Old is gold- this adage is proven true in the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands- Kaua’i. This stunningly scenic island certainly has enjoyed million years’ advantage unlike its younger cousins. The natural elements of water and wind had their play in carving the most astounding cliffs with pleats cloaked in the deep rich velvet of green. With the beautiful beaches that are typical of the archipelago and spectacular coral reefs, it is no wonder Kaua’i has proven to be an irresistible destination for nature lovers.

History

This botanical utopia has a rich history befitting its age. It is famed as the first landing point of Captain Cook, and this sole unconquered island is also where the establishment of sandalwood and sugar industries were first rooted. Kaua’i distinctive regions- Lihue, East Side, West Side, South Shore and North Shore each offer individual characters with unique attractions and beautiful attractions.

Lihue

Lihue is the island’s administrative quarters with the commercial and government centres. Its origins as a plantation village is also the reason for this region’s multi-cultural heritage. The oceanfront region still has variety of attractions among its commercial buildings. These interesting places include the Kaua’i Museum where the island’s history is revealed through traditional artifacts and dioramas. A must visit sight in Lihue has to be the awe-inspiring Wailua Falls, the cottony white twin cascades that leap off the sheer ledge.

Around the island

The East Side, also known as the Coconut Coast, is home to Fern Grotto. This large cave set among lush foliage is a popular wedding venue. Other scenic attractions in this populous district is the Opaekaa, one of the major waterfalls in Kaua’i that is also the most accessible, the popular Kapa’a town. The West Side’s historic sights and magnificent Waimea Canyon and mesmerizing views from the Koke’e State Park, make up the scenic landscape in this region.

The South Shore is where the Old Koloa Town, a quaint and picturesque village that leads to the beautiful Poipu Beach. Travelling through the Koloa Heritage Trail take visitors through some of the most important and fascinating cultural, historical sites of the region. The North Shore’s attractions are the ultimate manifestations of the island’s enchanting beauty. While the majestic Na Pali Coast can easily overshadow the other attractions, it is worthwhile to visit the charming Hanalei Town where stretches of taro field are refreshing sight. There is exciting whale-watching at the Kilauea Point, part of which is also set aside for wildlife sanctuary.

With stunning beauty and magnificent sights at just about every corner of Kaua’i, this island is a wonder of nature.

Hawaii is a melting of many ethnic groups. The Hawaiian people have brought together their distinctive heritage to be woven tightly to create the present day fabric of Hawaiian culture. With the first Polynesian settlers arriving and making their home on the islands, followed by settlers from, China, Portugal, Japanese, Korea, Phillippines, Germany and Puerto Rico, among others. it is no wonder that the Hawaiian culture has various vibrant and fascinating facets.

Music

Hawaiian music scene is a lively and contemporary blend of mainstream reggae, rock ‘n’ roll and jazz infused with some traditional music which includes the Hawaiian slack key guitar. The traditional hula dance performances, Polynesian navigation, lua - a form of Hawaiian martial arts continue to thrive throughout the main islands. Hula or traditionally known as hula kãhiko originated as a religious ritual in honor of the ancient gods and chiefs as well as to entertain the ruling class. The traditional garb included the knee length ti-leaf skirt for the added rustle effect to the dance movement. Even in modern times hula, whose attire now includes the floral lei and colorful tops, continues to enjoy tremendous respect. The ‘ukuele was introduced to Hawaii by the Portuguese immigrants and is now an integral component of contemporary Hawaiian music.

Flower culture

Hawaiian lei are garlands made of flowers, leaves, shells, ivory or feathers, to be worn around the neck. Important symbols of affection, Hawaiians bestow them on visitors usually with a kiss. Traditional braiding or weaving was an important method of making daily objects such as sleeping mats, pillows and baskets, just to name a few.Certain palm leaves and sedge grass are the common materials used for braiding.

The culture of Hawaii is not just one of sun, sea and surf popular associations of the islands; but rather it is one of vibrancy, soul stirring music and dance, heartfelt affection with deeply rooted traditions, dating centuries ago.

Surfing is a centuries-old practice that is highly honored in the Hawaiian culture. While the origins of this exhilarating wave sliding, or he’e nalu, remain unclear, its huge popularity is clearly evident by the thousands of surfers heading to the exotic islands to conquer some towering waves. What is now freely enjoyed by all competent surfers, once used to be strictly confined to the chiefs’ enjoyment and their own surf breaks, that was out of bounds to the commoners. While the sport was greatly discouraged by the missionaries in the 19h century and went through a period of decline, it was revived when Waikiki came to international attention in the early 20th century. This was also thanks to the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku’s worldwide demonstrations, and now the holy grail for surfing are the Hawaii Islands.

The North Shore

The surfing capital of the world is indisputably Oahu’s North Shore. During one of Hawaii’s distinct surfing seasons, thanks to the Alaskan winter storms, the biggest of the surfing waves hit the first landmass, after a journey of more than 5000km, gaining momentum and increasing energy. The geography of Oahu’s North shore is such that that the land lie and ocean floor are advantageous in welcoming the towering waves and unceasing barrels. The powerful swell lines hitting Waimea Bay, in Oahu’s North Shore attract surfers from all around the world to these northern shores during winter. Waikiki beach is actually excellent starting point for beginner surfers as it provides excellent breaks throughout the year and the summertime tame waves are especially great for beginners.

Surfing carnival

Every year, for three weeks, starting from late November, it is surfing carnival at Oahu’s North Shore. The world’s most prestigious series of surfing competitions, the Triple Crown of Surfing takes place at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach at Waimea and the Ali’i Beach park in Hale’iwa. The enthralling excitement in the atmosphere is inexplicable and can only be experienced along with surfers from all over the world, who gather to compete and watch the crowning of the world champion of surfing.

During summertime, surfers head to the south shores for favourable waves for surfing and boogie boarding. The Waikiki beach in Oahu and Poipu Beach in Kauai are popular summer hangouts for surfers. In Maui, excellent surfing spots are at Hookipa Beach and Napili Bay, summer surfing is good at Baldwin Park. The biggest island, Hawaii Island may not have spectacular waves as its neighbours but there are some excellent breaks found at Waipo and Papeekeo, among other beaches.

The other twin of the dual islands- Moloka’i and Lana’i – the latter was formed as part of two adjacent volcanoes that are now extinct. One of the smallest inhabited islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, and possibly the most secluded, Lana’i’s spectacular beauty lies not only in the abundance of nature but also its freedom from human clamor and the peaceful intimacy. Unlike its bigger and busier island cousins, Lana’i offers two distinct worlds of luxurious resort vacations and rugged trails for the adventure-seeking traveler. Once home to the largest pineapple plantation in the world, it is now converted to a resort island, allowing better access to the island’s numerous beaches, cliffs and ancient ruins.

Traveling around

For a relatively tiny island, Lana’i offers a myriad of activities to suit any travel preferences. As there is no public transport- another evidence of minimal human disruption to this rustic island, moving around Lana’i requires a private car. Be it for family fun, experience in eco-tourism or leisurely 4-wheel driving along one of the world’s most untainted landscapes of beautiful bay, volcanic ridges, among others, Lana’i is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Lanai’ City, in central Lana’i is home to almost all of the island’s residents. Still resplendent as the classic Hawaiian plantation town, the city’s history is entwined with the once bustling pineapple plantation, then owned by the world famous Dole Cannery decades ago. The present day community’s social activities still centre around the Dole Park. The Luahiwa Petrogylphs (rock engravings) found at the Palawai Basin, the remaining eroded wall of Lana’i volcanic crater, is one of Hawaii’s richest collection of such ancient engravings.

Vacation tips

The Manele and Hulopo’e Bays are perfect places for families to enjoy the sea and sand. Great for picnics and snorkeling, these form part of Lana’i stretch of alluring beach fronts. Nature lovers will not want to miss the dirt track Munro Trail, a 20mile drive along pine-studded track which is part of a volcanic ridge. The typical 2 hour journey that includes hiking, rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of all the main islands of Hawaii. A most unique attraction to visit is the Garden of Gods, a visual oddity to say the least. This rock garden formed from centuries of erosion, has resulted in shapes and structures that are beyond imagination, and in various hues and vibrant shades ranging from oranges to blues. The enticing island of Lana’i is indeed perfect to feel lost in the grandeur of nature.

Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago but much less populous than its neighbours. Once the thriving home and port for whaling and sugar mill industries, it had attracted settlers from various part of the world- especially from Asia and South America, which has led to a cultural melting pot. From a bustling port and plantation island, Maui now boasts a varied landscape from farmlands, eroded volcanic craters, lush vegetation and still remains the winter home for humpback whales.

Maui’s regions

Maui has five distinct regions- Central Maui, West Maui, East Maui, South Maui and Upcountry Maui, each uniquely scenic with its own rich history. Central Valley, in Central Maui, is the isthmus of two converging volcanoes which eventually led to the formation of Maui. This valley is also the home to majority of the islanders. Wailuku is the Central Valley town where the largest Maui collections of Hawaiian artifacts are housed in Bailey House Museum. Not to be missed in this valley is the Iao Valley State Park- iconic for its historical significance and the spectacular landmark- Iao Needle, towering at 1200 feet high. This state park also offers excellent hiking trails among the most lush greenery at times masked by willowy clouds.

Moving from nestled Central Valley, which is actually at the foot of West Maui, where the thriving historic town Lahaina, the original capital of the Hawaiian Islands, is located. The former harbor town, once called Lele, is now home to numerous tourist attractions of historic significance. These places include the western-style Baldwin Home with original period furnishings, Pioneer Inn, the oldest hotel and favorite landmark in town, and several others along the town’s historic trail.

Nature and Landscape

East Maui is home to most unique landscape of the Haleakala National Park and the languishing town of Hana, which the destination of a spectacular scenic drive along the top eastern coast. The challenging drive, filled with narrow twists and turns, is an endless visual treat of velvety tropical vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and perfect for swimming, pools and myriad of fascinating seascapes. The varied terrain in Haleakala National Park, where Maui’s highest point is located, includes barren cinder desert to alpine shrub, and the volcanic summit depression. The hiking trails are certainly one of its kind, with vistas at varying altitudes and landscapes.

South Maui is where some of the best beaches can be found, at the entire stretch of the southern coast. Whale watching, surfing, scuba diving and kayaking are perfect for the leeward coast of the southern region. Upcountry Maui, is a fascinating countryside with rolling hills and home to ranches and small upcountry farms.

Maui offers some delightful drive trails to explore its fascinating facets of nature and history that leaves one awe-inspired by the magnificent sights.

Formed as part of dual adjacent volcanoes that are not longer active, Moloka’i was once attached to the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui. The other appendages to Maui were Moloka’i’s so-called twin island, Lanai and Kaho’olawe. The peak of eastern Moloka’i is covered with thick rainforest and the northern shore is bordered by the highest and steepest sea cliffs in the world, and paving way for expansive green valleys. Once bare of inhabitants, it was only with the popularity of beach tourists, settlers soon made home in this idyllic island. Still continuing to be less populated than the other tourist magnet islands, accommodations in Moloka’i are usually located in the west end of the island.

Scenic nature

The most scenic spot in Moloka’i is the home of the earliest Polynesian settlers, the Halawa Valley with dense rich foliage and breathtaking waterfalls. Close to the original settlement, there are ruins of ancient temples known as heiau. There are guided tours and trek trails along the meandering trails passing rivers, streams and dirt roads surrounded by the lush vegetation. While avid trekkers will want to join the guided hikes, which are the only access to the vast valley, drive down the eastern coast of Moloka’i, passing ancient sites, quaint churches and sparsely populated villages will also bring travelers to the valley as the destination for the drive.

Other popular hiking trails are at the Kamakou Rain Forest, one of the most unspoiled tracts in Hawaii, Kalaupapa Trail at Kalaupau National Historical Park which is now a memorial, among others. While there are some stretches of pristine beach, Moloka’i’s true beauty lies among the lush greenery in the valleys and rainforests.

World renowned for the largest waves, this most visited island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Oahu offers varying landscapes and many attractions besides breaking the surf. Its stunning scenery is a pleasant juxtapose of rural landscapes with jungle-clad roads, undulating pineapple fields, vibrant surfing town of Hale’iwa in North Shore, thick green blankets over misty mountains, seaside villages, sparkling waterfalls among Buddhist temples.

Nature

While Honolulu and Waikiki are major magnets for modern tourism, the remaining rural landscape offer serene scenes of beauty and tranquility. The botanical paradise in Waimea Valley Audubon Center is home to over 30 different gardens with thousands of tropical and some rare flora. Different bird species such as the peacocks and nene geese can be seen roaming freely. The valley tour is great for bird watching and most travelers choose to head for a swim or snorkel at the Waimea Beach Park, located across the valley. Further down along the coast, is the hub of North Shore where Ali’i Beach Park, famed for the big waves and surfing competitions, and Hale’iwa Beach Park, a tame stretch for winter swim are located.

Moving further inland, is the Dole Plantation, once the world’s largest fruit cannery, now serves as a distribution warehouse. There is a Pineapple Garden Maze within the Plantation, covering more than two acres and with the world’s largest maze. At top western tip of Oahu, lies Ka’ena Point which has mountainous coastline with visual treats of spectacular sunsets. Whale spotting along with sighting of green turtles and monk seals can be observed on clear days.

With such spectacular sights of nature, the east of Oahu is also home to the Polynesian Cultural Centre along the north-east coast and Byodo-In Temple further down. The varying sights and attractions make Oahu an unique island filled with nature’s treasures.