The Paradise Known as Kaua'i

I recently returned from an amazing trip to Hawaii. I must say when I was first presented with the opportunity to go to Hawaii, I thought about saying no. Then I was told we’d be spending 5 days on Kaua’i; I immediately said yes. Kaua’i is known as the Garden Island for good reason. It is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and therefore has the most rich, red, volcanic soil supporting lush vegetation. One of the highlights of the trip for me was visiting the Limahuli Botanical Garden. Because it is winter, very little was blooming, but it was easy to imagine how beautiful the mountainside looks in the summer.

Much of the beauty of the island is accessible by car – Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon” of the Pacific, the Limahuli and Allerton Botanical Gardens, and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (a fantastic spot to observe sea birds). One of the gems of Kaua’i that is accessible only by foot or boat is the Na Pali Coast. Na Pali means “the cliffs” and spectacular cliffs they are: up to 4,000 ft high, carved by numerous streams and waterfalls inland and the by the ocean and just about everything is covered by green vegetation.

A popular day hike is from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach along the Kalalau Trail. Given the starting and ending points you may think this is a pleasant walk next to the ocean. Instead it is a strenuous hike over rocky trail with nary a level spot. You are rewarded with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and NaPali and a beautiful sandy beach at the end. This section of the trail is about 2 miles one-way, and you should allow a couple of hours to complete it.

For those of you with more time and strong legs, you can continue on another 4 miles to Hanakoa Valley. You will hike through Hono o Na Pali Nature Preserve where you can see rare Hawaiian lowland plants as you make your way to Hanakoa’s hanging valley. It is called a hanging valley because the Hanakoa stream ends in a waterfall into the ocean; there is no beach.

The final destination along the trail is Kalalau Valley. I didn’t make it this far, but am thinking this will be an excellent trip for my 50th birthday. I’ve seen the Kalalau Valley from an overlook at Kokee State Park and would love to see it on the ground. I haven’t decided if I will backpack or kayak to the valley. I’m sure that either way I would have a memorable trip.

If you would like more detailed information about the Kalalau Trail or to see pictures of the area, check out the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources website, http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/NaPali/na_pali.htm.

My recommendation if you decide to go: bring your hiking poles. I was able to take them as carryon luggage by wrapping them in a thin piece of foam and putting them in my yoga mat bag. I told the security personnel what they were, they did a hand search of them, and let me proceed.

Have fun exploring this beautiful island.

-Shelley