March 10, 2006
Waimea, Kaua'i in Hawaii
Waimea, Kaua'i in Hawaii might need to be added to my Hawaiin travel plan somehow. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Waimea, Kaua'i to its 2006 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
On the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i, Waimea is a cozy town with much to explore. Waimea has the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain. Menehune Ditch is an irrigation system built by the Polynesians in the 13th century.
Waimea has the Russian Fort Elizabeth, the Old Stone Church, Waimea Pier, and the Waimea Plantation Cottages, where visitors can stay in a restored cottage from the sugar plantation era. Plantation living can be experienced.
Waimea has brilliant sunsets and many outdoor activities including bird watching, hiking (Waimea has untouched forest), and cycling. I love sunsets and forest, and old forts. Learning about sugar plantation life also seems interesting. There's just too much to do in Hawaii!
Posted by James Trotta at March 10, 2006 12:50 AM
On my first trip to Hawaii we went to Kauai. In a way, it ruined the rest of Hawaii for me, because it was so beautiful and perfect that I thought all of the islands were that way. They are not. So in my subsequent visits, as we would see the other islands, I kept comparing them to Kauai. I know, I know, the other islands are great, too, but they just don't have that magic that Kauai has. It has the terrain, the temp, the lushness, the dessert, the beaches, the people, the activities, and the most incredible unspoiled beauty you will ever see. With the exception of nightlife (don’t bother trying to find any), Kauai has it ALL.
Posted by: Kiva at March 10, 2006 3:07 AMMy wife and I have been to Kauai a couple of times.The beauty and laid back nature is a plus for us as well! We've been to Maui,and as cool as that island is,Kauai has a certain magic.
...Tom
After 6 trips to Hawaii, we've found Kauai to be a close second to the Big Island. Volcano National Park is our #1 Awsome spot but Waimea Canyon is our #1 Beautiful spot.
But... The people are what keep pulling us back.
Thank you for the comments - I have to add to my travel plan!
Posted by: James Trotta at March 11, 2006 1:44 AMMy wife and I used to go Hawaii at least once a year and have been on all the major islands. Haven't been there for probably 25 years. Kauai was always our favorite island. Our favorite place to stay was the Coco Palms which was destroyed by a hurricane years ago and never rebuilt (to the best of my knowledge). If the Waimea riverboat cruise is still in operation take it to the fern grotto.
HAVE FUN !!
My wife and I used to go Hawaii at least once a year and have been on all the major islands. Haven't been there for probably 25 years. Kauai was always our favorite island. Our favorite place to stay was the Coco Palms which was destroyed by a hurricane years ago and never rebuilt (to the best of my knowledge). If the Waimea riverboat cruise is still in operation take it to the fern grotto.
HAVE FUN !!
I agree with everything stated above. My family and I stayed at the plantation and i felt like it took years off my life. A boat ride to the Nepali coast would be a great half day.
Posted by: lis at March 14, 2006 4:43 PM