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KAUAI
The most spectacular coastline of the Hawaiian archipelago
Destination Enchanting and exotic, Kauai is not only the most lush Hawaiian island, but one of the most spectacular places in the world. It's home to the magnificent Na Pali Coast. to whom it largely owes its legendary renown.
Louise Bourbonnais
Kauai is said to be the most beautiful of the islands in the archipelago. It's also said to be the most Hawaiian. And rightly so! Furthermore, I would add that it's much less Americanized than its sister islands, Maui, or Oahu, home to Honolulu and Waikiki, popular tourist destinations.
Nature lovers will be the main attraction. The destination appeals to tourists who enjoy discovering enchanting sites, going on excursions, or practicing water sports. A true surfer's paradise, the more adventurous can take a surfing lesson, while those seeking a romantic experience will enjoy a kayak trip in one of the turquoise lagoons. Since the area is calm and serene, nightclub enthusiasts will need to look elsewhere. The destination is quite expensive overall, but savvy travelers can find reasonable prices by avoiding luxury hotels.
Na Pali Coast
Recognized as one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, the discovery of this prestigious coastline is worth the trip alone. Na Pali is a mountain range blanketed in lush greenery, composed of a succession of enchanting cliffs sculpted by erosion over millions of years that plunge dramatically into the emerald-hued ocean. Hidden along Na Pali are small beaches accessible only by boat. Various excursions are organized to admire this magnificent scenery by boat or catamaran, as the rugged coastline prevents road construction.
My favorite experience was definitely the helicopter flight over Na Pali. From a bird's-eye view, the majestic coastline looks otherworldly.
While the main draw is Na Pali , an extraordinary place that defies imagination, the island's legendary exoticism is also a major draw. Visitors will enjoy exploring the numerous caves along the coast by boat, strolling through the remarkable botanical garden, admiring dazzling waterfalls, soaring over impressive gorges, or swimming with dolphins. With around forty beaches, the island also offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun.
The must-see excursions
Waimea Canyon is a must-see. It's also called the Pacific Canyon because it's a smaller, natural replica of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The canyon is 32 km long and 850 m deep. Unlike the rest of the island, where nature is lush and green, here the climate is drier and the soil is red.
Film shoots
American producers have often traded Hollywood studios for the magnificent landscapes of Kauai. Among the best-known productions are Jurassic Park , Raiders of the Lost Ark , Fantasy Island, Gilligan 's Island , and more recently, the popular series Lost . Guided tours of the various filming locations are available.
Princeville, home to the world-renowned Princes Resort, should be added to the itinerary . The resort boasts two prestigious golf courses. Even if you don't stay there, enjoy visiting the grounds.
How to get there
There are several ways to get there from Montreal. United offers flights with a single stop in Los Angeles. Air Canada offers flights to Honolulu. From there, you can take a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Kauai.
Tour operator packages aren't always a bargain. Booking accommodations independently is often more advantageous. Those who can afford it often choose Poipu , the sunniest region of the island, which boasts numerous luxury resorts and stunning beaches. More affordable hotels can be found in the Lihue area, near the airport.
Renting a condo from a private owner can be more economical than staying in a hotel. You need to book in advance.
Practical advice
Local bus transport is unfortunately inadequate.
Renting a car to visit the island is more economical than taking taxis.
Indulge in the local cuisine, a true blend of Polynesian and American cuisines with an Asian influence.
Book your Na Pali excursion a few days in advance, places are often limited.
Surfers, be careful. The waves can easily reach 10m high.
A passionate traveler and journalist by profession, Louise Bourbonnais specialized in tourism and has undertaken over 200 press trips in the last twenty years. A true globetrotting journalist, she has traveled to more than 60 countries around the world over the years to produce travel reports for specialized publications, consumer magazines, the daily newspaper La Presse , and the Journal de Montréal . She has also been a television commentator for Canal Évasion. The vast majority of her reports on this blog have been published in major media outlets.
