For today we had planned an island tour on Kauai, which is often referred to as “Garden Island” due to its lush vegetation. The main attractions on Kauai are Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and the famous Napali Coast on the North Shore.
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Der Waimea Canyon
The first thing we wanted to do was drive from our Hotel Kauai Inn in Lihue to Waimea Canyon. The distance of about 55 kilometers can be done in just over an hour.
Via the main road, Waimea Canyon Drive, we have come to various vantage points. From the main viewpoint, Waimea Canyon Overlook, you have the best view of the canyon with its mountain peaks, rugged crevices and deep canyons.
Der Waimea Canyon in Google Maps
The canyon is a total of 16 km long and up to 900 meters deep. In the canyon you will also find the waterfall, which is known from the movie Jurassic Park. In general, many parts of the film were shot on Kauai. On Youtube you will find a very nice compilation, where which scene of Jurassic Park was filmed on the island.
Kokee State Park & the Napali Coast
The road then continues into the mountains and ends at Kokee State Park, from which numerous hiking trails depart. From here you can also get a view of the Napali Coast. At the very end of Waimea Canyon Drive you will find The Mountain Wai’Ale’Ale – “One of the wettest spots on earth”. It didn’t rain, but everything was completely covered in thick fog and the view was = 0.
After leaving the canyon, we drove along “Waimea Canyon Drive” to the east. Here there is a small waterfall on the road, which is embedded in incredibly red sandstone hills.
Small waterfall in red sandstone hills
All travelogues from Hawaii (2015)
Our world trip led us after almost 2 months from the American mainland to Hawaii. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3,600 kilometres away from the US mainland, the 50th state of the USA. For many, it is the epitome of the South Seas. During our two-week stay in Hawaii we visited four of the six main islands: Kauai, O'ahu, Maui and Big Island. Each of these islands has its own personality, nature and sights and offers different activities for all tastes: From the big city Honolulu with the famous Waikiki Beach, the fascinating Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking Napali Coast on Kauai, the famous Road to Hana on Maui to the most active volcano in the world on Big Island. The islands radiate a unique flair and have enchanted us very quickly with the famous Aloha charm.
» Oahu: Hawaii – Things to know, Photo spots & Travel Guide for a holiday (USA)» Oahu: Honolulu & Waikiki Beach – Our arrival in Hawaii (USA)
» Oahu: Oahu – Pearl Harbor & Downtown Honolulu Memorial (USA)
» Oahu: Oahu – Diamond Head & an island tour on Oahu (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – Our flight to Lihue, car rental & our hotel (USA)
» Kauai: Waimea Canyon – The Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – An Island Tour & The Spouting Horn Beach Park (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – A catamaran tour along the Napali Coast (USA)
» Kauai: Kauai – A sightseeing flight over Waimea Canyon & the Napali Coast (USA)
» Maui: Maui – Our flight to Kahului & the Maui Ocean Center (USA)
» Maui: Maui – Diving & exploring the West Coast (USA)
» Maui: Maui – A drive along the panoramic “Road to Hana” (USA)
» Big Island: Big Island – Volcano sightseeing tour in Volcanoes National Park (USA)
» Big Island: Big Island – An Island Tour & Night Diving with Mantas (USA)
» Big Island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – The Chain of Craters Road (USA)