Blue Kaua'i
by Dana Donovan
Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Raiders of the Lost Ark are just a few of the movies that were filmed on the island of Kaua’i. With its lush, tropical landscape and its amazingly beautiful beaches, it’s easy to understand its appeal to filmmakers and vacationers alike.
Known as the Garden Isle, Kaua’i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands. There is one main road that allows travelers to navigate easily from the North Shore all the way to the west side of the island, but the island’s famous Napali Coast is inaccessible by car, as is over 90% of the rest of the island. Far from being a fault, I believe this inaccessibility is the root of much of Kaua’i‘s charm.
When visiting Kaua’i, you get the feeling that not much has changed over the years—a characteristic that tends to be utterly lacking in places where tourism is the largest industry. Words like unspoiled, pure, and authentic come to mind, but it’s more than just the genuineness of the island that draws you in and holds you captive. The people that live on Kaua’i, whether they were born there or came for vacation and never left, know the island has a soul that both captures you and sets you free.
There are many outdoor activities to fill your time while vacationing here—everything from hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining to golfing, boating, and surfing—but my favorite activities by far were the helicopter tour of the island and the catamaran tour of the Napali Coast.
A friend told me, “To go to Kaua’i and not take a helicopter tour is like going to the Sistine Chapel and not looking up.” I agree. Waimea Canyon State Park is breathtaking by air, and there is no other way to see the 400-foot Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurassic Park Falls for their role in the film of the same name.
Behind the helicopter tour, a close second favorite for us was the catamaran tour of the Napali Coast. Even though we had flown over the day before, it was an entirely different experience looking up at the majestic cliffs. The trip also included snorkeling, lunch, and the pleasure of watching dolphins playfully swimming alongside the boat.
Kaua’i is about a 9-hour plane ride away via Los Angeles and it’s not cheap, but it is worth it. We met one family of five from Colorado that have come annually for the past four years and stay for two weeks each visit. They feel it’s an amazing place the whole family loves, with activities that make them all happy. And, hey—anywhere Johnny Depp has been is a good place for me!
Where to Stay
Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages
808-338-1625
www.waimeaplantationcottages.com
Castle Kiahuna Plantation and the Beach Bungalows
808-742-6411
www.castleresorts.com
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
808-827-8700
www.westinprinceville.com
Where to Dine
Keoki’s Paradise
808-742-7534
www.keokesparadise.com
The Beach House
808-742-1424
www.the-beach-house.com
What to Do
Na’Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
808-828-0575
www.naainakai.org
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
808-245-5800
www.bluehawaiian.com
Capt. Andy’s Sailing Adventures
808-335-6833
www.napali.com
Kauai ATV
808-742-2734
www.kauaiatv.com
Kayak Kaua’i
808-826-9844
www.kayakkauai.com
Additional Information
Kanani – American Girl Doll of the Year
Each year, American Girl brings to life a new character with an inspirational story. This year’s Doll of the Year is Kanani Akina—who (you guessed it) lives on the island of Kaua’i. The book Aloha, Kanani that comes with the doll does a good job of capturing the Kaua’i culture and the aloha spirit. Available for a limited time only at www.americangirl.com.
Save the Seals!
Hawaiian Monk Seals are one of the planet’s most endangered animals. The current population numbers are between 1,100 and 1,200, with 90% of that population living in the northwestern Hawaiian islands. The Kaua’i Monk Seal Watch Program is an autonomous organization dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the Hawaiian Monk Seal. “Their declining population is a reflection of the health of our marine ecosystem,” says Timothy Robinson, the non-profit’s project coordinator. “It says a lot about how we’re treating the ocean.” For more information, go to www.kauaimonkseal.com.
