Kauai Island Vacation Ideas For The Family
Far off in the Pacific Ocean is an island group that is filled with native
culture, beautiful flora, and the interesting formations caused by centuries
of volcanic activity, most of which is now dormant. This island group is
known as Hawaii. As the last state to enter the union, Hawaii is sometimes
referred to as "The Youngest State". This is the place many people, families
and couples alike, hope and dream to visit one day. As soon as you step off
the plane you are greeted by native residents with a colorful lei and aloha.
From here you must decide what you want to do. If nothing else, you must
attend an authentic luau, see the Wiamea Canyon, visit Kee Beach, and
explore the Napali Coast, all on the paradise island of Kauai.
Luau’s are traditional celebrations filled with a feast of delicious and
aromatic food, syncopated native music, and dancers trained in the steps of
their ancestors. Take a trip to the Wailua River Valley and attend one of
the Smith Family Luau’s. This Hawaiian family has been hosting visitors for
over fifty years and have the celebration down to a science. Succulent
roasted pig, teriyaki beef, and mahi-mahi are just some of the delicious
meals they will prepare for you as you sit and watch girls hula dance.
Remember, each step and hand movement has a particular meaning. Make sure
you sample the traditional dish of poi in order to complete your whole
Hawaiian experience. Sit back and enjoy the music, marvel at the Samoan fire
dancers, and let the sound of Tahitian drums lull you into contentment
amidst the lush foliage of the island.
You simply cannot complete your vacation without going and visiting the
Waimea Canyon. This is largest canyon in the Pacific waters measuring ten
miles long, a mile wide, and more than 3,500 feet deep, small only in
comparison to the Grand Canyon. Mount Waialeale, a dormant volcano, towers
above the canyon, water floods, and volcanic lava having slowly made their
way down its side to carve out the wonder. As a matter of fact, observant
visitors can see the way the volcano’s debris helped form each layer of rock
over the long centuries. The canyon is part of the Koke’e State Park, and
you will enjoy the many trails that are scattered throughout the canyon and
the park as you tour this unique sight.
A day at the beach is also in order and one of the most beautiful Hawaiian
shores can be found on the North side of Kauai. Kee Beach has the unique
honor of having been in major motions pictures and television mini-series.
It is also associated with Taylor Camp, one of the biggest hippy hangouts
ever to have been known during that time. The western end of Kee Beach is
where the adventurous souls will find the beginning of the Kalalau Trail, an
eleven mile hike up in the Napali Coast area that leads to Kalalau Beach.
There are two native religious shrines near Kee Beach and Ulua fish and
other species swim rampant in the lagoon that is wonderful for swimming and
snorkeling. But beware! The currents here are strong and swimmers should
take care not to be swept out to sea.
The Napali Coast can be seen by land, sea, and, for some parts inaccessible
to most humans, helicopter. It is a cliffy area covered in velvet green
foliage splattered with towering, crystal clear waterfalls that plummet
several hundred feet into the valley below. The Kalalau Trail is not for the
faint of heart and smart hikers will get a camping permit and stay at
Hanakapai beach overnight before continuing on. If you’re going to hike it
in what is considered the winter months in Hawaii, hire a guide for the pass
is dangerous with narrow trails and shaky footing. Even if you do decide to
hike it, invest in that helicopter ride so that you can see what you can’t
reach. You will be very glad you did.
