Home Topics ...Us Vacation SpotsKauai

Kauai Tourism: Attractions, Scenery and Natural Wonders in Kauai

Kauai is one of the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands (and that's saying something). Its breathtaking scenery continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Many a film crew has shot on location there, drawn by the breathtaking landscape that dominates the Kauai map.

Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. It rose from the seas over six million years ago. With age comes beauty, and Kauai is perfect for those wanting to spend their Hawaiin vacation surrounded by unspoiled nature. The majority of Kauai hotels, resorts and condos are along the coast, providing easy access to warm sunny beaches, and are only a short drive from the cool heights of Mt. Waialeale.

Kauai Destinations

Kauai is said to be the most tropical of the Hawaiian Islands. Freshwater lagoons, soaring cliffs covered with lush greenery, and golden beaches are all within easy reach of Kauai hotels. The urban excitement and bustle of Honolulu are far away, and nature seems to come right to your doorstep.

For a fun multisensory experience, visit Spouting Horn, the natural product of a lava tube coming into contact with the ocean and solidifying. Water forced into the hole by the tides explodes through the hole making a hissing noise. Hawaiian lore tells that the lizard goddess, Kaikapu, was imprisoned in the hole by a fisherman, and the noises made by the water are her angry protests.

Kauai is a centerpiece for many other natural wonders:

the Fern Grotto, a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns
the Kalalau Valley Lookout, where you can gaze out over a 4,000-foot high valley and the Pacific Ocean
the Na Pali Coast, accessible only by foot, boat or helicopter
the "Jurassic Park" waterfall located in Hanapepe Valley.

Activities on Kauai

From snorkeling along the Na Pali Coast to hiking into the Waialeale rainforest, Kauai is the island for immersing oneself in nature. Be sure to include some of these activities in your vacation planning:

Go helicopter sightseeing.
Tour ancient Hawaiian fishing villages.
Swim in pools under waterfalls.
Take a boat cruise up the Waimea River.

Mt. Waialeale

Kauai hotels on the north shore of the island have the cloud-shrouded Mt. Waialeale as a backdrop. At 5,148 feet and drenched in almost 500 inches of rain each year, Mt. Waialeale is the wettest spot on earth. A drive or helicopter ride into these mists is a must for a vacation on Kauai.

For the Movie-Lover

Many a film crew has shot on location on Kauai, drawn by the breathtaking landscape that dominates the island. Visit the following towns that served as backdrops for some of Hollywood's hits:

Hanapepe: the leeward town where the miniseries The Thorn Birds and the 1990 movie Flight of the Intruder were filmed.
Kipu: the private ranch where scenes for Jurassic Park, Six Days & Seven Nights, Hook, Outbreak and a number of other movies were shot.
Wailua River: set of the Blue Hawai'i wedding.
Leihue (specifically Huleia Stream): used in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Lumahai Beach: the location of "Bali Hai" for the movie South Pacific.
Moloaa Bay: the setting for the pilot episode of the long-running television series Gilligan's Island.

Other Topics in this Section

Add a Comment

Print this Article

Email to a Friend