Kauai is the northernmost Hawaiian island, made of bright green mountains and plants in all colors of the rainbow. Lush rainforests cover most of its surface, hence the nickname ‘Garden Isle’. Kauai is filled with awe-inspiring wonder that you won’t soon forget. Here’s our experience on the ‘Best of Kauai’ cruise excursion to Waimea Canyon and other amazing sites on the island.
Visiting the ‘Garden Isle’ : Best of Kauai
Kauai is so green and lush – it was a dream to visit. Amusingly, chickens are everywhere you look. The locals do not eat them because they are too tough, so, chickens are all over the place. I have never seen so many in one day!
Many movies have scenes filmed here, including Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Home to Sleeping Giant Mountain, Kauai is America’s largest coffee producer, due to the millions of coffee trees that flourish in the humid climate.
Waimea Canyon
Also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, the Waimea Canyon is a breathtaking, 3,000-foot (914-meter) gorge. It is filled with lush, green plants and volcanic rock, colored in hues of red and brown.
The lookouts are plentiful, and offer many points from which to admire this dramatic canyon. It is just as breathtaking as the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The scenery is incredible, so make sure to bring your camera!
Spouting Horn Blow Hole
One of our stops along the way was the Spouting Horn Blow Hole. This natural phenomenon is caused when waves hit into the rock shore and the pressure forces the water out through a small hole in the surface.
Creating these magnificent displays of water rushing into the air. I had to take many photos to get the full effect!
Wailua River Boat Cruise
Next up was a boat cruise up the Wailua River (you can also take a kayak tour along this river). As it took us along the Wailua River, surrounded by jungle and mountains, we learned about ancient cultural traditions in Kauai and the history of the area. During the return trip, authentic music was performed live, with dancing and ukuleles. They kept us entertained the whole time.
Fern Grotto
The Fern Grotto was a scene of natural artwork. Plants dripped from jagged rocks, and bushes blossomed everywhere. Shades of green as well as splashes of pink surrounded us. Ferns and leaves thrived on the ground, in the trees, and up on the rocks. It was a wonderful ambiance for an outdoor amphitheater.
With a waterfall trickling in the background, we were serenaded with a Hawaiian wedding song – it was truly magical. It definitely added a lovely touch to the Fern Grotto experience!
Opaeka’a Falls
Our last stop was Opaeka’a Falls. Surrounded by lush green forest, and with two falls coming out from a hidden stream, it drops 151 feet into the greenery below.
As you can see from the photos, the falls are well away from the viewing platform, so we had to use the zoom lens to see them well.
Kauai Flora
Kauai is home to some of the most amazing plant life I have ever seen. Cascading waterfalls, towering palm trees, and delicious food add to the wondrous scenery. And, of course, the chickens!
We stayed enthralled and in awe of the landscapes the whole time, and would definitely recommend Kauai to others traveling to Hawaii.
Take a shore excursion in Kaua`i
We were lucky to have 2 days in Kauai during our NCL cruise around the Hawaiian islands, but we would love to revisit, as it was a stunning landscape. The tour ‘Best of Kauai‘ via the cruise ship was a good way to see the highlights, but there are other tours on Viator which are probably cheaper and just as good. We chose to do this one through the cruise line because we were in a large group and could get a discount.
However you choose to see Kauai, don’t miss some of these sights in your itinerary – the Waimea Canyon will leave you speechless!
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