Hawaii is one state bustling with tradition, history and culture dating back thousands of years even before the United States was discovered. Since Kauai is the oldest of all major islands, it has a lot of practices and events handed down from generation to generation. Kauai festivals offer you the experience of a lifetime unmatched by any other in the Pacific. Find out the best places and schedules.

Frequent Kauai Festivals

Every tourist can expect to witness at least one festival while visiting Kauai. The Waimea Historic Walking Tour at West Kauai Visitor Center is a weekly event held every Monday starting at 9:30 a.m. This is an outdoor occasion requiring individuals to register to participate and avail of special group tours. You walk through some great landscapes and structures that define the early lifestyle of Kauai villagers.

You get to see the exact spot where Captain James Cook first landed in the 1700s as well as agricultural landscapes featuring corn, rice and taro plantations and a sophisticated ditch system. You also get to learn about some great Hawaiian kings, citizens and foreign missionaries including a number of landmarks that these important people of the past left behind. The entire tour lasts about 2 hours.

The annual Kauai Coconut Festival started in 1996 presented by Bob Bartolo from KBA or the Kapa’a Business Association. The main mission of this grand event is to promote, preserve and enhanced the quality of life and business along the Royal Coconut Coast. The association aims for people to have a new respect for a very important fruit in Hawaii’s history.

The Coconut Coast area was a strategic area for growing rice, pineapple, sugarcane and coconut when the Western explorers discovered the island. Groves of coconut trees were planted and cultivated along the coast to produce copra or dried coconut meat that produces oil. You can still see old plantations along Kuhio Highway. Activities to enjoy in the Kauai festival include cooking demonstrations, food, games, shopping and contests.

The Solo Auana Hula Award Finale is a cultural festival in Lihue founded by Nathan Kalama wherein solo hula dancers compete for the ultimate award. The event starts at 12:00 noon and it is recommended to buy tickets in advance due to seating reservations.

This is an indoor program featuring contemporary Hawaiian culture, music and hula. The festival actually lasts one whole week with great highlights like the Kauai Composers Contest & Concert, workshops and other live performances. There are 3 evenings of hula competition plus a special honor given to cultural contributions by important Hawaiian figures.

More Fun Festivals

The Kauai All Girls Rodeo is a sporting event in Poipu held at CJM Country Stables starting at 10:00 a.m. You get to see the finest cowgirls on the island compete in various horse-related activities like horseback riding, team roping and barrel racing. Competitors’ ages can be anywhere from elementary kids to grandmothers. There is a large parking area, free admission with open air bleacher seating arrangement and shops where you can buy food, logo t-shirts and other souvenir items.

Kauai Powwow – Honoring the Drum is a cultural Kauai festival featuring great traditional songs from all areas of Hawaii. The event is held at Kapa’a beach park where you get to see live drum entertainment, food and gift booths, hula and other fun games and activities.

Compared to other American states and islands, Kauai history is truly unique, rich and worth remembering. The birth and development of the oldest island in Hawaii provide and involve a lot of folklore, tradition and culture. A number of popular persons can actually be credited for discovering the island. Some of the natural wonders, products and items found today can be attributed to early visitors.

The Origin

Around 400 to 500 A.D., Kauai had its first share of settlers who brought basic food products like taro which is commonly used to make poi. The Marquesans sailed from Polynesia and became the first inhabitants of the island. In 1000 A.D., Tahitians arrived and overpowered the Marquesans to settle in Kauai as well. Several of the Polynesians brought many of the plants that you can still find in Kauai today.

Westerners arrived at the scene only during the 1700s. Captain James Cook is the most famous of all western explorers who navigated Hawaiian waters and islands. The HMS Discovery and Resolution of the captain first landed in Waimea Bay, the west coastal region in 1778 resulting to trinket and food trading as well as cultural education from Hawaiian hosts. Captain Cook named the islands “Sandwich Islands” after the captain’s superior officer, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.

Cook however, attempted to kidnap a Hawaiian high chief when a boat was stolen but was killed by the islanders. James King assumed the lost position and a few years later, merchants, missionaries and diseases found their way into Kauai history. There are also undocumented reports that Gaetan, a Spanish explorer was accidentally blown off course into the island in 1542.

In 1810, King Kamehameha took Kauai non-violently from King Kaumuali’i. He reigned over almost all the islands. In 1815, Georg Scheffer, a Russian doctor visited Kauai to hopefully establish trade privileges with King Kamehameha. The island however, was still nominally under the control of King Kaumuali’i so the doctor promised Kaumuali’i to liberate Kauai with the help of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia in exchange for cargo located in Waimea. Fort Elizabeth was then constructed on the western part of the island plus a couple more near Hanalei. Unfortunately, Scheffer was called back to his home country resulting to the fall of Fort Elizabeth into the hands of King Kamehameha.

The Kilauea Lighthouse was created in 1913 at the northernmost point of the major Hawaiian islands which featured the largest glass lens of its kind guiding sailors from the Orient. It continued to function until 1970 and is now considered as a historical landmark. Hawaiian history continued to flourish throughout the years and was well-preserved even after American colonization during the 1900s.

More Historical Sites and Museums

You will find several other historical stories, items and structures all over Kauai island such as Polihale Heiau along the Coconut Coast which is a Hawaiian temple that contains several ancient idol sites on its terraced location. The Hauola Place of Refuge used to be a sacred sanctuary if a person loses in battle or breaks the law. The Waioli Mission House features antique furnishings dating back to 1850.

Kauai Museum features some of the best in Kauai history with artifacts, exhibits and dioramas. Grove Farm Homestead Museum features the Wilcox family as well as how sugar plantations existed in 1860. Kamokila Hawaiian Village lets you experience the ancient lifestyle of the Hawaiian people complete with crafts, games and demonstrations.

Koke’e Natural History Museum boasts the rich flora and fauna of Kauai history. It is located near Koke’e State Park and Koke’e Lodge.

Kauai is called the “Garden Isle” because of its vast tropical treasures and plant life. You get to see some very rare flora in different spots of the island as well as the most important ones in famous parks and tended gardens. 3 of the 5 national botanical gardens are actually located in the island containing indigenous and ancient vegetation dating back since its earliest days. Here are the best Kauai gardens.

The National Tropical Botanical Gardens

The 3 national tropical botanical gardens are namely Limahuli Garden & Preserve, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden. Limahuli Garden & Preserve features about 1,000 acres of gardens in the Limahuli Valley on the north shore of the island. Allerton Garden features over 100 acres of oceanfront gardens in the Lawai Valley on the south shore of the island. McBryde Garden several endangered Hawaiian plant and animal species.

Limahuli Garden & Preserve is open all week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except on Monday and Saturday. You get to see the high peaks created by thousands of years of rain and wind.

A guided tour for 2 to 2.5 hours or a self-guided tour for 1 to 1.5 hours will take you through 17 acres of garden and rainforest showing the natural beauty and riches of Kauai. Taro continues to thrive on very old lava rock terraces. Some native plants in the Kauai garden were actually brought by Polynesian explorers thousands of years ago. It is ideal to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hat or umbrella.

Allerton Garden is a landscaped estate location presenting special collections of Polynesian herbal plants, coffee varieties, breadfruit cultivars, native Hawaiian plants, palms and erythrinas. Guided tours last 2.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride and an easy walk for 1 mile. The Kauai garden is open for tours from Monday to Saturday. It is recommended to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent and hats.

The McBryde Garden has some research and conservation collections as well as a laboratory where experts continue to study the various benefits of different native Hawaiian plants. The garden is located at Lawai Valley offering self-guided tours lasting 1.5 hours including a 15-minute tram ride plus a moderate walk for 1 mile. The garden is open from Monday to Saturday and visitors are advised to bring walking shoes, mosquito repellent, hats and bottled water.

Other Great Gardens of Kauai

Smith’s Tropical Paradise features 30 acres of fruits, flowers and other native Hawaiian vegetation in the Wailua River Valley plus a captivating backdrop of fish-filled lagoons. Kukuiolono Park is found on Papalina Road, Kalaheo on the grounds of the Kukuiolono Public Golf Course. The park is just adjacent to the golf course featuring Hawaiian legend stones, panoramic views of valleys, peaks, rainforests and the coast and a mini Japanese Garden. The place is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with no entrance fee.

Na ’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens is located at Wailapa Road, Kilauea which is a 240-acre Kauai garden containing unique garden scenes, water features, hardwood plantation, beach and over 90 bronze statues. You also get to see the beautiful orchid collection and miniature ahupua’a.

Tours are available from Tuesday through Friday all-year-round. Moir Gardens at Poipu is found on the grounds of the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation which used to be the estate of Hawaii’s first sugar plantation manager. Moir Gardens publicly opened in 1954 showcasing orchids, water lily ponds, cactus and succulents.

Only 3% of Kauai is inhabited while the rest is conserved and kept in its natural form to maintain the beauty and essence of the Hawaiian culture and tradition. You will find several miles of shores that are either private or open to the public. Kauai beach destinations are very exciting to look for since the environment can change depending on the preference and level of visitors. Here are some of the best.

The Favorite Choices

Kalapaki Beach on Rice Road, Lihue, East Kauai is considered as the best beach in all of the island’s east coastal region. Residential spots on the area are among the most expensive in the county. The beach resembles a half moon of golden sand that leads to the Kauai Marriot Resort & Beach Club.

Kalapaki Beach is 50 yards wide and almost half a kilometre long. This place is ideal for swimmers, surfing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, surfing for beginners and windsurfing and also has a jetty for protection. The Haupu Ridge rises at 2,200 feet nearby protecting Nawiliwili Bay.

The beach opens out to the Harbor and Hoary Head Mountains. Other enjoyable activities are catamaran cruises, shopping at nearby Anchor Cove, sailboating, kayaking, beach volleyball and picnicking. Kauai Lagoons championship golf course is also a short walk away.

Poipu Beach Bark on Poipu Road, Poipu, South Kauai is the major beach on the south shore the island and is actually a combination of two beaches divided by a sandbar or tombolo. The left side has a lava-rock jetty that protects that sandy-bottomed pool where most families bring their kids. The right side has an open bay for swimmers, surfers and snorkelers.

The layout and weather of Poipu Beach Park makes it a very special Kauai beach destination such as great waves for swimming and surfing, beautiful reefs and marine life for snorkeling and strong steady wind for windsurfers. You will find sandy white beaches, rocks, grassy areas and shady spots around. The sandbar called Nukumoi Point is quite unique since ocean currents rush to the beach from opposite directions forming a tombolo by sand deposition. Restrooms, showers, picnic areas and lifeguards are available.

Popular Parks

Polihale State Park on Old Mana Road, West Kauai is the last beach on the westernmost point of the island. It is also the biggest beach in all of Hawaii ranging 17 miles long and about 300 yards wide. This is a great place to hold picnics, sunbathe, stroll in the sun and play beach sports. Temperatures seem to rise higher in the area compared to other beaches in Kauai.

Some attractions in the state park include Hawaiian temples or heiau and burial sites, the forbidden island of Niihau and Barking Sands Beach. Sand dunes can rise up to 100 feet and currents can be very strong because of the full exposure of the shore to the Pacific Ocean. There are facilities in Polihale State Park including picnic tables, showers, drinking water and restrooms. There no lifeguards however so caution should be taken if going off-shore.

Anini Beach County Park on Anini Road, North Shore Kauai is considered as the safest and most protected beach on the north shore of the island. It is ideal for Kauai beach destination activities like swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing. The location is captivating as well since it is found on a blue lagoon right at the foot of emerald cliffs.

The beach measures 3 miles long and is protected by the longest and widest reef in Hawaii. The areas on and off shore continue to drive in tourists with the abundance of shallow and deep blue waters and white sand beaches complete with shells and cowries.

Kauai life is truly magnificent, exciting and pleasurable which undoubtedly explains why hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the island every year. There are several natural and man-made attractions and sites that have existed for thousands of years leading to a solid cultural heritage. Before visiting, you need to have the answers to some FAQs to determine which locations and activities suit your trip best.

Learning More about the Island

1. Why is Kauai called the “Garden Isle”?

Kauai got its name because of its rich tropical life filled with green valleys, deep jungles and beautiful gardens. Mt. Wai’ale’ale is home to the wettest spot on the planet, receiving around 400 inches of rain annually. 3 of the 5 National Tropical Botanical Gardens are located in the island namely Allerton, McBryde and Limahuli. Kauai life actually stemmed from abundant sugarcane fields, vegetable plantations and farms. A lot of plants you see today were originally brought by Polynesian explorers who intended to enhance agriculture and herbal methods.

2. What attractions should I look forward to?

There are both artificial and natural tourist attractions that define Kauai life well. You can find several ancient heiaus or Hawaiian temples where ancient villagers and chiefs used to worship their gods and goddesses. Here you will find artifacts and other sacred structures like totem poles. Ancient burial sites and secret caves are also found all across the island nearby captivating waterfalls, tropical jungles and seaside cliffs. Several popular movies were filmed in different spots of Kauai such as “Jurassic Park”, “Might Joe Young”, “King Kong” and “6 Days, 7 Nights”.

Kauai is around 5.1 million years old and has a number of popular volcanoes and peaks. It is also home to the enchanting Na Pali Coast which was formed from several volcanic eruptions. Experience the Great Canyon of the Pacific or Waimea Canyon which is more colorful than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It is 10 miles long and have hiking trails leading to towns and tropical jungles.

3. What can I do in Kauai?

Some of the popular activities that resemble Kauai life include swimming, snorkeling, sand strolling, hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, surfing, bodysurfing, windsurfing and experiencing festivals and luaus. Some must-see beaches include Hanakapi’ai Beach and Kalalau Beach. You should also try the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach that takes you to some majestic views of valleys, coasts and peaks.

A lot of people get married Hawaiian style using authentic floral decorations, lei ceremonies and seaside landscapes. It is the perfect vacation spot for the entire family as well as lone individuals. There are a number of world-class hotels like the Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott. The downtown area is also bustling with Kauai life with festive bars and clubs, restaurants serving international dishes and shopping hubs.

More Questions

4. What natural attractions can I expect?

Na Pali Coast is home to the rare monk seals as well as other species like the nene geese, dolphin and humpback whale. Tourists come to watch whales and other marine life from December to April. You can also find a lot of waterfalls as you explore deeper into the island such as Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls and Manawaipuna Falls which was featured in “Jurassic Park”. Some of these spots can be trekked to or you may avail of a helicopter tour as well for a better view.

5. What can I expect about the weather?

Kauai life usually has moderate and comfortable climate and temperature. Poipu in the south shore is the sunniest while the western parts leading to Mana, Polihale and Kekaha are the driest. All coastal areas are generally sunny and comfortably warm. Temperatures tend to get cooler in the evening all across the island. Generally, it rains a lot in Kauai.

Aside from the many natural beauties that sprout all over the island, the towns and cities in Kauai are also bustling with modern structures and developments. Kauai shopping is a very fun and exciting experience since you get a vast selection of authentic Hawaiian goods and other well-known international brands. You get to enjoy different atmospheres with varying themes that truly depict the Hawaiian lifestyle.

Shopper’s Paradise

You will find a variety of good shopping places ranging from small shops to boutiques to department centers to malls. There are plenty of specialty shops and boutiques carrying unique souvenir items and vintage accessories and clothing on the north shore.

Antiques are also sold coming from different lands like Polynesia, Tibet and India. Jewelry, Oriental rugs, necklaces, leis, bracelets, anklets and pearls can be purchased in Hanalei and Princeville. Other great home items like candles, soaps, tablecloths, napkins with exotic designs, plates and aloha shirts are found in factories and outlets in these areas as well.

Art collectors will enjoy the many fine art shops and galleries at Lihue and Kalapaki. Several authentic Kauai crafts and original Hawaiian pieces like woodwork, lauhala weavings, Niihau shell leis, coconut products and other tropical collectibles can be found at the Kauai Museum as well as other farmer’s markets, also known as Sunshine Markets.

The east side features fine art, vintage maps, jewelry, aloha shirts, Kukui guava jams and other delightful food, beverages and snacks. Kapaa Town, Wailua Shopping Plaza and Kinipopo Shopping Village feature some of the most attractive handmade items in the state. You will find over 70 shopts selling mementos, crafts, fabrics and antiques in the Coconut Marketplace.

If you head west, you will find Eleele Shopping Center offering boat tours, dive shops, furniture shops, fine art stores and antique stores. This is the perfect place to search for special Hawaiian treats and dishes like taro chips, tropical fruits and many others. It is ideal that you visit on a Friday night which is also referred to as Art Night. Art galleries come to life as well as other nearby establishments featuring live music, refreshments and demonstrations. Come to Port Allen for great souvenirs and chocolates.

Other Tourist Favorites

Ching Young Village offers a variety of gift shops. Kilohana is home to specialty stores, retail shops, carriage rides, sugarcane rides and a fine dining place. There is a banquet facility where you can hold parties, luaus, weddings and other family gatherings.

Kauai Village has more than 110,000 square feet with landscaped ponds, boutiques, gift shops, restaurants and fast food stores. South of Lihue you will find Kukui Grove Shopping Center which has 35 acres and popular stores like Long’s Drug, K-Mart, Sears and Macy’s. It has recently been renovated and now has a very attractive and stimulating appearance.

Poipu Shopping Village is located at the south shore featuring gift shops, services and excellent dining areas. Here you will find pillows, Hawaiian handmade paper, children’s toys, silk dresses, beach accessories, swimwear, sterling silver pieces and beadworks. There are many surf and dive shops as well offering a variety of items from different brands and manufacturers.

Kauai shoppers will enjoy visiting Old Koloa Town with its snacking establishments, groceries, Niihau shell leis and other island apparel. Kauai shopping be enjoyed right in your hotel since some also have a number of boutique shops where you can purchase original Hawaiian arts, crafts and items.

You should never miss witnessing a Kauai luau when visiting Hawaii. A luau is an authentic Hawaiian feast featuring entertainment like original Hawaiian music, hula presentations, games, local delicacies like poi, kalua and opihi and other fun-filled activities. Types of the event may also vary depending on the occasion such as birthday luaus, ceremonial luaus and wedding luaus. Find out where to see one.

Oceanfront Luaus

The Surf to Sunset Luau is held every Monday and Friday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. just a few steps from the crescent-shaped white beach of Kauai. This is the perfect ceremony for families and couples featuring world-class entertainment that boasts the island’s culture and traditions plus a wide array of authentic Hawaiian dishes. Here you can enjoy fresh sweet pineapple, lomi salmon, pipikaula, kalua pig, poi, poke and tempting desserts like coconut coated haupia, chocolate macadamia nut cake and guava chiffon pie.

Other delicacies included in the extensive banquet are Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. You get to choose between the Traditional package and The Golden Circle package.

The Traditional package includes classic buffet dining and entertainment while The Golden Circle package includes table service complete with appetizers, salads and beverages served family style, signature lei and great stage side seats.

Poipu also offers classic Kauai luaus with a spectacular oceanfront view at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa every Sunday and Thursday with the theme “Havaki Nui” or “a journey to new lands”. Check-in time is at 5:00 p.m. Here you can enjoy quality Hawaiian and cosmopolitan culinary luau dishes and entertainment provided by world-class producers of Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment.

The program features the voyage of ancient Polynesians into the Pacific Ocean to search for Havaiki Nui resulting to the established lands of Hawaii, Samoa and Tahiti. The story is well-described through songs, dances and chants. You get to see live fire knife dances and the mystical hula.

Other inclusions in the siet are the shell lei greeting, music and photo opportunity, limited bar, Hawaiian arts and crafts and Imu unearthing. The Kauai luau buffet has a very extensive menu with specialties like somen salad, tropical fruits, kim chee, imu-style cooked kalua pig, brewed kona and several specialty teas.

The Must-See Luau

The most famous Kauai luau is probably Smith’s Garden Luau held at the Wailua Marina State Park on the east side of the island. The program is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Check-in time is at 4:45 p.m.

The event started more than 50 years ago by the Smith family in the holy Wailua River Valley and up to now, they continue to entice visitors to experience and become part of the family or “ohana”. The feast is the main highlight of the luau featuring delicacies like kalua pig roasted in the earthen imu oven, Cousin Gary’s secret teriyaki beef recipe and chicken adobo.

More highlights in this Kauai luau are Tahitian drum dances, Samoan fire knife dances, shell lei greeting, meeting some of the Smith family members, cocktails, Hawaiian music, the Aloha Show with performances from Hawaii, the Philippines and New Zealand and a preview of the romantic Hawaiian wedding.

Occasionally, the Pareo Fashion show and Tihati’s Hiva Pasefika Revue is also presented. Some ethnic dances and chants from China, Japan and Korea are featured as well.

Although any place in Hawaii is a spectacular place to stay regardless of your budget and location, there are definitely luxurious ways to spend your vacation. Many Kauai hotels are budding in several regions but there are a few ones that continue to draw thousands of tourists every year because of the vast amenities, top-of-the-line facilities and quality services that compete with the best in the world.

The Big Names

Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club is located at 3610 Rice Street, Lihue on the North Shore very near the Tri-State Tollway just a mile away from Lihue Airport. Expect your suite to have a sitting room that features a wet bar, microwave, refrigerator and luxurious bath. Relax in the indoor or heated outdoor pool, sauna and whirlpool after doing some cardio or weight training in the fitness center.

The hotel features Allies American Grille and Bar which serves delectable American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also hold special events and business meetings in any of the 8 meeting rooms that total 4000 square feet of space. Merge your vacation with work efficiently with the available business center.

Other room amenities include air-conditioning, free newspaper daily, daily maid service, in-room broadband internet access, telephone, cable television, in-room safe, coffee maker, balcony and terrace, kitchenette, dry cleaning services and children’s pool. The Marriot Kauai Beach Club features 366 rooms on 9 floors. There are also car rental services, a tennis court, bicycle and jogging tracks, golf course and health spa. Nearby attractions include the Vidinha Stadium, Wailua Falls and Grove Farm Homestead Museum.

Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue is another big name in the array of top Kauai hotels. Located at 4331 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue, the hotel features 25 acres of tropical gardens, scenic waterfalls and captivating lagoons and 347 rooms on 5 floors. It is just 4 miles away from Lihue Airport with nearby attractions like Waimea Canyon and Wailua Falls.

You can enjoy several beach and water activities such as strolling along the white sand shore, bathing in the sand-bottom pool or two whirlpools, working out at the fitness center, relaxing with a nice massage or beauty treatment and watching the Polynesian dance show and torch-lighting event. Shutter’s Lounge features live entertainment. There are also great places to dine like Driftwood Sandbar & Grille, Paradise Coffee Roasters and Naupaka Terrace.

Close to the Beach

Kauai Coast Resort, Kapaa is located at 520 Aleka Loop on the east shore of the island around 10 miles away from Lihue Airport. The Kauai hotel fronts a very wide beach with nearby attractions such as the Opaekaa Falls, Waimea Canyon and Fern Grotto Tour Boats.

There are 108 rooms on 3 floors plus hotel amenities like the children’s pool, casual dining restaurant, Hawaiian library, sundry shop, fitness center, hot tub, spa, poolside bar with a great ocean view, tennis court, volleyball court and free parking. You can also enjoy shopping at nearby Coconut Marketplace.

Princeville Resort, Princeville features 252 rooms on 11 floors with 3 buildings on a Cliffside setting with a majestic view of Hanalei bay. The hotel is about 30 miles from Lihue Airport with nearby attractions like Wailua River State Park and Kapaa. Some amenities include the Princeville Health Club & Spa, a whirlpool, lap pool, Princeville Tennis Club, 2 golf courses and great dining at Cafe Hanalei and La Cascata.

There is an abundance of Kauai historical sites since the island is over 5 million years old and is the oldest in all of Hawaii. Several explorers from Polynesia, Europe and America have already visited the island over several centuries so some structures and places have a legend to tell. Find out more about Hawaiian culture, history and tradition and unveil the secrets to some of Kauai’s treasures.

Built on Belief

There used to be several bellstones located all over the different islands of Hawaii. These were struck at a specific point to resonate a unique tone that can be heard from distance locations. The bellstone is rung to inform people from nearby villages and islands of a special event such as a royal birth.

The bellstone at Highway 580, Wailua, East Kauai is found downhill from two big boulders that were specifically placed to calibrate the Hawaiian calendars according to the winter and summer solstices. To reach the bellstone, go to Mile Marker #1 on Highway 580 or Kuamo’o Road until you reach the dirt road leading to the ocean. Follow the path until you reach the two big boulders. The Kauai historical site is 100 feet from the guardrail. It is illegal to move or deface any of the two boulders.

The Captain James Cook Monument is located at Hofgard Park, Waimea, West Kauai. It was erected in memory of the British sailor who influenced a lot of Hawaii’s history when he reached the Waimea Harbor in 1778. He led 2 ships namely Resolution and Discovery and is considered to be the pioneering westerner to ever set foot on Kauai. The Captain however, was killed by local villagers over a small rowboat dispute. The original monument can be found in the sailor’s hometown in Whitby, England.

Several bridges served important roles for many important Hawaiian villagers and events. Try visiting Hanalei Bridge at Highway 560, North Kauai. Vehicles can actually pass through the bridge since it has a 15-ton weight capacity.

The single lane requires all vehicles on one side to cross first followed by others on the opposite side. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is located at Highway 50, South Kauai which is a foot bridge rebuilt after the 1992 hurricane destroyed the original one. Kauai historical sites include a lot of temples or heiaus such as Holoholoku Heiau, Malae Heiau, Napali Coast Heiau and Hikinaakala Heiau.

Famous Historical Landmarks

The Kilauea Lighthouse is located at the northernmost tip of the major Hawaiian islands. It was built in 1913 and used to have the largest lens of its kind guiding ships to and from the Orient. It stopped guiding ships in 1970 but still serves as popular tourist location. The lighthouse is also near the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge so people actually come to witness some rare birds and marine species.

Fort Elizabeth in Waimea, Southwest Kauai was built by the Russian doctor George Scheffer with the help of King Kaumuali’i in 1816. The original purpose for building the fort was not realized when Scheffer was brought back to Russia. King Kamehameha gained control of it afterwards.

Another natural Kauai historical site is Sleeping Giant in Kapaa, East Kauai. This is a Nounou Mountain ridge that has a very similar appearance to a sleeping giant. Invaders were warded off by Kauai villagers by lighting fires behind the mountain which illuminated the figure. Hiking trails that lead up the mountain are available for tourists.

Kauai is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species and its natural beauties have been preserved for thousands of years making it a special wonder in the Pacific. The island is one of the major islands in Hawaii but Kauai State Parks have maintained its original natural form with 97% of the entire land left untouched by human hands. Find out things and attractions to expect in these great locations.

The Main Highlights

Na Pali Coast State Park measures about 6,175 acres and is considered by many as the most beautiful in the island. The location features majestic sea cliffs and valleys that can be viewed from the coastal Kalalau Trail, by boat or air via helicopter. Kalalau Valley, Nualolo Kai and Milolii can only be accessed via commercial or private boats and helicopters. You can enjoy a variety of activities in the park such as hiking, camping, backpacking and bird viewing.

Backpackers and hikers can go through the Kalalau Trail that spans 1 to 2 miles depending on the route with great landscapes, waterfalls and stream valleys. You can camp at Milolii and enjoy the captivating sunset view. It requires a certain level of primitive outdoor experience to camp along the coast and ocean currents can be harsh depending on the tide and season.

Polihale State Park is located at the end of a 5-mile dirt road from Mana Village just off Kaumualii Highway. The park extends over 137 acres where you can enjoy activities like tent or trailer camping, shore fishing, swimming in the summer, picnicking and taking pictures of the colorful sunset and high sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast. There is also Queen’s Pond located just north along the beach by a hollow in the coral.

Waimea Canyon State Park spans over 1,866 acres and boasts the Grand Canyon of the Pacific or Waimea Canyon which is more colorful than the one located in Arizona. The park is found about 11 miles north of Kekaha on Highway 550 adjacent to Kokee State Park.

Here you can enjoy goat hunting seasonally, hiking, picture taking and hiking. Kokee State Park which is over 4,000 acres features 45 hiking trails with some leading into the canyon. Stopover points along trails in the canyon are available complete with restroom facilities. Lookout walks are handicapped accessible and Waimea Canyon is open every day of the year with no admission charge.

Many Parks to Pick

Another must-see Kauai state park is the National Tropical Botanical Garden featuring over 5,000 plant and flower species. Two gardens form the park namely Allerton and Lawai Garden. The Allerton Garden was created in the 1870s spanning over 100 acres. The Lawai Garden spans 186 acres and serves as a research facility for the various cultivation methods and uses of plants in the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Wailua River State Park is situated on Highway 580. The Lydgate State Park is a great family place where visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming, sand strolling and beach games. There is a coconut grove that used to shelter ancient islanders and the Wailua River at the north end.

Smith’s Tropical Paradise is located along the river upstream. You can take a riverboat tour up the Wailua River to see the Fern Grotto and other Kauai state park highlights.