KA U A I…“ The Garden Island”
AC T I V I T Y & ISL A N D REV I E W
GARDEN ISLAND SIGHTS:
KAUA`I is an island of incredible beauty. Hidden valleys filled with rainbows, beautiful
majestic canyons, and pristine waterfalls that plummet thousands of feet to Earth are only
a small sampling of the beauty that awaits you on the Garden Isle.
From Mt.
Wai’ale’ale to Waimea Canyon, the beauty of these island treasures will take your
breath away. Soar over the wilderness areas and down the profile of the Na Pali Coast &
see a perspective from a helicopter flight that is truly inspiring. You will capture a
lifetime of memories that will be unforgettable.
As you drive along the east and northern part of the island, waterfalls can be seen
cascading down mountain sides. Known to be the romantic side of the island, beware,
you will fall in love with her loveliness. Where there are waterfalls, there are rainbows!!
There are a few waterfalls that you can get close to by a short drive from your resort.
Wailua Falls, or the twin waterfalls, were made famous by the TV show “Fantasy
Island”. It is an easy drive and there is no hiking to see it. Near Kapa`a, Opaeka`a Falls
is a must see, again, easy drive to the lookout and parking area.
Mount Wai’ale’ale, standing proudly in the center of Kaua’i, is the wettest place on the
planet, with waterfalls too numerous to count. There are many other places on the island
where rain creates spectacular waterfalls each time it rains. Many of the activities that
are available, such as Zip-lines, ATV’s, Kayaking or Horseback Rides, have other
beautiful waterfalls as the destination.
Famous the world around, the majestic Na Pali Coast is a sight that must be experienced.
The magnificent sea cliffs and canyons were created by erosion of wind, rain, and the
ocean for thousands of years. The rugged sea cliffs and sea caves are bucked up against
the ocean up to 3000 to 4000 feet high. This natural wonder is inaccessible by car, so to
really take in the incredible coastline, it is necessary to take a helicopter ride or see the
coastline up close and personal, off the deck of a catamaran.
And, of course, everywhere around our island, there are beautiful beaches for swimming,
surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and just relaxing. Some of the best snorkel sites in all
the Hawaiian Islands are on KAUA`I, such as ‘Po’ipu” & “’Anini” beaches. Swim with
green sea turtles and see an amazing collection of colorful fish on our reefs.
We are including in this ‘update”, a few of the activities, adventures, and sights for which
KAUA`I is famous. Not all are included. At Expedia, we are your “Local Experts” of
the island, and we can make your reservations (at a discount) with almost every tour
provider. Here are some recommendations:
KAUA`I BY AIR:
A helicopter ride on Kaua`i is well worth the expense, and is the most ecologically
friendly way to see the island. Waimea Canyon encompasses thousands of acres of
spectacular landscape that can only be truly appreciated from the air. Parts of Na Pali
Coast cannot be reached by hiking or boat, and the helicopter ride provides the best view
of these incredible sheer, verdant sea cliffs. In addition, Kaua`i is famous for its
abundance of gorgeous waterfalls, many of which can be seen only by air. The best thing
to do is call one of our activity “Local Experts” @ (808) 246-5526, and we can chat with
you about the options, availability, and best time of day to fly.
HELICOPTER Tours
We work with only the very best Helicopter companies with perfect safety records, who
provide 55-60 minute flights over the interior parts of the island, inaccessible by driving.
Includes, Manawaiopuna Falls, the waterfall made famous in Jurrasic Park, the interior of
the Waimea Canyon with beautiful sweeping views and sets of waterfalls tucked away,
Kalalau Valley (highest scenic point of the Waimea Canyon), North shore coastline
through Hanalei valley, and the highlight, Mount Wai’ale’ale, returning you back to
Lihu’e airport via the Wailua Falls. The helicopter companies that we recommend are all
FAA part 135 certified with perfect safety records, and have been offering tours by air for
many years throughout our Aloha State. Prices will range between $189-299. per person
+ tax.
KAUA`I BY SEA:
NA PALI COAST SNORKEL & SUNSET TOURS
5-5-1/2 hr. Na Pali Coast A.M. Snorkel trips- provide continental breakfast & deli-style
buffet lunch, snorkel gear and instruction(ocean conditions permitting) Prices will range
between$119.-$165. per person+ tax
31/2-4 hr. Na Pali Coast Scenic Sunset Cruises- Sightseeing only, rich cultural history
narrated by professional crew of the Na Pali coastline. Hot Barbecue dinner or Heavy
Pupu (appetizers) and drinks served on the way back as you enjoy a spectacular Kaua’i
sunset. Prices range between $94.-$109. per person + tax
DEEP SEA FISHING CHARTERS:
We offer 4-hr, 6-hr. (share), & 8 hr. fishing charters that depart out of 2 main boat
harbors. Many of the charter companies do fishing as a “livelihood”, however will take
between 4-6 passengers on board to experience the thrill of “hana-pa’a” or “hooking up”
some big ones. Mahimahi, ‘Ahi, Ono (Wahoo), and ‘Opakapaka (pink snapper) are
amongst some of the most common catches found here around our Kaua’i waters.
However, it is not unheard of for someone to catch a big Blue striped Marlin. A portion
of whatever is caught on board any of our charters is shared amongst the passengers for
those who have facilities to prepare it back at their hotel/condos. Prices will range from
$125.- $219. (4-6 hr share) - $3,000. for an 8 hr exclusive charter.
ECO-ADVENTURE TOURS:
Kayaking, ATV’s, Zipline Adventures, and Horseback Rides are the only way to get up
close and personal to a waterfall. Mountain Tubing is also very popular, especially for
families. These eco-tours will take you in to beautiful private ranch lands, sugarcane
plantations, or pristine wilderness areas, accessible only through guided tours. (price
ranges $80.-$165. per person + tax)
NIGHTLIFE:
We have a little bit of nightlife on Kaua’i in the way of wonderful Lu’au
(Hawaiian/American buffet, all you can eat & drink (beer, wine, maitai, and standard bar
included) with traditional Hawaiian/Polynesian entertainment. Offered every evening of
the week somewhere on the island ($65.-$95.per person + tax). Last but not least, a
South Pacific Dinner Theater (held @ Hilton Kaua’i Beach Resort currently offered only
on Weds. Eve. @ $73.-$83. per person + tax). We would love the opportunity to assist
you in making your advanced reservations for either or both here at our Expedia Local
Expert concierge desk.
KAUA’I RESTAURANT GUIDE
Following are a few of the excellent restaurants on KAUA`I. Call us if you are interested
in a particular kind of food or a restaurant in a specific location. We can make all of your
restaurant reservations for you, please call Expedia Local Expert at (808) 246-5526.
East Shore:
KINTARO Japanese Restaurant (822-3341)
Outstanding Japanese food, sushi, and a great steak are served at this popular
restaurant at the south end of Kapaa in the Kinipopo shopping Center near
Wailua Beach Park. Allow the chef cook for you at the Teppan Yaki grille.
COCONUTS (823-8777)
This restaurant is on Kuhio Highway just north of the Safeway shopping center in
Waipouli. Dinners here are excellent, with a variety of original dishes that
include fresh seafood, chicken & steak. The unique furniture is made from the
wood of coconut trees.
‘OHANA DINER (821-2498)
Just past Coconuts north on Kuhio Highway at the Waipouli Complex. This
“local” family diner offer authentic Hawaiian food for lunch and dinner at
reasonable prices.
THE BULL SHED (822-1655)
The Bull Shed is one of the few ocean front restaurants on the island, located in
Kapaa town. It is an incredible steak house with a beautiful view.
North Shore:
POSTCARDS (826-1191)
Located in historic Hanalei, the first building on the left when you come into
town. Serving outstanding seafood & vegetarian dinners. Also open for breakfast.
HANALEI GOURMET (826-2524)
In the old Hanalei Schoolhouse building, this café serves excellent, original
dishes at reasonable prices. Also they have live music several nights a week.
PRINCEVILLE HOTEL RESTAURANT & BAR (826-9644)
Spectacular location on the bluff overlooking Hanalei bay.
Gourmet dining at Café Hanalei and on Fridays enjoy the sumptuous all you can
eat seafood buffet. They also serve a killer Sunday brunch in Café Hanalei.
La Cascata, also in the hotel, offers elegant Italian dinners.
South Shore:
KEOKI’S (742-7534)
You will find an excellent steak and seafood at Keoki’s for under $20.00 per
entrée. The restaurant is located in the Poipu Shopping Village in Poipu.
BEACH HOUSE (742-1424).
This is an excellent choice for ocean front dining on the South Shore at Lawai
Beach in Poipu on the way to the Spouting Horn. Featuring Pacific Rim cuisine
& gorgeous sunsets. Reservations are highly recommended.
ROY’S P O’IPU GRILL & BAR (742-5000)
World-Renowned Chef, known for his Pacific-Rim style of cuisine, utilizing
locally grown fresh produce and fish, with a south-east Asian flair. Located in the
Poi’pu Shopping Village. Reservations are recommended
CALL EXPEDIA Local Experts @ (808) 246-5526
KAUA’I…your Dream Vacation Destination
MAHALO,
Kanani Kaye
Expedia/Local Expert
[email protected]
P.S. Call me for more recommendations!!