Archive for the ‘Kauai Vacation’ Category

Hawaiian Heritage: The History of Kauai Island

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

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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.

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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.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

First Class Getaways: The Best Kauai Hotels

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

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.

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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.

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About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Nature at Its Best: The Famous Kauai Trails

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

So what is Kauai Vacation really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about Kauai Vacation–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

Going on feet never seemed more exhilarating, fun and enjoyable with the several Kauai trails. You get to enjoy scenic tropical views like uncharted rainforests, waterfalls, secret caves, oceanfront cliffs, beaches, canyons and valleys. Many tourists all over the globe flock to experience the pacific paradise and get a feel of the 97% uninhabited conserved natural treasures of the oldest island in Hawaii.

The Great Hikes

The Kauai Kalalau Trail Na Pali Coastline is one of the ultimate hikes in the island which takes about 2 days to finish. The trail starts at the end of the road at Kee Beach. Many hikers hike for 11 miles and upon reaching the end at Kalalau Beach, get picked up by a tour bus. From the starting point, you work the incline up to the Na Pali Coastline.

The first 25 minutes of the trail is fairly mudde, steep and rocky although you get to see a great view of Kee Beach. Views of the coastline will come and go as you continue on the trail. Hanakapi’ai Beach is just 2 miles from the starting point but you get to go through streams, boulders, caves and cliffs along the way.

You may choose to stop at Hanakapi’ai Beach. If you go 2 more miles inland, you get to see the 300-foot majestic waterfall where you can enjoy a quick dip. It takes about 8 hours back and forth if you pick Hanakapi’ai Falls as your destination spot.

For families and beginners, the Kauai Kuilau Ridge Trail is good. Drive past Opaekaa Falls to the end of the road just before reaching Keahua Arboretum and the first stream crossing to find the starting point on the right. The first mile has an asphalt base path which slowly rises to a picnic area on top of a valley. Views include Mt. Wai’ale’ale, rolling hills and the ocean. There is a wooden bridge that leads to the end of the trail as well as the starting point of Moalepe Trail. Most find this an easy and relaxing hike.

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Kauai Kukui Trail is more challenging which winds down 2000 feet into the Waimea Canyon floor. You get to see a lot of unique landscapes and views in the first 1.5 miles such as dramatic canyon formations, mountain goats and plants.

Choose the forest and brush paths if you’re up for a tough hike. Expect the trails to be slippery during dry days and make sure you have enough energy since you still need to hike back up. The end of the trail is at the Wiliwili campsite and Waimea River. You can also walk to nearby Waimea town through the canyon.

Beautiful Isolated Walks

Kauai Nounou West Trail is located about a mile from Opaekaa Falls. You climb the mountain known as ?Sleeping Giant? leading to a sheltered picnic area on the giant’s chest. Some magnificent views include Wailua River, Mt. Waialeale and the ocean. Mt. Waialeale will provide you the same view similar to the remake of the movie ?King Kong?. It takes about an hour and a half to reach to total elevation of about 1000 feet from the base to the head.

Kuamoo Trail is another fairly easy isolated route that starts half a mile past Opaekaa Falls. The first mile features a few Hawaiian homes and green canopies. You also get to see a wooden bridge and the river feeding Opaekaa Falls.

Total Kauan trail is about 2 miles long with lots of ferns, vegetation and mud. The destination is in a pine tree grove at the intersection of the Nounou West Trail.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Kauai Travel Tips for Lone Visitors and Big Families

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

It is important to determine the right modes of transportation during your Hawaiian vacation to ensure that you save a lot of time, effort and money. There are a lot of Kauai travel methods available depending on the number of people and places where you intend to go. The island is relatively small but great spots are spaced far apart so walking is not always ideal on all occasions. Here are some to help you plan.

Kauai Driving

If you’re visiting a relative, you may be fortunate to be lent a car to drive around in. There are 2 major highways in Kauai and both starts in Lihue. From Lihue Airport, Kapule Highway or Highway 51 is on the right. Kapula Highway eventually merges 1 mile away into Kuhio Highway or Highway 56. Kuhio Highway leads to Coconut Coast and through the North Shore then ends at Kee Beach at the starting point of Na Pali coast. There are no roads along Na Pali Coast in the northwest of the island.

Following Kapule Highway will lead you through Lihue and Nawiliwili. Taking Nawiliwili Road or Highway 58 will lead you to an intersection with Kaumualili Highway or Highway 50 that leads to the south and southwest parts of Kauai up to Waimea then ends at the opposite end of Na Pali Coast. Take Maluhia Road or Highway 510 south if you want to go to Poipu. Waimea Canyon Road or Highway 550 or Kokee Road or Highway 55 both join halfway up to Waimea Canyon.

Traffic tends to congest from Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. You can get stuck in traffic for over an hour since only a single road circles the entire island connecting all towns and locations.

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The 2 main highways, however, almost lead to every popular attraction and site for your Kauai travel. Hawaii traffic regulations also strictly enforce proper of wearing of seat belts. On the highways, go for an average of 40 to 50 mph and 30 to 35 on smaller roads.

With fairly normal traffic, expect to reach Poipu from Lihue in 20 minutes, from Poipu to Polihale in 35 minutes, from Lihue to Kapaa in 10 minutes and from Kapaa to Hanalei in 30 minutes. It is important to know about contra flows wherein cones are placed on lane divisions resulting to traffic driving on the wrong side of the road. This approach aims to reduce traffic congestion during commute hours. Bypass roads ideally help you enjoy the scenery without having to worry about heavy highway traffic.

More Kauai Driving Tips

As far as insurance goes, Hawaii is a no-fault state so you are required to pay for all damages should you be involved in a collision and do not own collision-damage insurance. This applies regardless of whose fault the accident was and you need to pay before leaving the state. Some car insurance plans cover a number of car rental policies so check your company for privileges and insurance benefits.

You may opt for the optional insurance but bring your insurance identification card if not. Aside from insurance companies, credit card companies may also provide collision-damage insurance so check for these.

Hawaiian state law requires all car passengers to wear a seat belt. All infants should be strapped into car seats as well. A $50 fine will be given to violators. Pedestrians always have right of way all the time. You can cautiously turn right on red from the right lane after a full stop unless there’s a sign that prevents you.

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About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Hawaiian Holidays: Experience Unforgettable Kauai Festivals

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Kauai Vacation in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might make.

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.

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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.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

For the Party People: Finding the Best Kauai Luaus

Saturday, October 9th, 2010

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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.

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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.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Practicing Kauai Safety Guidelines for a Vacation to Remember

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Hawaii is virtually bustling with tourist attractions like beaches, diving spots and other natural wonders. However, it is important to know some Kauai safety tips to make your tip worth the time, effort and money. Accidents can happen if you do not know the nature and characteristics of certain locations. Some areas are untouched by human hands and remain in their original and wild state so tread carefully.

Staying Safe at the Beach

Kauai is located at 22 degrees latitude which is very close to the equator so it gets more direct sunlight compared to other islands in the Pacific. Although temperatures on the average range from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, some areas particularly in the northwest part of the island tend to experience intense rays from the sun. During the summer months, it is recommended to stay in shady areas or completely avoid sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beaches in the southern and eastern shores are cooler. Wear waterproof sunscreen or sunblock preferably with an SPF of 30 but definitely not less than 15. Wear a wide brim hat or bring an umbrella. Drink lots of water to prevent sunstroke and dehydration. If you plan to sunbathe, the best times would be from 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Start by lying out 15 to 20 minutes per side on the first day. Gradually increase the duration over the week to avoid sunburn.

Always be on the lookout for warning signs, rules and regulations. Popular beaches usually have lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas and other facilities. Open shores however, may be completely uninhabited so make sure you know the right route to the nearest medical institution should any accident occur.

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Inform people in other areas if you plan to explore wild beaches. Observe the beach as well as the water. Large waves can be good but stay away from rocky areas since you can get slammed by the current. Winds can mean larger and stronger currents. Find out about the current tide as well as the presence of drop offs.

The tide can change depending on the season, time of day or weather. People are recommended to stay out of the water before it gets dark. Snorkelers, surfers and scuba divers should always enter the water in pairs. Children should always be supervised by an adult. Heed warning signs and watch out for the presence of other marine species like seals, crabs, jellyfish and sharks.

Water and Forest Safety

Kauai safety guidelines cover all types of terrain and bodies. Rip currents are currents of water channelled away from the beach. Waves breaking over sandbars and shallow reefs with deeper channels without breaking waves are signs of a rip current. Conserve energy and don’t fight if you find yourself in one. Call for help and go with the flow instead. Most currents will release you offshore after some time.

Bring insect repellents when hiking as well as a water jug. You can get leptospirosis by drinking from infected streams and ponds. Wild animals and poisonous plants can lead to emergency situations so always stay on the trail and follow hiking rules and tips.

It is recommended that you go in groups or in pairs to stay away from danger and potential threats. Kauai safety and health personnel are available in most state parks and tourist spots.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Discovering Famous Kauai Historical Sites

Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

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.

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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.

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About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Cultural Heritage at Its Natural Best: Revealing Kauai State Parks

Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

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.

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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.

When word gets around about your command of Kauai Vacation facts, others who need to know about Kauai Vacation will start to actively seek you out.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

How to Plan Your Kauai Wedding and Honeymoon

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

Kauai is a tropical Pacific paradise and one of the most romantic places on earth. Thousands of couples visit the island to get married and spend quality time together every year. Several activities are available for the ultimate experience such as golfing, sightseeing, hiking and swimming. There are places that cater to special events that will truly give you the Kauai wedding and honeymoon worth remembering.

Romantic Wedding Ideas

The most common wedding idea would be to exchange vows and have the ceremony with a beautiful oceanview backdrop. You get to have the best venue preparation complete with tropical plants and flowers, attractive leis and original hula and Hawaiian music. Other excellent sites and venues include mountain views, cliff side, tropical rainforests and ancient architectural wonders. Some unique activities that can be incorporated into your wedding are a horse-drawn carriage or limousine, conch shell blowing, tiki torch lighting and special presentations by local performers.

If you want to get married in more isolated zones, you may try Kalihiwai Beach or the ?Secret Beach? as well as Lumahai Beach. Hanalei and Haena also has marvelous beaches that take you away from the crowded areas so you can have all the serenity and quietness you’ve always wanted. The south shore of Kauai has Mahaulepu beach accessible via a well-protected cane road.

Professionals allow you to choose from a variety of themes with special additions that cater to your personal preferences. Professional wedding photographers and videographers are also available so ask for a list from your hotel, view the local directory or surf the internet.

A number of world-class hotels are also located conveniently near the ocean and coast so you get to have a magnificent view as well as luxurious accommodation and reception. Kauai wedding planners and event organizers are located throughout the different towns and cities so you can conveniently apply and acquire your marriage license.

I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

To obtain a marriage license, the couple needs to be at least 18 years of age with certified proof. The groom and bride should appear together in person before a marriage license agent and prepare and file the official application. A fee will be asked upon approval and the license is valid for 30 days throughout Hawaii.

A Hearty Honeymoon

Several great places are located throughout the island for your grand Kauai wedding and honeymoon. Na Aina Kai and the Limahuli Gardens feature a tropical garden with unique Hawaiian plants and flowers for a great photography background.

The Coco Palms is a popular place where Elvis was married to Joan Blackman in the movie Blue Hawaii. You can also checkout other natural treasures like the Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, Fern Grotto on the Wailua River and Opaekaa Falls. Several lagoons are found all around the island where you can have a very romantic canoe ride or quick dip.

Some of the best hotels to stay in are the Princeville Resort, Grand Hyatt and Marriott featuring several unique amenities like an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, 18-hole golf course, Jacuzzi, spa, fine dining areas with a wonderful view of the ocean, clubs and bars and special events occasionally.

Go to the beach and downtown to experience the night life for your Kauai honeymoon. Luaus are held frequently so check with the hotel front desk to make reservations and avail of special buffets and treats for newlyweds.

If you’ve picked some pointers about Kauai Vacation that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won’t really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don’t use it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO