by Anne on December 15, 2011
Not only is Maha`ulepu a great place for Kauai hiking, it’s also a heritage site revealing 5 million years of timeless Kauai history. This living museum and research area is the habitat for many notable plants and diverse wildlife including Hawaiian Monk Seals. It’s just a short walk or drive from many of our Poipu vacation rentals.
Watch endangered Humpback Whales. Visibility from the dunes at Maha`ulepu makes a perfect site for viewing. Humpbacks migrate back to the islands from Alaska from November through March. The warm, shallow waters around the Hawaiian Islands are one of the world’s premiere habitats for them and the only place in the U.S. where Humpbacks reproduce.
Honu or Green Sea Turtle can be seen along the Mahaulepu coastline surfacing for air. Named after its green-colored fat tissue which comes from the limu (algae) in their diet, the life span for the Honu is around 80 years. They can grow up to four feet in length and weigh up to 400 pounds.
Kolea or Pacific Golden Plover is a charming Kauai indigenous bird frequently seen at Maha`ulepu Beach. They are also found on front lawns, ballparks, parking lots and beaches. At night, they mostly roost on rooftops. Kolea are found on Kauai year-round except during the summer when they migrate for a two-day, 3,000 mile trip to Alaska. The amazing Kolea can fly for long periods at 50-60 miles per hour and will often live over 20 years. For those here on Kauai for prolonged visits will be treated with the Kolea’s striking change in plumage.
Hawaiian Monk Seal (Ilioholoikauaua) is everyone’s favorite sighting. Fewer than 1,500 Monk Seals exist today but fortunately it’s fairly common to see them basking in the sun at Maha`ulepu Beach. They rest on Kauai beaches after foraging for food in the ocean. Hawaii state law prohibits disturbing a Hawaiian Monk Seal or approaching them within 100 feet.
Look for Hinahina Kahakai Pua, an indigenous, succulent-like plant. It grows on rocky, sandy coastal island areas except for the islands of Lanai and Kaho`olawe. The fragrant flowers of the Hinahina range from white to a pale purple with a yellow center. It is used medicinally to treat weaknesses in the body, dry throat and asthma and various lung troubles.
Kiawe tree was planted as part of a reforestation program at the Makauwahi Sinkhole. This deciduous tree can grow up to 60 feet tall. The entire population of kiawe trees in Hawaii came from a single tree planted in Honolulu. Kiawe is used for fuel and charcoal and gives a flavor similar to mesquite when burned.
Maha`ulepu is a rich source of rare and impressive animal and plant life on Kauai. Because of everything which can be seen, learned and felt here, Maha`ulepu must be preserved. Today it continues to be a favorite discovery spot for locals and visitors alike.
Where to Start Your Hike: You can either drive to Maha`ulepu Beach, it’s at the end of the dirt road past the Grand Hyatt, or walk from Shipwreck Beach along the coastline to Maha`ulepu.
Anne looks forward to hearing your tips and questions in the comment section.
by Anne on November 30, 2011
When it comes to Kauai hiking, the Alakai Swamp trail is one of our island’s enchanting jewels. You’ll have to get an early start from your Kauai vacation rental for this 8 mile hike. Come prepared for weather and bring your own water and lunch. If the weather is right-even a little mist and clouds is exciting-you will be in for one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life!
After your hike, you’ll be glad that most of our Kauai vacation rentals have a washer and dryer. If there’s been any rain before you go, prepare for mud on the trail and on your clothes. On the other hand, you’ll wear our Kauai red dirt as a souvenir!
Overview. The Alakai Wilderness Preserve, popularly known as Alakai Swamp, is a montane wet forest accessible through Koke`e State Park. Although the preserve is home to alpine bogs, it is not a true swamp. It’s located on a plateau near Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on Earth.
Why You Should Go.The view at the end will make you feel like being on top of the world. Kilohana lookout, a 4,000-foot-elevation vertical perch, has amazing views into Wainiha Valley. You can see all the way to Hanalei Bay and Kilauea Lighthouse and at times several waterfalls are visible from the lookout. The ancient Hawaiians climbed down to the valley floor from here when they couldn’t read the North Shore by water. It’s a captivating place to lunch, rest and reflect.
Begin your hike on the Pihea Trail. You’ll find the trailhead just off the Pu`u o Kila lookout at the end of Waimea Canyon Road. It can be rugged, muddy and slippery. Experienced hikers with good shoes should have little difficulty.
Alakai Swap trailhead starts 2 miles later. The scenery changes to rainforest as you head into Alakai Swamp, the world’s highest rainforest and swampland fed by the abundant rainfall on Mount Waialeale’s slopes. The trail, often shrouded in mist and clouds, offers excellent glimpses of native plants and birds as it winds through rain forest and bogs on the way to Kilohana lookout.
Boardwalks have enhanced the trail. Now hikers do not have to trudge through the mud to reach the incredible Kilohana lookout at the end of the journey. Even so, the trail and boardwalk can be wet, slippery and very muddy so use caution and be sure to wear appropriate clothing.
Advisory. Inexperienced hikers should not attempt this Kauai trail in rain or if cloud cover limits visibility. There are a lot of steep ups and downs. I recommend that you be in good physical condition for this rewarding hike.
Are you planning to hike the Alakai Swamp Trail? If you have any questions, leave them for Anne and she’ll respond on this post. You can also read Anne’s Kauai Activity tips for Waimea Canyon.
by Kera on November 7, 2011
I just finished playing a round at the new Kauai Mini Golf with my daughter and her friend. It’s our sixth time there since the course opened last year and we had a blast! I always recommend this North Shore activity to guests staying at our vacation homes on Kauai. It’s a personal favorite and a great place to brush up on my short game in just under an hour.
You won’t find any windmill or clown’s mouth to shoot through on this 18-hole, par three course. Instead you’ll play around lush Kauai botanical gardens representing different eras of Hawaii’s culture. It’s fun, challenging and educational all at the same time.
The course itself is very well thought out with some holes easier than others. You’ll also find awesome water hazards where you are sure to end up in the drink. The biggest challenge is finding your ball if it ends up in all the greenery! There is even a small replica of the Kilauea lighthouse, made by local artisans. I also like the bridge without borders and creek jump.
Every time we go I see something new in bloom and fruit ready to harvest. This time it was a bunch of variegated bananas which I have never seen before. They’ll be ripe soon which is a good excuse to go back.
We always end our golf adventure with the loser, which is always me, buying a cone of locally made Papalani Gelato. I suggest you try their very chocolaty gelato which is really good.
After your game you can drive across the highway and down to Kalihiwai Beach for more fun. It’s one of many Kauai beaches on the North Shore that you don’t want to miss.
Save 20% through December 15! Just mention “Web Special” for the discount.
Kauai Mini Golf is open daily from 11am to 9pm. Closed on Mondays from September through May. Located on the highway outside of Kilauea on Kauai’s North Shore. Rain and shade huts can be found on the course and there’s eco-friendly LED lighting at night. A gift shop sells local crafts and souvenirs. There’s a small playground too. Rates are $18 for 11 and older, and $10 for ages 5-10. For more information call 808-828-2118.
If you have been to Kauai Mini Golf, which hole challenged you the most? We invite you to share your experience.
Kera Crabtree, author of today’s post, helps Kauai vacation rentals guests at our Princeville Center office. Photos taken by JP.
by Anne on October 19, 2011
Waimea Canyon offers spectacular views and natural splendor for our Kauai vacation rental guests. Located on the island’s west side, the canyon stretches 10 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep.
I guarantee that the images of the canyon will remain with you forever from its incredible scale to the rainbow of colors you’ll see. At the last two lookouts there are spectacular views into Kalalau Valley, one of the most beautiful sights on the island.
According to popular legend, Mark Twain nicknamed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Historians say that Twain never wrote about Kauai. Regardless of where the quote came from, and maybe it really was Twain, the description fits the canyon perfectly.
Carved thousands of years ago by floods and rivers flowing down from the summit of Mount Waialeale, renowned as one of the wettest spots on earth, the lines in the canyon walls detail different volcanic eruptions and lava flows that have occurred over the centuries. Its grand vistas go on for miles and the different hues are breathtaking.
The road into Waimea Canyon climbs to almost 4000 feet from sea level with cooler air, morning mists and evening clouds. Bring a light jacket or sweater in case of cooler weather.
Waimea Canyon Road leads you up to several canyon lookout points.
The first good vantage point is Waimea Canyon Lookout,located between mile markers 10 and 11 on Waimea Canyon Road. From here, it’s another 6 miles to Koke`e. There are a few more lookout points along the way that also offer spectacular views, such as Puu Hinahina Lookout, between mile markers 13 and 14, at 3,336 feet.
The various viewpoints offer views of the Canyon from every angle and at various heights. Most of the lookout walks are short trips and all are handicapped accessible.
Anne’s tips for visiting Waimea Canyon and Koke`e:
- Bring food and enjoy a picnic lunch in the meadow near Koke`e Museum.
- Fill your tank with gas. There are no stations once you head upcountry.
- Alternate road to canyon is from Kekaha. You can go up one way and back the other.
- Restrooms available at some viewpoints and main park area.
- Admission is free and the canyon is open year round.
- Excellent photo opportunities at every turn and viewpoint. Pack your camera.
- Best viewing of the Kalalau Valley at the end of the road is in the early morning.
- Numerous trails lead through and above the canyon - check at the Ranger Station for maps.
- Certain trails require a state permit before hiking.
- For weather information in the canyon, call 808-245-6001.
Driving Directions: About 20 miles from Poipu and on Kauai’s west side, take the Highway 50 and turn right up Waimea Canyon Drive (Hwy. 550) just out of Waimea town. From there it’s about 45 minutes to the top. The road has recently been resurfaced and offers a smoother ride than in past years.
Stay close to the canyon! Our Kauai vacation rentals at Kekaha are near the beach. You can enjoy the ocean and only be a short distance from some of the best Kauai hiking at Waimea Canyon.
We invite you to add your comments and tips. What do you like most about Waimea Canyon?
Kauai was recently named the third “Best Adventure Vacation” in the country by U.S. News and World Report, ranking higher than any other Hawaiian island. That’s a great recommendation for our Kauai vacation rental guests seeking adventure.
First place in the report went to Yellowstone. After seeing what a 15 foot swell did at Spouting Horn yesterday, I think we could be a strong competitor to Old Faithful. Take a look at my photo or YouTube video and let me know if you agree.
Spouting Horn normally sprays water 50-60 feet high. Yesterday was an exception due a storm that began in New Zealand. Before 1920 it was normal to see Spouting Horn shoot water 200 feet in the air. You can read about the event that changed all that in my Spouting Horn post from two years ago.
I recently wrote about my favorite outdoor activity which is outrigger racing. When it’s time to plan your Kauai adventure, what is at the top of your list?
Here are the top ten adventure vacations from U.S. News and World Report: 1. Yellowstone, 2. Yosemite, 3. Kauai, 4. Maui, 5. Puerto Rico, 6. Grand Canyon, 7. Big Island, 8. Outer Banks, 9. Portland, 10. U.S. Virgin Islands.
The best Kauai golf deal has the richest ocean views for under ten dollars. Just a 15 minute drive from our Poipu vacation rentals, Kukuiolono is an island favorite and Kauai’s second oldest course.
The local name for this decent mid-length, nine hole public course, is “Kooks.” I like its laid back atmosphere and no scheduled tee time. When I’m ready to play I just show up. If there’s a wait, I’ll hit a coffee can or two worth of balls. The driving range is one of the most scenic on Kauai and has views of the island of Niihau.
If your game is rusty when you arrive, Kooks will be a great warm-up to Kauai’s signature holes. Because of the price and ultra-wide fairways, it’s beginner and family-friendly. As more visitors find this secret value course, they want us to keep things moving along and pick up after 8 shots.
Several years ago the Kooks team put the course through a facelift with new traps and replanting of greens with Seashore Paspalum grass. It improved the greens markedly.
Kukuiolono History: Built in 1928 on Walter McBryde’s estate, the course became public when he died in 1930. McBryde bequeathed the 178 acre park to the people of Kauai. You can tip your cap to McBryde at his grave near the 8th tee. The Japanese garden you’ll see was his pride and joy.
Address/Phone: 854 Puu Road, Kalaheo. 808-332-9151.
Pay $9.00 for each of the following: green fees for the day, power cart for 9 holes and club rentals if you need.
Golf Pro: Pat Hunt, born and raised on Kauai, is one of the most respected instructors on the island.
Hungry after golf? They have the best burgers on island with grass-fed beef.
If you’ve played Kooks on your Kauai vacation, we invite you to share your best tips with us.
