HAWAII
Kauai
The fourth largest and the
oldest of the Hawaii islands,
Kauai is about 888 kilometres
square in area, formed from
one massive volcano of
which Mt Waialeale forms
the eastern rim.
The main road circles the coastline with
the exception of a 24-kilometre stretch at
the north shore cliffs which is inaccessible.
When Captain Cook came ashore in
January 1778 he was received as a god.
Today, visitors to this beautiful island of
gardens and rainbows are greeted in
much the same friendly way.
Lihue, the capital of Kauai, still has few
buildings taller than a coconut tree. Yet
108 www.paradisesonline.com
the island offers visitors all the ingredients
for a perfect holiday including luxury
accommodation, gourmet cuisine, a host
of watersports and activities including
world-class golf.
Po`ipu, a leisurely 30 minutes by car
south of Lihue, has been called Kauai's
playground, with its pristine beaches
protected by a necklace of offshore reefs.
Just one kilometre from the resort area
is sailing, diving, deep-sea fishing and
daily boat tours from Kukuiula Harbour. At
nearby Spouting Horn, a turbulent wave
action causes surf to shoot through a lava
tube and out a hole in the coastal rock.
This geyser sometimes reaches heights of
18 metres and more.
On the west side of Kauai you'll find
what Mark Twain called the 'Grand
Canyon of the Pacific'—Waimea Canyon,
1097 metres deep in parts, with red and
green vistas punctuated by waterfalls.
North from Lihue you can stop off to take
a ride on one of the flat-bottom river boats
that takes you to the Fern Grotto. Further
north past the Coconut Coast you pass
by the turnoff to The Kilauea Point National
Wildlife Refuge which shelters thousands
of seabirds.
Near Princeville and Hanalei, made famous
by the song Puff the Magic Dragon, is
Ke`e Beach. Close by are the wet and
dry caves, prominent in ancient Hawaiian
myth and the start of the 17
kilometres
Kalalau hiking trail.
Further south is Lumahai Beach the
