from Bob Cantor's National Parks Photo Gallery
There are no national parks in Kaua'i, but there is a concentration of amazing scenery and great trails which can compete with the best of them.
| The Wai'ale'ale Crater is a spectacular sight, but the only way to see it is to take an expensive helicopter ride. The top of Wai'ale'ale is the rainiest spot on earth, averaging almost 450 inches a year. |
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| The best known trail on the island is the Kalalau Trail, which hugs the side of the Na Pali for 11 miles (one way). 2 miles takes you the first beach, and another 2 miles up a side trail takes you to the base of Hanakapi'ai Falls. The trail is steep and muddy with several stream crossings, so give yourself plenty of time, and start early because it is a very popular trail. |
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| The road ends and the Kalalau Trail starts at Ke'e Beach, which is where this late afternoon picture was taken. The beach gets crowded, but walking a short distance from the parking lot will get you away from the crowds. Be sure to check out the short but beautiful trail at the southwest end of the beach. |
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| Sunset at Ke'e Beach. |
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| Several trails at the top of Waimea Canyon can be combined to create dayhike loops of varying lengths. This picture was taken from the Canyon Trail. This is the dry side of the island, so if you've been hiking on the wet side, a day of sunshine is a welcome change. There are at least 2 other excellent dayhiking options nearby, and some short ones also. |
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| The Iliau Nature Trail is a short, easy loop with excellent views of Waimea Canyon. This is also where you'll find the start of a trail taking you into the canyon, the first mile of which provides many more wonderful views. |
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| An excellent overlook of Wailua Falls can be found by the side of the road, but this view came during my helicopter tour. |
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| Sunset from the pier at Hanalei Bay. |
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©2003 by Robert Cantor