A guide to eastern Kauai

As the northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai earns its reputation as the state’s most natural island. With nearly 100 miles of beautiful coastline, the wettest spot on the planet, and the only navigable river in the state, Kauai is often regarded as the enchanted Garden Isle. From the soaring cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the breathtaking chasms of Waimea Canyon, Kauai appeals not only to the excited sightseer but to the avid adventurer.

Get a taste of old plantation life in the quaint town of Old Kapa’a. Its streets are lined with a variety of unique shops and delicious restaurants. Head a bit inland and you will find Wailua River State Park, Hawaii’s only navigable river. Here, visitors can enjoy the only fresh-water waterskiing in the state or kayaking to a set of beautiful waterfalls.

This part of Kauai is abundant with natural sights. Opaeka’a Falls is worth checking out and visible from a roadside lookout close to Kapa’a town. Also closeby is the green Fern Grotto, which is a picturesque lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns. Check out the Nounou mountain ridge, otherwise known as “The Sleeping Giant” because of its striking resemblance to a sleeping man.

For some oceanside enjoyment check out Lydgate Beach Park. This popular recreation park has a boulder-enclosed pond that is great for year-round snorkeling. Back on land, head to the Blair Estate, Kauai’s only organic coffee farm. It offers a free one-hour tour of the farm (but you must made a reservation ahead of time), which includes coffee tasting of many varieties of local coffee.

Photo courtesy of Kanaka Menehune (Flickr)