Islands of Aloha 2009 - (Page 14) Dancers from Na Hula ‘O Kaohikukapulani oli (chant) prior to dancing. You don’t just go to Kaua‘i – you get into it. Kaua‘i’s unspoiled nature will inspire you with its possibilities. Venture out into its landscape and return with golden sand in your hair and a fresh spirit in your heart. Nothing prepares you for some of its natural wonders such as the Napali Coast, Wailua Falls, Waimea Canyon ¯ and the 17-mile stretch of beaches on the West Side. The landscapes of Kaua‘i have served as locations for more than 60 movies and television shows over the years. Ask the friendly people of Kaua‘i and they’ll tell you it’s because there’s no place more beautiful on earth. Kaua‘i has been around millions of years longer than its sister islands. Time and the elements have created Hawai‘i’s only navigable rivers, carved a deep canyon, tended an amazing feast of flora and set out seemingly endless beaches. A tour of Kaua‘i might start in the county seat of Lı hu‘e, which also gives its name to the airport nearby. ¯ Also close is Kalapakı Beach, which has a great bay ¯ for swimming in this part of the island. Driving north along a stretch known as the Coconut Coast, you come to the towns of Wailua, Kapa‘a and Anahola. This area was settled first and bustles with action. There are 14 Hawai‘i - The Islands of Aloha® 1-800-GoHawaii plenty of shops, restaurants, accommodations, activities and attractions including many of Kaua‘i’s legendary waterfalls and the Wailua River. Further up the road, you reach the North Shore and the towns of Kı lauea, Princeville, Hanalei and H¯ ‘ena. ¯ a Here, find the world-famous St. Regis Princeville Resort with its equally famous golf courses and a collection of beaches second to none. At H¯ ‘ena State Park, the road a ends at the majestic N¯ pali Coast. To explore the other a side of the island, turn around and retrace your route. You’re sure to discover any number of interesting things you missed on the ride up. The drive into South Kaua‘i takes you under a milelong, shady canopy of eucalyptus trees. You emerge into a brightness that will have you reaching for your sunglasses. Welcome to the sunny South Shore. Explore the plantation town of Koloa and the resort area of ¯ Po‘ipu with its gentle beaches and popular golf courses. ¯, The West Side of Kaua‘i is further up the road, physically and metaphorically. The towns get smaller, the population thins out and nature imposes in the likes of 3,500-foot deep Waimea Canyon and Ko ke‘e State ¯ Park’s 40 miles of hiking trails.
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