It was formed five million years ago, making it the oldest in the Hawaiian archipelago. And for a long time, the island of Kauai remained folded into itself by fields of sugar cane and taro, the local tuber. But filming films with global repercussions, such as “Under the Blue Sky of Hawaii” with Elvis Presley, who also signed the film’s (unmemorable) soundtrack in 1961, exposed it to the world without becoming synonymous with it. tourism. And for good reason. Kauai is very difficult to access. 90% of the island’s surface is still wild, and 30% of the area is protected by the status of a national park. The authorities have also adopted policies to protect themselves from excessive tourism. Permit applications are now required to access some hiking trails, there is a fee for parking near the most popular beaches, and no buildings can exceed five stories. As a result, Kauai remains a small paradise on earth. The island is divided into three parts, the west by Waimea Canyon, a sense of the end of the world, where the Hawaiian soul is most present; the south, the sunniest part, where most of the hotels are concentrated; and the north, with its more capricious weather and lush vegetation, has a similar exotic charm. Presentation.
Waimea Canyon Hike
It is not for nothing that it was nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific Ocean. Waimea Canyon is a replica of the famous Grand Canyon, but on a more modest scale, being fifteen kilometers long and one kilometer deep. The visual effect, however, is stunning. The site is made up of a mass of red rock, the layers of which are reminiscent of various volcanic eruptions. Beautiful hikes lead deep into the canyon, but also into the rainforest. Don’t be surprised when you meet groups of hunters. wild boar hunting is a popular pastime among Hawaiians. Route 550, which starts at Waimea at the ocean’s edge, will offer you many sights such as Waipo’o Falls, a 250-meter waterfall, or Puu o Kila. Hiking maps are available at the Kokee Natural History Museum. Take the opportunity to check the trail conditions, some can be slippery and dangerous in rainy weather. The All Trails app is good support and allows you to download maps with helpful comments from hikers.
Koke’e Natural History Museum (www.kokee.org), 3600 Kokee Rd, Kekaha, HI 96 752. Phone: (808) 335-9975.
Explore the Na Pali Coast
The cliffs of Na Pali on the north coast are unique with their jagged profiles, covered in emerald green, illuminated by the first rays of the sun. The coast, the result of millions of years of more or less violent erosion, can be explored by kayak for the bravest, who can stop on deserted beaches or wander into caves. If kayaking seems too sporty for you, there are catamaran cruises with tastings of mai tai, a Hawaiian cocktail made with rum and pineapple juice.
Kayak Kauai (www.kayakkauai.com). Phone: (808) 826-9844. From 250 euros for a 12-hour tour.
Holokauai Boat Tours (www.holokauaiboattours.com), Port Allen Marina Center, 4353 Waialo Rd, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705. Phone: (808) 335-0815. From €105 for a five-hour tour.
Understand Hawaiian culture by visiting Limahuli Park
This 400 ha park is located in one of the most beautiful valleys on the north coast. For more than 1,500 years, it has been one of the high places of traditional Hawaiian culture. The walls protecting the terraces are more than 800 years old. Limahuli is home to more than 300 local plants and essences such as taro, white hibiscus, kava or kukui, a tree introduced by the Polynesians. Everything that grows in this valley is redistributed to the local community. In return, he exploits the sea and shares the fishery products. This is the very principle of ‘aina’ and ‘ohana’, Hawaiian words for love of the land and sharing.
Limahuli Garden & Preserve National Tropical Botanicla Gardens (ntbg.org) 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Phone: (808) 826-1053. €22 entry.
Surfing at Hanalei Bay
This fabulous spot is an ideal spot for surfing, including for beginners on small wave days. Surfing legend Titus Kinimaka even offers lessons in the bay. Popular with locals, Hanalei offers a 70s vibe with old trucks parked right on the sand, groups of young people playing the ukulele at sunset and kids laughing out loud as they dive off the pontoon. You will feel far away from the southern beaches of the island, where the resorts follow each other and become similar.
Titus Kinimaka’s Hawaiian School of Surfing (www.hawaiianschoolsurfing.com) 5-5088 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96741. Phone: (808) 652-1116. From €66 for a 90-minute lesson.
Buy a custom Hawaiian shirt
In Hanapepe, Jacqueline is known as the White Wolf. You will find him in the back of the shop in his workshop. He makes custom made Hawaiian shirts in no time. You choose the fabric, he takes your measurements, a few hours later you iron it, and your shirt is ready. Made in Hawaii makes a great souvenir. A rarity today, as most of the shirts sold in the archipelago come from China… Get there on Friday and enjoy Hanalei Art Night, when all the art galleries in town offer “pop-ups” on their premises.
Jacqueline on Kaua’i, 3837 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapepe. Phone: (808) 335-5797
Paddle or kayak on the sacred river
It is one of the most beloved sacred places for Hawaiians. The Wailua River is the only navigable river in the entire state. Legend has it that at night you can hear the sound of drums echoing the sound of the waves. Along the route, you will admire many birds, such as hornbills, as well as remnants of Hawaiian culture, such as heiau, ancient temples. The last part of the walk is done on foot to reach the waterfalls where you can take a dip in the cool water.
Kayak Kauai (www.kayakkaui.com). 3-5971 Kuhio Highway, Bldg 3, Kapaa, HI 96746. Phone: (808) 826-9844. From €98 for a 5-hour tour.
In the video – Rurutu, Tubuai and Raivavae. Behind the scenes of a trip to paradise in Australia
Source: Le Figaro
