Have you been to Hawaii previously and wish to experience a different aspect of the islands? Kauai is a natural alternative.
The island, which is the shape of a circle and the oldest of the chain, is 552 sq. miles with a population of around 62,000. Although Kauai might average a little more rainfall, the island itself is lush and green, for which it has been nicknamed “Garden Island.”
It also has 43 white sand beaches. The very middle of the island is one of the wettest places on Earth.
Kauai’s north coast is a very green and lush area due to increased rainfall compared to the south. While the ocean waves are flat in the summer, they grow noticeably during the winter.
The island’s south coast is drier and a little warmer. You can even see the odd cactus around. In the summer the waves are bigger than in winter. The Lihue Airport and the Nawiliwili Harbor are located in the southeast.
Kauai’s east cost has calm, warm waters but the sun is an infrequent visitor in these parts and as a result, there are no major hotels in this area.
Often you hear that Kauai is a quieter island with limited activities. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is something for everyone from mildly energetic to wildly adventurous.
You can tour the island by sea, land or air, and some areas can only be accessed by certain modes of transportation. Some favourites such as snorkelling, fishing, zip-lining, whale watching, golfing, scuba diving and ATV riding are close at hand. Other activities include surfing, biking, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and mountain tubing. A non-stop drive around the island is not quite achievable as it takes two-and-a-half hours to cover 80 per cent of the island).
One of the most popular attractions is a personalized island helicopter tour of about an hour, which can cost $150 to $195. You can investigate the only natural salt ponds in Hawaii or you paddle a kayak on the Wailua River to a cliff dive. Other attractions include the Kauai Farmers’ Market, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Fern Grotto and the Tropical Botanical Gardens. Why are helicopter tours so popular? Since Kauai is so mountainous, it is difficult to explore from the ground. From the air you will see lush valleys, arid canyons and white beaches. Another must-see is the Waimea Canyon, which is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Have you ever gone whale watching? Here, there are humpback whales that winter in the area from December to April.
Here are some more hints to make your trip to Kauai more enjoyable:
• The South Shore, especially Poipu, is the best bet for maximum sunshine.
• Rent a car to get around the island. Note that driving is slow — average speed is between 48 and 80 kilometres per hour.
• Look around at the Hilo Hattie/Tourist Info Center as there are coupons worth a discount on attractions and restaurants.
• Keep an eye out for thousands of “wild chickens.”
• The sun gets intense, especially between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Powerful surfing waves are bigger and stronger on the island.
• There are lots of mosquitoes so be sure to bring or buy repellent.
• Kauai’s red dirt can and will stain your clothes. It is also difficult to get out.
• Tourist season peaks between December and Easter, then again from June to Labour Day. As demand goes up, so does the price. If you wish to avoid the rain as much as possible, the best time to go is during the summer months.
• If you find yourself wanting to do some activities without the kids, babysitters abound in Kauai. There should be a list of professional babysitters at all hotels and rentals.
Bill MacDonald is a St. Albert-based travel consultant. He can be reached at [email protected]
