Carroll E. Clark - Discover Kauai: this edition written and researched

This Is Kaua'i

Tropical paradise if ever there was an idea with a powerful grip on the mind, this would be it. And if ever there was a place to match, it is the Garden Island of Kaua'i. The emerald pinnacles of the Na Pali Coast, the painted walls of Waimea Canyon, the misty mountains of Hanalei and the sunny beaches of Po'ipu radiate outward from the ancient cone of Mt Wai'ale'ale, all of which is surrounded by a cornucopia of flamboyant marine life. These elements forge a magical union that sets this island apart from the world and, indeed, produce the giddy feeling of having risen above it.

With an astonishing list of outdoor adventures, Kaua'i will puncture your resort bubble. Here you can soar over tropical valleys, zip through treetops on a cable, paddle to inaccessible beaches and float through mountain caves. Each new experience is a special, often unforgettable, way of interacting with the island .

Kaua'i inspires more inward explorations, too. The values of the ancient Hawaiians are alive and well here, rooted in mountains, waves, clouds and a holistic understanding of the natural world. You will encounter this in simple ways, such as when someone gives you directions mauka (toward the mountains) or makai (toward the sea). On a deeper level, this traditional culture is built on moderation, balance, fairness and unity, producing a gentle pace of life, strong families and legendary hospitality.

You cant help admiring the way that Kaua'i has preserved itself in the face of the 20th century. Here, no town surpasses 10,000 people. By law, no building is taller than a coconut tree, and it is impossible to circumnavigate the coast by car. When a multimillion-dollar ferry arrived to begin service to neighboring islands, Kaua'i residents, concerned over environmental and other issues, blocked its path. It never returned. Visitors do.

Hanakapi'ai Falls ()
MARK PARKES/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Kaua'is Top Experiences

Kalalau Trail ( )

Rugged, elevated and celebrated, this Na Pali Coast trail will lead you as far as youre willing to go (well, up to 11 miles). The most trodden portion, to Hanakapi'ai Beach, is an adventure in itself. Bolder trekkers continue up the valley to Hanakapi'ai Falls, where a refreshing 200ft waterfall awaits. The boldest of the bold walk until there is no more walking and arrive at oohs and aahs Kalalau Valley, where your exhausted self enters, and your purest self exits.

MERTEN SNIJDERS/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Koke'e Trails ( )

The combination of Koke'es Nu'alolo Trail, Nu'alolo Cliffs Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail is enough to satisfy the most demanding trailblazer. Strenuous climbs with hair-raising drops are rewarded with breathtaking views. Theres also a long boardwalk through the Alaka'i Swamp, a misty primordial bog and bird-watchers paradise at the very top of the mountains.

WORLDFOTO / ALAMY

Epic views from a global favorite. ( )

The best perch from which to view the Coconut Coast. ( )

Four miles of wet n wild coastline, with paleontology thrown in for free. ( )

A boardwalk through a primordial bog, with birdwatching galore. ( )

The vertiginous link between two other classic trails. Just dont look down. ( )

Polihale State Park ( )

A spiritual beach that, in essence, is Polihale. The ancient Hawaiians thought so, and nothing has changed. The broad and endless sands, the vast Pacific and the dramatic beginnings of the mighty Na Pali cliffs bring the eternal to Earth here. There are a number of great beaches on Kaua'i, but none of them inspire reflection in quite the same way, making this the perfect spot to relax and reflect after a long hike or a busy trip. Suitably, its at the end of a long and bumpy road.

KEVIN LEVESQUE/LONELY PLANET IMAGES