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WAI`OLI HUI`IA CHURCH IN HANALEI
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publisher
H&S Publishing, LLC Robert M. SELF advertising sales
Doug O’Keeffe 808 639-2377 doug@kauaimagazine.com Judah Freed 808 639-2377 judah@kauaimagazine.com information systems
Tylar SELF distribution
14 island nature
nene say no-no extinction
H&S Publishing hawaii’s goose on a comeback
KAUAI MAGAZINE
16 best island event
taste of hawaii
kauai’s “ultimate sunday brunch”
waterfalls of kauai
nature’s beautiful raw power
Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin
42 island beaches
polihale
house of the spirit world
portrait of paradise 10 kauai ... the north shore
every vista is breathtaking
26 touring in paradise by wheel, hoof, or foot
34 flying in paradise
hidden wonders from above
38 splashing in paradise
Kauai’s ocean and river experiences
44 kauai map
1980
Publishing LLC. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publica-
34 kauai stories
keeping hula alive
E S TA B L I S H E D
Kauai Magazine is published by H&S
24 hidden treasures
advertiser locator map
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NUALOLO AND AWAAWAPUHI VALLEYS
KERRY ODA FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY / KERRYODA.COM
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tion may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for any liability associated with any product or service offered by advertisers. All editorial information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Editorial, advertising and business offices are located at 4330 Kauai Beach Drive, Suite G21, Lihue, HI
96766.
Telephone: (808) 212-5333, “Printed using recycled paper and environmentally sensitive ink.”
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KERRY ODA FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY / KERRYODA.COM
january I february I march 2014
H&S ARCHIVE
kauai magazine
portrait of paradise
january I february I march 2014
PHOTOS: KERRY ODA FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY / KERRYODA.COM
kauai magazine
Hanakapiai Beach • Na Pali Coast 10
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H&S ARCHIVES PHOTOS
january I february I march 2014
The North Shore from the Napali coast to Kilauea captures Kauai’s most spectacular beauty. Mists enshroud mountain peaks while the sun shines at the beach. The Napali coast draws spiritual pilgrims as well as backpackers and nature lovers. Hanalei Valley
Kauai ... the North Shore Every vista is breathtaking
Most hikers find the Kalalau trail difficult, but they say the rewards far outweigh the challenge. From the start at Kee Beach, Hanakapiai Valley is a two-mile hike in. Swimming at Hanakapiai Beach is often treacherous, so hike another two miles inland to the waterfall instead. Beyond Hanakapiai, the trail becomes more difficult and should only be attempted by able-bodied people who are prepared to camp overnight. Hanakoa is another beautiful valley where camping is allowed, if you have a state permit. The eleven-mile trail ends at Kalalau Valley where you may camp if you have a permit. Permits are limited in number, and rangers enforce this restriction. On this remote beach or in the mysterious valley, you may find the serenity you’ve been seeking. During the summer, visitors can also tour the Napali coast by inflatable watercraft, power catamarans, or sailboats. The motorized craft skim over swells and speed in and out of caves. Longer tours include stopping for snorkeling and lunch. Some companies will drop-off or pick-up people at Kalalau. Another way to see this magnificent coast is from a helicopter or airplane, which allows you to enjoy the full heights of soaring mountains, high waterfalls and verdant valleys.
Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea hawaiigateway.com
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kauai magazine
january I february I march 2014
At the end of the road is Kee Beach Park, where an aquamarine lagoon offers great snorkeling. Nearby are the wet and dry caves, easily accessible and haunted by ancient myths. Make reservations to tour Limahuli Gardens, to see the superb collection of tropical plants and the ocean views. Across the road, Haena Beach Park is a popular camping place. Tunnels or Makua Beach is a favorite of experienced snorkelers and scuba divers, for the long reef drops off, forming a wall and caves crowded with beautiful fish. When the wind is right, there’s exciting windsurfing and parasailing. Further south lies Haena, a small community of homes hidden by lush jungle. It’s a favorite hideaway for those seeking spiritual renewal. In the winter, motorists stop along- side the road to watch 20 to 50 foot waves that sometimes pound Lumahai Beach. This is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and famous beaches, the nurses beach in the movie South Pacific. The trails down to the beach are rather steep, and dangerous currents even in the summer make swimming dangerous. Bask in the beauty, then go to the many other sandy coves down the road. Hanalei Bay is home to world class surfers in the winter and yachtsmen and swimmers in the summer. Hanalei offers sophisticated and varied dining, shopping and entertainment with a small town feel. The Waioli Mission House is in the heart of town, next to the picturesque Waioli Huiia Church, built in 1912. Beach parks with pavilions border Hanalei Bay, and the pier is for fishing or sightseeing. Mountains surround the bay and town, accented by waterfalls, mists and rainbows. Kayaking or standup paddle boarding on the Hanalei River, past dense hau thickets and taro paddies, will refresh and relax you. All it takes is easy paddling, light refreshments, sun protection, and a few hours. On the plateau overlooking Hanalei Bay is Princeville, a resort community of gracious homes, a luxury resort hotel, vacation condominiums, two championship golf courses, a world class health club and spa, and tennis courts. There are numerous vantage spots with coastline views so amazing that they look unreal. Several trails lead down to coves perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Mountains shaded emerald to purple provide other breathtaking views. Stables offer trail rides up in the hills, to a waterfall, or you can help round up cattle. Anini Beach, off Kalihiwai Road, has a large county park where one can camp, picnic, learn to windsurf or parasail. The water at Anini is shallow, a great place for the kid to swim and play, while mom and dad surf the wind or snorkel. The former sugar and guava plantation town of Kilauea has its own charm. Kilauea Lighthouse National Wildlife Refuge provides a nesting ground for tropic birds, shearwaters, albatross and boobies. From its bluff one can see the coastline, Secret Beach, dolphins, whales, turtles and sometimes monk seals. There’s a fine restaurant and super bakery, one of which also makes gourmet pizzas and the other serves Mexican food. In the former plantation store, you‘ll find elegant clothing and accessories, unique gifts, fine art, pottery, jewelry, as well as unusual home accessories.
For spectacular beauty, nothing in Hawaii matches the North Shore. Its quaint little beach towns compliment Princeville’s beautiful resort. NORTH SHORE HIGHLIGHTS Napali Coast Hanalei Valley Princeville Resort Limahuli Garden Kee Beach Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
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kauai magazine
Island nature
Also known as the Hawaiian Goose, this regal bird was once abundant on all the main Hawaiian Islands. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service believes there may have been as many as 25,000 birds on the Big Island before the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778. The population of the Nene began to decline rapidly in the late 1800’s due to aggressive hunting and the collecting of eggs by residents. When alien animals such as rats, dogs, cats, pigs and mongooses were introduced to the islands, the Nene nearly disappeared altogether due to predation. The Hawaiian Goose is typically 22 to 26 inches long and weighs about five pounds. Its bill is black, its cheeks are yellowish-buff and its neck is buff. This gooses legs are long and the short wings are perfect for shorter flights. Males and females have identical plumage. Interestingly, the feet are not completely webbed, as in all other geese. Scientists believe that their feet have evolved so that the reduction in webbing between their toes allows Nenes to walk more easily over the rough volcanic rock. The Nene was named official bird of Hawaii in 1957, and by that time efforts to rescue the goose from extinction were underway. Conservationists began breeding the Nene in captivity. Initial results were not very promising, but recent efforts have proved more successful and there are now stable populations on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. On Kauai, the Nene makes its home in scrubland, grassland, on golf courses and in open lowland country. These vegetarians forage on grass seed, herbs sand flowers. They also enjoy the berries of the pukiawe, a native shrub. Nenes breed from November to June and produce two to five white eggs. Goslings hatch after 30 days and learn to fly in 11 to 14 weeks. As with other geese, Nene pairs appear to mate for life. In the early 1980’s Nenes were being bred on the southeast side of Kauai. Hurricane Iwa, which hit the island in 1982, destroyed the cages in which the birds were held. The geese survived, began living in the wild, and adapted well to the mongoosefree habitat on Kauai. More recently biologists have introduced Nenes on the north and northwest coasts
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january / february / march 2014
The Nene Says No-No to Extinction The Hawaiian Goose makes a Comeback on Kauai
Facing extinction in 1951 with a population of only 30, the Nene, Hawaii’s state bird, is slowly making a comeback. More and more, the low ”nay-nay” call (after which the bird is named) can be heard on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Despite increasing its numbers more than 30 times over, the Nene is still the world’s rarest goose.
of the island. Nenes can be seen in the Hanalei Valley and at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge on the northern tip of Kauai, one of the few Hawaiian refuges open to the public. Volunteers give daily tours and operate a small gift shop. The views overlooking the Pacific Ocean from Kilauea Point are spectacular. The Hawaiian Goose is on the Audubon Society’s Watch list red category, meaning the species is
declining rapidly, has very small populations on limited ranges, and faces major conservation threats. The Audubon Society estimates that there are now 960 to 1,000 Nenes in the wild. Fortunately for Kauai, its Nene population is actually growing. Perhaps one day the soft home of the Nene will be as prevalent as the clucking of Kauai’s wild chickens.
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january I february I march 2014
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kauai magazine
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kauai magazine
Best Island Event
Featuring 50 food stations staffed by some of the best chefs in Hawaii cooking for you “live” on the beautiful grounds of Smith’s Tropical Paradise. Sample culinary delights all afternoon, and then vote, letting the chefs know what you think. Dishes include island-style specialties like shrimp, scallops, beef, veggies, pasta, salads, desserts, and more. Beverage stations include: beer, wine, coffee drinks, juice, soft drinks, and water. Shoppers can visit the silent auction between bites to find bargains and Kauai souvenirs. Music performed at several bandstands throughout the park completes the festive, upscale garden-party atmosphere. The Taste of Hawaii is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kapaa, a non-profit network of business professionals who raise funds to do charitable works on Kauai and overseas. This year’s Taste of Hawaii will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the flat-fee, all-you-can-eat event are available through the Rotary Club of Kapaa. For more information, visit their website at: www.tasteofhawaii.com
january / february / march 2014
Taste of Hawaii’s “Ultimate Sunday Brunch” The Votes are in for Hawaii’s Best Chefs and their Dishes The Taste of Hawaii is one of Kauai’s signature annual fund-raising events, billed as the Ultimate Sunday Brunch The results of the 2013 Taste of Hawaii event appear below. Ballots were submitted during the event on Sunday, June 2, 2013.
OVERALL AWARDS
RESTAURANT
CHEF
People’s Choice (Overall):
Kawaii Cupcake
Christine Ichikawa
Favorite New Discovery:
The Feral Pig
Scott Kessinger
Aloha Beach Resort
Gregorio Stoll
Best “Aloha Spirit” Booth:
Kawaii Cupcake
Christine Ichikawa
“FAVORITES”
RESTAURANT
SPECIALTY
CHEF
Dessert:
Kawaii Cupcake
Variety of delicious cupcakes
Christine Ichikawa
Seafood:
Fairmont Kea Lani
Tempura Oyster Slider
Tylun Pang
Best Presentation:
Meat/Poultry:
The Feral Pig
Kaneshiro Farm Porchetta
Scott Kessinge
Vegetarian:
The Eastside
Island Salad, papaya ginger dressing
Shawn Gallagher
“FAVORITE” BEVERAGES
BREWER/PROVIDER
Beer:
Kauai Island Brewery
Wine:
Nani Moon Mead
Non-Alcoholic: Water:
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Rainbeau Jo’s Alchemy of Aloha
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kauai magazine
january I february I march 2014
The Villa at Paradise Island Ranch Perched on the plateau above the Kilauea River Valley and adjoining wildlife sanctuary, every room of this home enjoys ocean views.
Old world elegance with modern convenience.
4,000+ sq. ft. of Living Area, Air Conditioned 3 Bedrooms, 5 Baths with a separate studio office and approval in place for an additional Guest House. This mansion has it all with spectacular quality craftsmanship. The very fortunate future owner of the Villa will benefit from the extraordinary care and attention given to this home. For a closer look call:
Marilyn Mach, Realtor Broker
Encircling the 9.5 acre private and idyllic setting are an orchard, lush gardens, courtyards, a Resort style Baja step swimming pool & spa plus 2 outdoor kitchens and a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts. If you are looking for an incomparable island home with all the finest that Hawaii has to offer, Paradise Island Ranch is for you.
Offered at $7,500,000
808.639.9988
Marilyn@MarilynMach.com
And for more photos, visit us at: www.ParadiseIslandRanch.com
hawaiigateway.com
O’Connor Realty, LLC 4244 Kilauea Road Kilauea, HI 96754
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Lynda Gill (S)
Pacific Ocean Properties
Sales Director For Wai‘nani At Po‘ipu
2010, 2011 & 2012 Director Kauai Board of Realtors 2011 & 2012 KBR Chairperson MLS Committee
Cell 808-346-0056
www.LyndaGill.com
“I live and work on the beautiful south shore of Kauai and I sell the lifestyle that I live! The Crown Jewel Of Kalaheo
Single level, 3 bedroom / 3 bath plantation style home is a private resort unto itself. Attention to detail is evident throughout with Hawaiian Koa Wood floors, gourmet kitchen, coffered ceilings, a lava rock fireplace and the Master bedroom features two master bathrooms each with their own walk in closets. Take an HD Video tour at www.4418Panui.com
MLS: 265324 $1,195,000 Golf Course Living At Its Finest! This 9,592 square foot lot is perfectly located in the Kiahuna Golf Village subdivision and has three inspiring views of the Kiahuna Golf Course, Mt. Haupu and the Ocean. MLS 264498 $473,500 Close to the Grand Hyatt and Shipwrecks Beach! This home features two master suites and an open living floor plan. Enjoy all of the Poipu Kai amenities and the ability to rent out as a vacation rental. Take a video tour at www.PoipuKaiHome.com MLS 264708 $915,000 Fabulous Sunny Poipu Beach with Fabulous Rental Possibilities. This home has a main house with 2 bedroom / 2 bath and two attached 1 bedroom units. Home is being sold with adjoining 8,290 square foot lot that currently has a shed and mature fruit trees on it, but can be developed. MLS 265565 $1,895,000 Ocean and Fairway Views Lovely 3 bedroom / 3 bath home located in a pride of ownership neighborhood in sunny Poipu. Custom designed by the renowned architectural firm of Ossipoff, Snyder and Rowland. IN ESCROW MLS 265802 $1,195,000
808-742-6428
2253 Poipu Rd. Koloa, HI 96756
Kiahuna Plantation Ocean View 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath. Just steps away from the Kiahuna beach, this unit has been remodeled to perfection and is an active vacation rental. Ground floor corner unit with fabulous ventilation and location. MLS 268808 $735,000 (LH)
Call me for an overview of what the amazing south shore has to offer.
KOLOA ESTATES HALF ACRE LOT
Great level lot with ocean and mountain views!!! This property also comes with transferable rights to the new private development “Kukui’ula”. Koloa Estates is an upscale 32 lot community in the heart of Sunny Poipu. Many options come with property…. MLS 261672 Asking $748,000 (FS)
GREAT LOCATION IN THE HEART OF LIHUE
Beautifully remodeled 2BD/2BA condo in the heart of Lihue. Close to 1,100 sq.ft. of living space. Kalapaki Villas is anchored by beautiful majestic Banyans. This property is close to Shopping, Beaches and Entertainment ... it is all about location & island lifestyle! MLS 266812 Asking $315,000 (FS)
OVER HALF AN ACRE IN KOLOA ESTATES!!!
Koloa Estates home with 4BD/2.5BA and a wraparound porch. Within a mile to Poipu beaches and Historic Old Koloa Town, just the perfect location! Asking $1,295,000 (FS)
JOANIE STEINER, R, BIC 808 639-7653 (SOLD)
joanie4kauai@hawaiiantel.net
FABULOUS PACIFIC OCEAN VIEWS:
This Poipu Property is situated up next to Poipu Crater and the views are spectacular … all the way to Niihau! 3BD/3BA with 2 separate living areas, 2 lanais, a pool and walking distance to the beach and the Grand Hyatt. This is Hawaiiana at its BEST on the sunny side of Kauai!!!! This home is in an active vacation rental problem and may be difficult to see. Asking $2,300,000
ISLAND PACIFIC PROPERTIES
SOLD IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS: LD
LD
LD
SO
SO
SO
SOLD MLS 261567 Listed for $998,000 Closed for $865,000 Acreage, House with Views
SOLD MLS 259472 asking $220,000 Sold for $182,000 Koloa Garden Apartment LD
LD
LD
SOLD MLS 261583 Listed for $698,000 Closed for $665,007 Nihi Kai Villas 703
LD
SO
SO
SO
SOLD MLS 253361 Listed $1,225,000 Closed for $1,225,000 Kaiulani of Princeville #8
SOLD MLS 252354 Listed for $399,000 Closed for $385,000 Koloa Town
SO
SOLD MLS 258885 Listed for $459,000 Sold for $455,000 Regency Poipu Kai
SOLD MLS 261555 Listed for $649,599 Closed for $625,000 Nihi Kai Villas, Sunny Poipu
F. LEE MOREY, R,PB,CRS,CDPE
“Invest In Your Dreams”
(808) 651-6720
Email: turtle@hawaiian.net Office: (808) 332-7477 www.turtlecovrealtykauai.com
MLS 268015 • KOLOA PRIVACY • LAND: 10,563 SQ.FT.
The fantasy of living in Hawaii comes to life in this 4BD/4BA retreat in paradise. Expansive ocean views, pool, 2 outdoor spas, 1 ensuite spa. Private, yet a short walk to beaches, Kukuiula shopping, fine dining and golf. Air conditioned, stone and wood floors, new roof, granite and stone surfaces, private lanais for all bedrooms, soothing water views and sounds. An additional dwelling unit may be built on this property. Check with County of Kauai. Has a Transient Vacation Rental Permit .
MLS 266513 • LAND: 2.25 ACRES
Stunning ocean views in this spacious 3BD/2BA exotic home. Home features an open living and entertaining area with hardwood floors, granite countertops, imported doors and design accents, lava rock shower and whirlpool spa tub. Over 1,000 11, ,00 000 sq sq fftt of of ddeck de eck ck sspace pace pa ce aand nd nd lottss of lo lots of room room ro m to to ggrow. gr ow. Be ow ow. BBeautifully eau auttiifu full ullll llandscaped land la and ndssccaappeedd llevel eevve eve lot for lo lot for pool fo ppoool ol or or fruit ffrr ttrees. tr reeeess.. Architectural Arcchhit Ar hititeecct drawings draaw dr win inggss available ava vaililaabb for for expansion fo expa ex pannssiioon of of living lilivviing ng space. sppaace ce.
$$1,800,000 $1 1,880000,,0000 00
$2,485,000 MLS 262502 • W WAIMEA AII ME A M EA CANYON CAN CA NYYON O N DRIVE DR RII VE V E • LLAND: AN A N D: D: 110,598 0,55998 SQ 0, SQ.FT. Q.FF T. T.
Home needs foundation und ndat dat atiioon wo w work. orrkk. Itt iiss a charming charmi ch arrmi ming ng 3BD/2BA 3BD BD/2 /2BA BA home hhom oom me with wiith w th great gre reaatt value. val alue ue. e. Interior has great spaces ces ce es and and an an an amazing am maazziing ng amount amo mooun uunnt of of room. roooom m.. There The herree iiss a big big kki bi kitchen itc tcche hen with he wiith w th an excess of cabinets and and family an fami fa mily ly room roo oom right rir gh ght there tthher ther ere re to to watch wat atcchh the atch the he kids kid ids and aannd cook. coookk. Formal co coo Form Fo rmal al living and dining room and private office also for your comfort and entertaining ease.
$385,000
MLS ML M L S 265540 265555540 26 4400 KAI K AI A I IKENA I KE KEN NA A SUBDIVISION S UB UBD DII V VII SI SIO ON N • LAND: L AN AND D:: 88,424 ,,4424 24 SSQ.FT. Q..F Q
IImmaculate mma macu cula late late te ccontemporary oonnte teemp mppoorrar m ary hho home ome me m mov move-in oveov e-in in rready eaddyy w ea with itth bbe beautiful eauuttiifu ful oc oocean cea ean aan and nd m mo mountain ouunnt views. vvi iiew ewss.. O ew Open pen floor pe fflloo oor plan ppllan an for foorr entertaining enntter erttaain inin ing with ing wiith w th high hig igh ceilings ceiillin ce ings gs and and nd hardwood haarrdw wooood floors. fflloo oors rs. Kitchen Kiitc Ki ttcche hen has hhaas huge huge hu ge pantry pan anttrry and and lots an lots lo ts of of cabinets ccaabi abi bine nets ts with witith updated upda up datteeedd appliances. aapppl plia ianc nces ces es. Fabulous FFaabbuuloouuss Fabu large llaarg rge wa w walk-in alk lk-i-in closets cclloosseetts and and an nd spacious spac sp aciiooous us luxurious us lux uxuurriioo baths. batthhhs. bath ba ss.. Garage Gaarrag age iiss 1,564 1,56 1, 564 sq. sqq. ft. ft. Handy ft Han Ha Han man’s maan’ m ann’’s dream. ddrrea rea eam. m.
$$785,000 $785 $7 78855,0 ,000 00
MLS M ML L S 263886 2633888866 • 4492 26 4928 928 KUA 928 92 KUA RD. KU R D. #A RD #A
Custom 1,995 sq.ft. home om mee with wiitth ceiling cceeilin illiinng to to floor fllooor or windows, wiinndo dows, ws, open ws opeenn floor op fllooor or plan pla lan an and and 20 an 20 foot ffoo oot oo ceilings with skylights. ss.. SSlate lattee oonn ffifirst la irs rstt fflfloor loo oor kitchen, kkiitc tcheenn,, dining diinnin ing ng and aannd living lliivviing ng areas. areeaass. Sc SScreened Scre cre reen eneedd in lanai studio. LLarge aarrggee m master astteer su as ssuite uitite up upstairs, pst staaiirs rs, 2 cl cclosets, llos oosset sets, eetts, s, sstorage ttoora tora raggee aareas rage reas re as w with iitth ssm small maalll deck. Jacuzzi, two vanities, marble shower in master bath. Separate ohana with bath between the house and 2 car garage.
$769,000
Lori Finch, RS
G R E AT LAND BUYS!
808-639-7022
MLS ML M LS 257625 LS 2576 25 76625 2255 • Milia Mililiaa St. St.t. Kekala KKeeka kala la Makai, Mak akaaii, Ka KKalaheo ala lahheeo Big Big Ocean Bi Occea O ean Views Viieew wss 11,709 sq ft f $275,000
MLS 268042 • LAWAI VALLEY • LAND: 2.676 ACRES
A long curved palm lineddriveway leads to this private estate. The 3,118 sf home wtih 4BD/3BA is unit 1 of a three unit CPR in process of state approval. A workshop is located behind the home. Since the final public report has not been issued, we are only able to take rre reservations ese servat rrvvaattitiioons ns aatt th tthis h ttitime. im mee. N Noo ddeposits. epoossitits ep PProof Pr rroo oof ooff ccash oo oof ash funds, as funndd fu aass w well eelll aass a pprereereqqu qual qualifi uaallifificcation aattiioon le lletter ett tte mu m must ustt aaccompany ust ccccom ompa mppany paannyy aany an ny rre ny reservation esseerv ese rvat atiioon rre request. eqquues estt.. SSeller eellle ler w wi will il rrent re enntt pproperty roppeert ro rty to to ppotential po ote tent ntia ial bu bbuyer uyyeer uun until n fifina nnal na al pu ppublic ubbllic ic rreport eeppoorrt is isissued. sssuued ued ed. TTh This hiiss m may ay take ay t tthree th hre ree or or ffour our m ou mo months. on Francis “Rusty” Hutchinson, R 808-652-0914 thre
$$1,150,000 $1 1,1 ,150 50,000000
MLS MLLS 234342 M 2343 23 4342 42 • Papalina Paappaallin ina Road RRooaadd Ideal Ideeaal co Id ccommercial omm mmer erci ciaall ssite itite 25,495 25,449955 sq. 25 sqq.. ft. ftt.. $1,199,000
MLS MLLS 251736 M 251736 25 1736 17 36 • Kapaka Kap apaakka St St Princeville Prin Pr incevi cceevi villlle Ranc RRanch Ra annccchh La LLands and nds Gorgeous Goorg G rgeeoouuss m mountain oouunt ntai ain aan ain and nd distant d ocean views on 6 acres $849,000
KiahunaGolfHome.com Private Resort Setting 3Bd/3Ba home w/ Pool on Fairway in Kiahuna Golf Village $1,975,000 PuakoCustomHome.com
OceanfrontAliomanu.com 2Bd/2Ba Ocean Front Vacation Rental Home $1,720,000
KalaheoHome.com 3Bd/4Ba Custom Home Near 18th Green of Puakea GC $1,099,000
KakelaMakaiLiving.com
3Bd/2.5Ba Custom Home in Kakela Makai Oceanview S/D $1,050,000
LanaiVillasLiving.com 3Bd/3Ba Home w/ Ocean & Mountain Views $998,000
2Bd/2Ba Poipu’s Least Expensive Home In VDA $810,000
KalaheoLiving.com
WailuaLiving.com 3Bd/2.5Ba Single-Level Home on a Large Lot $598,000
3Bd/3Ba w/ Split-Level Floor Plan New paint, carpet and tile $530,000
PoipuSandsLiving.com
MakahuenaLiving.com
PoipuOceanfrontLot.com
PrincevilleLot.com
2Bd/2Ba Poipu Sands Unit #434 w/ Great Ocean Views $843,000
3Bd/2.5Ba Makahuena Oceanfront Complex Unit #1305 $675,000
Ready to Build your custom home Hoonani Rd. Lots A & B Two water meters installed $1,995,000 Queen Emma Bluff Lot above 6th Signature Hole on Prince GC 9,648 sq.ft. $825,000
MakanuiLiving.com
NihiKaiVillasLiving.com
KukuiulaLot.com
KakelaMakaiLand.com
3Bd/2Ba Poipu’s Only Free-Standing Condo w/ 2-Car Garage $795,000
2Bd/2Ba Vacation Rental Nihi Kai Villas Unit #806 $655,000
Build your custom home in Kukuiula Parcel M4, Lot 43 20,003 sq.ft. $1,550,000
Kakela Makai Rim Lot with Buildable Plans 10,005 sq.ft. $455,000
kauai magazine
Natural Beauty
Wailua Falls, Wailua Valley The twin Wailua falls will be recognized as the establishing shot for the television show “Fantasy Island.” Swimmers may often be seen in the pool at the bottom or farther down river. Getting there: Take Kuhio Highway north out of Lihue, past Wilcox Hospital, down to the bottom of the hill. Turn mauka (towards the mountain) on Highway 583 and proceed to the falls.
Opaekaa Falls, Wailua Valley A lacy splash of waterfall that can be thunderous during a storm, Opaekaa Falls is one of the most well known on the Garden Island. Getting there: From Lihue, take Kuhio Highway north; turn mauka (towards the mountains) on Kuamoo Road. You can drive right up to the lookout for the waterfall, on the right.
Waipoo, Waimea Canyon Along the way to this waterfall, you are treated to breathtaking views of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” patches of beautiful wild ginger, and the occasional goat and nene (Hawaiian goose). Getting there: A 2-3 hour strenuous hike starting at the 15-mile marker on Waimea Canyon Road brings you to the top of the two-step plunge of Waipoo Falls.
Hanakapiai Falls, NaPali Coast Stunning views of the Na Pali Coast along the Kalalau Trail are a bonus on the way to Hanakapiai Falls. The reward for a trek to this waterfall is a long, silvery ribbon of water gushing into a large, cool pool, into which you may be happy to throw yourself after the 4-mile hike. This is tropical paradise, complete with large flat boulders for sunbathing, and fringing trees for shade. The hike is a strenuous and fatiguing upand-downhill two-mile trip inland from Hanakapiai Beach, itself a challenging 2-mile coastal hike from the trail head at Kee Beach. Getting there: Take Highway 560 towards the North Shore. Park at the end of the road at Kee Beach, which is a slow 10 miles past the Hanalei River bridge.
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Waterfalls of Kauai Natures beautiful raw power The allure of a tropical waterfall cannot be denied. Waterfalls are inspirational, romantic, and exciting -- much the opposite of daily life’s cement, steel, asphalt, glass, and plastic. Kauai’s famous for its waterfalls, many of which have appeared in feature films such as Jurassic Park (Manawaiopuna Falls, accessible only by helicopter) and Six Days Seven Nights (accessible on ATV tours of a former sugar cane plantation). Many of Kauai’s falls are easy to access by car or on foot.
Wailua Falls Opaekaa Falls
Hanakapiai Falls
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kauai magazine
touring in paradise Experiencing paradise by wheel, hoof, or foot Kauai is "Gilligan’s Island"? Yes — and Gaynor’s Bali Hai (South Pacific), Jurassic Park’s parkland, George’s jungle, the boss’ "Fantasy Island", Hook’s Neverland, Elvis’ Blue Hawaii, Ben Stiller’s Tropic Thunder, James Cameron’s Avatar, among others. The island of Kauai has been the setting for dozens of movies and television shows since the early 1930’s. 26
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Kalalau Valley The varied climate and geography provide virtually every type of outdoor scenery imaginable. These same exquisite landscapes and gorgeous weather are main attractions for non-actors, too. Organized movie tours in mini-busses or a 4x4 off-road van are a great way not only to see the locations of well-known films, but also to experience dramatic parts of the island that would otherwise not be accessible. The more adventurous explorer might choose to chart a path through Kauai’s wilderness in a four-wheel drive or an ATV. If two wheels are your idea of fun, then bicycling down the Waimea Canyon may be your answer. Perhaps a romantic ride on horseback is your fancy. Ecotourism, nature, and culture-based tourism that is ecologically sustainable and supports local communities is gaining in popularity on the island. Whatever your mode of transportation, a sightseeing tour of Kauai’s exquisite scenery will be a day to record and remember.
ON FOOT Hanalei Valley taro field canal hawaiigateway.com
hiking Your own two feet are one of the best ways to see the most inaccessible of Kauai’s scenic gems. Dozens of hikes are possible across the island where you’ll enjoy vistas, beaches, waterfalls, and even a
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Mahaulepu Beach swamp that cannot be seen using any other type of transportation. For maps and details covering 34 major hiking trails on Kauai, visit Na Ala Hele, the State of Hawaii Trail and Access Program (administered by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources) at: http://www.hawaiitrails.org/island.asp?island=Kauai. Not included on the State’s list (referenced above) is the infamous Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile strenuous coastal walkabout beginning at Kee Beach (at the end of Highway 560) and traveling deep into the Kalalau Valley. Accessible in summer months only, hikers usually take 3-5 days to hike in and out of Kalalau (permit required) which provides unparalleled and stunning views of the Na Pali Coast hanging on the Pacific Ocean. For a shorter, permit-free day trip, trek 2 miles along the coastal Kalalau Trail to the violent surf of Hanakapiai Beach and then another 2 miles inland to the spectacular Hanakapiai Falls, a long, silvery ribbon of water gushing into a large, cool pool, into which you may be happy to throw yourself after the 4-mile fatiguing hike. For permits, call the DLNR at 808 274-3433. luau After all that trekking, you’ll be famished. The luau, which involves parts of your anatomy other than your feet, is an exotic, South Pacificstyle celebration of food, color, style, history, music, and dance. Women in grass skirts, men in face paint, authentic fire dancers (a Samoan convention), and traditional music showcase the cultures and customs of Polynesia. Many luaus are located on beautiful estates adjacent to beaches with a view of the setting sun over the ocean. A typical luau may begin with a flower lei greeting, followed by a traditional Hawaiian “Imu Ceremony,” the uncovering of the roast Kalua pig from its imu (underground oven). Guests then dine on a delicious feast of Hawaiian-style food. In addition to the pig, luau foods typically include poi (taro), chicken, lomi salmon, haupia or coconut custard, sweet potato, salad, fish, rice and many specialty items, such as laulau (individual packets of fish cooked with the pig) and mahi mahi (a delicate white fish). Of course, no modern luau would be complete without mandatory mai tais. The luau feast is accompanied by an energy-filled, live show of pounding drum rhythms and luau dancers who tell the story of Hawaii
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through their enchanting hula. Visit www.BestPlacesHawaii.com for the most recent listings of luaus. It’s a good idea to book your reservations well in advance as seating is limited and the most popular luaus sell out early. The luau is an unforgettable experience that tickles the nose with savory scents, entices the palate with delicious flavors, pleases the eyes with colorful entertainment, and bathes the ear in exotic music. Enjoy the enchantment of the luau, Hawaii’s homegrown celebration for a full immersion in Hawaiian culture.
WHEELING ATVs For those who crave a wilder ride and don’t mind getting dirty and wet, many of the location sites can be toured via ATVs, rolling through streams and into forests over rocks, following the Huleia River, where Indiana Jones took off in his seaplane. ATVs are easy to operate and prior experience isn’t necessary — just a willingness to get splattered from head to toe in Kauai’s classical red dirt. Some providers travel through private estate lands, into the island’s interior, to waterfalls and along mountain ridges. Some trips bounce along old cane roads and tunnels and explore tropical forests and lush jungles. movie location tours Five-hour guided and narrated tours trek to many of Kauai’s movie locations. Among them are the remote beach where the pilot for the TV show Gilligan’s Island was shot, the famous, and underrenovation Coco Palms resort, where Elvis’ Blue Hawaii was filmed, and locations for such productions as South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Six Days, Seven Nights, and Jurassic Park. Passengers in buses view actual scenes from films and television shows on a TV monitor in surround sound. A nice way to see quite a bit of the island is from the comfort of such a touring van. Tour stops may include Opaekaa Falls, one of Kauai’s many beautiful waterfalls on the East Side of the island. Other sites in the tour include Lydgate Beach Park, the famous Wailua Falls (used in the continued on page 30 hawaiigateway.com
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The Ke Ahu o Laka hula platform and the Kaulu Paoa Heiau, a stone temple dedicated to Laka the goddess of hula. continued from page 28 opening scene of the Fantasy Island TV series), and Hanamaulu Bay, a location for Donovan’s Reef, Voodoo Island, Pagan Love Song, and Six Days, Seven Nights. motorcycles There’s nothing like riding a motorcycle in paradise. The roads from Kee Beach to Kekaha are lined with spectacular scenery, beaches, parks and lots of fresh clean air, taking all this in is an experience only a motorcycle trip can offer. You can rent motorcycles that fit your riding ability and budget. 4x4 vehicles Some 4x4 tour companies offer tours in rugged air conditioned off-road vans, while others tour in open-air vehicles. One tour takes you to Kipu Ranch, a spectacular 2,500-acre ranch just south of Lihue, featuring a dramatic grand entrance lined with majestic Norfolk pines. The ranch has been used repeatedly in Hollywood hits such as Diamond Head and The Hawaiians, both starring Charlton Heston, and Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Lost World, sequel to Jurassic Park. Other films shot on the Kipu Ranch include Outbreak and the 1997 remake of Mighty Joe Young. Other companies take you on spectacular off-road tours, including to Kokee State Park with panoramic vistas of Waimea Canyon that can only be seen from taking one of these tours. bicycles If pedaling is your preference, you could book a bicycle tour of the Waimea Canyon starting at the crack of dawn. Begin at the rim
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(elevation, 3,500 feet) of the famed canyon and traverse down 12 miles of winding road skirting this “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” (so dubbed by Mark Twain) all the way to the blue Pacific Ocean. Bikers will experience the gorgeous reds, oranges, and earth tones of the layered canyon walls. Or get off the beaten track with a cruise along the scenic roads of the private Grove Farm Plantation. Pedal past various crops, the now defunct Koloa Sugar Mill, and enjoy some of Kauai’s pristine coastline. There are also several bicycle rental companies for those that wish to explore in a small group or on their own. Maps are available for the best, and safest, places to ride.
HORSING AROUND
Touring Kauai on horseback is a romantic and unique way to see the island’s abundant natural and inner beauty. On the South Shore, saddle-up for a horseback ride along the beautifully sculpted Mahaulepu cliffs. Mosey along sandy white beaches and stop for a swim. On Kauai’s North Shore, take a leisurely horseback ride to gaze upon the majestic emerald mountains of Hanalei (where you just might see “Puff the Magic Dragon”) and the patchwork squares of taro fields in the valley. Then stop for a swim in the pool of a cascading waterfall. No matter how you make the trek — on two wheels, four wheels, two legs or four legs — Kauai’s trails, canyons, cliffs, mountains, beaches, fairways, and rolling hills are waiting for you to put yourself in the picture and explore and capture the inner secrets of the land of the Garden Island. I hawaiigateway.com
kauai stories kauai magazine
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Keeping Hula Alive Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin
The beautiful Hawaiian art of hula dancing was almost lost entirely in the 1820s when hula was banned, deemed by at least one missionary society as a “public evil.” Re-initiated in the 1870s under Hawaii’s last king, David Kalakaua, hula dancing now holds its revered position as an integral part of Hawaiian life. Kauai-born Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin began taking hula lessons as a little girl. Now a well-respected kumu hula (hula instructor), Jardin shares her journey through hula in the book, Kauai Stories, excerpted here in her own words.
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Hula dancing was the only form of communication for Hawaiians for centuries because we didn’t have a written language until the early 1800s. It kept stories alive about Pele and other gods, about the different ‘aumakua (spiritual guardians) and the genealogy of all our ancestors. In ancient times, women were totally forbidden from doing the hula. It was done only by men to prepare for battle. It was the best, finest form of training that they knew. So a lot of the ancient hula, it’s very vigorous, like if you put a spear in their hands they could hurt someone. Eventually the men started to go off to war and that is when the women took a liking to hula. I always joke that it’s like everything in life: men started it, women learned how, we got better at it and we took over. There are two types of hula: kahiko, the ancient, and ‘auana, which is more modern and was developed after the missionaries arrived in Hawaii. Kahiko is very traditional; these are very old mele (songs) talking about the birth of the islands, gods and restating history. In early years, hula was danced only to chanting, not to instrumental music. The first beat that hula was set to was to the pahu drum from Tahiti, traditionally made from the coconut tree with sharkskin as the head or cover. Kahiko hula danced to the pahu drum is the most sacred form of hula. When you learn a hula pahu, the idea is to deliver it almost exactly as it was taught to you; there’s no room for innovation. You shouldn’t be smiling, it’s somber, you stay very humble. The pahu is where the attention is placed, and on what is being said, not on the dancer. As you move along time and history, there’s more room for creativity, so if you’re doing a kahiko mele about Queen Lili’uokalani or King Kalaukaua, who are contemporary, hawaiigateway.com
Miss Keiki Hula competition. She was going to dance to a song named after the waterfalls in Hanapepe Valley that were featured in the Jurassic Park movie. Jaedyn’s grandparents used to live in that valley. I wanted her to see the falls, to feel the mist on her skin. A week before the competition, we chartered a helicopter and landed there. Jaedyn danced at the base of the waterfall and we cried and we all got wet from the spray of the falls. The next week, she won Miss Keiki Hula.
The Blessings Keep Coming
you can put a smile in there. It’s hard for me to not smile, so I prefer to dance ‘auana. But I prefer teaching the ancient kahiko. I love seeing what was taught to me in front of me, to see it living on. To watch 40 or 50 of my women students do a traditional hula is very powerful.
Feel the Mist
I want my students to feel love for our Hawaiian culture, love for the hula because you are sharing our culture, and to dance with the utmost respect for the composer who took the time to write that mele. You have to put yourself in that location that the song is written about. When my niece, Jaedyn, was nine years old, I entered her in the
I’m probably known as one of the strictest hula teachers on Kauai. My students know I love them dearly and there is a time to have fun and play, but when it’s hula time, we do tough training. I believe, as in anything in life, you have to work hard, you have to be committed. After each semester the parents say, “Lei, thank you so much because my daughter is so responsible, she’s so respectful in all areas of life.” Hula teaches them about commitment, about working hard and not giving up. My mom has missed out on a lot of what I have accomplished because she passed away right after I started my own halau (school) and before my children were born. But I truly believe that she is my angel in Heaven. I think there’s a line up there where you ask for special favors and I think my mom keeps on cutting in line, because I’ve received so many blessings over the past few years. And the blessings just keep on coming.
”
Excerpted from Kauai Stories, a book that captures the joy of life on Kauai in people’s own words, available on Amazon.com and locations across Kauai. www.kauaistories.net
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Flying In Paradise
Napali Coast
Discovering Kauai’s Hidden Wonders from Above Visitors to the Garden Isle naturally want to absorb as much of paradise as possible. Those who arrive on Kauai by jetliner get just a glimpse of the island’s breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes. However, to view the gushing waterfalls and emerald rainforest of the remote interior requires a smaller form of transportation that provides a closer perspective. 34
A trip to the Garden Island is not complete without some form of an airborne adventure -- one of the three experiences of Kauai’s air-land-sea activity trifecta. Kauai is blessed with wild, untouched natural beauty unlike anywhere else on earth, much completely inaccessible except by air. Ninety percent of the island is not accessible by land vehicle, and 70 percent is inaccessible by foot. Flying tours provide panoramic views of the island’s visual treasures, among them, Manawaiopuna Falls, a location for Jurassic Park, the countless cascading falls of Waialeale Crater, and the famous Napali coast, with its verdant, razor-thin cliffs. A trip around the island by air helps visitors understand the geography and decide which sides of the island they want to explore further. From the air, a passenger observes that Kauai is a mini-continent with micro-climates ranging from desert on the West Side, to the primeval Alakai Swamp above the emerald Napali cliffs, to the Waimea “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” one of Kauai’s natural wonders. helicopters You can embark on one of these exciting flight seeing excursions in a number of ways. Helicopter tours are the most common method with most companies departing from Lihue continued on page 36 hawaiigateway.com
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Hanalei Bay continued from page 34 (Central) . Others depart from Hanapepe (West Side), , and Princeville (North Shore). Some helicopter tour companies provide noise-canceling headphones with music piped in and narration from the pilot. Flights from the Lihue Airport typically start out over Nawiliwili Harbor and the Menehune Fish Pond. According to legend, the pond was built overnight by the Menehune (little people) who inhabited Kauai before the Polynesians arrived. The helicopters then pass along Haupu Mountain Range, heading inland and westward over Hanapepe Valley, Olokele, and the dramatic Waimea Canyon. One company offers a special Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure at Manawaiopuna Falls, seen in the movie Jurassic Park. Depending on the time of day, the intensity of the sun, and the presence of clouds casting shadows, the variegated colors in the canyon’s layers range from fiery orange and rust red, to glowing copper and bronze, to pastel hues of taupe and terra-cotta. The incredible remote valleys of the Napali coast come into view next. Knife-edge ridges separate the lush valleys where the Kalalau, Hanakoa, and Hanakapiai waterfalls plunge hundreds of feet into streams on their way to kissing the ocean. Sea caves and a hanging valley have been carved out of the coastline by the incessant, pounding surf. Leaving Napali, the chopper passes Mt. Makana, the peak portrayed as the island Bali Hai in the movie South Pacific. Below you can see Kee Beach at the end of the road on the North Shore and the beginning of the eleven-mile hiking trail to Kalalau Valley. Kee Beach is also the site of well-known beach scene between Rachel Ward and Richard Chamberlain from the television mini-series the Thorn Birds. The helicopter next soars over Hanalei Valley, the home of rainbows and patchwork quilts of taro fields, passing by more sparkling waterfalls on its way to the center of the island. In the center of Kauai, Mt. Waialeale -- known as “the wettest spot on earth” with over 400 inches of rain annually -- is also the location of Kawaikini Peak, 5,243 feet above sea level and the highest elevation on Kauai. From above, you can spot the “Blue Hole,” actually a pool, at the base of Mt. Waialeale, and the result of the convergence of two streams and a waterfall. Flights departing from Princeville soar over the Hanalei Valley, the
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Napali Coast, and Waimea Canyon. One helicopter company provides tours of the “forbidden” island of Niihau, a private island off the west shores of Kauai (and ancestral home of Hawaiian musician Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole, known for his medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World”). Helicopter tours are operated on a weather-permitting basis and reservations should be made in advance. Some companies will arrange custom tours or photo charters to specific sites. Partly cloudy skies with a little rain shouldn’t keep visitors from taking a flight. A veil of mist behind a pali (cliff) accentuates its razor-sharp edge and, as everyone knows, sun and showers are the ingredients for Kauai’s world-famous rainbows (and sometimes double rainbows). fixed-wing airplanes A slower, more relaxed adventure by air is via a small, fixedwing airplane or an open cockpit biplane. Fixed-wing air tours are 45 minutes to one hour long and cover the entire island of Kauai. Also available are private charter biplanes, departing from Lihue, which allow customized flights. These planes are built to emulate aircraft from the 1930s and 1940s, but with modern modifications for safety and comfort. Standard, pre-designed sightseeing flights of the island from 30 minutes to one hour long are also available. ultralights For those who have dreamed of being able to fly, the Ultralight “Trike” – an open-air two-person engine-powered hang glider -- emulates the experience. The Ultralight is as close to real flying (as in, “I’m a bird!”) as you may ever experience. Combine the thrill of this open-air, wind-in-your-hair ride with Kauai’s spectacular scenery and you have an experience better than any dream. The craft is stable, considered to be safer than hang-gliding, features the latest digital instrumentation and global positioning systems, and is engine-powered. The Ultralight takes off and lands on regular runways and has parachutes onboard for safety. If you’ve seen the movie Fly Away Home, the contraption that Jeff Daniels flies to lead a flock of orphaned Canadian geese home (though not on Kauai) is an Ultralight. For incredible images of Kauai taken from the vantage point of an Ultralight, check out the video, Extreme Kauai, available at http://www.bestbookshawaii.com. One of the main reasons visitors choose Kauai as their vacation destination is the island’s incomparable natural beauty. x
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Splashing in Paradise Kauai's countless ocean and river experiences A trip to the Garden Island is not complete without some time spent in, on, or under the water. The Pacific Ocean’s turquoise waters surrounding the island and Kauai’s sparkling clear inland streams and rivers beckon whale watchers,
anglers,
boaters,
divers, surfers, and other water sport lovers. The dilemma may be what to dive into first. 38
whale-watching cruises A whale-watching ocean tour is an intimate way to experience the awesome Humpback Whale and enjoy the variety of Kauai’s beautiful landscapes from an off-island perspective. Every fall, Humpback Whales leave their Alaskan feeding grounds to journey to the waters of the Hawaiian Islands to sojourn for the winter, mate, birth, and nurse their young. (Whales think that Hawaii is romantic, too!) Whale-watching cruises give you an up-close and personal encounter with these magnificent mammals from about November to March, when Humpbacks are most prevalent. You can choose to whale-watch from aboard catamarans, zippy rubber zodiac rafts, cruise vessels, and sail boats. Some tour companies offer dual-powered (motorized and sailing) catamarans for snorkeling, whale watching, and sunset cruises. Some provide the more extreme rigid-hull zodiac inflatables. Be sure to bring a camera. A waterproof disposable camera is a good idea, as well as a towel and an extra set of dry clothes, because you will get wet. Binoculars will help with closer observation of whale activity. For best viewing with binoculars, use 8x40 or 7x50 magnification. If you don’t have sea legs, consider taking nonprescription or homeopathic motion sickness prevention medication before getting on any ocean craft. Hawaii winter wave swells can be immense and the sea ride can get quite bouncy. Whales abound in the waters all around Kauai, putting on a show with playful behavior such as fin slapping, lob tailing (slapping the tail fluke), and breaching (jumping out of the water). Don’t be surprised to see a school of Spinner dolphins, traveling in parallel pairs along your tour boat, rhythmically leaping out of the sea. Baby dolphins flip themselves into the air with abandon alongside their parents. You may also spot albatross and Boobies (birds which nest and hatch in the caves of the Na Pali cliffs). continued on page 40 hawaiigateway.com
A trip to the Garden Island is not complete without some time spent in, on, or under the water. The Pacific Ocean’s turquoise waters surrounding the island and Kauai’s sparkling clear inland streams and rivers beckon whale watchers, anglers, boaters, divers, surfers, and other water sport lovers. The dilemma may be what to dive into first.
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continued from page 38 snorkeling, diving, tubing, and swimming Beneath the kayaks’ paddles, the surfboards’ swooshing fins, and the touring catamarans’ bouncing pontoons, lives a cool, quiet blue world that belongs to Kauai’s abundant sea life. Diving and snorkeling tour operators provide instructions on how to use their equipment and even how to get great photographs and videos of your sea adventures. Some of the best snorkeling locations are: Koloa Landing; Lawai Beach; Poipu Beach Park; Lydgate Park; Tunnels Beach; and Kee Beach. Grab a snorkel, mask, and flippers for an afternoon, and enter Kauai’s enchanted underwater world. “Tubing” is a unique experience. Plan to get wet. Tubing takes you on a guided tour through jungles and tunnels using former sugar plantation irrigation waterways while you “float on air,” relaxed on an inner tube. Tubing is an effortless way to tour some of the island’s otherwise inaccessible areas. surfing Surfing, boogie boarding, kite-surfing, and windsurfing are popular water sports on Kauai. If you have a favorite board, you can check it as airline baggage (for an extra fee) or you can rent gear on island. Key spots for surfing include: Polihale; Major’s Bay at Barking Sands; Davidson’s at Kekaha; Pakalas; Poipu Beach; Lawai Beach (also called PKs and Acid Drop); Shipwrecks; Nawiliwili Harbor; Hanalei Bay; Tunnels; and Cannons. Check with local lifeguards and surfers for a report on conditions and be aware of dangerous currents, increasing swells, and rip currents. Windsurfing/kite-surfing spots include: Salt Pond; Mahaulepu; Anini Beach; Hanalei Bay; and Y-Camps (YMCA at Haena). For local wind and surf conditions, call (808) 245-3564 or 245-6001. kayaking Are you ready to dip your paddle in clear fresh water fed by sparkling waterfalls? Or would you rather explore sea caves, cliffs, and waterfalls and then snorkel in a secluded bay or lagoon amid tropical fish? Or both? Then a kayaking tour is the perfect activity for you.
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Millions of years of erosion and weathering have created more plains and rivers on Kauai than on any other Hawaiian island. Kauai’s six rivers are the only navigable rivers in Hawaii: Waimea; Hanapepe; Huleia; Wailua; Kalihiwai; and Hanalei. Via river kayaking, you can discover tropical rainforests, woods, and swampy jungles amidst a profusion of colorful flowers and butterflies. Most kayak tour operators offer waterfalls tours combining a perfect blend of paddling, hiking, swimming, and picnicking at places like Secret Falls up the Wailua River. fresh-water fishing Anglers may be surprised to learn that freshwater fishing for trout and bass on Kauai’s rivers, ponds, streams, and reservoirs is remarkable. You can trout fish at Kokee State Park (on Kauai’s west side) in designated streams, reservoirs, and “ditches.” Trout fishing season begins with a 16-day period in August and continues on weekends and holidays through September. Large-mouth bass, small-mouth bass, and the exotic South American peacock bass have been caught in Kauai’s reservoirs. Fishing licenses are required and available online at http:// www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/licenses.htm. For more information, call the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources at (808) 274-3344. deep-sea fishing If you are hooked on deep-sea fishing, both exclusive and shared charter trips are available. Shared charters reduce your cost, but fish caught on shared trips are divided among passengers. Excursions can vary from several hours long to up to two-day overnight adventures to remote fishing spots around the island. On these exciting excursions, you fish for ono, billfish, ahi, mahi-mahi, and more. For fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, surfing, sailing, whalewatching, Kauai is happy to bathe you in multiple water sports. Whatever ways you choose to get wet – in, on, or under the water – the experience is bound to be therapeutic in the magical waters surrounding Kauai. W hawaiigateway.com
island beaches
The beach at Polihale is not easy to access, which means there won’t be many others joining you on the miles of uninterrupted, wide, flat beach. To get to Polihale and the Polihale State Park, take Highway 50 past the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) and turn left at the sign for Polihale onto a poorly maintained, old sugarcanehauling dirt road. This access road is about 4 miles of potholes, and the bumpy ride takes about 45 minutes (depending on when the road was last graded) through fields of sugar cane at a snail’s pace. When at last you cannot go any farther, you are rewarded with glorious Polihale Beach emerging and sloping seaward from the base of the towering cliffs. A legend about the cliffs, called Haeleele by the Hawaiians, lives on today. Spirits leaving this world would use the cliffs as a jumping off point to join their ancestors in the land of Po (their after world). If no family of spirits were there to receive them, the spirits would remain earthbound, wandering around the cliffs attaching themselves to rocks. This legend explains why it is considered bad luck to take any stones from Polihale— you might be picking up a spirit who wants to get back home. Not surprisingly, Polihale roughly translates as the “House of the Spirit World.” The beach at Polihale averages 300 feet wide, and because it is unprotected, the coastline receives the full force of the ocean’s power. Even in summer, waves can travel up the beach and pull an unsuspecting sunbather into the water. This vast expanse of sand is so immense, in both length and width, that the desert beach appears to go on forever. The clear, azure ocean somehow seems bigger here, too, as does the infinite blue sky. When the wind is blowing and the waves are rolling in hard and 42
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Polihale
House of the Spirit World
H&S ARCHIVES
kauai magazine
Polihale Beach and State Park On the extreme western end of Kauai lies Polihale, a pristine and wild place, with a long stretch of wide, white sand beach, dunes rising 100 feet high, and the magnificent Napali cliffs in the distance.
fast, the waters are treacherous for swimming. No reef exists here to mitigate the powerful ocean currents. When the seas and the winds are calmer, swimming is possible, but then the sands will be burning hot from the sun, so be sure to have flip-flops handy. The massive dunes at Polihale are popular with the locals for tooling around in their ATVs and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Do NOT try driving on the dunes with your car – you’ll only go far enough to become stranded. At the southernmost end of Polihale Beach is an area called Queen’s Pond. The swimming here is relatively safe because a small reef forms a protective semi-circular pool like an oasis in this arid shoreline.
One word of caution — in winter the wind can be brutal and the waves ferocious as they pound against the sand, sometimes creating a sandstorm at the beach. However, even these conditions present an untamed beauty that has to be admired. The West Side of Kauai is sunny and dry almost all the time, making Polihale State Park, however remote, an ideal spot for a picnic (facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables). At the end of the day, you will be treated to what some say is the most spectacular location on Kauai to witness a sunset — Polihale, the House of the Spirit World.
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