Lose Your Cares and Find Yourself on Kauai

From the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast and the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon to the sundrenched sands of Poipu Beach, Kauai embraces the senses like no other destination.

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: jhorrocks, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: Pawel Gaul, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: Mattanin, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: ejs9, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: BackyardProduction, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: ejs9, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: demerzel21, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: FatCamera, iStockPhoto.com

Photo By: shapecharge, iStockPhoto

Photo By: maximkabb, iStockPhoto

Hula Dancing

In the days before Hawaiians had a written language, their history was preserved through the storytelling art of hula. Ancient chants told of lineages, legends, and the traditions that reached far back to the beginning of time when gods created the islands and the Hawaiian people. While it is great fun to learn a few hula moves at a local shopping center or luau, as with any art form, it can take years to master and a lifetime to perfect.

Waimea Canyon

Stretching 14 miles long, one mile wide and 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' The main road, Waimea Canyon Drive, leads you to several lookout points where time seems to stand still and the only movement you see is the shadows of clouds as they pass over the valley. At the end of the road is Kokee State Park with 45 miles of hiking trails. The road is slow and winding, and there's no food or water'just you and nature¬'so start out early and bring everything you'll need.

816333070

On the south side of Kauai the Koloa district stretches from rustic Old Koloa Town all the way to the sunny shores of Poipu Beach. To and from Old Koloa Town a lacy tunnel of trees serves as your gateway reminding you that beauty is everywhere. Quaint restaurants and charming shops greet you and like everywhere else on Kauai life is slow and meant to be savored.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Perched at the northernmost tip of Kauai, the 53-foot Kilauea Lighthouse was built in 1913 as a beacon for traveling ships. Although its light was turned off in the 1970s and has been replaced by an automatic beacon, you might say it still calls out to travelers with its incredible view. From December to May, humpback whales are often seen breaching off shore, so be sure to bring binoculars.

Hanalei Pier

The sun setting behind the Na Pali mountains creates a romantic backdrop for the silhouetted Hanalei pier.

Kauai Kayaking

One of the nicest ways to explore Kauai is under your own steam in a one-man or tandem kayak.

Wailua Falls

From above Wailua Falls, the view lets you take in its majesty. Below, cool mist from the waterfall nourishes the hanging ferns and tropical foliage that create Kauai's popular Fern Grotto.

Walk the Beach

Take off your shoes and get your feet wet as you stroll along a beach like Poipu Beach, where you'll find a wonderful array of restaurants and a long stretch of sand where you can either work up an appetite or walk off dessert.

Biking Along the Beach

On Kauai, the surrounding beauty turns a simple bike ride into a non-stop photo opportunity. Pack your camera and a map and set off to explore. You'll see sights you wouldn't see any other way.

Na Pali Coast

It's hard to describe the sheer majesty of Kauai's Na Pali Coast, with its sheer, razor-sharp ridges that seem to drop straight to the earth. By helicopter, you're privy to cascading waterfalls and hidden inlets, and depending on your pilot, you might even swoop down into a cave. If you thirst for the sea, catamaran cruises and zodiac tours are the way to go. For experienced hikers, the multi-day hike along the rugged coast is among Hawaii's most scenic.

Shows

Hosts

Trending

Top Videos

Digital Exclusives

From Our Shows

Trending

Top Domestic

Top International

Trending

Explore By Region

Trending

Top Interests

By Trip

By Traveler

Travel Tips

Trending

Lose Your Cares and Find Yourself on Kauai

Related To:

Shop This Look

Hula Dancing

Waimea Canyon

816333070

Kilauea Lighthouse

Hanalei Pier

Kauai Kayaking

Wailua Falls

Walk the Beach

Biking Along the Beach

Na Pali Coast

We Recommend

Living in the Moment on the Island of Kauai 5 Photos

Poipu Beach, Hawaii

Top 10 Hawaiian Beaches

7 Things You Can't Miss on Kauai

Living in the Moment on the Island of Oahu 10 Photos

Living in the Moment on the Island of Molokai 9 Photos

More From Travel