Spotlight on Kauai
Kauai is known as the oldest of the major islands of Hawaii. It is found in the north westernmost region of the archipelago. It is also referred to as the “Garden Island” because of its abundance of tropical plants and lush greenery that are adequately watered by frequent rains on the region. Age has brought only beauty to the island; the natural forces of erosion have given birth to some of the islands greatest assets, including the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon.
The different attractions in Kauai include:
1. Lydgate State Park. The park has a play area and a swimming area for kids. The latter is protected by large rocks that separate it from the rest of the ocean, thus minimizing the risk of being overwhelmed by strong currents.
2. Old Koloa Town. A small, rural town that has souvenir shops, a grocery store, an ice cream parlor, and a museum that exhibits facts about the lives of Japanese immigrants who once worked in the sugar plantations of the island.
3. Huleia National Wildlife Refuge. This is an excellent place for getting photograph opportunities with different native animals and birds. It is also home to the Wailua falls, a breath-taking triple waterfall that was once became the site for cliff diving.
4. Hanaeli Valley and Bay. This scenic spot offers two awe-inspiring views. Taro fields can be seen from overlooking at the valley, while the beautiful bay and the Napali Coast Mountains can be seen from the bay overlook.
5. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. This park is a nesting ground for various seabirds that are rare in the islands. The Kilauea Point Lighthouse can also be found in this area.
Kauai offers a lot of activities for tourists, including sunning, surfing, and swimming in its beautiful beaches, and kayaking in the rivers of the island. Kayak rentals are offered near popular rivers. The island also has excellent trails for hiking and mountain biking. In particular, the Waimea Canyon has excellent trails that provide scenic views of the Na Pali Cliffs. Eco tours and guided hikes are also available.
Hawaii’s meals often feature plate lunches; Kauai is no different. However, if you plan to go to beaches and other natural attractions, it is advisable to bring your own lunch and water to last the whole day. You can stop by restaurants for dinner.
Some of the most popular restaurants include Jojo’s Clubhouse, which offers an excellent syrup selection for shave ice; Monicos Taquria, a reasonably-priced restaurant that offers friendly staff, excellent service, and equally excellent meals; Mango Mamas, which offers some of the best smoothies made exclusively from locally-grown fruit; Kilauea Bakery, which offers great pizza and a wide bread selection; and Bubba Burger, who from its motto advocating cheating of drunks, lawyers, and tourists, would provide you with a unique experience that you can get only from this one-of-a-kind island.