"BlueCollar's Kaua‘i" Kauai by BlueCollar

Kauai Travel Guide: 1,141 reviews and 2,514 photos

I snapped this photo while enjoying my ultralight flight all along Nā Pali Coast. Go to my Off the Beaten Path section below for the details of this awesome ride!

This page has specific tips for the Island of Kaua‘i. If you are looking for general tips on planning a trip to the State of Hawai‘i or just a general overview, please go to my main Hawai‘i Page .

Of all the Hawaiian Islands we've visited, my wife and I have the greatest fondness for this island. By no stretch do I mean that to be the best. Rather, it means that we just hold it in higher regard.

It is often referred to as the "Island of Discovery" or "The Garden Isle". Whichever is used, it is certainly fitting. From Nā Pali Coast on the north to Līhu‘e on the south, from Kapa‘a on the east to Polihale Beach on the west, to all points in between, it will not disappoint.

This island is the oldest in the chain of 8 most popular islands. Scientists believe it to be between 5 million and 7 million years old and was once close to the size of the Big Island in its infancy. With the forces of erosion hard at work, in another 5 million years, Kaua‘i may be no larger than the little atolls that barely break the surface of the ocean further west in this chain. But on a grander scale, in another 4.5 to 6.5 million years, the Big Island may be whittled down to look like Kaua‘i does today (the Big Island is estimated to be only 500,000 years old). Nobody knows this for certain but it boggles the mind to try and understand the huge expanse of time that mother nature has used to create such beauty.

This is my wife standing in what looks like a stream. It's actually the beginning of the Kalalau Trail near Ke`e Beach. The rain has turned the trail into a stream and made hiking this trail difficult at best.

This was in 1997 and our first trip to this island. We had planned on hiking the Kalalau Trail this day and had driven towards the "end of the road." It was cloudy and rainy all along the north side of Kaua‘i. It wasn't looking too promising until we made it past Hā‘ena, where the clouds were breaking.

Then, as we approached Ke‘e Beach, we drove through a little stream that crosses over the road. We parked and got out into the rain (actually, a slight drizzle). We walked to what we thought was the trailhead. There was a sign with a map of the trail. But only a steady stream of water flowing next to the sign. There was no trail and the stream seemed to be flowing heavily.

We finally figured that the stream was the trail and that the rain had created this altered state. Not wanting to walk upstream, we returned to the car and attempted to leave. We decided that we would come back later.

As we attempted to drive back, we were met with a roadblock. The little stream we drove through earlier was now a raging river. The larger 4WD trucks and vans were crossing safely. But we were just in a compact rental car and it looked too high for us. I figured that a car this low and light could easily be pushed aside by this flow. We turned around and headed back to the "end of the road."

Once again we walked to the trailhead. This time we hiked upstream. :) Hence, the picture of my wife at left.

A "Must Have" for exploring this island

If you travel to this island, you definitely need to buy this book and read it thoroughly ahead of time. Even if you've traveled to this island previously, this book will open your eyes to things you never knew existed.

Here are my "Must Sees" and here are my "Off the Beaten Paths" and don't forget to look at my travelogue.

Return to my main Hawai`i page.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful sights everywhere.
Cons:Too many beautiful sights.
In a nutshell:Just do it!

Last visit to Kauai: Oct 2006
Intro Updated Apr 28, 2007
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Reviews (18)

The babbling brook was very soothing at night - Kauai

A Tropical Setting Hotels (2)

On the North Shore of Kaua‘i, next to a babbling brook, on the backside of a quiet residential area, sits Treetop Studio... more travel advice

Visit a National Tropical Botanical... Things to Do (8)

Near the “End of the Road” on Kaua‘i’s North Shore in the little town of Hâ‘ena, you will find Limahuli Garden. Limahuli... more travel advice

People have been swept off the rocks at Lumaha‘i - Kauai

Most Deadly Beaches Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Kaua‘i has the most visitor drownings than any other island in the State. What makes this statistic even worse is that... more travel advice

Drink Some Ale Restaurants (1)

The food here is your typical American restaurant-type with all the standard offerings. None of the food was really... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Fly Like a Bird — Almost!

Favorites (2)
See All Free Maps and Ideas

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (5)

spitball Nov 16, 2007 at 2:53 AM Report Abuse

I will be heading here at the end of October '07, and will be keeping my eyes open for these views. Nice short video clips to give us a good idea.
kzapanta Jul 2, 2007 at 4:30 PM Report Abuse

hi, your tips and story about the trail rocks! Thanks for the great advices. You should be ranked higher just for your Kauai page.
Gypsystravels Apr 24, 2007 at 9:00 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips here!! I love the Ultimate guide books and just picked up the one for Kauai!! It was tough deciding between Maui and Kauai for my next visit in a few months, but its Kauai this time around.
2rs Sep 26, 2005 at 3:40 PM Report Abuse

Hi, Thanks for the tips. I'll order the Kauai Guidebook. You recomended the "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed " which I found to be great. With the same team doing the this I'll guess it must be good. Hopefully going to Kauai in January. Malaho Bjorn
annk Jan 30, 2004 at 6:34 PM Report Abuse

We've never done the helicopter tours. Hopefully next time. Great overview of Kauai!