 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 Kauai's incredible natural beauty extends from the breathtaking heights of the Kokee forests to the Na Pali coastline; from the ever-changing colors of Waimea Canyon to the romance of moonlit Hanalei Bay. Botanic Gardens Kauai display four botanic gardens which are open to the public for small fees. The Smith's Tropical Paradise at Wailua, Ola Pua Gardens at Kalaheo, Kiahuna Plantation Gardens in Poipu, and the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Lawai, offer an unusual assortment of flowers, shrubs, cacti and other magnificent species of plant life. Fern Grotto is a hauntingly beautiful cave, abundantly adorned with growing ferns. Grove Farm Homestead, founded in 1864, is now a museum complex that includes the old family plantation home, wash house, teahouse, guest cottage and other amenities. The homestead is typical of the old Hawaiian plantation experience and tradition. 
Hanalei Valley has another name: Hanohano, meaning "glorious." You will want to stop at the vantagepoint near the marker to gaze at this sweeping scene of majestic tranquility. Hanapepe Valley is embraced by red cliffs that add a handsome color accent to the valley's myriad shades of green and blue. Kalalau Lookout once was home to peacocks that preened their plumage in this tropical paradise and families cultivated terraces of taro. All that remains today is one of the most beautiful views on earth. Kauai Museum in Lihue presents a factual history of the Garden Isle, using artifacts and photographs. Other historical and art exhibits are also displayed. Kilauea Lighthouse has an isolated promontory, open to visitors, for a perspective of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a refuge for nesting seabirds. 
Lumahai Beach is the one chosen for the Nurses' Beach in the movie South Pacific. This lovely spot is undoubtedly the most photographed beach on Kauai. Menehune Fish Pond's remarkable stone walls are said to have been built in one night by the Menehune (Hawaii's legendary "little people"). The fishpond they enclose is still in use. Opaekaa Falls is where the Wailua River makes a dramatic plunge over a high cliff. Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp" and dates from days when swarms of shrimp were seen rolling in turbulent waters at the base of the falls. Smith's Tropical Paradise is a 23-acre site with gardens, lagoons, exotic birds and a unique, narrated train ride that meanders through a rain forest, a Polynesian village, a Japanese island, a Filipino village and other interesting areas. Kauai's ethnic heritage is reflected nightly in a 75-minute musical production in the lagoon theater. Waimea Canyon provides more than a view. It's an experience! You'll treasure in memory its grandeur and jewel-tone colors, its awesome depth and breadth. The Wet And Dry Caves Of Haena are eerie caverns, one dry, the other two filled with limpid green water. This is where chiefs are said to have gathered in ancient times. |