With the sun, the sights, the smell … there’s still no place like it on the planet — no matter the draw of other ‘come hither’ destinations for heat-hungry Canadians.
And if Hawaii is indeed king, then the island of Kauai is … well … its crown jewel.
“We are a laid-back island with an abundance of natural beauty for one to experience,” said Sue Kanoho of the Kauai Visitors Bureau. “I believe our host culture — the native Hawaiian people are what make us different from any other sun and surf destination. If you understand the people of Kauai, you understand the island.
“Kauai is a great destination and a wonderful place to rejuvenate.”
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Where Oahu, Maui and — to a lesser extend — the big island of Hawaii are teeming with tourist traps, Kauai bucks the trend of being a typical Hawaiian holiday hot spot.
That’s because the natives have gone to great lengths to minimize the influx of mainland America, choosing to curb growth and expansion in hopes of retaining the roots and traditions of their heritage. Save for a few well-known box-stores and grand, palatial resorts, Kauai keeps to itself, asking not to be incorporated — for the most part — with how its sister islands want to maintain pace with the progressive, outside world.
The result is an isle that’s more your mother’s vision of Hawaii — lush, beautiful and largely unspoiled.
It’s quiet and luxurious.
It’s laid-back Hawaii to the extreme.
“We love to socialize and relax — at the same time,” said Mariko Harper of the Kauai Marriott Resort in Lihue.
“Community is huge here, and everyone works together like family. The entire island has a ‘small-town’ feel. It is a nice, comfortable feeling that living here gives you. Hopefully, when you visit, you get some of that, too.”
A visit to Kauai means options aplenty for a happy wanderer, including the majestic NaPali Coast State Park, known for its steep and colourful cliffs, and the dramatic faces of Waimea Canyon. Check out the North Shore, where South Pacific’s famous view of Bali Hai — just minutes from the wettest place on Earth — is a must-see and the Queen’s Bath — a pool carved naturally out of lava rock and filled by tides rolling in from the Pacific Ocean — is a must-do (although safety issues are a concern).
“The island of Kauai is off the beaten path,” Harper said.
“There is raw nature everywhere you look and there are plenty of hikes for people to see the raw nature.”
But make no mistake — there are the usual warm-weather adventures at hand.
Golf, zip-lines, mountain tubing, ATV tours, snorkel trips, helicopter tours, horseback rides and kayak outings represent just a sample of what’s in store for fun-filled escapades on Kauai.
Then, there’s the typical Hawaiian experiences, including surf lessons and authentic luaus. And, of course, what’s Hawaii without time spent relaxing on some of the most amazing beaches in the world? More than 40 white-sand beaches grace the island, highlighted by Poipu’s wide expanse, Ninini’s hidden gem, Tunnels’ rocky reef, Anini’s romantic lagoon and Kalapaki’s family adventure.
todd.saelhof@sunmedia.ca
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