28 December 2007

13 Great Places to Discover and Enjoy in the North Shore of Kauai Island

The North shore of Kauai island is made of three towns, namely, Na Pali Coast, Hanalei, and Kilauea.  These three towns offer you the best of its breathtaking destinations to let you really enjoy your vacation.  These include the Honopu valley,  Na Pali Coast, Ke ahu a laka Heiau, Hanalay Bay, Manini-holo Dry Cave, Waikanaloa Wet Cave, Kee Beach, Waioli Mission House, Anini Beach, Hanalei Valley Lookout, Kilauea Lighthouse, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, and Princeville.

Unwind and treat yourself to one of the dreamiest places in the world.  Head on to the North shore of Kauai Island, Hawaii and let the fun begin.  Here are the best places worth visiting in this tropical paradise you will never forget:

Honopu valley

Awe yourself with the view of the lush jungle in the valley of Honopu.  Otherwise known as the "Valley of the Lost Tribe," Honopu valley is said to be the last known abode of the Menehune or "children of the land."  The dramatic scene of the valley makes its beach, called Cathedral beach, a popular destination for honeymooners and even filmakers.  Movies shot in Honopu valley include the famous King Kong remake in 1976, Six Days Seven Nights in 1998, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Honeymoon in Vegas, and Acapulco Gold.

Na Pali Coast

A great destination for people looking for adventure, the Na Pali coast offers different unforgettable scenes, including its breathtaking view of steep cliffs, small beaches, caves in seas, and high waterfalls.  Because it is inaccessible to automobiles, it has become a perfect vacation spot for adventure-lovers, offering exciting activities such as hiking through rugged trails, sailing, and rafting.  You can also go for a helicopter tour, which many Kauai vacation rentals offer.

Ke ahu a laka Heiau

Kauai, being one of the greatest homes for oldest traditions and culture, offers known places to visit like Ke ahu a laka Heia.  This used to be part of the famous Hula school in the place.  Chanters also had their training here, where their skills are tested.  They walked across the boulders chanting their mele or chant and if their voices are heard despite the wind and the waves, their training would be complete.

Hanalay Bay

Hanala bay is almost a two-mile stretch of white sand beach, making it the largest bay in the north shore of Kauai island.  Not only the white sand takes your breathe away, but also the mountains that surround it.  It is great place to unwind and enjoy where you can just go swimming and beach walking, or go paddling, surfing, body boarding, and even fishing.

Manini-holo Dry Cave

Bring your flashlights and set forth to the landmark cave in the North shore of Kauai island, which is the Manini-holo cry cave.  It used to be be much deeper and larger than before, but it is now being partially filled with sand caused by the tsunami in 1957.  The ceilings have intricate designs, so do not forget your flashlights.  There are also small rooms in the cave.  Legend says that the Menehune, under the leadership of Maniniholo, dug up this cave in search for a beast who had been stealing their fish.

Waikanaloa Wet Cave

If you want to visit an accessible place to look and see, you can stop by Waikanaloa wet cave, which is located just off the road in the town of Hanalei.  Swimming is prohibited, though, because of possible leptospirosis found.  Water is also very cold in the cave and no fresh and salt water life is said to exist here.

Kee Beach

Being one of the best beaches in Hawaii, the Kee beach is famous for its crystal blue water, breathtaking sunsets, colorful fish, and adorable turtles.  It is a tropical paradise famous for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and sunbathing.  It also has a very typical and wonderful Hawaiian setting with lush vegetation in its backshore.

Waioli Mission House

The Waioli Mission House was said to be built in 1837 by Abner and Lucy Wilcox of Massachussets.  This 170-year-old mission house is a living museum where the ambience, the grounds, and the furnishings give you a picture of what it was like 170 years ago when missionaries tried to convert the natives of Kauai to Christianity.

Anini Beach

Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, wind surfing, sail boarding, and spear fishing are some of the best things you can do during your vacation.  Anini beach is  great place to do all these, being one of the safest place on the North shore of Kauai island.  The water on one side has shallow water great for your kids.  Campsites are also avilable for a more adventurous vacation.  The Anini beach is where you find Hawaii's longest reef and the home to many tropical fish like triggerfish, unicorn fish, boxer fish, parrot fish, and damselfish.

Hanalei Valley Lookout

The Hanalei Valley lookout is one of the most popular sights in Kauai overlooking the Hanalei river and taro feilds in the middle of lush green mountains.  You can also see a one-way truss bridge on the valley floor, which was built almost a century ago.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Built in 1913, the Kilauea lighthouse used to guide the ships going to and from the Orient, until its light was turned off in the 1970s.  It is another famous attraction in Kauai island, where you can go hiking or simply enjoy watching migratory birds, as well as its glorious cliff and ocean views.  It is the northernmost point of Kauai Island and a home for migratory birds, Nene goose, which is Hawaii's state bird, and other seals and dolphins.

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Go nature hiking and visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.  It is located near the Kilauea lighthouse, which serves as a home and nesting habitat to different seabirds and migratory birds.  It was founded in 1985 and is open to the public with various exhibits of birds, marine animals, and plants in the area.

Princeville

If you love to play golf, you should not miss Princeville at Hanalei.  It is a luxury hotel with two Championship golf courses said to be designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.  Aside from golf, it also offers many adventurous outdoor activities, such as guided hiking, ziplining, and kayaking.  If not, you can simply relax at their spa, unwind with its breathtaking views, or go shopping.

Vacations are meant to be enjoyed and worth spending your time and money for.  Kauai island is definitely one of the best places where you can relax, unwind, and get in touch with nature, especially on its North shore.  So pack your bags and head on to the vacation of your lifetime.

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