With a hire car you’ll easily be able to get to Kauai’s top natural attraction, the magnificent Waimea Canyon, on the southwest side of the island. Locals call it ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ and while it’s nowhere near as big, the ten-mile gorge is certainly a dramatic sight. The best place to gaze over this landscape is from the main viewing point on the Waimea Canyon Drive. You’ll see a wild red rock chasm up to a mile wide and 3,000ft deep, where lush exotic vegetation creeps up the sides.
The canyon has been formed by the water running down from Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on earth. In this humid atmosphere, have your camera ready to capture thundering waterfalls and misty rainbows.
The tropical seaside
The rain of the mountains will seem a long way away as soon as you relax on one of Kauai’s fabulous beaches, which are sometimes voted among the world’s best. You’ll find them dotted all-round the island’s coast, from the palm-fringed sands of Baby Beach at Poipu in the south to the reef protected tranquillity of Anini Beach in the north.
Salt Pond surfing beach is one of the best on the west coast, while Fuji Beach on the east coast is a good pick for families and children. Meanwhile, Lydgate Park beach near Lihue is one of the top spots for snorkelling.
Na Pali Park
The State Park at Na Pali is the best place on Kauai to appreciate the island’s velvet green mountains and deep, lush valleys. You’ll be able to drive to the park on the northwest side of the island. Once you’re there you’ll see it’s a 17-mile long area of shoreline to explore with hikes, boat tours and even from tourist helicopter flights. Expect to see massive 4,000-foot cliffs, plunging waterfalls and picturesque rocky pinnacles.
Hit the town
Head to the north coast to discover the best small town on Kauai. Hanalei Town is an old colonial settlement where you can still step inside the Mission House and nearby church for a glimpse of missionary life 200 years ago. Take a stroll on the pier that was an exotic location for the film South Pacific. The town has become a popular spot for tourists so you’ll be able to browse art and craft shops and cafes before enjoying one of the spectacular Hanalei Town sunsets.
