| , the furthest of the Hawaiian islands, is often | | | | There’s also Tunnels Beach, known for its |
| called “the garden island.” And, no | | | | wonderful windsurfing, and Hanalei Bay, a |
| wonder. With it’s lush greenery, tropical | | | | semicircular bay, which is the larges on Kauai. |
| rainforests and spectacular waterfalls, Kauai is a | | | | Hanalei Bay is considered the finest beach in the |
| place that will truly take your breath away. | | | | islands. |
| A trip to the garden island is certainly not | | | | Moving along to the east side of the island, |
| complete with visiting the National Tropical Garden, | | | | you’ll find Kealia Beach and Wailua Beach, |
| located in Lawai. The long, narrow garden covers | | | | both considered excellent for bodyboarding and |
| just under ½ square miles, and stretches | | | | surfing. Kalapaki Beach is located south of Kealia |
| from Lawai to the Pacific. Contained within the | | | | and Wailua Beaches, and is one of Kauai’s |
| garden are about 800 varieties of palm and 60 | | | | most popular beaches. |
| types of banana plants, countless tropical flowers | | | | Along the South Shore you’ll find Keoneloa |
| and huge water lilies. | | | | Beach, a major windsurfing beach. Poipu County |
| Another must-see spot on Kauai is Waimea | | | | Beach Park is the South Shore’s most |
| Canyon, described by Mark Twain as the Grand | | | | popular beach, with a sheltered swimming area. If |
| Canyon of the Pacific. Waimea Canyon is ten | | | | snorkeling is your sport of choice, then you must |
| miles long and about 3,600 feet deep. The last | | | | head out to Poipu Beach. |
| time I visited Waimea Canyon the entire area | | | | Another good snorkeling area along the South |
| was shrouded in fog, which is common. So, if you | | | | Shore is Waiohai Beach, which is also a good |
| want to ensure yourself of a spectacular view, be | | | | swimming area. |
| sure to call ahead for weather information. The | | | | The West Shore boasts Kauai’s most |
| number for weather info is: 808-245-6001. | | | | famous surfing beach, Pakala Beach. But, beware, |
| Of course, a visit to Kauai isn’t complete | | | | shark sightings are common. One of the widest |
| without taking in the 50 miles of white sand | | | | beaches is Polihale State Park. You get to Polihale |
| beaches which surround this small island. Starting | | | | State Park after driving a 5-mile unpaved road. |
| with the North Shore, a few beaches of note | | | | For that reason, this beach can be uncrowded. |
| include Lumahai Beach, which served as the | | | | The time I visited I felt like I had the beach to |
| backdrop for the movie “South | | | | myself. A great place to watch the sunset. |
| Pacific.” The surf here can be dangerous, | | | | If you wish a truly memorable Hawaiian vacation, |
| but the surroundings make a spectacular setting | | | | then put Kauai at the top of your list. It certainly |
| for weddings or commitment ceremonies. | | | | deserves it. |