Whether you’re a nature lover or just want to see some stunning views, Kauai has some of the most stunning attractions in Hawaii. These places include Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Wailua River State Park, Opaeka’a Falls, Hanalei Bay, and more.
Kalaupapa National Historic Park
Kauai is an idyllic island, full of black sand beaches, clear waters and lush rain forests. It is an excellent destination for people looking for nature and adventure. The island is also home to many historical landmarks and museums.
Kalaupapa National Historic Park is a fascinating place with a rich and interesting history. Once a settlement for patients with Hansen’s disease, this island is now home to many endangered species. The National Park Service and the Hawaii State Department of Health share management of the park, which is rich in flora and fauna.
Kalaupapa is a place of prayer and history for Kauai’s people. Today, it is home to 18 people who survived the Hansen’s disease epidemic. The survivors are still living in the settlement, which was once a prison, but is now a refuge for the cured.
A hike through the pristine Kalaupapa Valley is one of the most scenic ways to see the island’s coastline. A 2.9-mile trail winds through private property to the Kalaupapa Peninsula and features some of the largest sea cliffs in the world. Native Hawaiians still revere these cliffs and consider them sacred.
Kauai is a rugged island. The Na Pali Coast is arguably the most beautiful sight in the Hawaiian islands. It features lush blue water and multicolored cliffs. You can hike or take a boat ride along the coast to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. If you’re not in the mood for hiking, you can also go on a helicopter tour over the coast.
In the late 1800s, a Belgian missionary first came to the Kalaupapa Peninsula, and he helped build homes and churches for the local people. The missionary also worked as a doctor and carpenter, taking in sick people and giving them hope. Unfortunately, he died of Hansen’s disease, and his spirit will live on in his legacy.
Another historic site worth visiting is the USS Arizona Memorial. The USS Arizona was attacked on December 7, 1941 and sank, but many of the crew still remain and are preserved at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Wailua River State Park
The Wailua River is one of the most beautiful state parks in the state. The park is home to waterfalls, cultural sites, and temples. You can also hike along the river, or rent a kayak and paddle down to the falls. There are plenty of places to picnic and take in the scenic views.
This state park is open seven days a week. Visitors can explore the lush, green valley that the Wailua River flows through. This river is the only navigable one in the state, and kayaking and riverboat tours can be a memorable experience. You can even visit the Wailua Complex of Heiaus, which is a National Historic Landmark and once served as the center of chiefly power in old Hawai’i. The ruins of many of the major structures are preserved in this state park.
Wailua is also home to one of the best places to eat shaved ice in Kauai. The town also has a Hindu temple and a lounge with a live DJ. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Kaui, and a great place to unwind.
The area surrounding the Wailua River is beautiful and has many hidden spots. You can paddle down the river to a waterfall or hike the jungle trails. It’s also free to enter, and most of the points of interest are easily accessible by foot. However, you may need a small boat if you want to reach the viewpoints. The trade winds are especially strong in the afternoon, so you’ll need to be careful.
The park also contains a pristine beach. Visitors can snorkel and swim here. Nearby Kee Beach is a popular snorkeling spot, but it is best avoided during winter. Located on the western boundary, the park also contains a reef lagoon, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and swimming.
You can also take a tour of the park and its surroundings, including the famous Wailua Falls. The waterfall is accessible and cascades into two streams, which drop over 80 feet into a pool.
Opaeka’a Falls
Opaeka’a Falls is one the most popular waterfalls in Kauai. This 151-foot waterfall is located near the Wilaua River State Park. The name Opaeka’a comes from the Hawaiian word for “shrimp.” This waterfall receives its name from the abundant shrimp found in the waters surrounding it. You can view the waterfall year-round and enjoy the view as it cascades into the Wailua River Valley.
Another waterfall you should visit in Kauai is Hanakoa Falls, which is nearly 1,000 feet high and plunges into a serene pool below. You can access Hanakoa Falls by hiking the 22-mile Kalalau Trail. Opaeka’a Falls is another waterfall that is easily accessible.
Opaeka’a Falls is also known as the Wailua Falls, which has two streams of waterfalls. The falls are located about three miles north of Lihue. You can reach the waterfall’s lookout on foot. Parking is available at the base of the waterfall. The hike is 0.4 miles each way and is rated as difficult.
Opaeka’a Falls is a popular destination for tourists in Kauai. The waterfall is situated amidst lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy the view from the lookout at the top. Then, you can take a dip at the waterfall’s lower end. The trail is safe for families with children, and many locals take a dip at this waterfall as well.
Opaeka’a Falls is a breathtaking waterfall. The waterfall is located near Mount Waialeale, the second highest peak on Kauai. Its spray is beautiful and creates a beautiful rainbow. It is also known as the “Fantasy Island Falls.”
Another waterfall worth visiting is Hanakapiai. This waterfall is the smallest of the two falls on the Na Pali Coast. It’s difficult to reach, but is well worth the effort. From the highway, you must take a trail that is about two miles long. The trail leads to the base of the waterfall and offers beautiful views of the Na Pali Coast.
Opaeka’a Falls is also worth visiting, although it’s located on the east side of Kauai. It’s accessible by kayak. You can rent a kayak and explore the area yourself, but most visitors prefer to take a guided tour. The tour includes a 45-minute paddle up the river and a 20-minute hike through the jungle to the falls.
Hanalei Bay
The breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay are among the island’s top attractions. Located on the eastern end of the island, Hanalei is a perfect place for a relaxing day on the beach. You can also take a walk along the pier, which is frequently used by local surfers and kids.
If you’re a beginner, Hanalei Bay is a great place to learn to surf. The North Shore Surfing School and Hawaiian Surfing Adventures both offer lessons and provide surfboard rentals. Both places are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, you might want to visit the Postcards Cafe or Tahiti Nui. Both have beautiful ocean views and can be found within walking distance of each other. If you’re a beach bum, you’ll love the relaxed atmosphere of Hanalei Bay. However, you should remember that the weather can be unpredictable. It’s recommended to check the water conditions before heading to the beach.
If you’re a family with young children, Hanalei is a great place to visit. The bay is peaceful and picturesque, and offers a great location for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and surfing. The area also boasts a farmers’ market, which sells local produce, and is a great place to get your hands on fresh produce.
Visitors to the island can also enjoy hiking and jogging. The National Museum of American History excavated the Pride of Hawaii, a sunken vessel that was once owned by King Kamehameha II. The bay is also a great place for sunset photos and romantic beach weddings.
The town is one of the most popular and affordable places to visit in Kauai. There are plenty of restaurants and accommodations throughout the town. You can also visit Wailua River State Park to go kayaking or hiking and see waterfalls. There is also a Sleeping Giant hiking trail.
Hanalei also offers great shopping and dining options. If you’re hungry, you can enjoy a meal at Hanalei’s award-winning seafood restaurant, Hanalei Dolphin. You can also check out the nearby Ching Young Village for interesting and unique souvenirs. Another popular place to eat in Hanalei is Kalypso, which has a fun, party-like atmosphere during happy hour. Finally, you can indulge in some gourmet ice cream at the nearby Pinks Creamery.