Known for its unique geography and unparalleled natural beauty, Kauai is one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. 97 percent of its land is covered with verdant, undeveloped mountain ranges and lush, tropical rainforests.
From the soaring cliffs of the Na Pali coast and its many velvety emerald peaks to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon and the hundreds of rainbows and waterfalls, Kauai dazzles the senses like no other destination on the planet.
On our most recent trip, however, we discovered some unexpected off-the-beaten-path surprises that convinced us there's more to this enchanting tropical paradise than we'd ever realized.
Makawehi Lithified Cliffs
Just a short distance from beautiful Shipwreck Beach in South Shore Poipu sits a spectacular geological wonderment known as the Makawehi Lithified Cliffs.
The magnificent coastal hike through a quiet, pine-needled forest led to commanding views of the churning Pacific waters from vantage points overlooking the edge of sun-bleached cliffs. These rock formations, weathered by thousands of years of pounding surf are multi-hued and fascinatingly sculpted by Mother Nature.
Magnificent coves and sheltered bays in the distance appeared like a perfect painting. The cliffs offered many vantage points from which we watched the migrating whales.
On the return hike, we unexpectedly stumbled across a sacred ancient Hawaiian burial site. The stillness of that secluded area was interrupted by a gentle breeze stirring through the treetops, reminding us that for the ancient Hawaiian gods, their mana still lives here.
Menehune Fish Ponds
We actually found this incredible site almost by accident after taking an unplanned turn off the main highway.
Hawaiian legend says the mythical Menehune (or little people) completed these ancient ponds overnight some 1,000 years ago.
The ponds were created by a dam across a portion of the Huleia River with the purpose of trapping fish to feed Hawaiian royalty known as the Ali'i. The wall separating the pond from the stream is 900 feet long, five feet high and meticulously assembled with lava rock.
A scenic overlook provided the perfect viewing location and at near-sunset, the play of the sun setting against the mountains was spectacular.
Allerton Garden
If any botanical garden we've ever visited could be considered the modern-day "Garden of Eden", our money goes to Allerton Garden on Kauai's south shore.
This spectacular, 186-acre botanical paradise extends along the banks of Lawa'i Stream that empties into the Pacific Ocean. Tropical fruits, spices, trees, rare exotic plants and astonishingly captivating flowers are located throughout this landscaped architectural masterpiece preserving the largest collection of native Hawaiian flora anywhere.
The famous Moreton Bay fig trees prominently featured in Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean are located on the grounds. Guided tours give more in-depth history as well, or you can just take a leisurely stroll around the massive garden with its numerous statues, fascinating water features and resident wildlife.
We once heard it said that "you don't just go to Kauai; you absorb it with every one of your senses."
It's not hard to understand why Kauai is one of our favorite islands. After all, this emerald jewel of the Pacific has long been considered one of the world's most alluring destinations.
And who knows how many more unexpected treasures remain there awaiting our discovery?
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