Fun on Kaua'i
(updated Oct, 2004)
Fun on Kaua'i often consists of simple pleasures. There are stunning places to go and see, but no requirements here. No "must do", "must see". Kaua'i is paradise, and just being here is it's own reward. But if you're inclined to get up and move around a little, here's a few of the simple pleasures that we enjoy. Directions (see map) are from the intersection of Koloa Rd, and either Poipu Rd, or Hwy 520 in Koloa, or from the airport. |
Beach Walks. One of the best beaches for walks is the black sand beach in Waimea. It runs about two miles from the Waimea Pier to Kikia'ola Harbor. Best times to walk it are in the morning, evening, or in the moonlite. From Koloa, take Koloa Rd (530) west to the lite, turn left. Follow highway about 13 miles into Waimea. Look for the Waimea Theatre on the rite, but turn left onto Pokole Rd just across from the theatre. Parking lot and beach/pier access are strait ahead. Beach walk is to west (rite).
Kilauea Theatre. A funky, but nicely restored old movie theatre on the north shore. They publish their schedule for the upcoming month. From Lihu'e Airport, take 51 north (It's at the first lite when leaving airport). Continue onto 56 north thrue Kapa'a, and Anahola. Turn rite at the Kilauea Shell Station, about half a mile past MM 23. Turn left onto Kilauea Rd. Go about half a mile, and turn rite onto Kenecke St. Theatre is on left. 828-0438.
Kuku'iolono Park. Kukuiolono is a combination 9-hole golf course and park. There is a small, but well-kept Japanese garden near the first pparking lt. The park has great views of the ocean and nearby towns. Large groves of eucalyptus trees add scent to the air. There are walking paths, but you've got to keep track of nearby golfers, or play the course, and enjoy the views. From Koloa, take Koloa Rd (530) west to the first lite. Go left. At next lite turn left, and look for park entrance on the rite a mile or two up the road.
Maha'ulepu. This ahapua'a (a pie-shaped parcel of land) includes the last undeveloped accessible beach on the south side. Petroglyphs are buried under the sand, and monk seals haul themselves onto the beach to rest. A very special place. Good wind surfing. From Koloa Chevron, take Poipu Rd south past the Hyatt. The road becomes gnarly, but continue a couple of miles to the end. Turn rite, and go another half mile to parking area. Follow your nose to the beach. Bring water! OR, Look for the beach access driveway just past the Hyatt (on the rite). Take the driveway to the parking area, and hike along the sandstone cliffs to Maha'ulepu, about two miles. The hike can be hot and dry, and the cliffs can be treacherous. Join the effort to save Maha'ulepu.
Moonlite. Kaua'i has some of the britest and most romantic mooonlite you will ever experience. Even at half moon, head down to the closest beach, and check out the moonlite dancing on the waves.
Starwatch. Even at sea level, Kaua'i's clear enough for fine star gazing. Kaua'i's amateur astronomers meet on the Saturday closest to the new moon for an informal star watch that's open to the public. From Koloa. take Koloa Rd (530) west to the highway (first lite). Turn left. Continue thrue Kalaheo and Hanapepe. Shortly after MM 18, take a small fork to the rite. Shortly thereafter take the driveway on the rite leading to the Kaumakani Ball Field and starwatch. Dim you headlites as you approach the parking area adjacent to the ballfield. www.keasa.org. 245-8250.
Swinging Bridge. The newly restored suspension bridge sways gently underfoot, and is only wide enought for foot or bicycle traffic. The Hanapepe River flows unerneath. A great walk in the evening or under the noonlite, and you can check out the art galleries and restaurants in funky old Hanapepe Town at the same time. Follow directions to Hanapepe Cafe. Bridge is across the road from cafe'.
Waimea Theatre. Newly restored old-time movie theatre with the nold style pie slice layout. The only regular theatre on the West Side. It also has a row of extra-wide seats. Five nites a week. From Koloa, take Koloa Rd (530) west to highway, turn left. Follow about thirteen miles into Waimea, and look for the theatre on the west side of town on the rite. 338-0282.