Waimea Canyon — “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This thing is massive! If you didn’t know any better you may just mistake it for a slightly more green version of The Grand Canyon. The canyon is located on the dry, southwest side of Kauai. The drive can take a while (especially from the north shore) and it can get a little chilly.
Na Pali Coast — Is a sixteen-mile stretch of breathtaking cliffs along the northwest coastline of the island some cliffs reach 4,000 feet high. The cliffs are inaccessible by car and can only be viewed by boat, helicopter or hiking the Kalalau Trail. The rugged coastline could easily be considered one of the natural wonders of the world.
Hanalei — Is a small village on the north shore of Kauai, it has a colorful history for embracing whalers and traders. The town is now the trading center for the surrounding macadamania nut plantations. The Hanalei valley is beautiful some may even call it, heaven on Earth. Luamaha beach is located here on Hanalei bay, this beach was made famous from the musical "South Pacific" and is one of most photographed spots inn the islands.
Lihue — Which translates in Hawaiian as "cold chill",pronounced as li'hue, it is the second largest town on the island of Kauai. As of the 2000 Census, the town had a total population of 5,674. Lihue is served by the main airport on the island the Lihue Airport. The main seaport for Kauai is at Nawiliwili Bay, directly southeast of town.
With the emergence of the sugar industry in the 1800s, Lihue became the central city of the island with the construction of a large sugar mill. Many Germans emigrated to Lihue, and even built in 1881 the first Lutheran church in Hawaii that still stands to this day. One of the main sugar cane plantation owners was, George Wilcox. The Wilcox family home in, Kilohana, has been converted into a restaurant and gift shop. The surrounding plantation is still active, growing a number of crops and livestock. A recently installed narrow gauge tourist railroad with vintage diesel locomotives from Whitworth and General Electric offers tours of the plantation; horse-drawn carriage tours are offered as well. The grounds are also the site of luaus, many of which are offshore excursions booked through NCL America. Lihue also houses the Kauai Museum, which details the rich history of Kauai.
Princeville — Is a planned resort community on the north shore of the island of Kauai, located near the town of Hanalei. It is home to the Princeville Resort. The area was named in honor of an 1860 visit by Prince Albert Kamehameha (son of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma). It was then a sugar plantation owned by Robert Crichton Wyllie. Later it became a cattle ranch. It was sold for development in 1968. Recreational activities offered here include horseback riding at the Princeville Ranch Stables.
The Fern Grotto — Is a fern covered, lava rock grotto located on the Wailua River on the eastern side of Kauai. It forms a natural amphitheater which greatly increases the acoustics of the many bands that are hired to perform live music, which has traditional themes. It maybe a little overrated and commercialized, but the trip offers you a peaceful journey through one of Hawaii’s few navigable rivers, the Wailua River. The boat travels near the film locations of several Hollywood movies such as “Indiana Jones,” “Jurassic Park” and “Outbreak.” Huge fans of Elvis Presley may find the grotto particularly exciting since it was glorified in the King’s film “South Pacific.” The grotto is also a popular wedding destination.
Waimea Canyon — “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This thing is massive! If you didn’t know any better you may just mistake it for a slightly more green version of The Grand Canyon. The canyon is located on the dry, southwest side of Kauai. The drive can take a while (especially from the north shore) and it can get a little chilly.