It’s never hard to find things to do on a Hawaiian vacation. The only thing that you need to know is what’s available on the island that you happen to be spending time on; in most cases, you can then take your pick of a variety of activities and scenic sites. If you plan to visit the Hawaiian island of Kauai, also known as the Garden Island, you’ll find that it is no exception in terms of having plenty of offerings for visitors. On the other hand, though, Kauai is unique among the Hawaiian islands in many ways. Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, local rules disallow buildings taller than coconut trees, and the island is home to only about 68,000 people. When you visit, beaches, beach towns, and natural attractions are some of the main things that you’ll want to see.
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Poipu Beach. For swimming, water sports, and just relaxing on the beach, Poipu beach on Kauai Island may be the best place to go, not just on the island or in Hawaii, but in the United States overall. If you’re a veteran surfer looking to experience the best waves in Hawaii, you’ll love the surf break on this beach designated for experienced surfers only. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling and boogie boarding. There are lifeguards on duty and a natural ocean wading pool, which makes it a great spot for families with small children who want to enjoy the beach.
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Hanalei. If you’re looking for small beach town atmosphere, the tiny village of Hanalei is the place to go. Hanalei may mean either “lei making” or “crescent bay” and the Hanalei Bay is crescent shaped and is a great place for swimming. This small town is only a short drive from the Na Pali coast where you can go hiking to Hanakapi’ai where you can explore a river valley complete with a beach and a waterfall. If you’re particularly intrepid, you can even go camping along the way.
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Waimea Canyon. The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, as it’s sometimes called, is one of the main draws that the island of Kauai has, and it’s something every visitor to the island should really take the time to explore. It is ten miles long and two miles wide, and more than 3,500 feet deep. There are a number of designated lookouts for visitors to check out. Some of the best views can be found at the Pu’u Ka Pele lookout, where you can see the Waipo’o falls, and the Kalalau Lookout and the Pu’u O Kila lookout where you can see the Kalalau Valley. While you’re in the Waimea Canyon area, don’t miss the Koke’e State Park with its hiking trails, overlooks, and museum.
A trip to Kauai, Hawaii is a great time to really appreciate all of the natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands, as this island’s main attractions are its scenic beauty and its natural wonders. Come to Kauai when you really need to get away from it all and get back to nature, and you’ll come away feeling like a new person.
