Kauai's Na Pali Coast (na pali means "the cliffs") is a place of extreme beauty and Hawaii's last true wilderness. Its majestic splendor will forever remain unspoiled because no road will ever traverse it. You can enter this state park only on foot or by sea. Though there are many experiences to have on Kauai, this is the one no visitor should miss.
Here are some of the other top attractions:
Relaxing With the Family on Poipu Beach
On Kauai's sun-soaked south shore, this is a pleasant if sleepy resort destination of low-rise hotels set on gold-sand pocket beaches. It offers 36 holes of golf, 38 tennis courts, and outstanding restaurants. This is a great place for watersports, and a good base from which to tour the rest of Kauai.
Flying High over Kauai
Don't leave Kauai without seeing it from a helicopter. You can take home memories of the thrilling ride up and over the Kalalau Valley on Kauai's wild North Shore and into the 5,200-foot vertical temple of Mount Waialeale, the most sacred place on the island and the wettest spot on Earth.
Gazing Out Over Spectacular Waimea Canyon
This valley, known for its reddish lava beds, reminds everyone who sees it of Arizona's Grand Canyon. Kauai's version is bursting with ever-changing color, just like its namesake, but it's smaller -- only a mile wide, 3,567 feet deep, and 12 miles long.
Learning the History of Kauai
The history of Kauai is kept safe in this great little museum that's worth a stop. It contains a wealth of historical artifacts and information tracing the island's history, from the beginning of time through Contact (when Capt. James Cook "discovered" Kauai in 1778), the monarchy period, the plantation era, and the present.
Admiring Hanalei Valley's Many Shades of Green
At the Hanalei Valley Lookour, peer over the edge into the 917-acre Hanalei River Valley and admire all the shades of green: Green rice, green taro, and green streams lace a patchwork of green ponds that back up to green-velvet Bali Hai cliffs.
Playing in the Surf at Hanalei Beach
Gentle waves roll across the face of half-moon Hanalei Bay, running up to the wide golden sand; sheer volcanic ridges laced by waterfalls rise to 4,000 feet on the other side. Swimming is excellent year-round. It's also popular for body boarding, surfing, fishing, windsurfing, canoe paddling, kayaking, snorkeling, and boating.
