Kauai

Uluwehi Falls

Uluwehi Falls

When is a secret not a secret? The answer is that a secret is not a secret when everyone knows about it. The perfect example of this precept is Uluwehi Falls, commonly known as the “secret falls” or the “sacred falls” of Kauai. Make no mistake about it: Uluwehi Falls is stunning. At slightly over on hundred feet, it is a beautiful example of a classic bridal-veil fall. In addition to the fall itself being stunning, it is surrounded by the calm, rustling jungle of the Wailua River State Park

Waikanaloa Wet Cave

Waikanaloa Wet Cave

Haena State Park in Kauai has a number of attractions, including the notorious Kalalau Trail. It also has a number of attractions that don't require as much effort, including Ke'e Beach, and the "wet" and "dry" caves - Waikanaloa and Maniniholo. Both of these caves are located immediately off of the main road; but only Maniniholo can be explored on foot.  Although Waikanaloa is a sea cave it is full of fresh water, and is fed by an underground spring. Despite its pristine appearance, swimming in Waikanaloa is not recommended, as the water is contaminated with leptospirosis, a dangerous bacteria. Finally, both Waikanaloa and Maniniholo each have interesting mythological backgrounds, which you can read about here. 

Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls

Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls

As I mentioned previously, Waimea Canyon is a site that is most definitely one of the “must-view” locations on Kauai, and in the world; and as I also mentioned, the best way to experience it is to hike it. While there are many great hikes through the canyon, the best hike in my book is the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls. It is the best hike to me because at four miles roundtrip, it is accessible, it has stunning views of the canyon from inside the canyon, and it ends at the top Waipoo Falls. It also allows the hiker the chance to swim in a waterfall, which is a once in a lifetime experience.

Waimea Canyon Lookout

Waimea Canyon Lookout

Kauai has many stunning natural features, but the largest, and most spectacular is Waimea Canyon, otherwise known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. As the canyon is over fourteen miles long, and over 3,600 feet deep, it is definitely one of the geologic wonders of the world. The canyon was carved by the Waimea River, which has flowed down to the ocean from Mount Wai'ale'ale over thousands of years. (More information on the geologic history of Waimea Canyon is located here). In my opinion, visitors to Waimea Canyon, like the Grand Canyon should get out and explore the area on foot, but for those who either don't have the time, or the ability to do so, this overlook provides stunning views for everyone; and serves as a great panoramic vista even for people who plan on hiking. 

Glass Beach Cemetery, Kauai

Glass Beach Cemetery, Kauai

If you like strange spots like Glass Beach, but think that Glass Beach is too mainstream for you, I have another strange and lost spot for you: the old McBryde Sugar Company Cemetery; or, as the Internet knows it the “Japanese cemetery” of Glass Beach. When I was exploring Glass Beach and looking at the various items I could find, I couldn’t help but notice that the hill above the beach had some unmistakable headstones planted on it

Glass Beach, Kauai

Glass Beach, Kauai

Kauai is known as the “garden island” of Hawaii for a reason: it has a plethora of amazing natural features for its residents, and for visitors. It also has one spot that radiates with an unnatural unintentional man-made beauty: Glass Beach. This beach is a little off the beaten path (but not by much), and will probably never be on any list of Kauai’s top beaches, due to its proximity to various industrial facilities. Nevertheless, if you like to visit strange or unique spots like me, Glass Beach is a spot that is worth a visit. The beach is in close proximity to the industrial area of Port Allen, and during the early twentieth century, was used as a dumping area for various items, including a fair amount of glass.