Exploring Kauai: The Garden Isle

One of my favorite views, overlooking the taro fields near Hanalei town.

Of all the Hawaiian islands, where tourism is allowed, I have been to the island of Kauai the least. Now I find myself sent her for research and development, a bit of scouting, for a new addition to our Hawaii UnCruise expedition offering. We are looking into the possibility of adding a four night land package that guests could sign up for, before joining the expedition ship. So I didn't waste any time in getting a private local driver to guide us all over the islands hot spots, and lesser known spots as well.

After an early morning exploratory walk through the tourist hub of Poipu, Dan and I drove to the Kauai Inn, near Nauwiliwili Harbor, where we would meet our guide for the day. Gray, our guide/driver, was waiting for us when we pulled in. We jumped into the black SUV and set out to explore. We kept Gray talking for the next six hours as he showed us the can't miss waterfalls, temples, beaches, and views, while also pointing out some of the behind the scenes local favorites. We even stopped in Kailua at a bakery/coffee/pizza place....which just about combines all my favorite things.

One of my favorite hidden gems was running across some nesting Laysan albatross down this neighborhood culdesac. We might see these once or twice a season in the southern islands, but here they were, just chilling in the round-a-bout with a big, fluffy baby. The overlooks were gorgeous. It reminded me that this island can really be seen and enjoyed by just about anyone. You don't need a high level of fitness to see amazing sights, right from your car. However, if you can head onto some trails or explore beaches, then the island really opens up.

Kauai's claim to fame is that it was the only island never conquered by Kamehameha. It has been hit hard by hurricanes in recent times, but the rains soak in quickly. It does have the worlds wettest place near the top of the volcano. Waimea Canyon is another unique feature, sometimes being called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The island feels lush, as you can see by all the shades of green in the picture above. Its worth a visit...and when you do, look up Gray, he'll show you all the places.

Wailua Falls tumbling down over the river cliff. This is from an easy drive-up overlook.

Hanalei Pier on a busy afternoon. There were lots of beachgoers and surfers enjoying the ocean here.

View from deep inside the dry cave. This is almost at the end of the road, past Hanalei town.

A rare Hawaiian monk seal swims near the beach. I saw this one playing with another, just offshore, early in the morning. Kauai is one of the best places to get views of these endangered animals.

Early morning sunrise walk in the tourist hub of Poipu.

*Another stop on our circle island tour: Tunnels Beach.

Kailua Lighthouse is not just a beautiful scene, but also a bird wildlife refuge. We saw red footed boobies and wedgetail shearwaters nesting in the cliffs.

A large green sea turtle rest on the shores of Poipu.

Its like you are entering another world when you turn the corner and descend into Hanalei Bay on Kauai's North Shore.

This was an old church in Hanalei town that I happened to catch during a photo shoot.

Bakery and Pizza! Yes, please.

I passed this sign on the way to see the lava rock arch in Poipu. This is one of the benefits of Kauai not having mongoose on the island.

This is how the day begins in Poipu, on Kauai's South Shore.

We had to stop and walk out to the end of the pier. It was a great view from every angle.

This cool geological feature is located down a little side trail amongst the vacation rentals near Poipu.

Waves and sand....Kauai has a lot of both.

Brennecke's restaurant, the centerpoint of Brennecke's Beach area in Poipu.

Life at the end of Hanalei Pier.

I had to get a photo of me next to this giant sisal plant. These plants are known for their stiff fibers, which can be made into rope.

Beautiful overlook of the Menehune Fish Pond.

Heading into the 'dry cave'.

Another old stone church.

Ancient grove of religious tree, near a hidden monastery.

Menehune Fish pond in all of its glory.