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Romance in Kauai: Top 5 Kauai Romantic Attractions

Love is not in the air. Love is right here! In Hawaii’s beautiful Garden Isle - Kauai.

Nestled right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kauai, Hawaii is one of the most remote places on Earth. It’s a fairly small island, only about 550 square miles, but when it comes to diversity of attractions, it is a universe - dynamic and ever changing, offering excitement and quiets both in copious amounts.

Blessed with a profusion of tropical allurements and more sandy beaches than you can explore in a month, Kauai Island of the world-renowned Hawaiian Islands is a crowning jewel, resplendent against the brilliant sapphire of the warm ocean and verdant with its rolling emerald valleys and stunning amber sea cliffs.

Indeed, if you are looking for a splendiferous and sublime romantic getaway, then a Kauai honeymoon might just be the answer.

Just imagine - nearly 45% of Kauai Island’s sandy beaches are deserted. And to think that out of all the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has the largest number of beaches dotting its shoreline.

Yours may be the only set of footprints on a secluded beach. And you could be basking in a place that only very few people from around the world have seen. The relaxed and quiet life in the island will inspire the fondest memories in you so that your Kauai honeymoon will truly become unforgettable.

The possibilities in a Kauai honeymoon are endless. A full range of fun and exciting activities await you - you can snorkel in clear water amid a blizzard of tiny reef fish, or explore an enchanted landscape of dragon-backed mountains caressed with fragrant breezes. And after all that excitement, have a quiet dinner beside a torch lit garden before your stroll under a sky ablaze with a billion twinkling stars.

Below are the 5 best places that couples will love about Kauai, whether you’re planning a romantic vacation or a honeymoon on the island.

#1 - ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific’

Ten miles long, two miles wide, and 3,600 feet deep, Kauai’s Waimea Canyon is resplendent in its cloak of deep reds, greens, and browns. Mark Twain nicknamed it the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ because it resembles so much the Southwest’s most popular tourist attraction, and yet many feel that Waimea is much more colorful than the Grand Canyon. It is certainly more unique.

Each hue that makes the Waimea Canyon so fascinating was created by a different volcanic flow over centuries so when you look at it, you are actually seeing how the earth has changed through the years.

Couples will love the spectacular view that the tiny canyon has to offer. The Waimea Canyon State Park is easily accessible by vehicle, but there are some areas that you can only reach by foot.

Hiking trails will have you sidling up close to the edge where you can see everything. And if that isn’t enough, bordering the place on the north and the west is Koke’e State Park, practically a 4,000-acre worth of hiking trails (up to 45 trails), some of which head into the Waimea Canyon and some are short hikes to non-canyon overlooks.
Here are a few insider tips:

There is not much to choosing proper clothing if you’re going on a canyon visit, but it can be quite tricky, weather permitting. The general rule is that you choose clothes that you feel comfortable wearing. A T-shirt and shorts will do pretty well.

But if you are taking the Canyon by car, then you will most likely be confined to the lookouts which can be a bit cool due to the elevation. When this happens, be sure to bring a jacket or a sweatshirt.

However, if you are hiking, you can leave cool weather gear behind. Once you’re down in the canyon, it can get pretty warm. I’m sure you don’t need to be reminded to wear hiking boots. Much of Hawaii can be muddy and Waimea Canyon is in Hawaii.

Jeans are excellent apparels for hiking, but bring old ones that can be thrown away because hiking in Waimea can be a dirty business. It may rain on your hike. You never know. Bring an extra set of clothes as well so you can change into them.

#2 - Poipu Beach, ‘Playground of the Rich and Famous’

Located in Kauai’s sunny south shore, Poipu Beach is probably the most popular beach in the island. When the rest of Kauai is cloudy, rest assured that the sun is up and shining down on Poipu, which was once the place where Kauai’s royalty lived.

This area of Kauai is abundant with choices to fit whatever activities and recreation needs you may have. If you are one for the more popular water sports, then you’re in luck because Poipu offers some of the best snorkeling, diving, and surfing in the whole of Kauai. Or maybe you’d like to swing some golf. Poipu has two  well-designed championship golf courses, as well as places for horseback riding, kayaking, tennis, biking, fishing, and sailing.

If you like to hike, you check out the spectuacular 4-mile round trip coastal trail to Mahaulepu Beach. If not, you can learn about the amazing history of Poipu by driving, walking or biking the 10-mile Koloa Heritage Trail.

And if you’re feeling a lot less adventurous, shopping is found in the quaint and charming shopping villages of Poipu and Old Koloa Town, and at the well known Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

For quiet dinner after a day in the sun, couples can wind down and wine down at the following fine dining restaurants:

There is also a wide variety of overnight accommodations located in the Poipu area of Kauai. You’ll everything from nationally known hotels and condominium resorts, to bed and breakfast inns, cottages, and vacation rental homes. You can check availability region-wide on any Kauai reservations page.

#3 - Princeville and the North Shore

Considered as one of the most beautiful resorts on earth, Princeville Kauai is located on the farthest edge of paradise, a million miles from reality but close enough to everywhere exciting in Kauai. The North Shore area itself has some of the best coastline in Hawaii, offering you laid-back villages connected by one-lane bridges, luscious valleys, and incredible beaches.

Situated approximately 32 scenic miles north of Lihue Airport, the Princeville Resort is a 9,000 acre planned resort community, dominated by the 23 acre Princeville Hotel which serves as its focal point, perched gracefully as it is on Pu’u Poa Ridge. The Lihue Airport is your main access to the area and it is served by United Airlines and inter-island carriers, Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines.

Accommodations

Princeville is not just any resort destination on any island. Terraced along the bluff facing the world renowned Hanalei Bay, the Resort allows you to choose from one of 252 impeccably appointed rooms and suites, all boasting spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Hanalei Bay, and the Na Molokama.

Staying at Princeville means you’re close to all the activities that Kauai has to offer its visitors. Whether you prefer the exciting water sports of Hanalei Bay to the natural wonders of Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and the Fern Grotto, all that is easily accessible from your stay at this wonderful resort.

Princeville has the distinction of being among the only few resorts and hotels dotting the remote, road inaccessible North Shore of the island. Here, hiking the Na Pali trail or cruising along the coast’s jagged shoreline is easy. You are even only a short walking distance away from the quaint little town of Hanalei where you can be transported back to a simpler, more relaxed Hawaii with the legendary Aloha spirit aplenty.

The idyllic, sun drenched days that magically turn into soft candlelit nights in Princeville makes it ideal for weddings and honeymoons. The enchanting smell of exotic, tropical flowers and romance fill the air, giving you a glimpse of the stunning beauty and romantic harmony that this island is known for.
Play Time

While Kauai’s North Shore is a wonderful place to do absolutely nothing, it is a particularly terrific place to do just about everything. The area is replete with two of the nation’s top ranked golf courses, tennis courts, spa facilities, hiking trails, river and ocean kayaking and many more. In the North Shore, you never run out of anything fun and exciting to do, whether on land, on the water, or in the water.

In addition to golf, tennis, biking, and water sports offered within the Princeville Resort, the place also serves as the gateway to an astonishing array of entertainment options on Kauai’s North Shore, from canoeing or kayaking emerald rivers, cruising and sailing along the famed Na Pali Coast, touring peaks and canyons by helicopter, hiking to secluded beaches, to horseback riding to waterfalls, deep sea fishing and whale watching.

And while most of these activities get you up close and personal with nature, there is also sightseeing and shopping to be done at Princeville Kauai and in the picturesque town of Hanalei.

#4 - Na Pali Coast

If you want your romantic vacation to be perfect, don’t forget to include the stunningly gorgeous Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s north coastline. Stretching 22 miles through volcanic cliffs, the Na Pali Coast has been featured in many movies including Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The Coast is actually visible from a distance, but if you really want to experience its spectacular beauty up close, the best way to do that is to go either by helicopter or by boat.

There is another alternative, however, if you’re up for it. Down the coast to the Kalalau Valley is an 11-mile long hike trail that some people choose. It starts from a trailhead in the Ke’e Beach parking lot at the end of the Highway 560 all the way down to Kalalau Valley.

The trail is pretty thin and the area is desolate but you won’t believe the spectacular sights you will see. Still, for safety’s sake, this alternative trail is only a good idea if you’re serious and experienced hiker or you have one with you.

On the other hand, if you go by boat, Kauai has many charter companies that will take you to the Na Pali Coast. Make your choice depending on what kind of tour you want or how much you are willing to spend. If you know exactly when you will be going, you can book a charter online. And if you have a coupon, you can even save as much as 25% of the price.

One Awesome Boat Ride

The first step is to make a reservation. These charters fill up for a reason, so it is better if you plan well ahead of time and book your charter a day or several days ahead. Don’t worry about snacks, beverages (including beer), and appetizers (locals call it “pupus”). They are all available on board.

On the day of the tour, go down to the dock where your boat is waiting (your charter should lead you to which dock). Depending on the type of tour, the hours may vary, but price should start anywhere at $100 per adult.

Once the boat leaves harbor, brace yourself. Most charter boats go very fast for ones of their size. Some can even go up to 27 miles per hour. Of course, this means that you will be doing a lot of holding on to, especially if you are standing up. This also means that going to the bathroom will be very tricky for the first half hour, so if you drank a lot of beer, just be aware that you’ll probably have to hold that all in for at least an hour.

Depending on the season, your captain may know where dolphins swim. Don’t forget to bring your cameras for a short treat of spinner dolphins frolicking in the water beside the boat. Of course, this isn’t Disneyland, so you may not be treated to the same spectacle all the time. But if your boat does stop, you’ll want your camera with you so you can take pictures.

And here are some more tips when you tour the Na Pali Coast by boat:

#5 - Wailua River

Deep in the heart of Kauai is a natural wonderland that leads you up all the way to the shadow of Mt. Wai’ale’ale. This is the mystic Wailua River where you can enjoy the lush scenery at a leisurely pace and have a great adventure no matter who you’re with.

The word “wailua” actually means “two waters” in Hawaiian. Wonder how it got its name? That’s because it is actually two rivers that flow into one about a mile upstream from its convergence with the ocean. More than 400 inches of rain feed the river each year so you can just imagine how powerful and beautiful it can be.

Kauai’s Wailua River Valley is a basin of life. Here you can learn about the unique food and medicinal plants that grow nowhere else in the world. Only here in Kauai. That and a hundred beautiful ornamental plant species, both native and introduced.

You have two options available. You can either get a boat tour or take a kayak-for-two trip down the Wailua River. Kayaks provide you with the perfect intimate setting, and quite a number of tour centers offer the kind of romantic trip you may have in mind.
Just Paddlin’ Thru

Paddling through the Wailua River on a kayak is more than a diversion. It’s an adventure, a journey, a trek through a lush rainforest that offer you anywhere from rich flora and fauna to spectacular views, like the inviting waterfall at the end of it all.

The Wailua River offers you a glimpse of Kauai’s mythical past. What makes a kayak trip up Wailua River is that it is only a few hours of health exercise delivered at a relaxing pace. Generally, you’ll begin to paddle in calm waters near the river mouth. Heading toward interior, you’ll lose sight of daily commerce as shoreline turns to lush vegetation painted with brilliantly colored flowers.

When the water gets shallow, you can tie up the kayaks up a tree and instead, take off from the riverbanks on a one-mile hike up the valley. An amazing 130-foot waterfall awaits you right at the end.

Expect your guide to tell you long tales of this ancient river valley, of how night marchers, or spirits of the dead, moved in processions down the river where they enter canoes and paddle to Polihale, on Kauai’s West Side. There, they leap from the cliffs into the land of the dead beneath the sea.

Of course, those are only stories and you will soon find that what awaits you is not the land of the dead, but a beautiful secret pool, perfect for frolicking and cooling off.

Just be sure to wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, because swimming here is encouraged, and why pass up something as exciting as this? When you get hungry, there’s always a sandwich, bottled water, and fresh Hawaiian fruit on some big basalt boulders waiting for you at the bottom of the pool.

After taking a satisfying dip in that pool, you can go on high up on the banks above the river. There you can find the ruins of ancient temple sites and recall a time when the area was considered the seat of the royal family and center of all religious life.

A quaint little Hawaiian village, called the Kamokila Hawaiian Village, awaits you about two and a half miles upstream. This village is actually a recreated version of the old villages that used to dot this side of Kauai. It was here that Hollywood features like Harrison Ford’s “6 Days, 7 Nights” was filmed.

If you walk on past the village, you can see a fork up the road. Take the first right fork until the water becomes too shallow to paddle. Pull up your kayak onto the rocks this time instead of tying them on a tree. Proceed up the trail on the left side of the river until you come right back to Ho’olalaea, or the Secret Falls, where you were before.

Some tour companies offer lunch before starting the hike back the trail. The return trip should be downstream, but you will be heading into trade winds so expect a great workout on this leg of the journey.

All of these are only among the top five best romantic places to stay in Kauai. But remember that Kauai is an island so diverse you might just find other nooks and places for yourself that are even more astounding than these.

The airport on Kauai is located in Lihue, using the airport code: LIH. Most Kauai resorts and hotels are only 30 to 45 minutes drive away. That’s just one of the beauties of a romantic island getaway like Kauai.

Tags: Kauai, Hawaii, Kauai Hawaii, Hawaii Resorts

Written by info on April 21st, 2006 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Kauai and Hawaii and Kauai Hawaii and Hawaii Resorts.

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