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It is impossible to name the most beautiful Hawaiian island. However, Kaua'i, the oldest island open to the public, boasts more beaches per mile, the most botanical gardens, the wettest patch of jungle in the world and many other features that set it apart from its gorgeous, famous neighbors.
While some of Kauai's most amazing sights can be seen from a major highway just by pulling over at the designated mile marker, others are reached only by kayak or on foot. A few of the best attractions are best viewed from the vantage point of a helicopter or catamaran. While the attractions mentioned below are the most famous, they’re only a sample of what the island has to offer.
Na Pali Coast
The rugged, magnificent cliffs on Kauai's western shore rise impossibly high into the sky, casting a shadow over the deep sea 4,000 feet below. After rain falls, countless waterfalls can be seen cascading down the rocks. Many valleys nestle amidst the rock formations; some of them are accessible by boat and some via the Kalalau Trail.
No matter what perspective it is viewed from, the Na Pali Coast is unforgettable. Helicopter companies such as Will Squyres, Air Kauai Helicopters and Jack Harter Helicopters offer close-up views and birds-eye views of the cliffs. Holoholo Charters, Blue Dolphin Charters and Kauai Sea Tours offer marine excursions along the coastline. The most physically fit adventurers may want to hike the famous Kalalau Trail. Leaving from the Ke'e Beach, the trail is 11 miles long and is extremely rigorous; many people consider it to be one of the best hiking trails in the country.
Ni'ihau
Known as the 'Forbidden Isle', Ni'ihau is ordinarily not accessible to anyone except Hawaiians. However, two companies are allowed to bring small groups to the island, although only to uninhabited areas. Ni'ihau Helicopters is owned by the same family that owns the island. The company brings groups of five to seven people over for lunch and swimming on the beach. Holoholo Charters transports people to Ni'ihau in a sleek attractive luxury catamaran. Both trips are lengthy and expensive, but the experience is one-of-a-kind.
Waimea—Koke'e
Waimea Canyon is probably among the top five sights on Kaua'i. More than 3,000 feet deep and approximately 10 miles long, it is frequently compared to the Grand Canyon. The canyon is located in Koke'e State Park, a 4,000-square-acre piece of land on the western side of Kaua'i. Koke'e Natural History Museum is in the park as well as more than 40 miles of the best hiking trails in the country. Trail length varies; the shortest one is literally a 30-minute walk in the park, while the long ones are rigorous and only for the hardiest hikers.
There are a few ways to experience Waimea and Koke'e. By car the trip takes anywhere from a few hours to a full-day round trip, depending how many times you stop and look around. Koke'e Road (Highway 552) is easy enough to navigate. The best view of the canyon is at Mile Marker 10. At the end of the road is the Kalalau Lookout. Hiking trails can be accessed from various points; current maps are available at the museum.
People who don’t wish to hike can either take a bus tour with a company such as Roberts Hawaii or opt for a shorter and more expensive--but more memorable--helicopter tour. Safari Air Tours, Hawaii Helicopters or any of the companies mentioned previously offer Waimea tours.
Kilohana
If there is a place in Kaua'i that can please everyone—from the youngest children to the most jaded adults—it is probably Kilohana Plantation. This place offers a little bit of everything. Shops and art galleries abound in the various guesthouses and the main house. The rooms that have not been turned into shops are perfectly restored in the old- plantation style. The gardens and the farm behind the house are great places to explore on foot. Children may be entertained by a stroll through 'Kilohana Camp', a perfectly recreated plantation village. Kilohana Plantation Carriage Rides offers tours of the entire property. Gaylord's Restaurant serves gourmet lunches and dinners. Three nights out of the week Gaylord's presents a full-scale luau, complete with fire dancers and a Polynesian buffet.
Botanical Gardens
Of five National Tropical Botanical Gardens in the U.S., three of them are on Kaua’i. Two, in fact, are adjacent to each other, making it not only easy but almost necessary to tour them at the same time. Individual tours are also available, but most people choose to see both at the same time.
No matter which park is visited first, the tours begin at the visitor’s center, located just across the street from another landmark, Spouting Horn. Tours generally visit the Allerton Tropical Gardens, the McBryde Garden, nearby Allerton House and Queen Emma’s Cottage. The guided tours last about two hours, but soon visitors will be able to take self-guided tours.
If one were to try to see all three gardens in one day, the next logical step would be to hop in the car and drive to the north shore, where the gorgeous Limuhuli Valley is located. While the park is several hundred acres, only 17 acres are open to the public. People may choose to explore this garden with or without a guide. Hundreds of exotic and rare plants are cultivated in this mountainous sanctuary just a few moments from the Na Pali Coast. For an exhilarating experience, hop on board a helicopter and let Heli USA Airways show you around the island from a different perspective.
Just like its neighbor Maui, Kaua'i is deceptive. One would think that a small island in the Pacific, home to relatively few people, would not have much to offer. In reality, however, anyone who has an appreciation for natural beauty, natural history or South Sea culture will find plenty to do and see on the Garden Isle.
View From Above
Helicopter and Airplane Tours ( +1 888 321 3646/ http://www.kauaitours.net/ )
Air Kauai Helicopter Tours ( +1 800 972 4666 / http://www.airkauai.com/ )
Eco Tours
Kauai Eco Tours ( +1 877 742 7893/ http://www.hawaiiwebdesign.com/kauai_ecotours.htm )
Culture Tours
Kauai Tours ( + 1 866 654 1438/ http://www.allkauaihawaiitours.com/ )
Under the Sea
Beach Snorkel Tours ( +1 800 452 1113 / http://www.alohakauaitours.com/ )
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