The island of Kauai
Kauai is known for being the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands geologically and also the fourth largest with a surface of 1,456.4 km2. The island is located about 170 kilometers northwest from Oʻahu and is famous for its mountainous volcanic ranges and for being one of the places with the most precipitation in the whole world. Due to the fluvial activity, erosion is very high in the area east of Mount Waialeale and multiple canyons and waterfalls can also be seen.
The island of Kauai has many different points of interest and local sites for that visiting who want to experience harmony with the landscapes around them and see all the wonderful natural marvels like green valleys, waterfalls, beaches, beautiful sights, crystal clear waters and more.
Places of interest
Menehune Fishpond (Alekoko)
According to the Hawaiian stories, the Menehunes were a legendary tribe of people who inhabited the deep forests and hidden valleys of old Hawaii. The legend says that they created the Alekoko pond one-night using lava stones and then brought forth much fish to place in there and so they stayed to live in the area, as fishing is said to be one of their favorite activities. The fishpond is one of the most important and highly visited sites. The area is perfect for taking pictures and watching some of the most beautiful landscapes and sunsets the island has to offer.
Kaulu Paoa Heiau
During the summer, this beach is visited by many people who come here to engage in snorkeling and scuba diving in its calm and clear waters that offer the perfect temperature for these underwater activities.
Lifeguards who are always aware of anything irregular that may be going on and ensure the safety and proper care of the location watch the beach constantly. The area is not only rich in tourism but also it is a place sacred considered sacred and patrimony of Hawaii. As it is the case with many of the local cultural locations, it has a legend that tells the story of how the body of the local chief Lohiau Kauai, was placed inside a cave near the Oceanside cliffs. The story says the chief was in love with Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, but died and was unable to be with her. Pele’s daughter transported his spirit in the form of a flower and set it on the cliffs where people can see today the representation of said flower in the colors of the rainbows.
Image courtesy of –Raven at Flickr.com
Waimea Canyon State Park
This amazing 16-kilometer long located on the western side of the island is famously known as the Great Canyon of the pacific. The place is a beautiful wonder of geology and a great site to visit while staying at Kauai. There are a few great lookout spots where you can snap the perfect picture or simply enjoy the view of the many colors that put on a show at this gorgeous meeting of the many hues of nature. The climb is not difficult to undertake and is well worth the small effort. Those who have visited list the Waimea Canyon as one of the most beautiful sights they have seen in their entire life, they simply call it “undescribable”, so I guess that means you must hit the road and go see it for yourself.
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Plants are some of Hawaii’s most valuable inhabitants. The noble mission of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Kauai is that of preserving the tropical plant diversity through programs of research, protection, propagation and education of the public. Kauai itself is known as the “Garden Island” and this amazing botanical garden can quickly show you why. The number of species of plants is unbelievable and the facilities are excellent to welcome all visitors.
In the island of Kauai alone you can find three of the nation’s five National Tropical Botanical Gardens on Kauai: Limahuli Gardens in Haena and McBryde Garden and the Allerton Garden on the South Shore. McBryde Garden, for example, is famous all around the world for holding the largest collection of native Hawaiian flowers in the planet.
The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is located on the north shore of the Island. Behind the garden, you can see the magnificent Makana Mountain and to the front, the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
In the back of the Garden is the Limahuli Preserve where ecologists and restoration biologists work constantly to preserve species native to this habitat. The American Horticultural Society chose the Limahuli Garden as the best natural botanical garden in the United States and sees its practices on water, soil, and rare plant conservation as an example to follow.
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