The island of Kauai has so much to offer. It is renown for its diverse and scenic wonders. These include the 3,567 foot deep Waimea Canyon, which is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and the 3,000 foot high mountain cliffs that make up the magnificent Napali Coast. Kauai is truly unique from the other islands of Hawaii. If you have three days to spend in Kauai, why not enjoy this three-day itinerary?
Day One: Waimea Canyon, Kokee State Park, Waimea Town, Polihale Beach and Hanapepe
Begin day one by heading west, toward Waimea. This is where Captain James Cook first landed in 1778, and there is a statue here in honor of this brave explorer. From here, drive to Waimea Canyon where you can view majestic, scenic vistas with brilliant colors of green, red, purple, and orange decorating the landscape with a gorgeous blue sky. This place definitely demands you bring your camera for some photos.
If you have three whole days to give to this island, you can explore Waimea Canyon plus even venture to the end of the road and Kokee State Park. If you enjoy hiking, there are dozens of trails to be explored by people of any age and stability. There is an abundance of foreign flowers located along the paths.
By late afternoon, you may want to relax on the scenic Polihale Beach beyond Waimea, found on the western tip of the island. The wide beach is all yours, however, be careful as there are strong currents in this isolated spot.
Later, you may want to check out the specialty shops and art galleries found in the tranquil town of Hanapepe. Hanapepe is the “biggest little town” on the South Shore, with a swinging foot bridge over the Hanapepe River. Hanapepe Valley Lookout located at Mile Marker #14 off Highway 50 affords wonderful views of the tropical valley.
Day Two: Poipu, Spouting Horn, Golf, Horseback Rides, Kalapaki Beach, Wailua, Kapaa, Lydgate Park
Begin day two by spending some time in Poipu. Options of things to do while in Poipu include exploring the Mahaulepu sand dunes while riding horseback or enjoying a round of golf at Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course. Also, you may enjoy visiting Spouting Horn where the ocean water shoots through a lava tube, several feet into the air. This is also a great place for lunch as there are several good places to eat in Poipu.
After a morning in Poipu, head to Kalapaki Beach which is ideal for families. The crescent-shaped sand beach opens out to the Nawilwili Bay where the scenic Nawiliwili Harbor is a great sightseeing spot. The beach is a popular spot with both tourists and locals with its gently sloping sand and partially protected bay. Catamaran cruises, sailboat rentals, surf lessons and beach volleyball are all readily accessible close by.
If you want more adventure, try taking an elite tour through Kauai’s hidden beauty with Kauai Backcountry Adventure. Here you will observe breathtaking mountain vistas and ocean while tubing through miles of tunnels, ditches, and flumes as you take in the rainforests and lush valleys.
You may want to stop in at Lydgate Park if time allows. Here the Kamalani
Playground, designed by local children, serves as a tribute to Kauai’s “Aloha Spirit.” If you want to try
snorkeling for the first time, this is the place to do it, as you will be treated to a colorful array of fish in the big pool. Two mini-pools surrounded by reefs are also available for children.
Day Three: Kilauea, Hanalei and Haena
Why not save the best for last? Head for the North Shore where you will find the infamous Napali Coast. As one of Kauai’s premier attractions, the Napali Coast is as close to paradise as you can get. Make a few scenic stops on the way. First, stop briefly at Smith’s Tropical Paradise where you will find 23 acres of garden overflowing with exotic trees and fragrant plants.
Then hop onto Route 56 which meanders around some of the most magnificent scenery Hawaii has to offer. The North Shore is absolutely breathtaking, and is a coveted prime location for movie productions. Just past mile marker 21, make a stop at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge where you will find a picturesque lighthouse peacefully positioned. Here at the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian islands, you will enjoy the Kilauea Lighthouse. It is a National Historic Landmark and dates from 1913.
Stop for lunch in the charming town of Hanalei where you can find a variety of delights, from simple fare to sophisticated dining. You can even pack a lunch and enjoy it on the beach parks and pavilions that border the bay. The mountains provide a beautiful background of waterfalls, mists, and rainbows.
After watching the seabirds nest around the Kilauea Lighthouse and eating lunch in Hanalei, journey to Haena, where the celebrated Kalalau Trail begins. Take the trail two miles where you will come upon Hanakapiai Beach; here you can take in awe-inspiring views as the blue Pacific ocean collides into the lava rock promontories, producing an airy mist.
End your day enjoying the romantic sunset from Hanalei or Princeville, with the magnificent Napali Coast silhouetted in a pink-orange sky. What better memory to take home with you of your stay in Hawaii!
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