauai, Hawaii, nicknamed the Garden Isle because of its lush landscape, is most often visited after travelers have been to Oahu and Maui. Some visitors find it convenient to add a stop in Kauai to extend their Hawaiian vacation. However, with its picturesque landscape and multitude of activities, many visitors will find that Kauai is a perfect vacation spot all on its own. The island is separated into five specific areas that all have a variety of activities to satisfy the desires of any traveler.
North Shore
For hiking enthusiasts the Na Pali Coast on the North Shore offers the Kalalau Trail, which lends access to cliffs that are over 4,000 feet. If you are a nature lover the Hanalei area is full of caves and peaks to visit, including Maniniholo Dry Cave and Makana Peak. It is also home to one of the most spectacular views on Kauai located at the Hanalei Valley Lookout. While visiting the North Shore, you may also head to the most northern point of the Hawaiian Islands located in Kilauea Wildlife Refuge. Princeville, a former coffee plantation, is now a bustling resort area of Kauai that has three beaches where you can swim, snorkel and windsurf. However, don't head too far out to see because the beaches of Princeville are famous for rip tides.
South Shore
Once again, the south shore is home to spectacular beaches for swimming and snorkeling, such as Kipu Kai and Poipu Beaches. Additionally, you will find the National Tropical Botanical Garden in the Lawai Valley of the South Shore area. Not only can you see Hawaiian flora and fauna, but plants indigenous to other tropical areas of the world that are endangered are brought to the Garden to be cared for so they don't go extinct.
The Coconut Coast
A trip to Kauai is not complete without a trip to the Fern Grotto, which is reached by a cruise up the Wailua River on the Coconut Coast. The Fern Grotto is a lava formation that is covered in ferns and also acts as a natural amphitheater, which provides the perfect venue for enjoying Hawaiian music.
West Side
Kuauai's West Side is a blend of rainforest and beaches, which offer hiking and water sports activities for visitors. The West Side is famous for having the longest stretch of beach in Hawaii, and the most frequently visited site is Waimea Canyon, which is nicknamed, "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Lihue & Kalapaki
The Lihue and Kalapaki area of Kauai is the business and cultural center of Kauai. Not only is this the place where you will first arrive on a vacation to Kauai, Hawaii but it is the location on the island with the most activities. Golf enthusiasts can head to Kauai Lagoons to play on two golf courses that were designed by Jack Nicklaus. If you enjoy learning about history you can head to the Grove Farm, which was a successful sugar plantation that has been preserved and you may also visit the Kauai Museum to learn about which has displays about the history and art of Kauai.
About the Author:
Jessica Morelock began her professional writing career in 2007, after a three-year stint as a producer and co-host on Sirius Satellite Radio. She has also worked for the airline industry and as a travel agent. She completed a bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
