Waimea Canyon, Waimea
"The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep.
Attraction type: Canyon; State park; Lookout
Polihale State Park, Waimea
This beach has a strong basis in Hawaiian mythology. Polihale means "House of Po", and Po is the Hawaiian afterworld. Spirits would travel to the coastal plain adjacent to the beach, and stay in the temple, known as the heiau. From there, they would climb the cliffs to the north, jump off into the sea to get to the mythical Po. So strong was this belief that all the homes built in the vicinity of Polihale would have no east facing doors, so that no traveling spirit could become trapped within.
A sea lettuce called pahapaha grows in the waters near Polihale. A wreath made from pahapaha can fade and dry out, but when soaked in water, it will revive to its original freshness. Only the pahapaha from Polihale does this. According to mythology, Na-maka-o-Kaha'i, sister of Pele and Goddess of the Ocean, blessed Polihale's pahapaha with this special quality. Visitors once took home wreaths made from pahapaha from Polihale to prove they had indeed been there.
Polihale is a historical state beach park with breathtaking views and landscape. End of 5-mile long dirt road from Mana Village, off Kaumuali'i Highway (Highway 50). Picnicking, tent camping and trailer camping on wild coastline with large sand beach backed by dunes. Scenic setting, colorful sunsets and good views of the high sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast. Swimming in summer; shore fishing. Hot, dry area. Picnic shelters. 137.7 acres The Polihale State Park is a remote 140-acre park at the end of the road on the western end of Kauai. The park offers access to 15 miles of uninterrupted sand beach from Polihale Ridge, at the southwest end of the Na Pali cliffs, to Kekaha Beach Park. This hike follows the long sandy strand from the base of the spectacular Na Pali peaks to Barking Sands Beach by the Pacific Missile Range Facility. The islands of Niihau and Lehua are visible across the channel. Facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic shelters and campsites. Attraction type: Beach; State park
Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai
Kilauea Point was purchased from the Kilauea Sugar Plantation Company in 1909 and construction of the Kilauea Light began in 1912. A lighting ceremony was held May 6, 1913. In 1939, the Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the lighthouse, which was lit each night until World War II, when the light was deactivated so as not to aid the enemy. After the war, the lighthouse resumed operation. In 1974, the lighthouse became part of the Coast Guard's Lighthouse Automation and Modernization Program (LAMP). The modern tower was activated in February of 1976. The original tower was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 18, 1979.
Spectacular views surround this historic lighthouse.
Attraction type: Lighthouse; Scenic/historic walking area
Na Pali Coast, Kauai | Hiking the Na Pali
A scenic area offering beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Attraction type: Trail; State park; Scenic/historic walking area; Scenic drive; Hiking trail; Beach; Geological formation; Historic walking area; Nature reserve; Bay
Kalalau Trail, Kauai
The Kalalau Trail is a trail along the Na Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii . The trail is very strenuous and runs approximately 11 miles along the island's north shore from Ke'e Beach to the Kalalau Valley. An experienced, very fit hiker can complete the trail in about four hours, but most people require 6-8 hours.
Kauai's hiking trail along the Na Pali coast.
Attraction type: Hiking trail; Nature reserve.
