Sandy's Kauai Picks #6

Kilauea Lighthouse
Here's one for Hiroo - a pretty lighthouse overlooking gorgeous views on the north side of Kauai. Here's what Hawaii's Official Tourism Site has to say about the lighthouse:

Perched at the northernmost tip of the Hawaiian Islands, the 52-foot Kilauea Lighthouse was built in 1913 as a beacon for traveling ships. The view off the rugged northern coastline makes this the perfect vantage point for photos. This is also the location of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for Hawaii's unique seabirds.

Definitely check out the website to see the photo - it really looks beautiful, and it's free (yay...)!

Location: Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
How to Get There: Follow Kuhio Highway (HI-56) north from Lihue, turn right on Kolo Road, then turn left and take the Kilauea road to the gate of Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Roughly a 45-minute drive from Lihue.
Cost: Free

Sandy's Kauai Picks #5

Waimea Canyon State Park
I don't think I really have words to describe 'the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' There's a lot to see, but we definitely should not miss the Waimea Canyon Lookout, which offers sweeping views of the canyon from 3,400 feet. It's signposted 585 yards north of the 10-mile marker on Waimea Canyon Rd.

Two interesting options for those interested in exploring the canyon a bit more:

1) Hiking: Near the 9-mile marker, there's the trailhead for two fairly short hikes. First there's the Iliau Nature Loop, which is about a ten minute trail walk to another vista point. There's also the Kukui Trail, which is a bit more challenging. It's about 2.5 miles down a steep trail that takes you down basically to the riverbed; LP also suggests that you can hike down just the first mile for another great view of the canyon.

Hours: Anytime you like
Cost: Free, unless you take a nasty tumble on the trail

2) Biking: This sounds pretty fun - Outfitters Kaua'i offers a biking tour that takes you from 3,600 feet all the way down to sea level. It's an easy downhill ride that takes about half a day - they provide the cruisers, helmets, and snacks. Blake and I did a similar kind of bike tour in Bali and had a great time. You just coast along and take in the sights.

Hours: 6:00 check-in,10:30AM return OR 2:30 check-in, 7:00PM return (LP suggests the early tour to avoid being blinded by the setting sun)
Cost: $98/adult

Sandy's Kauai Picks #4

Wailua Falls
Da' plane! Da plane! This waterfall should look familiar from the opening credits of Fantasy Island, and it's right in Lihu'e. And did I mention it's free? There's a lookout spot that you drive to for a picture postcard perfect view.

Directions:
Follow Kuhio Hwy north and turn left onto Ma'alo Rd (Hwy 583), a narrow paved road that weaves through sugarcane fields and ends at the falls after 4 miles.

Sandy's Kauai Picks #3

National Tropical Botanical Garden
Two of the NTBG's gardens, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden, are located in Po'ipu, and sound pretty incredible. The more famous of the two is the Allerton Garden, about which Nat Geo says:

In Poipu, you’ll want to visit Allerton Garden (+1 808 742 2623. Tues.-Sat., reservations required; Adm. fee.), a former private estate where the landscape hasbeen turned into art. You stroll through outdoor “rooms” created by exotic tropical hedges and tree canopies, decorated with pools,fountains, and sculptures. The tour also explores part of the Lawai Garden, whose collection ranges from common bamboo to the rare plant Kanaloakahoolawensis; only four are left in the world—two in the wild and two in the garden’s nursery. Ask about the huge ficus tree where the dinosaur eggs were found in Jurassic Park.

Downside is that you can only visit Allerton Garden on a guided tour and it's a bit pricey. You can visit McBryde on either a self-guided or guided tour. But there's also the Ho'ike tour, which lets you see parts of McBryde and Allerton that you wouldn't normally see on the individual tours.

Allerton Tour Details:
Monday through Saturday.
Call for Sunday tour times.
Hours: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
Duration: Approx. 2-1/2 hours
Distance: Combination of transportation by vehicle and one-mile walk at an easy pace.
Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, long pants and/or mosquito repellent, hat for shade, bottled water.
Cost Per Person: Adults (13 yrs. and above) $40

Ho'ike Tour Details:
Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Hours: 8:30am
Duration: Approx. 3-1/2 hours
Distance: Combination of transportation by vehicle and one-mile walk at an easy pace.
Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, long pants and/or mosquito repellent, hat for shade, bottled water.
Cost Per Person: Adults (13 yrs. and above) $85

Sandy's Kauai Picks #2

Kintaro
If anyone gets a sushi-craving, this place sounded pretty great, and is an "Author's Choice" in LP:

From the outside, Kintaro is a plain, boxy building. But inside you find a surprisingly sleek and urban restaurant, always jam[packed with locals and tourists alike. From thick-cut slices of sashimi ($15 to $17) to a shrimp/fish/veg tempura combination ($14), mains shine in quality and quantity. The owner is Korean, but the cuisine is authentic (and excellent) Japanese. A bar near the entrance (with ample seating for waiting patrons) is followed by a mouth-watering sushi counter further inside. A specialty is sizzling, crowd-wowing teppanyaki, when chefs show their stuff on steel grills at your table. The only downside is rather abrupt, rushed service.

They don't have a website, but I found their menu.

Location: 4-370 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa (Eastside)
Hours: 5:30-9:30 PM Mon-Sat
Prices: Appetizers $3.50-$6, meals $14-20

Sandy's Kauai Picks #1

Fern Grotto Tour

This is one of those not-to-be-missed sights, although it's pretty touristy. You can get there by kayak, but most people take a cruise boat to get up there. Smith's comes recommended in the Lonely Planet.

About the fern grotto, the guide says:

The scenic grotto is an overhanging cliff at the base of Maunu Kapu (Forbidden mountain), which looms from the river, dripping with yard-long sword ferns and delicate maidenhair. The riverboats are open-air, covered barges with wide, flat bottoms, and tourists are herded on and off all day. During the leisurely 1 1/2 hour round-trip, guides provide interesting historical commentary and hula dancers cajole passengers to let loose and learn a few moves. At the grotto, musicians serenade with favorites, including the mandatory 'Hawaiian Wedding Song,' dedicating it to all the newlyweds and newlyweds-at-heart. It's the type of corniness that will either please or force a smile. Regardless, this is the site of countless weddings, for which Smith's can arrange a private tour.

Cost: $18/adult if purchased online (regularly $20/adult)