Like much of the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has awesome scenery, perhaps even more so than the better-known islands. While there are no erupting volcanoes, Kauai has the massive and elusive Mount Waialeale, the wettest place on Earth, which is best seen by helicopter, as well as fantastic beaches, posh resorts and many cultural highlights.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours
Of the many helicopter tour operators on Kauai, Blue Hawaiian has the best and quietest choppers with the clearest visibility. Tours take in the Hanapepe Valley, the Mana Waipuna Falls, the Olokele Canyon, and the Waimea Canyon. You will also get to see the Bali Hai Cliffs and if you’re really lucky, Mount Waialeale. Phone: +1 808 245 5800; www.bluehawaiian.com
Fern Grotto
Visitors who fancy exploring Kauai further should check out one of the island’s oldest and best loved attractions, Fern Grotto. It has been here since 1946 and can be seen on a boat tour aboard Smith's huge motorised barge. The 80-minute cruise takes in the grotto and also includes a hula show on the return journey. Phone: +1 808 821 6892; www.smithskauai.com
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge
The sugar plantations of Hanapepe are ideal for spending lunch at before seeing the old wooden suspension bridge. The bridge was built in 1911 and was unfortunately badly damaged at the hands of Hurricane Iniki, although was later renovated. The bridge is lots of fun to cross, bouncing all over the place as it does.
Kauai Beaches
Kauai lives up to the Hawaiian reputation of fine beaches and surf and there are over 225 kilometres of coastline. Dozens of beaches feature fine swimming, bathing, surfing, and snorkelling. The foremost beaches are: Kalapaki in Lihue; Poipu Beach Park with its excellent snorkelling; Anini Beach County Park, a safe swimming beach; and Hanalei Beach with its fine setting amid sheer volcanic cliffs.
Kilauea Point Lighthouse
Located on Kilauea Road, the early 20th-century Kilauea Point Lighthouse used to have the largest lens of its kind, which would guide ships sailing between the US and Asia. The lighthouse is actually situated within a national wildlife refuge where droves of seabirds can also be seen. Phone: +1 808 828 1413.
Poipu Resort
Located on the south of Kauai and characterised by an elaborate tree tunnel at its entrance, Poipu Resort (Po’ipu) is famed for its major hotel and resort complexes, featuring the likes of Sheraton, Hyatt, and Hilton. Poipu Beach is the highlight, while the Koloa Heritage Trail is a 10-mile trail which goes from Spouting Horn to Koloa Town and can be done on foot, by bike, or by car.
Waimea Canyon
Also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Kauai’s impressive Waimea Canyon is huge in scale for such a modest-sized island. It measures 16 kilometres long by 1.6 kilometres wide. You can hike the canyon and camp above it at Koke'e State Park, or simply drive alongside it.
The Hawaii Entertainment Book has numerous discounts for attractions, restaurants and shops all over Hawaii, including Kauai, and is available online.
