There are certain sights you need to see on the island of Kauai. Vistas simply showcasing the amazing land in front of you. Watch for a moment or sit for an hour. Take a picture to remember for a lifetime. Kauai is astoundingly beautiful.
Hanalei Pier at Sunset – End of Weke Road, Hanalei, HI 96714
There is nothing like it. Each layer of mountains deepening into a new gradient of blue as the sun goes down.
The sound of the waves sloshing about. Sure this is a popular spot with both locals and tourists, it’s loud, kids are jumping off the pier and bumping music.
I barely heard any of it, my world was the sunset, and I’ll never forget it.
Kilauea Lighthouse – 3500 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754
I love the serenity of the air around a lighthouse, the tower that sits beside the sea. I will often stop to admire the individuality of such structures. In Kilauea you will find a white stem with a red cap, the northern most point of the Hawaiian Islands.
Meet the friendly pair nenes who may follow you around the road before heading off to the grass in search of food.
Watch the laysan albatross fly high in the sky and settle among the trees on the cliff.
Although this lighthouse and the adjoining national wildlife refuge are closed for trail stabilization until April 2016, the view from the parking lot is full of wonder and wildlife.
Hanalei Valley Lookout – Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
Don’t pass up this view when you are on the north shore. Parking can be intimidating and a bit competitive for this small lot. Be patient, you’ll get lucky. This is what you’re waiting for:
Mountains, farmland, lush vegetation, almost unreal, majestic countryside splendor. This is Kauai.
Spouting Horn – Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
If you’ve never seen a blowhole before, it’s a pretty neat natural sight. When a wave crashes into an opening in a rock, water can spout up high in the sky complete with roaring sound effects. In the case of the Spouting Horn in Kauai, up to 50 feet in the air!
Best show is during rough seas. A man told us that he spotted some whales out in the distance earlier on, so keep your eyes peeled. There are facilities at the park, and if you’re lucky like me you might see a fantastic bug in the bathroom with you.
There are vendors selling gifts on the path to the blowhole, if your in the market. We have also visited blowholes on Maui and Oahu, so this was just a quick detour for us while visiting the beach and gardens on the south shore, but it’s always a cool sight to stop and see!
Menhune Fishpond Lookout – Hulemalu Rd., Niumalu, Kauai, HI
We decided to visit this vista right before our flight because of its close proximity to the airport. A small pull off lot that could fit a couple of cars and a informational plaque is all you will find. We had the spot to ourselves. Looking out at the pond built over 1,000 years ago and quiet countryside gave us such a serene feeling.
Traveling can sometimes be stressful, especially when you are going long distances and taking many planes during a journey. This view was the best way to make us forget all about that and enjoy our one last glimpse of Kauai, until next time.
Fantastic picutres!