Affordable Kauai: Top 10 Free (or Nearly Free) Ways to Enjoy the Garden Isle

LIHUE,Kauai, Hawaii, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Like most everything in life, the best things to enjoy aboutKauai are free -- or at least pretty affordable.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080908/LAM043)

CalledHawaii's Island of Discovery and popularly referred to as "the Garden Island" -- both for good reason --Kauai's landscape is an enticing, exciting playground for lovers of the environment, outdoor adventure, and Polynesian culture.

"Kauai is theHawaii that everyone wants to experience because of its rich diverse setting that allows you to discover nature's beauty in the tropics," commented Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau. "Whether a person is a first-time visitor or has been here many times, exploringKauai is a never-ending treasure hunt of sights and wonders that can be both fascinating and affordable."

The following are 10 enjoyable and interesting ways for visitors to experience and enjoyKauai for free (or nearly free).

1. Explore the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Waimea Canyon is a sightseer's paradise -- a mile wide, 10 miles long and more than 3,500-feet deep. Take in the stunning views from the lookouts or hike into the crater. The Kalalau Lookout is especially memorable with an unforgettable view of the once cultivated valley that descends 4,000-feet to the Pacific blue. After sightseeing, enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of the crater inKokee State Park.

2. Hike Amid Rainforests and Lush Valleys.Kauai is a hiker's dream destination, with spectacular hiking trails that immerse one into the magnificence ofKauai's verdant wilderness. Hikes range from comfortable walks to challenging treks into hidden valleys streaming with waterfalls. A must-do for any serious hiker is the 11-mile Kalalau Trail along the majestic Napali Coast.

3. SeeKauai's Cherished Sites. Prince Kuhio Park was home to Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922), beloved as the "People's Prince" for his tireless work on behalf ofHawaii's people and the last royal heir to the Hawaiian throne. Located nearLawai, this historical setting features the foundation of Prince Kuhio's home, a royal fishpond, a shrine where offerings were made, and heiau (ancient place of worship) where the kahuna (priests) meditated and lived.

Alekoko Fishpond was built hundreds of years ago for a young chief and once covered 40 acres that was marked by a 2,700-foot long stone wall. Located in the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge that is a habitat for endangered Hawaiian birds, the fishpond is also known as Menehune Fishpond because legend is that it was built by the mythical menehune (little people) ofHawaii.

The Wailua River is a beautifully scenic area that was once a sacred place in ancient times and reserved for the kings and high chiefs ofKauai. Near the river's mouth in Lydgate State Park are the remains of a heiau that was a place of refuge for those who had broken a kapu (taboo).

4. EnjoyKauai's Culture.Hawaii is the only state with its own music, language and dance. OnKauai, the host culture ofHawaii can be enjoyed for free or at little cost. Many hotels offer free hula performances, torch lighting ceremonies, and lei-making courses, among other cultural offerings. Coconut Marketplace inKapaa and Harbor Mall inLihue stage free hula shows every Wednesday.

5. A Birdwatcher's Paradise. For a nominal entry fee, the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge is a uniquely special setting for bird lovers. Framed by breathtaking views ofKauai's north shore,Hawaii's endangered birds are seen nesting in the cliffs, including the Hawaiian Gallinule, red-footed boobies, tropicbirds, albatrosses and frigate birds. Look to the ocean and you have a good chance of seeing Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles and Hawaiian spinner dolphins.

6. A River Runs Through It. The only navigable rivers inHawaii are found -- and enjoyed -- onKauai. Rent a kayak and leisurely paddle along one of the gentle rivers bordered by lush, tropical foliage. Or, journey by riverboat up the Wailua River to the famous Fern Grotto. In this beautiful, jungle-like setting, a natural amphitheater has been formed creating remarkable acoustics.

7. DiscoverKauai's Quaint Towns.Koloa is a historic 19th century plantation town that was the site ofHawaii's first sugar plantation. Every July the Koloa Plantation Days celebrates the town's proud heritage. Visitors will find restaurants and specialty shops amid some ofHawaii's oldest buildings.

Hanapepe exudes an old-fashioned small-town appeal, with its plantation- era buildings and slow-paced lifestyle. Every Friday evening,Hanapepe's nine galleries open their doors for a night of artistic enjoyment. Stroll along Main Street to see fine art and listen to live entertainment.

8. A Garden Isle Waterfall Spectacular.Kauai's waterfalls are a year- round display of nature's ability to keep the Garden Isle green and vibrant. InLihue, one can drive right up to picturesque Wailua Falls. If the 80-foot waterfalls look vaguely familiar, it was a fixture in the opening credits of the 1970s TV show Fantasy Island.

In scenic Wailua, Opaekaa Falls is the island's most accessible major waterfall as it cascades into a hidden pool. And it's a wonderful setting to take photos. Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp," which were once abundant in the stream.

9. ExperienceKauai's History. The telling ofKauai's story can be experienced in museums offering intriguing exhibits and artifacts. InLihue, the Kauai Museum tells the island's story from its formation and the arrival of the first Polynesians to more modern times with the start of the sugar plantation, and the various ethnic cultures that have contributed to its history.

Also inLihue, Grove Farm was established as one ofHawaii's earliest sugar plantations, but today offers a museum display ofKauai's heritage highlighting the old sugar days and through the monarchy to statehood.

Waioli Mission inHanalei is where the Wilcox family, one ofKauai's most influential families, moved to the island in the 1800s. This historic New England-style home was shipped in pieces fromBoston around Cape Horn and today stands as a showcase of koa wood furniture and other artifacts from that era.

And if that isn't enough ofKauai to enjoy...

10. Hit the Beach!Kauai has more than 50 miles of gorgeous white sand beaches to choose from -- more beach per mile than any other island inHawaii! Altogether, 43 white sand beaches beckon to wile away the day. Whether enjoying the fun at Poipu or tossing a towel down in a secluded cove at Anini, Kauai's range of beaches matches the island's diversity. For the more adventurous, rent a snorkel and see the wonders and undersea beauty ofKauai's marine world.

By its very nature,Kauai is a destination to be explored and an experience to be discovered -- a place that encourages loved ones to gather and create priceless memories to last a lifetime.

For travel information aboutKauai, Hawaii's Island of Discovery, visit online at http://www.kauaidiscovery.com or call the Kauai Visitors Bureau toll-free at (800) 262-1400.

SOURCE Kauai Visitors Bureau

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