Kaua`i aka: Kauai, Kaua'i

I have been to Kauai several times, both in summer and winter. Without a doubt, the helicopter tours were the best thing I ever did in my entire 49 years. Even though there has been two fatal crashes in March 2007 within 4 days of eachother (one with Heli USA and the other with Inter-Island aka. Smokey Mtn) I would still recommend going on at least one tour. I would probably pick Island Air (not Inter-Island) because as far as I know they have never had a fatal accident. Another must-do is a trip to Waimea Canyon. It is jaw-dropping, the views are spectacular. I am going back this summer and plan to camp out for two weeks at Anini Beach or Hanalei Beach. Anyone have experience camping in these two areas?

Kauai is more of a relax island. It is very local, in nature. There are several things you should do on kauai. First is go to Hanalei Bay and try a Bubba Burger, and the chinese place across the street. Next to Bubbas is a surf shop, infact all the surf shops in Hanalei are owned by the same person, when I say all, I mean two. One on either side of the street. Second, go golfing at either Princeville or Makai, two of the best courses in the world. Poipu Bay also has a great golf course and the Sony Open is held there during Thanksgiving if i am not mistaken. Third, go to the BullShed, it’s a great resturant in Kapaa Town opposite of the Safeway. It has a billboard that is usually overgrwon with plants. Many locals eat there and it sits on the water. Fourth, Kayak up the River, (I can’t spell it but it’s cloes to weiamea)and see the waterfall. Fifth, use the oneway bridges, just don’t hog them or the locals will get angary. Sixth, HAVE FUN

I went to Kaua’i for my honeymoon and it was amazing. Great snorkeling and hiking. Kipu Falls is a must-see. It was so fun to explore this not-overly-touristy island. The na pali coast and waimea canyon are unreal. Definitely don’t miss this island. And rent a vehicle that you can take off-road (aka down many of the out-of-the-way bumpy dirt roads that lead to beaches or sites) so you can explore as many places as possible.

We were there for the rain storms (and flooding) of 2006, and this is still a great place.

Ask locals how to find the Hideaways beach. It is a very beautiful beach that is hidden and not crowded at all. You’ll have to climb over a railing and down a very steep incline to get to it, but its not a big deal, as long as you bring the shoes for it (sandals, bare feet, or flip-flops not recommended).

If you’re looking for a Kaua’i beach for lounging and swimming, Glass Beach probably isn’t where you want to go. If you want to explore something really amazing that doesn’t feel much like the untamed beauty of Kaua’i, then Glass Beach and the Swiss Cheese Shoreline is for you.

Near the industrial part of Hanapepe, there’s an area that has been a place for locals to dump equipment for over one hundred years. Most of the shore cliffs are embedded with old junk. It’s incredible to see what the ocean has done in reclaiming this junk.

The lava bench is covered with an assortment of old car frames and engine blocks, hunks of toilets and sinks, broken bottles and more that have been melted and shaped into the lava bench. Rusty reds, yellows and purples make this place quite colorful and interesting. The whole time you are exploring the junk, you can feel the roar of the ocean beneath the lava bench and you have great views of the waves bursting in and out of blowholes. It sounds like a gross reminder of how dirty humans can be, but there is definitely some beauty in it.

Next stop, Glass Beach. Millions of pieces of broken glass, porcelain and rusted bits have been tumbled, smoothed and washed ashore at Glass Beach. These bits, which are from the broken bottles and auto glass from the Swiss Cheese Shoreline, are collected by locals for crafts.

You can’t walk barefoot on glass beach, but it’s a fun place to beachcomb. You can find a variety of colored glass pebbles here: brown, clear, green, blue and tumbled porcelain. Definitely a worthwhile stop for the curious.

I decided I wanted to move here the first time I went. Someday I hope I can.

it is amazing! i just got back 3 days ago and it is the most beautiful place i have ever seen in my life. i stayed at the marriott resort on kalapaki beach. we went on the cruise along napali coast with blue dolphin charters, visited waimea canyons, did mountain tubing in an old sugar cane plantation, and we went snubaing. i even jumped off a 35 ft. waterfall! it was all worth the money!! all of the food was great and shopping was fun. if you are thinking about going there, GO FOR IT!!!

When I fly to Hawai’i, it’s always to Oahu. I need to get out of this rut and fly to other islands.

I really want to go