Review of Kauai, Hawaii – Visiting the Lush Green Island With Kids
First Impression:
Arrival to Kauai (and Maui 2 years ago) was similar. The open design airport greeted me with only air-conditioning being the trade winds. This openness and fragrant air have brought the Maui memories back, and I knew that I was in Polynesia. We proceeded to the rental car, and found our hotel. It was already dark and opening the room window was scary – I could hear the roaring ocean but I could not see how far it is. I realized at that moment how remote we are, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Kauai climate:
Warm year-round with rainier period signifying the winter. The winter is generally Nov – April, and summer May – October. The temperatures are balmy, often not exceeding 90 F. Trade winds are enough to cool you down; hotels provide air-conditioning for those who like it really cold. There are many micro-climates from the wettest spot on earth being the top of a Kauai mountain with over 400 inches of rain per year, to a much more arid south and west parts. It can rain at any time and showers are quite enjoyable and warm. They tend to pass quickly in the summer months. Rainbows are common. Kauai rarely suffers a hurricane. Since Kauai is closer to northern storms, the winter surf is exceptionally high making it a surfer’s paradise. Winter months are not good choice to visit northern beaches that could be closed due to safety issues. If visiting in winter, you should choose south shore that has calm water during this time. During summer, the northern part is pure paradise while the surf is higher on the south side of the island because the waves are the after-effect of the southern hurricanes.
Geography and waterfalls:
Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and its crater is a rainy meadow only accessible via a helicopter. The plentiful rain has carved the most impressive mountain range with very sharp peaks that are green with tropical vegetation. While the waterfalls are plentiful, they are often difficult to access, and the easiest way to see waterfalls is a helicopter tour – which we didn’t do due to the cost. There are some smaller waterfalls that are easy to access, but almost all large ones require a very difficult hike.
Kauai beaches:
While Kauai names their beaches, I will have to argue this is just for the sake of being able to give directions to a particular stretch of sand. Kauai is all beaches on most sides of the island. They stretch for miles with Polihale being over 15 miles long. Sometimes beaches have different names but they are all on the same magnificently long stretch of gold sand… the testament of the ocean power. The Kauai beaches can be particularly dangerous with undertow currents, strong shore brakes, lack of beach guard etc. My disappointment was that although being magnificent, I was partly afraid to test these waters myself. After you talk with some local people you understand their respect of the ocean. If in doubt, don’t swim! All Hawaiian waters contain sharks but the shark attacks are rare. In these pristine waters, you are much more likely to drawn than be attacked by a shark. The old Hawaiian saying is: “Never turn your back to the ocean.” A rogue wave can form unexpectedly and pull you in. To be more relaxed select a beach that is protected by a reef such as: Ke’e, Tunnels, Lydgate, Poipu. The reef calms the ocean and also provides for colorful fish all around you; so don’t forget a snorkeling gear. If you do, you can rent it in Kauai.
Kauai wildlife:
Hawaiian sea-monk frequently rests on Kauai beaches. I didn’t get lucky to see one, but if you do, you are not to disturb them. Sea turtles are everywhere and can be seen while snorkeling or simply viewing the ocean. They like rocks and there are many on the south side. I was lucky to see a smaller turtle while snorkeling on the east coast in the Lydgate beach pool. Whale watching is popular during the winter months. There were no whales there in June as they travel each summer to their feeding grounds in Alaska. Kauai doesn’t have any life-threatening animals such as poisonous spiders, snakes etc. The only dangerous animal is wild boar that lives in wilderness and is possible to meet if you choose some off the beaten path hikes. Ocean wildlife is magnificent – plenty of colorful fishes – I saw groups of thousands congregating and loved to swim into them as they would run away from me in all directions and re-assemble again.
What to do in Kauai:
This island is a nature-lovers paradise. You can swim, snorkel, scuba, fish, camp, hike, paddle, bike, sunbathe… anything that has to do with enjoying nature. This island has a ruling that the highest building cannot be taller than the tallest palm (this means max of 2-3 stories high). This keeps the development out of Kauai. The resorts have a hard time capitalizing building on expensive land if all they are allowed to do is 2 stories. This keeps the island very relaxed, low-key, with a lot of local flair. In comparison, Maui has too many resorts, many blocking the view of the coast and beaches. I side with Kauai on this one – why build a solitaire on a small tropical island – it is out of scale, disrespectful of it surroundings.
What not to do in Kauai:
There are hardly any places to go out in Kauai. Many say this is the place for retirees. Not much to do after sunset except dining at the restaurant. This is also not a place to go shopping as many stores operate on island hours – whenever! If you are not into nature, scenery and relaxing, this is not your island. Maui has a lot more of night entertainment and shopping, so if you have to have those things pick Maui.
My favorite 3 things in Kauai:
• Visit Koke State park and hike from the end of the road to see Kalalau Valley
• Spend some serious time in the surf town Hanalei and enjoy Hanalei Bay, voted the best beach in America!
• Visit backcountry and enjoy the scenery – Hollywood filmed close to 100 movies in Kauai with a good reason – scenery is magnificent! Movies filmed here are Jurassic Park, King-Kong, 7 nights-6 days, South Pacific, Indiana Jones, etc.
My favorite 3 things in Maui:
• Drive to the northeastern part of the island known as “Road to Hana”. This is a very exciting, waterfall-ridden part of the island, and hike to a big waterfall.
• Spend some time on Kaanapali beach – the resort area that is manicured to perfection.
• Watch the sunsets that are plentiful as most development is on south and western parts of the island – perfect for sunsets!
Kauai people:
Kauai has very nice, most hospitable people I have ever met. There is a significant amount of homeless, and they are tolerated, even helped by locals. Kauai people are kind, calm and welcoming. Crime is almost non-existent. The only problems if occur are by the visitors to the island – some who come for construction work tend to drink on the beaches and harass tourists a bit. You will quickly know who is who. There is nothing to be afraid of. There is no animosity against tourist such as the case is in Maui.
Kauai uniqueness:
Here, you can drive all the way to the beach, make a campfire on the beach, camp on the beach… Kauai is uniquely free! The whole time no one ever warns you about anything – it seems like everything is allowed.
Hawaiian shave ice is a desert of ice covered with the sugary syrup in 30+ flavors to choose from. The little Hawaiian shave ice stands are everywhere and the cool treat is addictive to all generations. It practically costs nothing to make but they charge between $2.50 – 5.00 per cup, and people just love it. Young and old- everyone wants Hawaiian shave ice.
Chickens in Kauai are free. In fact, this is the world’s largest free-range chicken coupe. I hear the chickens are fair game and pretty tasty. I met a boy who has a pet Chicken Joe. The roosters are annoying and can wake you up at any time.
In conclusion, Kauai is a beautiful corner of the world and part of United States. The only way to understand Polynesia is to pay a visit. Besides being so relaxing, it is also a patriotic thing to do, as Hawaii is now available at great discounts. In Kauai, you will forget about your problems, and the memories will be priceless.
Monika is an artist who enjoys traveling, writing and sharing her experiences with the world. For more information about Monika visit http://www.artbymagic.com
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