Tag Archives: Kauai

Kauai Reef Fish
Hawaii, Kauai, Plan

Hawaii Snapshots: Lydgate Beach, Kauai

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Kauai has a number of great snorkeling sites, but not all are suited for beginners and youngsters. For a mellow take on an underwater adventure, head to the east coast, and Lydgate Beach State Park. Here, a protective rock jetty shelters the beach from wind and waves, creating a calm lagoon that is home to a colorful collection of tropical fish.

Swimmers are immediately greeted by finned residents of the pool, who come in search of a free meal. Fish feeding, though still a common practice is not considered PC by many biologists and nature lovers. You’ll have to make your own decisions on the ethics of sharing some aquatic goodies, but there’s no doubt you’ll want to pack a picnic to enjoy topside. The park is worth an extended visit, and provides full range of amenities including tables, restrooms and a coastal nature trail.

Hawaiian Shirts
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Plan

The Original Hawaiian Shirt

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Like the islands themselves, the modern-day Hawaiian shirt is the product of a mixing pot of cultures and traditions. The colorful, casual designs of today represent a convergence of influences, with its deepest roots in the colorful patterns of kapa cloth. This traditional Hawaiian fabric was usually dyed in bold geometric patterns, and worn as loincloths known as kapa malo, or sarong-like wraps known as kapa pa’u.

The arrival of European missionaries heralded a new era of conservative western-style dress through much of the 19th century, but dress codes began to relax and expand in the early 20th century, when migrants from the east came to work the sugar plantations and pineapple fields. The Chinese brought brightly colored and loose fitting silk garments, while workers from the Philippines favored the relaxed feel of the untucked and cool-wearing barong tagalog. At around the same time, Japanese immigrants transformed the cooling fabrics and loose fitting style of the kimono into a short-sleeved work shirt that would become known as the palaka. The traditional palaka sported a checkerboard design, but it wasn’t long before the cultural mingling lead to bold new interpretations that also tied into Hawaiian kapa cloth designs.

Most historians give credit to a merchant named Ellery Chun for popularizing the first modern version of what we now call the Hawaiian shirt. In the 1930s, his dry goods store in Honolulu began selling a garment he labeled the Aloha Shirt. It wasn’t long before other tailors began creating their own versions of these loose-fitting, brightly colored shirts. As the first wave of vacationers arrived from the United States, many returned home with bright Hawaiian shirts as reminders of their time in the islands.

Following World War II, the Hawaiian shirt became the unofficial symbol of a new cultural attitude that embraced a more relaxed dress code and lifestyle, and these shirts would eventually become accented business attire. Hollywood popularized the style, and by the 1960s, the Hawaiian shirt had made its way into mainstream American culture. There have been a number of subtle variations in style, materials and colors in the years since, but one thing remains unchanged: put on a Hawaiian shirt, and you are almost guaranteed to take life just a little bit easier.

 

 

Kauai Poipu Beach
Hawaii, Kauai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaiian Snapshots: Poipu Beach, Kauai

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The setting sun warms the western sky as a pair of surfers catch one last wave at Kauai’s Poipu Beach. This waterfront park is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, as it offers protected tidal pools where youngsters can frolic, exciting surf breaks and a colorful reef where sea turtles and monk seals often join the resident schools of tropical fish.

Located on the island’s southern coast, Poipu is close to many of the island’s most popular resorts and restaurants. The shoreside park provides restrooms, showers, picnic facilities and lifeguards. An additional reward for beach goers in the months from December through May is the frequent sightings of humpback whales, which often surface close to shore. For these reasons and more, Poipu has been named as one of America’s best beaches.

Maui Turtle
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Best Turtle Snorkel Sites

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The waters of Hawaii are home to colorful coral reefs and several thousand species of tropical fish. But for many snorkelers, the highlight of a snorkeling adventure is an encounter with a sea turtle. These hard-shelled amphibians are most abundant in summer months, but can be seen in coastal waters year-round. If you find yourself sharing a reef with a sea turtle, just remember to be respectful and give the animal some space. It’s OK to look, but not to touch, and you’ll stand a better chance of creating a memorable encounter if you let the turtle come to you, rather than chasing after it. You might see a turtle most anywhere you stick your head below the waves in Hawaiian waters, but some sites are more popular than others, and also easier to reach. Here are some of the islands’ best bets for turtle encounters.

Hawaii Green Sea Turtles

A pair of green sea turtles occupies a beach in Kauai. When seen ashore during daylight hours, these animals are not nesting and laying eggs, but simply basking in the sunlight. Photo: iStock

Oahu

At Hawaii’s most popular snorkel site, turtles have grown accustomed to the schools of snorkel-equipped land mammals that enter the waters of Hanauma Bay each day. That said, even the most tolerant of turtles will shy away when pursued with too much enthusiasm by too many swimmers. To avoid the crowds and have the best chance of a rewarding turtle encounter, come early, or swim a bit farther afield. You’ll usually find turtles in shallow water near the reefs.

Oahu Waimea Bay Hawaii

Snorkel sites along Oahu’s north coast, such as Waimea Bay, are best enjoyed in calmer summer months, as winter swells can create towering surf and dangerous rip currents. Photo: JS Callahan/iStock

As an alternative to Hanauma Bay, head to the North Shore. A quick stop at one of the dive shops in Haleiwa will give you the latest word on conditions at sites such as Three Tables, Shark’s Cove, Waimea Bay and Laniakea—aka Turtle Beach. Big surf can limit snorkeling in winter months, but these same sites are often calm during summer, which is also when turtles are most abundant.

Maui

Maui has numerous bays and miles of beaches where snorkelers can swim with turtles, whether entering the water from shore, or by boat. From the Lahaina area, Honolua Bay is a favorite stop for snorkel charters, where in addition to the ubiquitous turtles, there’s a good chance of sighting octopus, parrotfish and even the occasionally spinner dolphin. For land-based snorkelers, the prime site near Lahaina is the headland known as Black Rock, which is located on the north end of Kaanapali Beach. Another site in the area worth checking out is the Mala Wharf, where turtles glide through the remains of a ship’s pier that was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992.

Maui Honolua Bay Hawaii

Maui’s Honolua Bay offers plenty of sea turtles plus the chance to encounter spinner dolphin. The bay can be reached by land, but most snorkelers arrive aboard charter boats. Photo: Brad Scott/iStock

There are a number of beaches along the southwestern coast of Maui where turtles are plentiful, and the most famous is the site known as Turtle Town. Here, turtles congregate around a collection of underwater lava formations, which also attract swarms of tropical fish. A number of boat operators provide tours to Turtle Town, and you can also get there from shore, as the site is just a short swim from Maluaka Beach. Another boat-based alternative is a trip to Molokini, and a visit to Turtle Arches.

Kauai

On Kauai, the deciding factor on where to snorkel is often the surf conditions. When seas are calmer along the north shore, which is typically in summer, sites such as Kee and Makua Beach offer some of the finest reefs in Hawaii, especially at the area known as Tunnels. A less known option that’s a bit off the beaten path, but often packed with turtles, is a small cove next to the tide pool known as Queen’s Bath. Getting there requires a scramble down a rocky shore, and the site isn’t safe when the surf is up, and crashing against the walls of the cove.

Kauai Kee Beach Hawaii

Kee Beach is one of the most popular places on Kauai to snorkel with sea turtles. Summer months are best, as this is the time when surf is smallest and turtles are most abundant. Photo: iStock

When the north shore isn’t an option due to larger winter swells, Kauai’s southern coast is the place to be. Poipu Beach is a perennial favorite, and offers easy entry and calm conditions, plus a reasonable chance of seeing turtles and sometimes even Hawaiian monk seals. A bit to the west, Lawia Beach has a protected inner reef that’s safe to snorkel even when waves are breaking over the outside reef.

Hawaii

The western shores of the Big Island offer miles of calm, clear water for snorkelers, but only a limited number of access points. Closest to the resorts on the Kona coast is Kahaluu Beach Park. This shallow, sheltered bay is home to one of the highest concentrations of fish on Hawaii, along with plenty of turtles. Ten miles farther to the south, Kealakekua Bay is a site best reached by boat, as shore entry will require a long hike over rugged terrain. A number of charter operators run trips to this popular site, and the reefs hold an abundance of both turtles and fish.

Puuhonua O Honaunau Park Hawaii

On the calmer western coast of the island of Hawaii, Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park overlooks one of the island’s best snorkel sites, which is known locally as “Two Steps.” Photo: iStock

Another of the island’s best turtle watching venues is easily accessed from shore. Snorkelers can enter the waters of Honaunau Bay at a site called “Two Steps,” which is just outside of the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park. Roadside parking can be at premium here, but for a modest fee, you can leave your car in the National Park’s lot, use the restrooms and make the short walk next door to the entry point.

Napali Coast, Kauai
Hawaii, Kauai, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaiian Snapshots: Napali Coast, Kauai

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Forget driving. You’ll need a sturdy pair of walking shoes to explore Kauai’s Napali Coast. That, or you could take a boat ride. This 16-mile stretch of coast on the island’s northwestern shore is a wild realm of towering sea cliffs that rise to heights of 4,000 feet, punctuated by hidden valleys.

Hikers depart from a trailhead at Kee Beach to discover a network of trails that climb over precipitous headlands to reach verdant valleys and cascading waterfalls. The hard-core can camp and transit the entire coast, but most settle for a day hike, either a moderately strenuous two-mile trek to Hanakapiai Beach, or an additional two-mile scramble to reach a waterfall higher in the valley.

A less-demanding way to view the cliffs and valleys is by boat or helicopter. A number of operators offer trips along the shoreline in everything from sea kayaks and speedboats to sailing catamarans. Some tours include landfalls on remote beaches or at historic venues such as the ancient fishing village of Nualolo Kai, which is one of Hawaii’s most significant archeological sites.

Hawaii Plate Lunch
Eat, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Local Favorites

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If your idea of Hawaii cuisine is tropical fruits and luau food, you need to expand your culinary horizons. The islands have long been a cultural mixing pot, with culinary influences from around the world blending to create a slew of unique-to-the-islands dishes and drinks you can’t find anywhere else. If you are ready to discover the diverse tastes of Hawaii, here are some of our favorite starting points.

Plate Lunch

The most iconic meal in Hawaii is called the plate lunch, an un- apologetically starch-heavy combination that dates back to the plantation period. The meal consists of two scoops of white rice, another of mayonnaise-based macaroni salad and some kind of entrée, which can range from teriyaki beef to pork adobo. The best place to sample one of these simple meals is at Rainbow Drive-In (3308 Kanaina Ave., 808-737-0177, www.rainbowdrivein.com) in Kapahulu, less than a mile outside of Waikiki. The landmark restaurant first opened in 1961 and is one of the few remaining drive-ins from this era. It’s been a favorite of residents for generations, though a recent stint on Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ with Guy Fieri (who eats the fried chicken here whenever he’s in town) has put the drive-in in the guidebooks. And because of its proximity to the beaches in Waikiki, it’s a popular stop for surfers and beach-goers, who often arrive in beachwear for their fix of burgers, fries and the drive-in’s famous Slush Float. While it serves a variety of plate lunches—from hearty chili to chicken cutlets smothered in brown gravy—the most popular is the mix plate, featuring beef or pork teriyaki, a breaded chicken cutlet and mahimahi. There’s lots of parking at the drive- in and next door, but expect a crowd at lunchtime with lines spilling into the parking lot.

Rainbow Drive Inn Hawaii Local Food Plate Lunch

Oahu’s Rainbow Drive-In serves up traditional plate lunches. These date back to the plantation days, when workers sought a simple yet filling mid-day meal to fuel their labors. Photo: Catherine Toth

Spam Musubi

A popular snack found in most convenience stores in Hawaii is the Spam musubi —a block of white rice topped with a slice of grilled Spam, wrapped together with dried seaweed. Sometimes the musubi comes paired with egg, other times the Spam is flavored with teriyaki sauce. Hawaii has a long history of affection for the pink canned meat. Residents eat nearly 7 million cans of Spam a year, according to Minnesota-based Hormel Foods. That’s more than any other state in the nation. One eatery has perfected the snack. Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering (94-903 Farrington Highway, 808-671-3779, www.taniokas.com) in Waipahu in Central Oahu prepares a Spam musubi that has quickly become one of the most popular items on the menu. The Spam is seasoned with a sweet teriyaki sauce that ramps this musubi to another level. These grab-and-go treats are located right at the cash register at Tanioka’s. But you have to go through a line to get there, passing display cases of poke, fried chicken, shortbread cookies and other local favorites. There isn’t anywhere to eat in or outside, so you’ll have to drive somewhere to enjoy your treat—we recommend visiting the nearby Hawaii’s Plantation Village (95-695 Waipahu St., 808-677-0110, www.hawaiiplantationvillage.org) in Waipahu, where you can walk around a restored plantation village that tells the story about Hawaii’s multiethnic history.

Spam

Spam musubi is a popular grab-and-go snack found all across Hawaii. Slices of flavored Spam provide the signature ingredient, which is paired with rice and wrapped in seaweed. Photo: Catherine Toth

Poke

Of the favorite types of pupu, or appetizer, in the Islands is poke (pronounced poh-kay). This consists of cubed ahi (yellow fin tuna) marinated in sea salt with shoyu (soy sauce), inamona (roasted crusted kukui nut), sesame oil, seaweed and chopped chili pepper. And it’s a fixture everywhere, from high-end restaurants to grocery stores. (Even Costco sells poke.) There are many variations of this dish, ranging from raw salmon to cured octopus. Try any of the ones served at Poke Stop (95-1840 Meheula Parkway, 808-626- 3400, www.poke-stop.com) in Mililani in Central Oahu. Here, you can even get a poke bowl with seared ahi served over kim chee- flavored fried rice. It’s a small shop located behind a McDonald’s, with some seating inside. While poke is its specialty, you’ll likely smell other dishes like garlic shrimp or grilled rib eye steak cooking up in the kitchen. Don’t be surprised to see owner Elmer Guzman prepping in the kitchen or his young daughters helping out in the dining area.

Hawaiian Poke

From high-end restaurants to supermarkets, you can find poke on every menu. The dish is typically marinated seafood topped with seaweed, chili peppers and even fish roe. Photo: Catherine Toth

Saimin

This is a noodle soup dish that came out of Hawaii’s plantation era. Drawing on the influences of Japanese ramen, Chinese mein and Filipino pancit, it is a curly egg noodles in a hot broth. One of the best bowls is on Kauai at Hamura’s Saimin Stand (2956 Kress St., Lihue, 808-245-3271), which uses locally made noodles. This old-fashioned saimin shop has been around for about 70 years and still popular as ever. Its long, S-shaped community table is almost always packed with diners, sitting on wooden stools and huddled over their bowls of steaming hot saimin. You can watch the longtime workers prepare the broth and noodles right in front of you in the open kitchen. The most popular is Hamura’s special saimin topped with luncheon meat, roast pork and veggies.

Saimin

Saimin is an Asian-influenced noodle soup turned Hawaiian. It consists of soft egg noodles immersed in a hot broth. Garnishes can include a variety of meats and vegetables. Photo: Catherine Toth

Mai Tai

A favorite libation in the islands, the Mai Tai is a combination of light and dark rums, lime, orgeat and curacao or triple sec. It was purportedly invented in 1944 at the Trader Vic’s restaurant in Oakland, California, but it soon became associated with Hawaii. The original concoction is vastly different from the imitations served in many restaurants and bars. The 1944 drink, which means “good” in Tahitian, used J. Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat (an almond syrup with French origins), orange curacao and sugar syrup. There’s only one bottle left in the world of the Jamaican rum, so modern bartenders use various rums instead. The Royal Kona Resort hosts Don the Beachcomber’s Mai Tai Festival, which lures about two dozen mixologists who blend their best recipes in the hopes of winning $10,000. But you can find Mai Tais on just about any menu in Hawaii. The oceanfront House Without a Key (2199 Kalia Rd., 808-923-2311, www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key) at the posh Halekulani in Waikiki boasts a popular Mai Tai, perfect for sipping at sunset. Go in the evening and grab a seat outside, facing the Pacific Ocean, and listen to live Hawaiian music with hula dancers gracefully moving under a century-old kiawe tree. The refreshing drink is perfection in this atmosphere.

Mai Tai

Though thought to have originated in California, the Mai Tai has long been associated with Hawaii. With slight variations, the drink combines one or more rums, fruit juices and syrups. Photo: iStock

Loco Moco

You likely won’t find this dish—or a variation of it—anywhere but Hawaii. Another product of the plantation culture, the loco moco is just white rice topped with a hamburger patty (or two), an egg and brown gravy. It was first created in Hilo on the Big Island, where you can still get one of the best versions of this dish at Café 100 (969 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, 808-935-8683, www.cafe100.com). This old- time drive-in serves more than 30 different kinds of loco mocos, including one with fish and another topped with homemade chili. It started serving loco mocos in 1949 and now sells about 9,000 of them every month. The menu on display is dizzying, so take your time. Like Rainbow Drive-In, Café 100 has take-out windows but with some open-air seating where you can feast on your loco moco plate. This is a popular stop for Hilo residents seeking a quick bite to eat, though more visitors are finding it despite its location off the main highway. If you’re on Kilauea Avenue, you can’t miss it, with its name in huge red letters on a wooden facade.

Loco Moco

Loco moco is one of several distinctly Hawaiian creations that pairs a serving of rice with one or more protein toppers. This example comes from Cafe 100 in the town of Hilo. Photo: Catherine Toth

Malasadas

This popular Portuguese dessert is simple: it’s just fried sweet dough doused in white sugar. But few have perfected the art of making these round, sugary donuts. While Leonard’s Bakery in Kapahulu on Oahu is the most well known bakery to specialize in these fried treats, Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop (46 Hoolai St., 808-262-5367, www.agnesbakeshop.com) in Kailua on Oahu’s windward side whips up the most authentic version—complete with the traditional hole in the middle. The malasadas here are made to order and coated generously in white sugar. It’s located in a parking lot shared with a couple of other shops. There are display cases features other baked good such as bear claws, apple fritters, jelly donuts and scones. Grab a cup of freshly brewed local coffee and take a seat while you wait. Since the malasadas are made to order, it might take a few minutes.

Malasada

A close cousin to the donut, the Malasada originated in Portugal. These savory chunks of sweet fried dough are coated in sugar, and may or may not have central holes. Photo: Catherine Toth

Shave ice

Hawaii’s version of this icy treat is nothing like the chunky snow cones served on the mainland. Shave ice—also called ice shave on the Big Island—has a finer consistency, and more completely absorbs the sweet syrup toppings, which come in flavors ranging from strawberry to piña colada. Most shave ice stands like Matsumoto Shave Ice on Oahu’s North Shore and Ululani’s Shave Ice on Maui top these desserts with homemade mochi (sweet glutinous rice), red azuki beans and sweetened condensed milk. But if you’re looking for something truly unique, visit Shimazu Store (330 N. School St., 808-371-8899) in Honolulu. This small hole-in-the-wall boasts more than 50 different flavors including lychee, red velvet crème, durian and creme brulee. This shave ice shop is in a former neighborhood grocery store. It’s tiny inside, and you’ll likely have to eat on the small bench just outside the door. The workers will make your shave ice to order right before your eyes, including shaving the ice.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Hawaiian shave ice is a favorite treat. Unlike a snow cone, which uses crushed ice, shaving produces smaller ice slivers that more readily absorb flavoring syrups and additional toppings. Photo: iStock

 

Hawaii-Kauai-Poipu-Beach
Hawaii, Kauai, Play, Trip Ideas

10 Things To Do on Kauai

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The aptly nicknamed “Garden Isle” presents lush landscapes that invite exploration and adventure. Some of the outdoor activities and adventures offered on Kauai will prove challenging, but many more are well suited to the more casual participant. Here are some of our favorites.

1  Catch a Wave

The Hawaiian Islands are synonymous with surfing, and the sport is not just for experts. The breaks at popular Poipu Beach are particularly beginner friendly, and there are several surf schools that can get you started, those wanting a more in-depth experience can opt for extended surf camps. Equally popular is Hanalei Bay on the island’s north shore, where conditions can range from first-timer friendly to experts only depending on location and season.

2  Get To the Point

Hawaii-Kauai-Kilauea-Lighthouse, things to do on kauai

Photo: iStock

The lighthouse at Kilauea sits at the northernmost point in the inhabited Hawaiian Islands.  But there’s more reason than simple geographic interest to visit.  This elevated point of land is also one of the island’s most scenic locations, where sweeping cliffs and crashing surf provide a dramatic backdrop for a national wildlife refuge that is home to a variety of nesting sea birds, and the Hawaiian monk seals that can often be seen sunning on the rocks of adjacent Mokuaeae Isle.  Those wishing to stretch their legs can hike up nearby Crater Hill for more expansive views of the coast.

3  Rope a Waterfall

This one is for the adrenaline junkies, but you don’t have to be a risk taker. The adventure begins at the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, on the island’s southeast coast. First comes a safety lesson on rope handling and rappelling, and the chance to slide down a three-story cliff face on a fixed rope. Then, it’s off on a walking trail through a lush forest to a pair of remote waterfalls where you’ll have the chance to rappel through the flow. First up is 30-foot Bamboo Falls, then the excitement doubles at 60-foot Dundee Falls.

4  Visit the Past

Hawaii-Kauai-Lihue-Kauai-Museum

Photo: Brian Raisbeck/iStock

Located in the heart of the historic town of Lihue, the Kauai Museum tells the story of the island’s natural and cultural history. Permanent collections cover everything from the pre-historic formation of the islands to modern times. Exhibits lead through each important era, from the arrival of the native Hawaiian people, to the arrival of Captain Cook, the European missionaries, subsequent ethnic immigrations, the sugar cane Barons, World War II and statehood. Additional exhibits include rare shells, period artwork and furnishings from the Monarch Period and a collection of Asian china, sculpture and paintings. Additional rotating exhibits are also on display.

5  Take the Cain Train

Ride the rails that once hauled sugarcane through Kilohana Plantation. These days, the property grows some 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables, along with a menagerie of livestock. On the day tours, you’ll stop to feed the animals, sample fruits picked right from the trees, and embark on a leisurely guided tour of the woodlands. Evening runs add in a luau celebration. Other on-site attractions include one of the island’s best Sunday brunches and the historic Manor House, which is a State of Hawaii Historic Landmark.

6  Tour the Canyon

Waimea Canyon, Kauai Hawaii

Photo: Nickolay Stanev/iStock

A mile wide, 14 miles long and 3,600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon deserves its nickname, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Ambitious hikers can discover miles of trails that descend and cross this impressive geological feature, but you can take in the same grandeur without the sweat and sore feet by making the drive along Highway 550, which runs along the western rim of the canyon, with numerous overlooks to marvel at the multi-hued cliff faces and deep gorges below. The route continues to the head of the canyon at Kokee State Park, with numerous opportunities to stop and take in the view.

7  Go Off Road

Straddle an ATV for an exploration of the island’s wilder side, following trails that run though farmlands and forest to reach secluded beaches or jungle waterfalls. One route takes riders through a half-mile long tunnel once used by sugar cane transports; another stops at an inland lake, visits locations made famous in movies, and climbs nearby hillsides for panoramic views of the coastline.

8  Visit the Garden

Hawaii-Kauai-Allerton-Gardens-Bamboo-Tunnel

Photo: iStock

In addition to boasting some of the world’s lushest natural landscapes, the Garden Island is home to several actual botanical gardens worthy of a visit. On the south shore, McBryde Garden houses the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian plant life, while the landscape at Allerton Garden includes giant Moreton Figs, which some may recognize from the Jurassic Park movies. On the island’s north coast, near Hanna Bach, Limahuli Gardens is a haven for a range of endangered native plants. A few miles to the west, Princeville Botanical Gardens combines flowers and fruit trees with beehives and organic chocolate production for a sweet treat.

9  Try the Pie

Locals will argue over which food stand or restaurant bakes up the best lilikoi pie, but all will agree that anyone who visits Kauai should sample the island’s signature desert. Lilikoi is the local name for passion fruit, and these small burgundy nuggets of sweetness become the key ingredient for a chiffon-style pie that’s set on a graham cracker curst and topped with meringue.

10  Take Flight

Much of Kauai’s rugged and magnificent scenery can only be fully appreciated from the air. Helicopter tours are always popular, but for an even more dramatic and wide-open aerial view, you can take flight in an open ultralight. These small, slow-moving aircraft hold one or two passengers in addition to the pilot. From you elevated viewpoint, you will glide above treacherous reefs and white sand beaches, then head inland to discover dramatic valleys and lush forests. Make sure to bring a camera.

 

 

Hawaii-Kauai-Kee-Beach
Hawaii, Kauai, Play, Trip Ideas

Into the Blue: Best Snorkel Sites on Kauai

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Like the green landscapes of this oldest of Hawaiian Islands, the snorkeling sites around the shores of Kauai are just a bit wilder, but well worth the effort. Not all beaches are suitable for novices, but when conditions are right, anyone with reasonable comfort in the water can enjoy a visit of shallow reefs and lava-rock formations where colorful tropical fish flit in the sunlight.

Kee Beach

Sitting at the literal end of the road, where hikers embark for the rugged pathways of the Napali coast, this state park provides parking and bathroom facilities adjacent to a scenic beach, where there is a lifeguard on duty. A flanking reef shelters the shallows from ocean chop, but the site is best from spring to summer, as winter swells can make snorkeling and swimming challenging or even dangerous. When waters are calm and tides are in, the best snorkeling can be found by swimming out over the nearshore reef to the deeper, clearer waters of the outer lagoon. This also allows you to escape the crowds that sometimes line the shallows.

Hawaii-Kauai-Kee-Beach,Best Snorkel Sites on Kauai

An aerial view of Kee Beach shows both the sheltered inner reef and the deeper outer reefs that are a favorite with advanced snorkelers. This site is best when seas are calm. Photo: iStock

Tunnels Beach

For a slightly wilder take on snorkeling Kauai’s north shore, head for Tunnels Beach, but check the forecast first. When wind and waves are up, this beach is a favorite with surfers and windsurfers. Under calmer conditions, it’s also an excellent snorkel site, with both an inner reef that is novice-friendly and a deeper outer reef that is a favorite with free divers and scuba divers. The best entry is on the sandy areas to the north. Parking along the access road can be a challenge on busy days. Public bathrooms and showers are located within walking distance at Haena Beach Park.

Hawaii-Kauai-Tunnels-Beach

A Hawaiian monk seal rests on the sand at Tunnels Beach, on Kauai’s north shore. In winter, ocean swells can break over the reefs, making them unsuitable for snorkeling. Photo: Steve Heap/iStock

Poipu Beach Park

If you are staying on Kauai’s south side and want to combine snorkeling and quality time on the sand, head for popular Poipu Beach. Not only is it considered one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches, it’s well-suited to families and anyone wanting a safe, easy water entry, coupled with a full range of beachside amenities. Beginners will find sheltered water to practice their basics behind the rock jetty at the beach’s eastern end, while the sand spit at the opposite end leads to deeper water where fish are more abundant. When on the surface, keep an eye open for dolphins and whales breaching offshore.

Hawaii-Kauai-Poipu-Beach

Palm-fringed Poipu Beach is a favorite with families and novice snorkelers, thanks to the protected shallow areas that provide calm water and shallow depths, along with plenty of fish life. Photo: iStock

 

Hawaii, Maui, Haleakala Horseback Riding
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Hawaii Horseback Adventures

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Hawaii and horses. The image just seems right. And, in fact you can saddle with dozens of outfitters and riding stables scattered across all six major islands. There are beginner-friendly walks on groomed trails, fast-paced rides for those with some equine experience and challenging excursions into the backcountry to discover sights few tourists ever see. From this list of possibilities, we’ve come up with four rides that offer something a bit out of the ordinary.

Into the Volcano

The island of Maui offers some of the most diverse horseback excursions in the state—everything from beach rides to explorations of wooded trails and canters on expansive grasslands lying thousands of feet above the ocean. The Valley Isle’s most unusual riding adventure begins at the summit of Mount Haleakala, and descends into this dormant volcano’s central crater. The route follows the Sliding Sands Trail to the crater floor, some 2,500 feet below the rim. This route requires about four hours to complete, including a lunch stop in the crater. The tour outfitters recommend that riders have at least some riding experience, and should be comfortable with higher altitudes, as the trail ranges from 7,500 feet up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Needless to say, the views are unforgettable.

Maui, Haleakala Horseback Riding, Hawaii Horseback Adventures

Riders descend the Sliding Sands trail in Haleakala National Park. Hikers and riders can follow a network of trails from the summit rim deep into the dormant volcano’s inner crater. Photo: iStock

Saddles and Swimsuits

The island of Kauai is known for it’s wild spaces, lush landscapes and cascading falls–especially on the north shore. You can take in all these elements on a two-hour ride through the Kalihiwai Valley that includes a chance to plunge into a mountain stream. The ride, which is suitable for all ages, begins at the Silver Falls Ranch, a private 300-acre estate set in the heart of the valley. Tours pass through an 80-acre botanical reserve where more than 150 species of palm trees grow, then joins Pohakuhonu Creek on a trail lined with ferns, hibiscus blossoms and wild orchids. The destination is Sliver Falls, where the ranch’s namesake cascade feeds a refreshing pool of water. Riders can enjoy a refreshing dip while the guides prepare a picnic lunch.

Riding the Rim

The Big Island is home to several working cattle ranches, and visitors can saddle up to ride the ranges where Paniolo, aka Hawaiian cowboys, still work the herds. For a different take on trail riding that includes some breathtaking vistas, head to the east coast village of Kukuihaele, which overlooks the remote Waipio Valley. Flanked by tall ridges and facing the sea, this expansive cleft in the coastal mountain range is often referred to as the “Valley of the Kings,” as it was home to many of the island’s traditional chiefs. The 2.5 hour-ride takes you along the upper rim of the valley, and on to the top of Hiilawe Falls, which is one of the highest and most scenic cascades in the state. The views are unmatched, and if you want more, you can opt for a five-hour ride that continues upstream of the falls, following the fern-clad banks to the river and into a pristine rainforest to discover a series of hidden pools and smaller falls.

Hawaii Big Island, Waipio Valley Horseback Riding

A panoramic horseback perspective of Hawaii’s Waipio Valley from the upper rim. This verdant cleft in the mountains northeastern shore of the Big Island was once home to Hawaii’s kings. Photo: Sharron Miller/iStock

Moonlight on the Trail

The island of Oahu certainly has its share of exciting nightlife. But if your idea of a light show isn’t spinning-mirrored balls, check your calendar for the next full moon, and reserve a spot on Hawaii’s only moonlight horse ride. The adventure is staged from the Gunstock Ranch, which is located on the island’s less-settled north shore, far from city lights. The ranch overlooks Kalanai Point and the Malaekahana State Recreation Area, with the Koolau Mountains rising just behind. These 90-minute rides are scheduled to begin at dusk to take in twilight views of the mountains and ocean as you climb to a scenic overlook just in time to watch the moon rise over the Pacific. The ride back takes place under the light of the full moon. This ride is offered just two to three times a month, so it’s best to reserve well ahead.