Kauai Path Etiquette
The Kauai Path is is a ten foot wide paved trail that is all palms, and beach, and ocean, and is real treasure to anyone looking for easy access to Kauai. It is well maintained with a number of picnic pavilions along the path. The following etiquette guidelines are intended to help people more fully enjoy the Ke Ala Hele Makalae.
- Be Courteous – All path users should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode of travel, speed, or skill level.
- Keep Path Clear – Use no more than one-half of the path when in a group. Move off of the path if you are stopped.
- Be Predictable – Travel in a consistent manner. Look behind you before changing position on the path.
- Keep Right – Stay to the right side on the path except when passing. Move back or to the right once safely past.
- Respect Private Property – Stay on designated paths or roadways. Avoid shortcutting switchbacks.
- Signal When Passing – Give a clear warning signal by voice, bell, or horn before you pass.
- Yield to Slower Traffic – Cyclists yield to pedestrians. “Wheels yield to Heels.”
- Respect the ‘Aina – Keep litter in trash receptacles.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls on Kauai is one of the Top 5 favorite waterfalls of Hawaii according to a Hawaii Magazine reader poll. Hawaii is home to hundreds of spectacular waterfalls of all heights and sizes on just about every type of terrain – from deep in the mountains and rain forests of Kauai to seacliffs along the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast. There are waterfalls accessible only by hiking trails or helicopters, and some near populations like Honolulu, Hilo, and Lihue. You can literally drive right up to the top of Wailua Falls. A lookout offers a terrific view of the 80-foot plunge, which fans of the TV series Fantasy Island might recognize from the opening credits. The waterfall is especially impressive when heavy rains fill the Wailua River, sending voluminous water over the entire span of the fall’s lip. Access: Turn off Highway 56 onto Maalo Road. Wailua Falls is at the end of Maalo Road.
Also in the Top 5 Hawaii waterfalls are:
Akaka Falls (Big Island) – Akaka Falls was the favorite Hawaii waterfall, receiving nearly three times the votes of its closest competition. Few Hawaii waterfalls of this height are as easily accessible as Akaka, which contributes to its immense popularity. Nearly halfway into a short loop-trail through a rainforest, and past another stunning cascade, Kahuna Falls, your view suddenly opens up. Akaka Falls plunges 422 feet into its deep, foliage-lined gorge. Access: From downtown Hilo, head north on Hawaii Belt Road. Turn right on Route 220 (after 13-mile marker) into Honomu town. Akaka Falls is at the end of Route 220.
Waianuenue Falls (Big Island) – Like Wailua Falls on Kauai, Wainuenue Falls (Rainbow Falls) is at its most visually impressive when heavy Mauna Kea rains fill the river that feeds it. Beyond Rainbow Falls’ breathtaking 80-foot plunge, there’s its broad foliage-covered gorge, deep plunge pool and natural lava cave to appreciate. A short trail from the parking lot offers a view of the falls from its top edge. Access: From downtown Hilo, head east on Waianuenue Avenue then bear right onto Rainbow Drive. Turn right, into Wailuku River State Park.
Kaliuwaa Falls (Oahu) – The hiking trail to Kaliuwaa Falls (Sacred Falls), has been closed to the public for eleven years. State officials have said that opening the trail to the public again is unlikely. But you can still view Sacred Falls by air tours, which offer an amazing view of the 80 foot waterfall and canyon straight up into the Koolau mountain range. Access: Closed to public. Visible by air tours.
Waimoku Falls (Maui) – To get to Waimoku Falls you have to drive the Hana Highway all the way to Haleakala National Park’s oceanside Kipahulu Visitor Center. Then there’s a two-mile hike up Oheo Gulch, crossing Pipiwai Stream several times and a thick bamboo forest. The reward when the trail ends is a full view of 400 foot tall Waimoku Falls. Access: 3- to 5-hour hike on Pipiwai Trail from Pools of Oheo (Seven Sacred Pools) at Haleakala National Park’s Kipahulu Visitor Center, 10 miles south of Hana on Hana Highway.
Hanalei Kauai
The town of Hanalei is one of the Top 5 Small Towns of Hawaii according to a Hawaii Magazine reader poll. This town on the north shore of Kauai seems to inspire all who cross the single lane bridge and find its charms. Hanalei has an unusual shopping mix – from its country stores and art galleries to its boutique clothiers, adventure outfitters, and retailers of mysticism. And its dining choices are everything from burgers, and deli sandwiches to sushi and upscale yet casual tapas. But, being surrounded on all sides by luxuriant valleys, rugged cliff faces, and a collection of golden sand beaches is what makes Hanalei so special.
Also in the Top 5 Hawaii small towns are:
Haleiwa, Oahu – Haleiwa is a world-renowned, big wave surf town. During winter surf season, Haleiwa’s sidewalks, retailers, shave ice stands, eateries and surf and dive shops teem with a funky mix of residents, big wave watchers and professional surfers. When the big waves calm down the rest of the year, this North Shore is still alive with aloha.
Hawi, Big Island of Hawaii – A few years ago, a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs moved in. Attracted to the same tranquil small town life that kept longtime residents in Hawi, they restored the town’s decaying storefronts, filling them with unique and unusual boutiques, eateries, bookstores and galleries.
Lahaina, Maui – Visitors to this once whaling capital of the Pacific are lured by Lahaina’s appealing mix of small town retailers, eateries, clubs and lounges and familiar national restaurants and boutiques. A walk through its historic district reveals old word architecture from Lahaina’s plantation era and stunning views from Front Street across the Auau Channel to Lanai.
Paia, Maui – Paia is Maui’s groovy little surf town. This picturesque former plantation town is more than the gateway to the long and twisting highway to Hana. Paia is a must-stop town worthy of its own day of exploration. Its rustic storefronts are home to a hip yet casual mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, galleries, clothiers, coffee cafes, antique stores and, surf shops.
National Trails Day 2010
National Trails Day 2010 is Saturday June 5, 2010. It is a celebration that brings awareness to trails and recognizes many people for their support and hard work, including volunteers, land agencies, and outdoor minded businesses. It is also a day to introduce people to the many joys and benefits of trails. With 200,000 miles of trails in America, we have access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration, and good physical and mental health.
National Trails Day evolved from President Ronald Reagan’s Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. This recommendation became the impetus behind several parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.
It takes many hours of planning, labor, and negotiating to develop trails, and there are many groups involved to thank: American Hiking Society, Nature Valley, Backpacker magazine, Fetzer Vineyards, Merrell, YMCA of the USA, REI, American Park Network, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
With already 76.7 million people hiking, 13.5 million backpacking, 40.4 million trail running, National Trails Day has grown to inspire many more people to enjoy our trails. The Directory of Kauai continues to list organized hikes around the island on our Kauai Events Calendar, and we continue to produce videos and written descriptions of Kauai Hikes for you to enjoy.
Kauai Polynesian Festival 2010
The 9th annual Kaua`i Polynesian Festival will be on Memorial Day weekend May 27-30. The festival kicks off with a Grand Polynesian Lu`au Celebration and fashion show at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa on May 27. The evening will offer a luau dinner, fashion show, and exciting Polynesian entertainment. May 28 through 30 enjoy Tahitian, Maori, Samoan, and Hawaiian entertainment, Polynesian arts and crafts, solo and group dance competitions, food booths, and workshops. All Kaua`i residents and visitors are welcome.
The festival is presented by the Kamanawa Foundation, a Kaua`i-based non-profit organization. Its mission is to preserve, promote and perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture, including the language, social values, arts, crafts and music, primarily through the study of hula. And this festival will prove to be an exciting weekend filled with entertainment and various Polynesian dance competitions, workshops, exhibition, hands-on cultural crafts and dance, food, arts & crafts, and fun.
Participate in hands-on cultural crafts & dance activities. Learn weaving techniques, how to husk a coconut, and how to dance the hula. Watch halau hula dance presentations, dance competitions, exhilarating Fire Knife dance competitions, and FAB4 – an Oahu group sharing energetic and heartwarming tunes. Entrance fee is $25 for three days or $10 per day. Children below the age of 5 are free. How to find Vidinha Stadium.
Pure Sea Glass
Richard LaMotte is the author of an incredible reference for anyone who has walked the beach and collected pieces of sea glass. Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature’s Vanishing Gems
This fascinating book is a coffee table book, as well as a comprehensive reference guide, as well as a wonderful visit to the seashore and fond memories. Richard LaMotte has been at the forefront of sea-glass research since presenting his first lecture on the topic back in 2002. And this book earned first place in nonfiction from the Writer’s Digest 13th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards.
more…
Sea Glass History
Sea Glass Colors
