Kauai travel guide

The beautiful northern shore of Kaua'i Island is dotted with beaches. Stunning Haena Beach is one of the easiest to access as there is a parking lot. The three beaches, Haena, Makua and Tunnels, then lies as white pearls on a string with cragged Makana Ridge (Bali Hai) as a photogenic backdrop. The middle section is popular with resting monk seals, while Tunnels Beach at the tip is considered one of the best snorkeling spots on Kaua'i - particularly during summer, when the sea is at its calmest. Note that swimming can be dangerous with both strong currents and maiming shore breaks, so like everywhere else in Hawai'i: "If in doubt, don't go out!"

It's easy to understand why Hanalei Bay is so popular. The long crescent-shaped beach has soft creme-coloured sand and is set among a backdrop of dramatic mountains with cascading waterfalls. The waves close to Hanalei Pier, at the north end, are among the calmest on the North Shore, and is a magnet for novice surfers. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards have their playground on the other side of the pier, where Hanalei River flows into the bay.

Hiking doesn't come better than this. The Kalalau Trail starts at Haena State Park and continues all the way to Kalalau Beach 11 miles away. However, most hikers settle with just the first section to Hanakapi'ai Beach (6.5 km return). This hike is among the best in Hawaii and is truly spectacular. More adventurous hikers can add a side trip to Hanakapi'ai Falls (13 km in total return). The trail is muddy and slippery, and you need to cross several streams on the way. It follows the jungle covered cliffside with many breathtaking lookouts of the pristine Na Pali Coast's deep, enchanting pleats. If lucky and in season, you might able to spot dolphins and humpback whales off the shore. Do not swim at Hanakapi'ai Beach as the current is dangerous.

The small charming beach town of Kapa'a is popular to use as a base, while exploring Kaua'i. Not only is it located about midway between the north and the south, but it also has a good selection of accommodations and eateries. The cute and colourful main strip is lined with an odd mix of stops selling anything from ukuleles, boutique beachwear, and Hawaiian crafts to quirky bamboo products, tacky souvenirs, and blooming orchids. The range of food trucks is almost as diverse. A long bicycle and walking path runs along the shore all the way up to the next beach.

Maniniholo Dry Cave is exactly what the name suggests, a dry cave. It's neither big or exciting, but it's worth having a look. The parking lot for Haena Beach Park is across the road.

Opaeka'a Falls is a beautiful twin waterfall with a height of 46 meters. The viewpoint right next to the road will offer unobstructed views from a distance.

Poipu Beach is actually two beaches naturally split by a sand bar, which is a popular spot for napping Hawaiian monk seals. The east section is a protected cove popular with kids, while the west is good for snorkeling. Expect a crowd here (as crowded as it gets on Kauai), as Poipu Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the US and is flanked by pavilions, toilets and resorts.

Poliahu Heiau is the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple. It was probably used during the 17- and 18-centuries, but it may be older than that. Based on the sheer size of the temple, it has been suggested that Poliahu Heiau was dedicated to the war god Ku, and therefore a place where human and animal sacrifices were offered. None of that can be seen today, as only the stone wall stands.

The unique Red Dirt Waterfall is a seasonal mini waterfall, which flows down the iconic red soil of Waimea Canyon - waimea actually means "reddish water". The carved out barren red landscape is not unlike what you would expect to find on Mars. Red Dirt Waterfall is one of the many stunning stops along the road to Waimea Canyon - and one which isn't a lookout.

Wailua Falls is a twin waterfall, which cascades 26 meters down into a deep pool. There is a lookout at the small parking lot above the falls, but you can't see the entire length of falls from there, and the untrimmed vegetation are also obstructing the view. For full close-up views, you need to follow an unofficial muddy trail to the bottom.