Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25248
iles long, 25 miles wide, 553 square miles with 90 miles of coastline J;!~~!J72 miles northwest of Oahu, a 2256 mile swim from LA, a 3831 mile swim 100 (25% Hawaiian descent, 18% Japanese, 18% Caucasian). first Polynesian explorers arrived on Kauai in 200AD from the Marquesa Captain James Cook, the first westerner, landed in Waimea Bay in 1778. Kauai remained independent as other Hawaiian Islands fell under the control of the Kamehameha the Great, conqueror and king. In the 1800s missionaries arrived temperature is easy going year round (ranging from 75' F---,S0' F), but I.l.l;~~~~"-I learn to like rain , known as a Hawaiian Blessing. ~=':~.-:-~ Kauai's capital, Lihue, sees daily flights from major US Cities: (www.americanairlines.com), United (www.ual.com), Northwest (www.nwa.com). Hawaiian Airlines (www.hawaiianair.com). Approximate, lowest round-trip fares: NYC: American, $1,093 (11.5 hoursl4,983 miles); San Francisco: ~~~~~~ (6/2556); LA; American, $738 (5.5/2398). Don't expect the prices of anything, except maybe coconuts or m;iAAi;w;::;-to~ lower on the 50th state than those on the mainland. Just think: have to be flown in. Food is not cheap. Other purchases and lodging will ,.nr,~i,:t"r\t or higher, than mainland US prices. Tc~~~atic~ilf you want to get close to nature, camp on the beach. Get a you go. There are also good bed + breakfasts. House rentals are abundant, but costly (ranging from approximately $700 per week to $4,000/week for a lUXUry home on the beach in Hanalei). If you are looking to rent a house, ideal if with a large group, you'll find every option imaginable. 7,;';;;~t11-"rI'~ilc"lllv you need a permit for all camping on Kauai. For the best experience: Get one (see Permit Details). If you don't, you may be woken at 6 AM at your tent, escorted to the local tourisUpolice facility, or at the very least charged a hefty fee. Checks are done regularly. If you are just staying one or two nights, you may sneak by without a permit. Top Camping Spots are: Na Pali Coast State Park, home to the Kalalau Trail, breathtaking beauty and challenging trails. Koke'e State Park, 15 miles north of Kekaha, adjoins Waimea Canyons State Park and hosts views of the lush Kalalau Valley from a 4,000 foot elevation. There you'll find tent camping, seasonal plum picking, trout fishing and access to excellent rainforest hiking. Polihale State Park -the longest stretch of beach in Kauai-and the adjoining Barking Sands Military Base are west of the Na Pali Coast (reachable only by car, by encircling over half the island). Beware of monster waves in winter. This park is in the driest part of Kauai so when it's raining everywhere else the sun- savvy head to Polihale. Anini Beach Park, contains one of Kauai's most best beaches and the best snorkeling. Salt Ponds Beach Park, next to the only salt pond still in Jllilill!f.lli!Jl.!!!Jf\,~the salt is used for health purposes---camp next to a free spa! camp in the state parks, call the Division of State Parks (808-274- n a free permit. In a 30-day period you can camp for up to five consecutive days at each park. There is a seven day limit at each campground; you are allowed a total of 60 days of camping a year. For the Na Pali Coast, apply months in advance because permits are limited and get snapped up by eager campers. Camping the County Beach Parks requires a $3 permit per night from the Division of -7c~~~~~~;n~~~:~-;,~~-6660). 1 coconuts for $3 a piece, or climb a tree for free. Cheap, in Kapa'a and Hanalei. The Tropical Taco Truck in Hanalei, smoothies, stop at Banana Joe's on your way north to Hanalei. For vegan food, Blossoming Lotus Cafe in Kapaa. For health goodies, a surf lesson, and some vibrant local character, stop in to find Ambrose at Ambrose's Kapuna Natural Foods in Kapa'a. He'll soothe your sunburns with natural aloe and fix your head that has been 1I1r;;;~~~d Pali Coast: the Kalalau and Hanakapiai Trails. The scenic hike can be at a variety of levels, from easygoing day hikes (still wear serious footwear) full three- to four-day hike from the starting point and back again (11 miles long way). The full hike is a must. You'll discover waterfalls, lush green mountains ing the ocean and scenic beaches along the way. If you plan to hike this famous beyond Hanakapi'ai Beach on the Kalalau Trail then you will need a permit. Bring of water. Waimea Canyon: On the west side of the island within the Koke'e State you will find a lush canyon originating from the spot Captain Cook landed that along with other Europeans traders. By mid-century, sugar and orange plantations •• r, ... ~,,~, .. ,. ten miles inland as a gorge flanked with red soil and green vegetation. There existed and Hanalei Bay was a trading and whaling harbor. half-day hike through lush rainforests to the awesome Waipoo Falls that drop water feet. Start the hike in the morning to avoid the afternoon mist, clouds and rain often obstruct the views you flew so far to see. Other hiking: Hook up with the chapter of the Sierra Club (www.hi.sierraclub.orglKauai/kauai.html) for a hike led who really knows the land. of the best waves in the world break on Kauai's North Shore during season (November to March). For big waves in summer, opt for the and west shores. Check out Barking Sands and Shipwrecks. Beginners can reliable waves and enthusiastic teachers on the south coast at Poipu for most of year, and on the North Shore in summer. If you head to Poipu be prepared to find great waves along a strip of condominiums and tourist hotels. Kalapaki Beach on south-east also has manageable waves. The North Shore's best spots are Hanalei Kalihiwai, Ke'e Beach, Cannons and Tunnels. With over 300 named surf spots countless unnamed ones there is plenty to choose from. Kauai Surf School (south) - www.kauaisurfschool.com 808-323-7411 Margo Oberg Surfing School (south) - 808-742-8019 Co. - Surf shop with board rental- 808-826-9000 outrigger canoeing is as synonymous with Hawaiian lore as the hula dance. To experience it, contact the Princeville Resort at 5-3589. For a quiet paddle of six miles on the Hanalei River into the lush Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge contact Kayak Kauai 808-826-9844. rent sea or ocean kayaks or join an ocean kayaking expedition on the north coast with experienced guides for a strenuous trip. In some places in Hanalei you paddle straight from freshwater channels into the ocean surf. kayak guides are Aloha Canoes & Kayaks 808-246-6804 and Other Kauai 808-742-9667. The amazing sea life, perfect water temperature (80'F-75' F) and varied terrain that include's reefs, ledges, and caverns make Kauai an ideal to scuba dive. There is something to suit every level. In the summer boats leave ports in the north between Hanalei and Ke'e Beach and in the winter boats leave the south between Poipu and Spouting Horn. The best dives are offshore, only by boat. For snorkeling, try the tunnels beyond Hanalei on the North so named because of the labyrinth of caverns that the reef contains. Anini has the largest reef, which has endless reef to explore. Be aware: there are currents when the tide is going out. Divers (south shore) - www.fathomfive.com Divers (north shore) - www.garden-isle.com/nsdivers (Kapa'a) - www.divekauai.com What's really in waters? Go deep-sea f ishing and find out. Catch Blue Marlin, , Mahi Mahi, Ono, and many more, some ranging up to 1,000 pounds. You also get a dose of other marine life including turtles, seals, sharks and whales. Pa'a Charter - www.fishkauai.com next to Kayak Kauai, has the best fish tacos in the world. The Kauai Coffee Company is the largest producer of coffee in Hawaii with local flavorful beans. For refreshing 11~~~~~~ Fi~ shing Charters - www.aloha.neU-themcrsl Beginners: increase dexterity at Anini Beach in the North or n Lihue. For a stronger breeze look for Salt Pond Beach Park , Mahaulepu Beach (south), or Tunnels (north). For lessons: Anini Beach Windsurf 808-828-6838 For rental: True Blue 808-246-6333