LR
Travel Report
Kauai is Calling
©Kauai Visitors Bureau
Answer the Ancient Echoes
I
Kauai
t’s no wonder that Kauai – the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands – has been the location of choice for so many directors that have sought out an otherworldly outpost as a backdrop. Jurassic Park, Lost, Avatar, King Kong, Pirates of the Caribbean, Raiders of the Lost Ark, to name just a few, have all used its ancient aura to evoke a sense of a land that time forgot. After all, it is six million years old! Thankfully, today it remains wild, pristine and sparsely inhabited. With approximately only 10% of the island traversable by car, the best way to see its unbridled glory is by helicopter. And its wealth of lush rainforests and natural anomalies also make it a hiker’s paradise. Kauai also provides superb surfing, snorkeling and diving, as its waters are teeming with vibrant coral and sea creatures. My visit to Kauai was rejuvenating. I enjoyed a wonderful combination waterfall hike and horseback ride through spectacular scenery with Princeville Ranch, and even though I’m no hiker, I was inspired to traverse two waterfalls on foot and
climb a rock wall! (They also have a ziplining/ horseback tour.) By sea, I was totally enchanted by the many whales and dolphins frolicking freely around our catamaran during a gourmet sunset dinner sail with Captain Andy’s stellar operation. And I also explored the coastline by coaster bike on the paved trail that runs for eight miles along Kapaa. The town itself is charming, full of quaint shops and cool cafes like The Coconut Cup, which specializes in organic, vegan and vegetarian treats. And though the island economy does rely on tourism, it’s refreshing to see that the people there haven’t lost touch with their roots. The establishment of the Kaua’i Heritage Center of Hawaiian Culture and the Arts and organizations like The Children of the Land—a non-profit organization that teaches the next generation Polynesian arts—keeps the culture front and centre. And while you’re there, seek out a local luau celebration to witness incredible fire spinning, nose flute music and authentic hula. It’s magical. Visit www.kauaidiscovery.com . SUSAN CAMPBELL
-- LuxuryReportMagazine.com