Page 39 - Explore Magazine Summer 2017

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Although we found plenty to keep us occupied during our stay there
is so much more to do on Kaua’i if you like soft adventure. There were
plenty of hikes in the Waimea Canyon to enjoy as well as a multitude of
water-based and other activities around the island.
One of the highlights of our trip was a one-hour circle island helicopter
tour and despite rain and strong winds it was well worth doing. The trip
covered all the areas we had done by car and more and allowed us to
see the vast nature reserves in the island’s centre.
Kaua’i also offered plenty of choices of dining and boutique shopping as
well as larger shopping mall areas near the airport. The prices were what
you would expect in any part of Hawaii but we very much enjoyed the
laid-back pace of life, fantastic service and beautiful local delicacies.
We would definitely go back, possibly for even longer than the six
days we enjoyed, which were a time to really kick back, relax and
N‘pali Coast, Kaua’i - Kicka Witte recharge the batteries.

On our first full day we loaded up the car and headed off to the West
Coast and Waimea Canyon. The locals call the latter “the Grand Canyon
of Hawaii” and it does live up to its name. Don’t forget to take a jacket
or jumper as this elevated part of the island is considerably cooler than
the balmy temperatures of the beach. Although narrower than the main
roads, the road to Waimea is very easy to drive and for a Kiwi driver
poses no issues. There are plenty of scenic points and photo stops
and the road actually takes you right the way round to the north of the
island where you can view the famous Nā Pali coastline in all its glory.

Kaua’i offers a really great
solution for anyone looking for

a mix of relaxation and activity.

A second day trip was travelling up back past Lihue and on to the
northern coast. You can do walks around the coastal area here but as
the weather was looking a little iffy we just enjoyed seeing the villages
en route and took a drive around the high-end Princeville area where
the rich and famous really do lead different lives than the rest of us. Waimea Canyon, Kaua’i - Tor Johnson

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