Our flight arrived early enough to visit a couple of Kaua’i’s amazing waterfalls before sailing the Na’ Pali coast. Kaua’i, also referred to as the “Garden Isle,” is known for its spectacular mountains. Home to the Waimea Canyon, is is also known as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Excited to see the Wailua Falls, we picked up our rental car and drove towards Lihue. One of the most popular waterfalls on the island, it was filmed for the opening credits of the 1970’s television show, Fantasy Island.
The falls are easily accessible with a lookout area near the parking lot. Measuring 85 feet high, is has been a symbol of Kaua’i’s lush countryside for many years. Because of the beautiful sunny weather, we were fortunate to have seen a gorgeous rainbow appear at the base of the falls.
Our next stop included a visit to the spectacular Opaekaa waterfalls. We conveniently viewed it from the pullout off of Highway 580 and were stunned by its breathtaking view. These falls have been filmed in various television and movie productions to include Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Nearby Kamokila Hawaiian Village, is a four acre re-creation of an authentic Kaua’i village to include traditional homes, canoe rides, a swimming hole and small grotto.
The time was passing us by and we needed to make our way to the pier in preparation for our afternoon cruise. Boarding the catamaran, it was an amazing afternoon, with perfect weather for a coastal sailing of the Na Pali coast. With the vessel all to ourselves, there are no words to describe the exceptional service of our crew and the beauty of Kaua’i. Enjoy the photos!
Have you vacationed in Kaua’i? Did you have the opportunity to visit the waterfalls and sail the Na’ Pali coast? I would love to hear about your favorite memories from visiting Kaua’i if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing experience in Kaua’i, and if you have any suggestions for a future, visit that would be great! Wishing you many Happy Travels.
What to See and What to Do:
Wailua Falls
North of Lihue, at the south end of the Wailua River
Opaekaa Falls
In Wailua, two miles up Route 580
Catamaran Kahanu
4353 Waialo Rd.
Eleele, HI 96705
Telephone: 808 645 6176
Where to Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai, Wailua Bay
3-5920 Kuhio Highway
Kapaa, HI, 96746
Telephone: 808 823 6000
Where to Eat:
Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant Kapaa Kauai
4-1546 Kuhlo Hwy.
Kapa’a, HI 96746
Telephone: 808 822 7887
I couldn’t help myself, I had to order the Wagyu Beef Slider Trio and Smoked Salmon.
What to Eat:
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- Kalua Pig: Hawaii is famous for its Kalua Pig, similar to American pulled pork.
- Poi: Made from taro root which is similar to a potato, the poi we sampled was “pounded” into a thick starch. This cooking technique results in a sticky pudding-like dessert which is purple in color.
- Poke: Similar to Japanese sashimi, yet the fish is cut into chunky cubes and usually served over a bed of rice.
Books to Read:
- Torch Ginger, by Toby Neal
- Kauai Tales, by Frederick B. Wichman
- Waking Up in Eden, by Lucinda Fleeson
Photo Guide for Kauai:
- Awawapuhi Ridge Trail where you will feel like you are on top of the world
- Baby’s Beach at Poipu for spectacular sunsets
- The Beach at Polihale State Park
- Hanalei Pier for beautiful sunset photos
- Helicopter shots and video of the island
- The colorful Kap’aa shops
- Red Rocks at Waimea Canyon for diverse landscape
- Taro Fields of Hanalei
- Town of Hanalei for colorful backdrops and foodie shots
- Tunnels Beach for crystal clear waters and the mountains in the background
- Under Wailua Falls
- Waimea Canyon Trail to Woipoo Falls to explore the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
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