Capturing the Moment

  We were so lucky to get a clear morning at the top of Waimea Canyon here on Kauai. Looks at this view! Kalalau Valley expands below us, all the way to the ocean. This is where the famous Na Pali coast trail ends, 11 miles later. If you aren't going to hike into it, standing above it is the next best thing. And you can just drive up Waimea Canyon, park, and this view is only a few steps away from the parking lot. Last time I was on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, I missed the opportunity to drive up to Waimea Canyon. The rain and low clouds had settled in by the time I was there. So this time, it was high on my list. I was there with a film crew, getting material for an UnCruise Adventures promotional film for a new land-based extension for our Hawaii cruise. After coming with us on a seven day expedition cruise to the Big Island, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, guests could then opt to fly to Kauai for an extra five night package. We needed to get all of Kauai's best attractions and ...

 How much of the island of Kauai could you really see in just two days. Read on and see how I managed to fit just about every corner of the island into two long days of driving and then think to yourself what you could do with an entire week!  Starting off centrally located was key. I stayed at the Beach Hostel in Kepa'a, which is about twenty minutes north of the airport. I separated my two days into a southern and a northern itinerary. There is one big road that goes around the coastline of Kauai, with a few roads heading inland to see waterfalls, rivers, and canyons. The coastline is awash with beautiful white sand beaches, and a number of hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and restaurants to keep the regular tourists busy. But for the adventurous visitors who want to get off the beaten track Kauai is an untapped playground.  Just south of the airport lies Kalapaki Beach and Nauwiliwili Bay were surf lessons can be watched with mai tai in hand on the lana...