Kauai-Hawaii Information

Kauai-Hawaii

Some people believe there’s an advantage to booking shore excursions through the cruise lines. In cases of unforeseen difficulties, guests are then assured the ship won’t leave without them. They are the “safe types.“ There are the other types who question an adventure that shuttles guests in air conditioned comfort around ports unknown while attended to by a knowledgeable local at their beck and call. What’s the thrill in that? On our port day in Kauai, I let “the other type” be uppermost since we had visited Kauai recently and felt secure driving around on our own. When the “other” waved off the 4WD vehicle I had reserved, however, I started to become uneasy. It’s just not like him to take the sedate sedan over the Humvee assault vehicle on exploration days.
I took the wheel, hoping to retain a bit of control. We headed down the highway, beyond the south shore beaches of Poipu and then just before the famous Na Pali cliffs came into view in the distance, I was instructed promptly, “Turn here!”
The cane road snaked through coastal plains that border the Shifting Sands beach. It started out harmless enough, but soon, I was navigating foot-deep potholes on both sides of a single lane; then two foot deep with a foot of mud. Somewhere into mile two, it was no fun anymore.
On a former trip, the road had been manageably decadent; just bumpy enough to be a cheap thrill. But since it has been discovered by thousands of visitors like us seeking “off the path adventure,” the road has been dug into deep ruts and moguls. Our rental sedan had bottomed out for the last time. “I’m going back,” I stated, no room for negotiation in this decision.
I tried to turn the car in the other direction at a rare smooth point in the road while dodging the caravan of rented Jeeps bouncing past us as. Or, should we would reconsider and tough it out? We knew that just one more mile of this teeth-gnashing torture and we would be rewarded with the beach of our memories; far-fetched expanses of deserted beach, a few grazing cattle for company. We could hike down the beach for miles and feel as we did years ago - a million miles from anything. We''d gaze at the sun setting over the outermost reaches of the Hawaiian island chain and be starry-eyed.
Just then, a thrill seeker flew by, spraying bright red Kauai sugar cane mud onto our windshield. We looked at one another, shocked. Then, in a unique moment of heightened accord, I cranked the wheel, floored the sedan, spun a donut in the mud, and sent an enviable splat onto the other side of the vehicle. "What do you suppose our deserted beach really looks like down there?” Hubby pondered this a moment. “On second thought, let’s keep it as we found it,” he agreed, and we turned back toward Waimea.
Kauai is wholly captivating and dazzling. Regardless of which route you choose for your self-drive or shore excursion, you will not be disappointed. Although you may have certain “must-see” destinations, be assured that if you hang loose, as Hawaiians advise, you will leave the island with life-long memories and brilliant photographs. After abandoning our trek to Polihale Beach, we drove back ‘round the shoreline road to the 552 Kokee Road approach to Waimea Canyon. The views, which I had captured from the air during our past helicopter trip, had been satisfyingly stunning and the vision from land was no less so.
From there we headed into Waimea, where the Waimea Plantation and Brewing Company beckoned as an obvious choice for lunch. After a bit of refreshment, we drove on into Waimea town, noting the Captain Cook monument and the Russian Fort Elizabeth remains located at the mouth of the Waimea River State Park. I was interested in this Historical Sight having visted another of such forts at Princeville on a former visit. We followed Kaumulalii Hwy to Hanapepe , described in the Drive Guide as a delightful little Old Hawaiian settlement. It appeared that Hanapepe had seen better days and, unless you are searching for ghost towns, you could be disappointed.. Instead we stopped at original Lappert’s Ice Cream , drive-up just outside of town. Behind the walk-up window visitors can peek into the secret hiding place where that fabulous flavor and creamy refreshment served all through the islands originates.
Another interesting stop just outside of Hanapepe is the Salt Pond Beach Park, where the familiar Hawaiian red and white sea salt is captured by families who have earned the unique honor to work the saltpans from their ancestors.
“I wapi kope nau?” For miles we’d been driving past coffee plantations, stirring an insatiable desire for a pick-me-up brew. The Kauai Coffee Company sign welcomed visitors and tours. Turning down the plantation road we found an insightful, enchanting little coffee center where visitors can learn about the coffee growing process and taste the many blends the 3,400 acre plantation produces.
With renewed vigor, we drove Koloa Road to one of Hawaii’s most photographed and visited blowholes. A legend of Mo’o, the lizard, casts an intriguing spell as the water spews upward of 50 feet and retreats with a mournful howl.
The best discovery of the journey was the captivating plantation town, Koloa. Rivaling Hanalei, though far less busy, the town features the oldest buildings in Hawaii, as it was the site of the first sugar plantation. Reproductions and refurbished village shops hold a slew of small town attractions that made leaving so soon difficult. But the ship was waiting, so we drove through the alluring eucalyptus tree tunnel and waved Kauai fond farewell.

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