One Coast

Archive for the ‘KauaiVacation’ Category

Going on feet never seemed more exhilarating, fun and enjoyable with the several Kauai trails. You get to enjoy scenic tropical views like uncharted rainforests, waterfalls, secret caves, oceanfront cliffs, beaches, canyons and valleys. Many tourists all over the globe flock to experience the pacific paradise and get a feel of the 97% uninhabited conserved natural treasures of the oldest island in Hawaii.

The Great Hikes

The Kauai Kalalau Trail Na Pali Coastline is one of the ultimate hikes in the island which takes about 2 days to finish. The trail starts at the end of the road at Kee Beach. Many hikers hike for 11 miles and upon reaching the end at Kalalau Beach, get picked up by a tour bus. From the starting point, you work the incline up to the Na Pali Coastline.

The first 25 minutes of the trail is fairly mudde, steep and rocky although you get to see a great view of Kee Beach. Views of the coastline will come and go as you continue on the trail. Hanakapi?ai Beach is just 2 miles from the starting point but you get to go through streams, boulders, caves and cliffs along the way.

Kauai golf courses are among the top-rated worldwide which is why thousands of individuals regardless of level want to experience the whole-new challenges and magnificent sceneries awaiting them in this side of the Pacific. This is the place where champions play as well as where beginners learn and hone their skills. Although there are so many courses available in Hawaii, find out which ones are the best.

Classic Layouts

Kiahuna Golf Club is located at 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Koloa and was designed by the famous golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II. The architect defines the golf course as a sporting challenge with unique holes that seem to be a quite a puzzle for players to solve. You can?t expect to play the same game twice in Kiahuna Golf Club and every turn continues to stay interesting each time. Jones tried to maintain ancient remnants to properly identify and define the Hawaiian culture.

The course measures about 6,925 yards from the championship tees to a par 70 with a slope of 134 and a rating of 73.5. There are adequate water hazards, trade winds and bunkers that challenge you in every type of shot. The 18-hole course was recently renovated and features great values and facilities as well. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy regardless of how serious you are with the game.

There is an abundance of Kauai historical sites since the island is over 5 million years old and is the oldest in all of Hawaii. Several explorers from Polynesia, Europe and America have already visited the island over several centuries so some structures and places have a legend to tell. Find out more about Hawaiian culture, history and tradition and unveil the secrets to some of Kauai?s treasures.

Built on Belief

There used to be several bellstones located all over the different islands of Hawaii. These were struck at a specific point to resonate a unique tone that can be heard from distance locations. The bellstone is rung to inform people from nearby villages and islands of a special event such as a royal birth.

The bellstone at Highway 580, Wailua, East Kauai is found downhill from two big boulders that were specifically placed to calibrate the Hawaiian calendars according to the winter and summer solstices. To reach the bellstone, go to Mile Marker #1 on Highway 580 or Kuamo?o Road until you reach the dirt road leading to the ocean. Follow the path until you reach the two big boulders. The Kauai historical site is 100 feet from the guardrail. It is illegal to move or deface any of the two boulders.

Humble Beginnings: Getting to Know Kauai Plantation and Railways

The original settlers of Hawaii actually came from the Marquesas anywhere between 400 to 700 A.D. Kauai plantation and agriculture started to develop as the explorers imported farm animals as well as other food crops like sugarcane, taro, banana, coconut, rice, sweet potato and breadfruit. Other visitors from Spain, America and Russia continued to bring in plants and products like coffee, pineapple, onions and oranges which up to now are produced abundantly in the island.

The Sugarcane System

Sugarcane is also known as Ko in Hawaii which has great taste, nutritional value as well as medicinal effects. Stalks are harvested then ground to produce liquid extracts resulting to juice which is then boiled to make raw sugar. Koloa, Kauai was the site of the first commercial sugarcane plantation created in 1835.

At this early stage, there were a variety of problems such as limited labor, water shortage and remote location. Irrigation systems and intricate canal networks were built beginning in 1856 which helped support the sugarcane plantations other fields growing different crops also followed the system yielding abundant harvests and vast amounts of profit.

Walk Back Through Time: Spotting Kauai Museums

If you want to discover the different events and legends that occured in the past 2000 years of Kauai?s existence, there are still many proofs and hints available to this day. Kauai museums hold several architectural treasures, artifacts and other evidences of the various important happenings in Hawaiian past as well as showcase how ancient villagers and tribes used to live in this vast tropical paradise.

Agricultural History

Kauai actually has a very rampant agricultural lifestyle. Early Polynesian explorers brought many unique plants and herbs that are still existent today. Several farmers and workers used to tend plantations and fields with products such as corn, sugarcane, coconut, rice and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The Faye Museum at Kaumualili Highway, Waimea is a single-room location at Waimea Plantation Cottages that contain exhibits and pictures of H.P. Faye, a pioneer sugar planter at West Kauai.

The Norwegian immigrant arrived in 1880 and began a small plantation at Mana which established Kakaha Sugar and Kokee Ditch Systems. Two more generations followed and continued to manage the plantation. You get to see the intricate drainage canals that serve the big swamps of Mana. Admission is free.

Delectable Dishes: Finding the Best Kauai Restaurant

If you?re looking for a great place to dine, be sure to visit a Kauai restaurant. Some spots in the island offers world-class cuisine prepared by only the best in the world. You can try a variety of authentic Hawaiian cuisine and drinks as well as other popular international dishes. Some places are ideal for romantic getaways while others are perfect for the entire family with huge appetites and a budget.

What the Experts Recommend

Some Kauai restaurants particularly focus on keeping the whole family entertained and full. The Hanama?ulu Tea House and Ono Family Restaurant are popular spots for having quality service, special attention to children as well as great food and drinks. Here you can enjoy some authentic Hawaiian meals at the right sizes for every member of the household. Brick Oven Pizza is another fun restaurant as well where kids can feel right at home. If the family are up for nice meats and steaks, they can visit Tip Top, Kintaro and Brennecke?s. These places have very extensive menus.

Practicing Kauai Safety Guidelines for a Vacation to Remember

Hawaii is virtually bustling with tourist attractions like beaches, diving spots and other natural wonders. However, it is important to know some Kauai safety tips to make your tip worth the time, effort and money. Accidents can happen if you do not know the nature and characteristics of certain locations. Some areas are untouched by human hands and remain in their original and wild state so tread carefully.

Staying Safe at the Beach

Kauai is located at 22 degrees latitude which is very close to the equator so it gets more direct sunlight compared to other islands in the Pacific. Although temperatures on the average range from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, some areas particularly in the northwest part of the island tend to experience intense rays from the sun. During the summer months, it is recommended to stay in shady areas or completely avoid sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

First Class Getaways: The Best Kauai Hotels

Although any place in Hawaii is a spectacular place to stay regardless of your budget and location, there are definitely luxurious ways to spend your vacation. Many Kauai hotels are budding in several regions but there are a few ones that continue to draw thousands of tourists every year because of the vast amenities, top-of-the-line facilities and quality services that compete with the best in the world.

The Big Names

Marriott?s Kauai Beach Club is located at 3610 Rice Street, Lihue on the North Shore very near the Tri-State Tollway just a mile away from Lihue Airport. Expect your suite to have a sitting room that features a wet bar, microwave, refrigerator and luxurious bath. Relax in the indoor or heated outdoor pool, sauna and whirlpool after doing some cardio or weight training in the fitness center.

The hotel features Allies American Grille and Bar which serves delectable American dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also hold special events and business meetings in any of the 8 meeting rooms that total 4000 square feet of space. Merge your vacation with work efficiently with the available business center.

The Top Kauai Activities You Should Not Miss

Kauai is very rich in natural resources, culture and traditions which is why you have to make the most out of your vacation. If you?re only planning to stay for a few days, make sure you do the most memorable Kauai activities that will truly make the trip worthwhile. These things are great whether you?re going solo, on a honeymoon or with the entire family. Make reservations and a sound budget today.

Appreciating Nature

Kauai has a lot of state parks and natural scenic views such as Koke?e State Park and Waimea Canyon. Koke?e State Park borders the ?Grand Canyon of the Pacific? and ranges more than 4,000 acres. Here you can enjoy over 40 hiking trails with captivating backgrounds. Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, 2 miles wide and 3,600 feet deep featuring an array of colors.

The Na Pali Coast is one of the most popular sites in the island featuring 22 miles of volcanic cliffs. Take a boat or helicopter ride to view the coast fully. Helicopter rides are definitely preferred if you want a clearer picture of waterfalls, sea cliffs, mountains and volcanoes. The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is more than 1,000 acres of tropical abundance in Haena at the northern part of Kauai.

Sacred Sites: Getting a Glimpse of Kauai Heiaus

Ancient Hawaiian villagers used to be very religious people with many gods and goddesses. They frequently abided in religious laws, traditions and practices when doing virtually almost anything like planting and harvesting crops, going to war and delivering babies. Kauai heiaus or temples can be found in several areas of the island along with other old sacred relics and symbols. These remain as cultural attractions that continue to draw thousands of tourists all over the world.

Ancient Legends and Religious Stories

Kaula Laka Heiau is a sacred altar located among the Napali cliffs. It was originally built for Laka, the goddess of hula and is one of the most captivating spots with a majestic view of the cliffs and Pacific Ocean. Up to this day, the heiau is still used by hula halau. Kiki a Ola or Menehune Ditch is located 25 miles north of the Waimea River. According to ancient legends, the ditch was built in a single night by legendary little people or menehune to irrigate taro patches. At present, a 2-foot high portion of one of the walls still exists.