ABSOLUTE DREAM VACATIONS

Destination Kauai: The Garden Isle

by: HAWAI'I Magazine | Jun 30, 2016

Kauai, the fourth largest of the Hawaiian islands, is fondly known as the Garden Isle. Travel beyond its pristine, sandy shoreline and it’s easy to see why. Though prized for its crowdless, palm tree-lined beaches, Kauai is also home to one of the wettest spots on earth. As a result, much of Kauai,
especially the island’s interior, is flush with waterfalls and garden-like greenery. If you’re looking to experience the rugged charm of the jungle, Kauai is where you’ll find it.

With 70 percent of the island inaccessible by foot, an aerial tour makes for the perfect start to your Kauai experience. At Skyline Eco-Adventures, you’ll have the unique opportunity to sail above the canopy, taking in spectacular views of some of the island’s most verdant mountain valleys. Located in Poipu on Kauai’s sunny South Shore, this zipline tour company is equipped with eight thrilling lines. You’ll feel right at home among the towering volcanic peaks as you tackle exciting features, such as a 200-foot drop-off and a walk-the-plank jump.

Now that you’ve seen Kauai from the sky, it’s time to experience her unique beauty by sea. Boating is one of the only ways to view the majestic Na Pali Coast, a 17-mile stretch of sea cliffs that separates the island’s desert-like West Side from its lusciously green North Shore. Kauai Sea Tours, located in Eleele, offers two distinct boat tours. For those who prefer smooth sailing, there are snorkel or sunset dinner cruise options aboard the Lucky Lady, a 60-foot luxury catamaran equipped with a water slide, bar and buffet service, fresh water showers, a sundeck and shaded seating. Folks with an appetite for adventure, however, might prefer a bouncy ride aboard a 24-foot ocean raft, which can navigate sea caves, duck under cliffside waterfalls and land at the remote beach at Nualolo Kai for an unforgettable picnic — weather and ocean conditions permitting.

Before you depart Kauai’s West Side, fuel up for your next adventure at Kauai Coffee, a gorgeous coffee estate that offers orchard walking tours and tastings. Kauai Coffee is Hawaii’s largest coffee grower, with more than 4 million coffee trees grown on 3,100 acres in Kalaheo. Be sure to stop in the gift shop and spend a moment relaxing on the veranda with a fresh-made cup of java.

When the sun sets on your first full day of Hawaiian adventures, you’ll be eager to lay your head to rest somewhere that captures the island’s rare and beautiful character. At the Hanalei Colony Resort, you’ll find seclusion and serenity in accommodations that blend seamlessly with Kauai’s natural beauty. These oceanfront condo rentals on Kauai’s jungle-like North Shore are equipped with full kitchens, private lanais and large picture windows. Built in the traditional low-rise plantation style, each unit has an open, airy ambiance as well as stunning ocean and mountain views.

As you explore your new neighborhood, be sure to pay a visit to the Honolulu-based resort wear company Tori Richard. This fashion brand’s contemporary twist on the iconic aloha shirt has been worn by the cast of Hawaii Five-0 and George Clooney, earning hanging space in the closets of Hawaii locals and visitors alike. Located at the luxurious St. Regis Princeville Resort, Tori Richard carries clothing for both women and men, including bold print pants and dresses as well as artfully made swimwear. Soon enough you’ll be able to visit their two new locations right at the Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.

In the evening, show off your new tropical threads at a traditional Hawaiian luau. Hosted by the Smith family of Kauai’s stunning Wailua River Valley, Smith’s Garden Luau has been delighting visitors for over 50 years. Complete with a pig roast, ukulele music and hula, the evening begins with a stroll of the 30-acre garden grounds and a chance to witness the cooking of a kalua pig in an earthen imu oven. In addition to kalua pork, dinner features local favorites, such as beef teriyaki, chicken adobo and fresh-caught mahi mahi. After the feast, grab yourself a Mai Tai and enjoy the show!

If you’re on Kauai during Koloa Plantation Days, consider yourself in for a treat. Held where Hawaii’s first sugar plantation was established in 1835, this not-to-be-missed celebration of plantation culture spans 10 days starting July 22. Lively and family-friendly, the annual event spotlights Koloa’s natural history as well as the cultural traditions introduced to Hawaii by the ethnically diverse plantation workers who moved to the islands from around the globe. Festival highlights include rodeos, barrel racing, fire dancing, fishing, guided coastal hikes, a miniature golf tournament, traditional food and live music.