In my mind, Kauai is prettiest among all Hawaii islands. Although the island isn’t big, it offers so many things to explores. I would stay one week-long and never get bored. Main town is Lihue and port is Nawiliwili nearby in south-east Kauai. From Lihue driving west, the big thing is Waimea Canyon along with Kokee State Park, sprouting horn and Poipu Beach; driving north, you can stop at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Ke’e Beach, Wet Cave and Napali trail. You can also ride helicopter to Jurassic Fall and Napali Coast.
State-550 narrow road
One of State-550 scene
Helicopter fly over canyon to construction site
Kalalau Lookout
Waialeale
Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is about ten miles long and up to 3600 feet deep. There are a few lookouts to see and all of them are magnificent, such as Puuo Kila Lookout and Kalalau Lookout. When you drive, take old state-550 (Waimea Canyon Dr) if road condition allows. it is a narrow two-lands(somewhere one-land) road but offers better views along the road. We even see helicopter fly back and forth from a small parking lot to deliver construction materials over canyon. All lookouts worth a moment. If rain falls, don’t leave too soon, rain might not last long and the view instantly after rain is rewarding. Sprouting Horn isn’t that special but is a good add-on since it is on the road to Waimea Canyon. The west bound trip can finish in half day.
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon
We go on north bound trip after a lunch break. First stop is Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge featuring Kilauea Lighthouse on the tip of cliff. Unfortunately Kilauea Lighthouse is gated and closed at the time of our visit. Even overseeing lighthouse from gate is also attractive. It is not hard to imagine how wonderful to stand right at the lighthouse. We go on to Kee Beach and Wet Cave. After Kee Beach, road start getting narrower and at the end is Napali Coast trail head.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Deep Wet Cave
Napali Coast Trail, the Kalakau Trail, is a trail along Na Pali Coast about 11 miles. It has been named one of the most beautiful and dangerous hikes in the world. To get to the best part of Napali Coast, you need back country camp with permit. Reserve a permit as early as possible because people allowed each day is limited. If I revisit Napali another day with no strings attached, I would certainly go on this expedition. Do I regret? Of cause not. The best part of cruise trip is cruising through Napali Coast. Although distance is not inch close, it is more than enough for your to admire unbelievable Napali mountain ridges.
Napali Coast Mountains
Napali Coast Dual Raibows
Not take a cruise or local boat tour? No problem. You can hope on a helicopter from Lihue, the most worthy fly in Hawaii. The fly not only takes you through Waimea Canyon to Napali Coast, but also land you at Jurassic Fall exactly the same as the theme in movie Jurassic Park.
Nawiliwili Port
No Responses