Kauai 2009
- Day 1 (5 schedule items)
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- A Kauai, HI
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[Full Description]
Kauai is the northwestern-most and oldest of Hawaii's major islands. Called the Garden Island, it is covered with lush greenery and tropical plants, watered regularly by abundant rainfall. As the oldest of the islands, it has been changed the most by the forces of erosion, and this has resulted in natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. It is also home to more sandy beaches than any other major island in the Hawaiian chain.
In short, compared to Oahu, Maui or the Big Island, Kauai is smaller, less populated, more rural, and more laid back. That's why it's the favorite destination for many visitors to Hawaii, and for many Hawaii residents as well.
People come to Kauai primarily for one thing: the beaches with their great snorkeling, surfing, swimming and sunning. But Kauai also boasts more navigable rivers than the other Hawaiian Islands making kayaking very popular. If the surf is calm you can even combine a river run with time paddling the bays and ocean shoreline. You'll find kayak rentals near the mouth of the most popular rivers. Kauai has great hiking and mountain biking trails as well.
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- B Kauai Backcountry Adventures
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Make your way to this establishment located off Highway 56 in Hanama'ulu. Choose between Backcountry Zipline and Mountain Tubing tours—the first has you dressed up in a swimsuit, sitting in a tube (you read that right!) making your way through streams and canals. The second option will make you feel the wind beneath your wings! You harness yourself with a rope that extends from a mountain to a valley across water bodies and trees. Then you simply descend at the most rapid speed possible, aided by gravity! The tours are offered in an area of 17,000 acres, formerly occupied by plantations.[Full Description]
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- Dilly Dally House bed and breakfast - Kapaa, Hawaii. Kapaa Bed and ...
- C National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai
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National Tropical Botanical Garden
The National Tropical Botanical Garden aims to "enrich life through discovery, scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions." Based in the tropical paradise of Kauai, the NTBG is currently trying to increase awareness of the dire situation of many rare tropical plants that could have many uses (including medicine, food, and even shelter). It also distinguishes itself as a "botanical ark," preserving various endangered plants in hopes of preserving them and perhaps reintroducing them to their natural habitats in the future.[Full Description]
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- D Duke's Canoe Club, Kauai
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Experience a little piece of "Old Hawai'i." This Lihue restaurant is located inside the Kauai Marriott Resort and offers the best of Pacific Rim cuisine, along with outstanding ambiance and beautiful views. The restaurant is comprised of two floors and has an enchantingly tropical ambiance, complete with a small indoor waterfall. A canopy of lush foliage adds to the effect, and even the indoor dining area gives the impression of being open air. Take your time having a drink in the casual bar area or looking over the menu. The house specialty is fresh local fish, prepared any way you like.[Full Description]
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- Day 2 (4 schedule items)
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- E Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge, Kauai
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A number of seabirds, including shearwaters, red-footed boobies and albatross can be seen at this reserve. Indigenous plant life also thrives. While experts will probably come prepared, regular tourists will appreciate the on-loan binoculars and the refuge's volunteer staff. Sometimes whales or other inhabitants of the sea can be glimpsed in the waters below Lighthouse Point. Do not forget to stop by the old lighthouse (an attraction in its own right) before leaving.[Full Description]
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- F Kauai Coffee Company
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In California, tourists visit the wineries; in Hawaii they tour the coffee plantations. Kauai's largest coffee grower offers free tours around the estate. Visitors sip the finished product, wander among the coffee trees, and learn from the experts how coffee gets to the cup. This company is located on the Koloa Estate, a 3,400-acre estate that is known for its red dirt and pesticide-free practices.[Full Description]
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- G Na Pali Coast, Kauai
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The sea cliffs of Kauai's west side tower above the wild and beautiful ocean, sometimes reaching as high as 4,000 feet above sea level. They give Na Pali its name, which is Hawaiian for "The Cliffs." In addition to being considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, this 17-mile stretch also offers some of the world's best hiking. Less hardy sightseers will want to tour the area by helicopter or boat. There are several companies that offer Na Pali adventures.[Full Description]
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- Top Food in Kauai - Princeville
- Day 3 (4 schedule items)
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- Tunnels Beach Reviews - Kauai, HI Attractions - TripAdvisor
- H Waimea Canyon, Kauai
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More publicity has been allotted to magnificent Waimea Canyon, located in Koke'e State Park, than perhaps any other landmark in the Hawaiian Islands. The words often attributed (mistakenly) to Mark Twain describe it best. This is the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," a breathtaking spectacle from any angle. There are a few ways to view Waimea Canyon; several tour companies offer helicopter or airplane tours. However, many people choose to make the trip to the canyon by car. Outdoor enthusiasts may choose to camp in the park (permit required).[Full Description]
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- I ABC Store, Kauai
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This shop is the place to go when you are looking for beach mats, flip-flops (or "slippers" as the locals call them), macadamia nuts or just about any other inexpensive accessory or gift items. A variety of souvenirs are also available. Wildly patterned Aloha shirts and shell necklaces are just the beginning. This chain caters to locals as well as tourists. Therefore, it is easy to find sundries and toiletries here for far less than you would pay at a hotel store.[Full Description]
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- Kauai Fish Markets ~ Courtesy of TryKauai.Com ~ Aloha Vacation ...
- Day 4 (3 schedule items)
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- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kauai Reviews - Lihue, Kauai Attractions ...
- J Island Soap & Candle Factory, Kauai
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Soap, candles and other products are handmade at this retail outlet and factory. Many island fruits and flowers are used to create the sweet smelling, all-natural products; popular scents include coconut, mango, papaya and plumeria. Among the most popular items are the coconut soap and the hand-dipped beeswax candles. Other products include body mists, lotions and oils. The facility is intimate and comfortable, more like someone's kitchen than like a factory. Guests wander amidst the displays and watch as the craftspeople work.[Full Description]
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- K Beach House Restaurant, Kauai
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Not to be confused with Zelo's Beach House, this is a perennial favorite for fine dining. It has had a rather turbulent history that includes more than one full-scale natural disaster. Nevertheless, in spite of hurricanes, changes of ownership, and the unstable dining climate in Hawai'i, this restaurant perseveres. Its Pacific Rim-influenced menu features a nice blend of seafood, veggie and meat dishes. Diners and even the jaded local contingency just cannot get enough of the vividly colorful sunsets.[Full Description]
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- Day 5 (3 schedule items)
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- L Kauai Backcountry Adventures
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Make your way to this establishment located off Highway 56 in Hanama'ulu. Choose between Backcountry Zipline and Mountain Tubing tours—the first has you dressed up in a swimsuit, sitting in a tube (you read that right!) making your way through streams and canals. The second option will make you feel the wind beneath your wings! You harness yourself with a rope that extends from a mountain to a valley across water bodies and trees. Then you simply descend at the most rapid speed possible, aided by gravity! The tours are offered in an area of 17,000 acres, formerly occupied by plantations.[Full Description]
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- M Anini Beach Park, Kauai
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Located on the northern shore of Kaua'i, this gorgeous beach is often nearly empty. Although many private guest homes and vacation rentals are situated outside of the designated park area, the homes are spread out enough to allow beach-goers some privacy. Other than sunning and surfing, the main activity here is windsurfing. Windsurfing schools operate onsite. Snorkeling is good in the lagoon area created by the reef, but always check conditions first. Across the street is the playing field for the Kauai Polo Club.[Full Description]
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- N Wailua Falls, Kauai
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The backdrop of the famed Fantasy Island television show, this stunning waterfall is located directly off the road, just past the town of Lihue on the southern coast of Kaua'i. It is just a short ride down a rough road in Kapaia Valley. The falls can be viewed from the side of the road, but there is a trail for experienced hikers. It is steep and challenging, and local tour guides recommend that only the hardiest adventurers try to make the descent.[Full Description]
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- Day 6 (5 schedule items)
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- O Kauai Backcountry Adventures
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Make your way to this establishment located off Highway 56 in Hanama'ulu. Choose between Backcountry Zipline and Mountain Tubing tours—the first has you dressed up in a swimsuit, sitting in a tube (you read that right!) making your way through streams and canals. The second option will make you feel the wind beneath your wings! You harness yourself with a rope that extends from a mountain to a valley across water bodies and trees. Then you simply descend at the most rapid speed possible, aided by gravity! The tours are offered in an area of 17,000 acres, formerly occupied by plantations.[Full Description]
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- P Aloha Canoes & Kayaks, Kauai
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Paddle the river through the rain forest, snorkel a hidden beach, or hike the path of the Hulei'a River. This Hawaiian-owned eco-tour company allows guests to participate in any of the above activities. The ultimate tour is the Helicopter-Kayak Adventure Tour; it combines all activities, starting with a helicopter ride above Na Pali and Waimea Canyon. While some tours are not appropriate for youngsters or persons with disabilities, some tours are appropriate for ages three on up to 80-something. Call for daily schedule and prices.[Full Description]
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- Q Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai
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While its primary purpose now is to serve as a resting spot for seabirds, in the first half of the 20th century, the Kiluaea Lighthouse was a beacon visible from 90 miles in any direction. It is a freestanding structure 52 feet high. It was deactivated in 1976, around the same time it made the National Register of Historic Lighthouses. The promontory on which it is located is at the state's northernmost point. It is open to the public during the daytime. Admission to the grounds is $3 per adult and free to children under 16. The price includes admission to the lighthouse. Credit cards are only accepted in the gift shop.[Full Description]
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- Costco - Lihue | Urbanspoon
- R Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, Kauai
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Large portions and a cozy, tropical setting are the key features of this Hanalei eatery. Although the interior of the restaurant sports captain's chairs and other nautical accessories, it manages to avoid the hokey atmosphere characteristic of the average ocean-themed restaurant. The clientele here is mixed. Dress is casual to elegant, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Fish is the specialty, prepared just about any way you like. Prices are relatively high, but portions are sizable and most meals can be split.[Full Description]
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- Day 7 (1 schedule items)
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- S Hamura's Saimin Stand, Kauai
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Hamura's is famous for serving lip-smacking saimin for a long time now. The U-shaped counters attract tourists to the specialty and no holiday in Kauai is complete without sampling something at Hamura. Take your pick from skewers of chicken or beef, wholesome noodles with eggs, vegetables, or seafood, and enjoy whilst sitting on wooden stools. Hamura's was recently awarded the James Beard Award for authentic, ethnic food; so don't think twice.[Full Description]
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