The Unforgettable Treasures of Kauai

The Unf!gett"le Tr#s$% of Kauai

By Noreen Kompanik

Magical, mystical, and magnificent. These are just some of the words to describe my husband’s and my favorite of the Hawaiian Islands—the “Garden Isle” of

Kauai.

Known for its unique geography and unparalleled natural beauty, Kauai is one of the most breathtaking isles in the world. Graced by innumerable awe-inspiring vistas, it touches our hearts in ways that few places in the world do.

Kauai has all the elements: stunning rainforests, majestic cliffs, spectacular cascades, emerald valleys, and palm trees swaying on golden beaches. It’s impossible to merely “vacation” here as Kauai must be absorbed with all the senses.

We love feeling the soft tropical air, listening to the birds singing at sunrise, the essences of ginger and plumeria wafting through the breeze, and enjoying dazzling sunsets and abundant waterfalls. The Hawaiian gods have certainly blessed this island in so many ways.

Kauai is an outdoor lover’s nirvana and for those into nature, we have some favorite places we find incredibly special.

Breathtaking Na Pali Coast

There’s nothing like soaring over the Na Pali Coast. Taking a helicopter tour is the best way to experience its magnificent unparalleled beauty. These whirlybirds can get close to accordion-folded cliffs, countless waterfall plumes, and into the canyons and valleys that made this the perfect location for Jurassic Park filming.

Hiking the Na Pali coast is another unforgettable experience. Though the pathways can be slippery with uneven footing, the views are simply indescribable. If there’s a heaven on earth, this is it.

Majesty of the Waimea Canyon

Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” this impressive multi-hued gorge is one of Kauai’s most stunning surprises. At 10-miles long and almost 3,000-feet deep, Waimea Canyon is a geological

wonder. It’s lush verdant cliffs and ruby soil stand Photos, from top: Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge & Lighthouse © Noreen Kompanik; Kauai Helicopter Trip Over Na Pali Coast © Noreen Kompanik; Waimea Canyon © Noreen Kompanik; Mooreton Figs at Allerton Garden © Noreen Kompanik; Kauai Sunset © Noreen Kompanik

Photos, from left: Exotic Allerton Garden Flowers © Noreen Kompanik; Wet Cave © Noreen Kompanik; Dry Cave © Noreen Kompanik

in striking contrast against its bluebird skies and glistening silver-ribboned waterfalls.

No matter how many times we’ve seen this gorge, it’s a humbling experience. Mother Nature gave the world one of its most awe-inspiring gems with the Waimea Canyon.

Atherton Garden’s Botanical Paradise

If any botanical garden could be considered the modern-day “Garden of Eden,” our vote goes to Allerton Garden on Kauai’s south shore.

This picturesque 186-acre botanical paradise extends along the banks of Lawa’i Stream emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Tropical fruits, spices, trees, rare exotic plants, and astonishingly captivating flowers are located throughout this landscaped architectural masterpiece preserving the largest collection of native Hawaiian flora anywhere.

The actual Moreton Bay fig trees prominently featured in Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean reside here.

Fascinating Wet and Dry Caves

So many visitors to Kauai so are anxious to get to the Na Pali Coast that they miss two genuine jewels along the way—the wet and dry caves.

Located along the main road in the Haena State Park, water filling the Waikapalae Wet Cave comes from an underground spring that feeds into the ocean. Water levels in the cave are affected by the tides.

The Maniniholo Dry Cave is easily be explored through its massive entrance. Having a flashlight made the experience of walking through the inviting cavern even better. Tropical vines climbing the rock walls and hanging above the caves’ entrances were reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie, adding an aura of adventure to our amateur spelunking.

Stunning Secret Waterfalls

Kauai is known for its abundance of waterfalls due to the immense amount of rainfall the island receives. Some can be seen from roadway pulloffs, but the best require a bit of a journey.

Kauai boasts Hawaii’s only navigable rivers. Our kayaking trip on the scenic tranquil, nearly 20mile stretch of the Wailua River took us past lush jungle landscapes and green mountain ranges.

A moderate hike from our landing point led us through a tropical rainforest with mesmerizing views to the thunderous applause of a 100-foot bridal-veil cascade known as Uluwehi or Secret Falls.

Kilauea Lighthouse and Refuge

Ocean cliffs and tall grassy slopes of a dormant volcano provide a protective breeding ground and sanctuary for numerous species of Hawaiian seabirds at the Kilauea Wildlife Refuge.

Perched at the northernmost tip of Kauai, the 52foot Kilauea Point Lighthouse was built in 1913 as a navigational beacon. The drop-dead gorgeous vistas of the rugged coastline and deep-azure Pacific made this a perfect vantage point for unbelievably great photos.

Few places on Earth possess the sublime beauty of Hawaii's Kauai. It’s beauty and spirit of aloha beckons us back time and time again.