Kauai, or the Garden Island, maybe one of the less known Hawaiian Islands; all the more reason to appreciate its beauty and tranquil charm and discover local famous Napali Coast.
Visiting Hawaii is a dream-come-true for many. Maui and Oahu belong to the most frequently visited islands by tourists. Oahu is known for its world-class surfing opportunities including the infamous Banzai Pipeline. Maui, on the other hand, is a hotspot for snorkeling and golf. With so many activities available, it isn’t hard to imagine why Kauai is usually an afterthought; that, and the fact that Kauai is the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands.
A great Hawaiian itinerary might start in Maui with a night or two in one of the many luxury resorts such as the alluring Honua Kai Resort. The adventure continues northward to the Oahu, the Heart of Hawaii. The capital city of Honolulu also calls Oahu home. Oahu, for the most part, isn’t considered as upscale as Maui in terms of lodging but the upscale dining options are fantastic. The Chef’s Counter at Senia is a luxury dining experience like no other, weighing in at $195 per person. While the dining is something to admire, Oahu is better known for outdoor fun such as surfing, biking, and ATV riding.
While Oahu is great for outdoor activities, the true mecca for adventure lovers is Kauai. Hard-core hikers will have heard about its most significant feature, the Napali Coast. This 11-mile stretch of cliffs is what makes the place so unique and many visitors come here longing to explore it. However, it is a very difficult and often traitorous terrain and should be handled with the utmost respect. Not to spread panic, though, the Napali Coast presents a magnificent piece of nature, and those willing to explore it have several options to choose from.
One of the most popular is naturally hiking. The dramatic Kalalau Trail has become a local tourist highlight, though the cliffs may get muddy and slippery and rushing is certainly a bad idea. Ideally, hikers should hire an experienced guide who will safely take them across in two days. Helicopter flights are the most comfortable and quickest way, though the expense is more significant.
Kayaking along the coast is, of course, another option, yet fighting through 10 miles may be too tiring even for a well-trained sports fan.
A compromise offers itself, which is both exciting as well as a little demanding: catamaran tours. There are several services to select from and groups may spend all day cruising through the coastal waters, admiring the view whilst listening to local who shares the history and stories of interest.
Kauai is a tranquil island yet its natural treasures are indeed plentiful. And for many, a visit here becomes a truly rewarding experience.