"My Idea of a Paradise" Kauai by goshawk301

Kauai Travel Guide: 952 reviews and 2,524 photos

Sunset behind Lehua, from Polihale - Kauai

If you are at all receptive to the beauty of the place and people and history, and if you are coming to Kaua'i expecting to have a mellow, restful vacation, you will be making a mistake. For this island powerfully stirs up your senses and sets your imagination aflame.

Here in Kauai, the great geological force that built up the volcanic island is no longer active; it is taken over by other forces of nature - of water, a prodigious amount of which falls on the island, grooving stupendous deep canyons into flanks of a once mighty shield volcano and nourishing life; and life itself that abundantly covers the island with lush forests.

The beauty of nature here is almost overwhelming, and it evokes powerful feelings, from a scare on a sketchy trail along a cliff of the Na Pali Coast, to a complete relaxation in the mellowest turquoise lagoon of Salt Pond Beach. You can really feel the force of nature, and life.

As a repeat visitor to the islands, I have always felt that Hawaii's greatest assets are her people. Start with the native Hawaiians - although their history is a melancholy one of a nation that didn't quite make it as an independent country, their culture and spirit is alive and vital. I admire their heritage - and their pride in their heritage.

Yet I find it equally stirring to hear stories of immigrants who came to this remote island and made good. From Scotland; from Germany; from China; from Spain and Portugal; and especially from my country Japan. When I think about those people, who left rural villages of the southwest Japan and crossed the big Pacific Ocean to come to a new land and new life, when I think about their courage, imagination, and hard work, once again I feel strongly inspired.

Last visit to Kauai: Feb 2004
Intro Updated Feb 29, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (20)

Kaua'i Museum Things to Do (7)

The recorded history of the Hawaiian islands is not long, but it's rich in the interplay of people, cultures and nature.... more travel advice

Alaka'i Swamp Trail Off The Beaten Path (7)

This trail traverses the northern edge of the unique upland-wetland ecosystem of the Alaka'i Swamp in the heart of... more travel advice

'Anini Beach Park Off The Beaten Path (7)

Beaches like this are not supposed to exist, right? Only in tourist brochures? :) 'Anini Beach features a large,... more travel advice

Menehune Ditch Off The Beaten Path (7)

As you enter the town of Waimea from east, turn right onto Menehune Road which follows Waimea River upstream into the... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Look Up!
Shopping (1)
Farmers' Markets
Been to Kauai?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
Duxrbest Feb 19, 2009 at 9:18 AM

I have been there many times. The key is to avoid the tour busses. The merchants are all local, selling legitimate local products at reasonable prices. Very good people !
Reply
- Report abuse
BerniShand May 3, 2004 at 2:36 AM

superb page, possibly the best l`ve ever read, your narrative is first clss and the photographs are lovely, thank you for sharing this, BTW you can get coconut water in Sri Lanka and India too