Kaua`i's North Shore: Kilauea, Hanalei, Ha`ena

Kaua`i's North Shore: Kilauea, Hanalei, Ha`ena

Heather McDaniel

Hunter Publishing, Inc.

HUNTER PUBLISHING, INC.

www.hunterpublishing.com

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© 2010 Hunter Publishing, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.

This guide focuses on recreational activities. As all such activities contain elements of risk, the publisher, author, affiliated individuals and companies disclaim any responsibility for any injury, harm, or illness that may occur to anyone through, or by use of, the information in this book. Every effort was made to insure the accuracy of information in this book, but the publisher and author do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability for loss or damage caused by errors, omissions, misleading information or potential travel problems caused by this guide, even if such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Introduction

The Hawaiian Islands

History

Polynesian Settlers

Arrival Of The British

Hawaiian Monarchy

Arrival Of The Missionaries

The Economy

Statehood

Politics & Government

The Land, Flora & Fauna

Ecosystems

Climate

Flora & Fauna

The People & Culture

The Lei

The Population

Island Time

Kaua`i In Films

Music

Hula

Myths & Legends

Hawaiian Language

Dining

Travel Information

When To Go

What To Pack

How to Dress

What Can I Bring?

Accommodations

Hotels

Resorts

Condos

Bed & Breakfasts

Vacation Rentals

Dining

Banks

Post Offices

Libraries

Holidays

Getting Here

Getting Around

Staying Safe

General Safety

Hospitals

Police

Water Safety

Sun Safety

Hiking Safety

Getting Married on Kaua`i

Kaua`i Wi-Fi

Cell Phone Service

Gay Kaua`i

Important Numbers

Top Attractions - Best Of Kaua`i

The North Shore

What to See

Kilauea

Hanalei

Ha`ena

Sightseeing Tours

Adventures

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Golf

Tennis

Biking

On the Water

In the Air

Spas & Health Clubs

Shopping

Nightlife/Entertainment

Where to Stay

Hotels

Condos

B&Bs

Vacation Rentals

Hostel

Camping

Where To Eat

Na Pali Coast State Park

Introduction

Kaua`i is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its lush, green mountains, clear waters, and once-in-a-lifetime views, there's a reason why it's called The Garden Island. You'll be sure to leave refreshed, rejuvenated and enchanted by an island that has so much to offer. It really is unforgettable.

From the moment you step off the plane, you'll notice that you're in a unique place, and it will captivate you. It's hard to believe that a mere 20-minute flight from Honolulu can bring you to a place so different, like being in a different country. Even though it's only about 100 miles from Honolulu, Kaua`i is literally a world away from the up-tempo city life.

As you drive around the island, you'll be sure to notice a few things right away. First, the chickens. Seriously, Kaua`i is full of chickens. Not in a bad way, but rather in a quaint and amusing way. They're at the airport, they're probably at your hotel (not in your room, of course), and you can see them cross the road. Don't worry; they won't bite.

Second, you'll notice the extreme heart-stopping beauty of the island. The natural beauty that's been refined over literally millions of years ranges from Waimea Canyon to the majestic Na Pali cliffs. Mark Twain dubbed Waimea Canyon The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and for good reason. Seeing the canyon stretch for miles is absolutely amazing.

You'll also notice that Kaua`i is quite rural. It has a laid-back style and feel all on its own. The residents of Kaua`i have worked hard to maintain its plantation town past. Streetlights are few and far-between. Highrises are non-existent. Kaua`i's residents are rare in that they have really fought to keep its natural beauty, at the expense of development.

If you think that means there's nothing to do, you're wrong. Dead wrong. Kaua`i has so much to offer. Whether you visit for a quiet getaway, a great adventure or even to get married, Kaua`i does have it all. You can sit at the beach and read a good book, enjoy a massage, learn about Kaua`i's past at a museum or, if you're the adventurous type, kayak to the Na Pali cliffs, snorkel the crystal clear waters, explore caves and beaches, or hike around Waimea Canyon. There's something for everyone on this tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

KAUAI QUICK FACTS

Kaua`i size 553 sq mi

Population 63,000

Average Temperatures 75-85°

Island Flower Mokihana

Official Color Purple

Highest elevation 5243 ft (Kawaikini)

The Hawaiian Islands

Kauai at left and Ni`ihau at right from space

The Hawaiian island chain is among the most isolated in the world. It's about 2,550 miles from Los Angeles and 3,850 miles to Tokyo. Its isolation has played a huge part in the development of this unique culture.

The chain consists of as many as 132 islands, atolls, shoals and reefs, which stretches over 1,600 miles in the Pacific. This archipelago began to form millions of years ago, and is still growing, as evidenced by the 20-year eruption of Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Of these 132 islands, eight of the most southeastern are inhabited and are considered to make up the State of Hawai`i.

In June 2006, President Bush signed the Northwestern Hawaiian Island Marine National Monument, which created the largest protected marine monument in the world. It covers almost 140,000 square miles and is home to more than 7,000 species, one-quarter of which are found only in this area. More important, it's also home to the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. There are only between 1,200 and 1,400 left of this amazing animal in the world and most reside here. This area also serves as the breeding ground for 90% of the Hawaiian green sea turtle population.

The northernmost inhabited island, Ni`ihau is located 17 miles off the west coast of Kaua`i. Ni`ihau is the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, with a land area of 70 square miles and a population of about 250, almost all of whom are Native Hawaiian. You can see Ni`ihau from the south and west shores of Kaua`i.

The island was offered for sale by King Kamehameha IV in 1863 and was purchased by Elizabeth Sinclair for $10,000. Mrs. Sinclair turned the entire island into a cattle and sheep ranch, before moving back to Kaua`i. Today, Ni`ihau is still privately owned by the descendents of Helen Sinclair Robinson, with the US Navy also keeping a presence there for weapons testing.

Because of the limited access, the island has remained immune to the influences of modern civilization. Hawaiian is the primary language here and there are none of the modern conveniences - no paved roads, cars, hotels, restaurants. Each family grows their own fruits and vegetables and the ranch still raises beef and mutton.

What Ni`ihau is well-known for is the incredibly rare Ni`ihau shell-lei. These intricate necklaces are hand-sewn from tiny shells that are found only on this island. These are the only shells that are considered to be gems. The shells come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange and blue.

Want to see Ni`ihau for yourself? There's a reason why Ni`ihau is known as The Forbidden Island. Access is extremely limited. People who have lived on Kaua`i for years and grew up in the shadows of Ni`ihau have never set foot on the island. Access to the island is restricted to only family members, US Navy personnel, government officials and invited guests.

But there are ways to visit Ni`ihau. Ni`ihau Helicopters (www.niihau.org, tel. 1-877-441-3500) offers three-hour helicopter tours on a very limited basis for $365. You can also go on a full day hunting excursion, shooting pigs and sheep. Prices start at $1750, not including a Hawai’i hunting license and rifle rental. 

There are snorkeling and diving tours off the coast of Ni`ihau as well, but those do not make landfall. Holoholo Charters also offers snorkeling off the northernmost tip of Ni’ihau (800-848-6130, www.holoholokauaiboattours.com)

Kaua`i itself is the second-oldest inhabited Hawaiian Island, with a population of approximately 63,000. Kaua`i is considered to be a rather rural island, as it's kept its focus on preserving the natural beauty of the island, as opposed to the major development seen on other islands over the past few years. That's the primary reason residents of the other islands consider Kaua`i their favorite. Kauai has been witness to astronomical growth in the past five years. With the recession of 2009, the growth has slowed, especially in real estate and tourism sectors. 

The Island of O`ahu is the third-oldest island and geographically, the third-largest at 607 square miles. It’s home to about 70% of the state’s 1.288 million residents, most living in and around the capital city of Honolulu. Honolulu serves as the county seat, the state capital, and the center of business and industry in the Islands. Honolulu Harbor is the lifeline for all the Islands. Most of Hawai`i's food and manufactured goods must be imported and distributed through this port. O`ahu is also home to Waikiki beach, the world-renowned waves of the North Shore and military bases such as Pearl Harbor.

Next is Maui, with a population of 129,000. The second largest of the state’s populated islands, Maui holds the third-largest population in the state, behind Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii. Haleakala, which translates as house of the sun, is the largest dormant volcano in the world. Not yet extinct, it is expected to erupt sometime in the next 200 years (it last erupted in 1790).

Maui

Formed by six, possibly seven, different volcanoes, the islands of Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kaho'olawe were once a single island called Maui Nui. Rising sea levels eventually separated the islands, though, as a group, they are still called Maui County. The valleys that once connected Maui, Moloka`i Lana`i and Kaho'olawe are shallow, which makes for a great marine environement. It's also a major spot for tourists, especially for folks from the mainland US and Canada. The Valley Isle boasts several fun towns, such as Lahaina (especially on Halloween), Ka`anapali and Wailea.

Moloka`i is the Friendly Isle. Located nearly at the center of the Hawaiian Island chain, it is about two million years old. From the eastern end of the island, it's only eight miles across the Pailolo Channel to Maui. The population is estimated at 8,000 residents, half of whom live in or near the primary town of Kaunakakai. Nearly 40% of the residents of Moloka`i are of Hawaiian descent.

The island is probably best-known as a former leper colony. In the mid-1800s leprosy (today called Hansen's Disease) was brought to Hawai`i by Chinese who came to labor in the sugar cane fields. Many Hawaiians were stricken with the disease and, since there was then no cure for the disease, strict isolation was the only means available to keep the it from spreading.

In 1866 the first sufferers were banished to Kalaupapa, a small peninsula on the north side of Moloka`i. A Belgian priest named Father Damien came to Moloka`i in 1873 to minister to the needs of the dying. Through his ministry and labors, order was created where there had been only suffering and chaos. Father Damien succumbed to the disease himself in 1889.

Lana`i is appropriately named the Pineapple Island - a throwback to its days as an island-wide pineapple plantation. Jim Dole bought the island for $1 million in 1888 from the Hawaiian Kingdom. Lana`i is the sixth-largest of the eight main Hawaiian Islands with an area of 140 square miles. It is home