There always seems to be a quandary when folks contemplate visiting Hawaii, as each island offers something a bit different from the other. In fact, there are an astounding 137 islands that comprise Hawaii; however, for practical purposes, most people concern themselves with Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the big island of Hawaii.
I have visited all of the above, except Lanai, which is 98% owned by Oracle Founder Larry Ellison, and the only hotels that exist on the island are two very expensive Four Seasons and the Hotel Lanai. But, I can honestly say that among the other islands mentioned, Kauai stands out above the rest for many reasons I will discuss in detail.
For one, it’s not called the “Garden Isle” for nothing. We visited three wonderful botanical gardens during our stay. The first was the Princeville Gardens, located on the North Shore, which focuses on cacao orchards and fruit trees and offers an informative and thoroughly entertaining chocolate tasting.
We explored the McBryde Garden on the south shore, home to the world’s largest assortment of native Hawaiian flora outside their natural habitat, where threatened and endangered tropical species are protected.
On the other hand, the Allerton Garden is known for its rare exotic plants and the famous Jurassic Park trees. It also offers a breathtaking sunset dinner at the private Allerton Estate House.
In addition to lush greenery and botanical wonders, Kauai is home to abundant wildlife and the most pristine beaches in the world. Small-town charm is another enticing aspect of the island, with interesting art galleries, street fairs, local street musicians, quaint cafes, excellent restaurants, and locally grown coffee and chocolate to round out the day. In other words, you can relax on the beach with a frozen cocktail or go ziplining in the jungle or helicopter over Waimea Canyon for an exhilarating experience.
Kauai Banyan Inn
And even though the island has more of a rural ambiance, plenty of luxury hotels cater to your every need. However, we always prefer to stay at a more low-key, serene property called the Kauai Banyan Inn on the south shore near Poipu. The Inn has only four suites, but they are all well-appointed and spotlessly clean, with balconies overlooking picture-perfect mountain views and fresh-smelling breezes accompanied by tropical birds singing their song while you sip your morning coffee.
The rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with a wet bar, refrigerator/freezer, Keurig Coffee Maker, selections of tea and coffee, free wifi, flat-screen cable TV, shared washer and dryer, microwave, and free parking. Lorna Hoff is the owner/den mother of the Inn and has a wealth of information on what to see, where to go, where to eat, swim, or hike to your heart’s content.
We call the Inn our home away from home because it exudes a true, authentic Hawaiian experience as opposed to a luxury hotel, spa, and golf course. To get to the Inn, you have to turn off the main road, then follow an array of meandering lanes and switchbacks lined with beautiful flowers and swaying palms until you finally reach your destination, so driving there is an adventure unto itself!
Lorna supplies each room with fresh fruit, trail mix, snacks, and beverages to take with you during your days of exploration. The Inn also supplies you with beach towels and chairs, free of charge, for your day at the beach. All in all, you can’t beat the Kauai Banyan Inn for hospitality, comfort, affordability, and Hawaiian authenticity.
Na Pali Experience – Catamaran Boat Tours and Raft Adventures
The Na Pali coast is the island’s main geological attraction, and the Na Pali Experience outfitters do their job extremelywell. From start to finish, the Na Pali Experience personnel were efficient, prepared, trustworthy, and highly personable, which only enhanced our enjoyment. I have been on other Na Pali catamaran tours, but the Na Pali Experience takes you up close and personal to the soaring spires of the colorful Na Pali coastline.
When I say up close and personal, I mean within a few feet of the mountains, while some of their raft tours meander in and out of the caves from within. Wow! That was something to see! With a competent and entertaining Captain and crew, the Na Pali Experience provides you with a safe, informative, and awe-inspiring journey where you can convey the adventure to family and friends for years to come.
In addition, we saw whales and dolphins throughout the trip, and our Captain was gracious enough to stop the boat for marine life photo ops. The tour also offers snacks and drinks to keep you alert and satisfied, and you can even take a dip in the Pacific off the side of the boat if you’re so inclined.
Another not-to-be-missed attraction is the drive to Waimea Canyon, where the sun casts shadows upon the mountains, causing a kaleidoscope of colors that dance in the wind. And if you follow that same road until it ends, you’ll receive an awesome reward! A lookout, high atop the Na Pali mountains and a bird’s eye view of the gleaming Pacific.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, at the northernmost tip of the island, is a relaxing journey to view one of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in Hawaii. It’s also a place to rest, rejuvenate, buy a souvenir, and sit on a bench admiring the beautiful coastline.
Hanalei is a fun and funky little town on the North Shore with nice restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, shaved ice, hot dogs, and ice cream. Hanalei’s South Shore doppelganger would be Hanapepe, which holds its famous Art Night every Friday. All the galleries are open, and the shops, restaurants, and street musicians are out in numbers for a fantastic evening!
Koloa town is also a quaint little enclave of restaurants, food trucks, macadamia nut vendors, souvenir shops, and great soft serve! And if you stay long enough, at the end of the street is a great Italian restaurant called La Spezia. Other restaurant recommendations would be the Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Company for killer breakfasts and Stevenson’s Library for great sushi, housed in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.
Kauai offers beauty, adventure, culture, and culinary gems in a laid-back, small-town atmosphere that is, in one word, memorable.
Mahalo!
If You Go
Kauai Banyan Inn – Call Lorna at: 808.645.6527, kauaibanyan.com, [email protected]
Na Pali Experience – napaliexperience.com, 808.635.1131, [email protected].
Princeville Botanical Gardens – kauaibotanicalgardens.com, 808.634.5505, [email protected].
McBryde & Allerton Gardens – ntbg.org, 808.332.7324, [email protected]
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge – fws.gov.
Hanapepe Art Night – hanapepe.org.
Stevenson’s Library Restaurant – 808.742.1234
La Spezia – laspeziakauai.com, 808.742.8824
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company – kalaheo.com, 808.332.5858
Richard Atkins is a travel photo-journalist, playwright, screenwriter, actor and pianist. He can be reached at: [email protected].