Hawaii Things to Do

Like massive fingers cascading down a cliff face, the ridges of the Na Pali coast provide the iconic and dramatic backdrop so often associated with the island of Kauai. Nearly five million years of erosion have carved this undeveloped stretch of coastline into a panorama of precipices which plunge over 3,000 feet down into the sea, and in the native Hawaiian language the words “na pali” literally translate into “the cliffs”.

Nearly all visitors to Kauai will agree that Poipu Beach Park is the undisputed darling of Kauai’s south shore. Located nearby to a number of popular south shore beach resorts, Poipu Beach Park offers pristine snorkeling during the winter months, advanced surfing during the summer months, and ample stretches of golden sand for laying a towel out during any time of the year.

Urban legend holds that Mark Twain dubbed Waimea Canyon as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” upon first catching sight of her deep, colorful gorges. Whether or not the legend is true isn’t what’s important, because regardless of whether Twain uttered the comparison or not, Waimea Canyon legitimately lives up to its now-famous moniker.

Not much is often said of Kauai. Known as the “Garden Isle,” this little Hawaiian island sits in the sea just like its other island brothers, yet has somehow retained more of a sense of wonder and isolation. Kauai is often visited for this reason, and a vacation escape here is one of the most peaceful and relaxing in Hawaii and the world.