The towering cliffs and canyons in Kaua'i

 Kaua'i is known as the Garden island, for the lush greenery that abounds, but it's the cliffs and canyons that make it truly spectacular. The island is a short 38 minute flight from Honolulu, so an easy extension of any trip to Hawaii.

The island is geared for tourists and outdoor fun. While there's plenty of beaches, there's a myriad of kayaking and paddle-boarding tours, ranch adventures and ziplining.

Hire a car to cover the small distances both north and south of the island, or change accommodation to enjoy the best of both. As you explore the beauty of this island, it's easy to see why Hollywood choses to film here, again and again.








The North is Princeville, with the high end resorts and the sleepy little beaches and artists village, Hanalei.

Waipouli is well placed between the two, but only 30 minutes from the North Shore. It has the great value Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort, if you want to self cater a little on your holiday.

The south has the pretty Po'ipu Beach, and is closer to the Waimea Canyon and starting point for boat trips past the Na pali coast. These two awe inspiring geological structures are the reason Kaua'i is a must on any trip to Hawaii.

Both can be hiked, for the fit and adventurous only. If travelling with children, they are still accessible.

Waimea Canyon can be circled by road. The green gives way to brown at parts, and the scenery completely changes as you ascend to the lookout. The canyon is 10 miles wide and 2500 ft deep. The Waimea Canyon Lookout offers easy access and a great viewing platform. A little further on, around the 12 mile mark, there are unmarked lookouts that offer views of the Waipo'o Falls. If wanting to hike with kids in tow, the Iliau Nature Loop is an easy 10 minute trail, giving the feel of the Canyon and it's surrounds.

While you can hike into the Na Pali Coast State Park, and make your way to some of the secluded beaches, you need to take heed of all the warnings. These are not for the average daytripping tourist.

(warning, it can get very rough!)



An easier option is to take a boat trip. There are snorkel trips or sunset dinner cruises, that include whale watching, dolphins and of course, dinner with a stunning backdrop. The dinner cruise is roughly four hours, so you get great value for money, and you don't return until after sunset. A camera is a must on this trip. The cliffs tower up to 1,200 metres above sea level (my photos do no justice to their majestic beauty). There are waterfalls, beaches and the colours change as the sun moves. It is easily the highlight of any visit to Kaua'i. The boats leave from Port Allen, and there are a number of companies offering a range of trips.

Helicopter tours allow you to see both the Canyon and the Na Pali Coast up close, so if your budget will allow, it would be an unforgettable experience.

Hawaii offers so much more than beaches and surfing, and Kaua'i is definitely a must visit island!

Practicalities:

Hawaiian Airlines flies to Kauai from as little as $86US from Honolulu

Further Reading:

Big Island, Big Adventure in Hawaii http://holidazeandhellidaze.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/big-island-big-adventure-in-hawaii.html

10 Reasons to visit Hawaii http://www.weekendnotes.com/reasons-to-visit-hawaii/







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