Cultural Heritage At Its Natural Best: Revealing Kauai State Parks

Kauai is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species and its natural beauties have been preserved for thousands of years making it a special wonder in the Pacific. The island is one of the major islands in Hawaii but Kauai State Parks have maintained its original natural form with 97% of the entire land left untouched by human hands. Find out things and attractions to expect in these great locations.

The Main Highlights

Na Pali Coast State Park measures about 6,175 acres and is considered by many as the most beautiful in the island. The location features majestic sea cliffs and valleys that can be viewed from the coastal Kalalau Trail, by boat or air via helicopter. Kalalau Valley, Nualolo Kai and Milolii can only be accessed via commercial or private boats and helicopters. You can enjoy a variety of activities in the park such as hiking, camping, backpacking and bird viewing.

Backpackers and hikers can go through the Kalalau Trail that spans 1 to 2 miles depending on the route with great landscapes, waterfalls and stream valleys. You can camp at Milolii and enjoy the captivating sunset view. It requires a certain level of primitive outdoor experience to camp along the coast and ocean currents can be harsh depending on the tide and season.

Polihale State Park is located at the end of a 5-mile dirt road from Mana Village just off Kaumualii Highway. The park extends over 137 acres where you can enjoy activities like tent or trailer camping, shore fishing, swimming in the summer, picnicking and taking pictures of the colorful sunset and high sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast. There is also Queen's Pond located just north along the beach by a hollow in the coral.

Waimea Canyon State Park spans over 1,866 acres and boasts the Grand Canyon of the Pacific or Waimea Canyon which is more colorful than the one located in Arizona. The park is found about 11 miles north of Kekaha on Highway 550 adjacent to Kokee State Park.

Here you can enjoy goat hunting seasonally, hiking, picture taking and hiking. Kokee State Park which is over 4,000 acres features 45 hiking trails with some leading into the canyon. Stopover points along trails in the canyon are available complete with restroom facilities. Lookout walks are handicapped accessible and Waimea Canyon is open every day of the year with no admission charge.

Many Parks to Pick

Another must-see Kauai state park is the National Tropical Botanical Garden featuring over 5,000 plant and flower species. Two gardens form the park namely Allerton and Lawai Garden. The Allerton Garden was created in the 1870s spanning over 100 acres. The Lawai Garden spans 186 acres and serves as a research facility for the various cultivation methods and uses of plants in the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Wailua River State Park is situated on Highway 580. The Lydgate State Park is a great family place where visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming, sand strolling and beach games. There is a coconut grove that used to shelter ancient islanders and the Wailua River at the north end.

Smith's Tropical Paradise is located along the river upstream. You can take a riverboat tour up the Wailua River to see the Fern Grotto and other Kauai state park highlights.