Kauai - The Ultimate Family Vacation
Posted: Monday, May 05, 2008
by David Perrin
http://www.acecatfurniture.com
The state of Hawaii is a beautiful paradise of lush greenery, native culture, and volcanic wonder nestled in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Getting a chance to vacation there with your family is a dream for many and when you are making your plans, there are some things that you are going to want to see and do to make it a time to remember. Attending a Luau, visiting Waimea Canyon, taking in the sun on Kee beach and spending time on the Napali coast hiking or sailing are just some of the enjoyable things the island of Kauai, Hawaii, can offer a family.
Waimea Canyon is located on the west side of the island and it is the largest in the Pacific, in fact its nick name is The Grand Canyon Of The Pacific. Ten miles long, a mile wide, and more than 3,500 feet deep, this dramatic sight was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that came off the summit of Mount Waialeale. As you explore the canyon, you will see the marks made by the many different volcanic eruptions and lava flows that have occurred over the centuries. While smaller than the Grand Canyon, there is no end of its beauty. It is part of the Koke'e State Park and offers visitors trails for hiking and lookouts for them to utilize as they explore this natural wonder. A Ranger Station is located at the museum and offers hiking maps of the area. Make sure you bring a jacket as the air gets cooler by a good ten to fifteen degrees as the day wears on.
A day at the beach is also in order and one of the most beautiful Hawaiian shores can be found on the North side of Kauai. Kee Beach has the unique honor of having been in major motions pictures and television mini-series. It is also associated with Taylor Camp, one of the biggest hippy hangouts ever to have been known during that time. The western end of Kee Beach is where the adventurous souls will find the beginning of the Kalalau Trail, an elven mile hike up in the Napali Coast area that leads to Kalalau Beach. There are two native religious shrines near Kee Beach and Ulua fish and other species swim rampant in the lagoon that is wonderful for swimming and snorkeling. But beware! The currents here are strong and swimmers should take care not to be swept out to sea.
The Napali Coast can be seen by land, sea, and, for some parts inaccessible to most humans, helicopter. It is a cliffy area covered in velvet green foliage splattered with towering, crystal clear waterfalls that plummet several hundred feet into the valley below. It is a place of unmatched beauty known the world over. The Kalalau Trail is not for the faint of heart and smart hikers will get a camping permit and stay at Hanakapai beach overnight before continuing on. If you're going to hike it in what is considered the winter months in Hawaii, hire a guide for the pass is dangerous with narrow trails and shaky footing. Even if you do decide to hike it, invest in that helicopter ride so that you can see what you can't reach. You will be very glad you did.
David Lee specializes in family travel activities. See his web sites for more information on other Hawaii vacation ideas or check out these beautiful tropical pictures of Hawaii. For those who like to get wet on thier vacation to Hawaii check out top snorkeling spots in hawaii.
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