Kauai Hawaii for Bird Watching

Islands full of Fun and Sunshine

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Kauai Hawaii and The Alekoko (Menehune Fishpond) Overlook is located on Hulemalu road. It is said that it was built by the legendary Menehunes in one night, over 500 years ago. The wall between the pond and the stream is 900 feet long. The fishpond is no longer used and is privately owned. Panoramic views of the mountains and Nawiliwili Harbor can be seen from this overlook point

The Huleia National Wildlife Refuge is located near the Menehune Fishpond. It is situated in a fairly flat valley alongside the Huleia River bordered by a steep forested hillside. The Huleia Refuge is around 241 acres, and was established in 1973 to present open, useful wetlands for Hawaiian water birds in danger of extinction. In order to protect the endangered species that exist in Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, it is closed to the public but can be viewed at the overlook at the Historic Menehune Fish Pond.

Nawiliwili Harbor was established as Kauai's main port in 1930, Nawiliwili was named after the Wiliwili trees that were once copious in the area. Grand cruise ships use this harbor as their port-of-call.

It is located at the mouth of the Huleia Stream which creates a natural channel for the large ships. This harbor and nearby Niumalu Beach Park were used in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Niumalu Beach is situated to the west of the harbor and Kalapaki Beach is located to the east, in front of the Kauai Marriott.

The Royal Coconut Coast - Kauai, Hawaii 

The Royal Coconut Coast is aptly known as the ‘Coconut Coast’ because of the coconut groves scattered around the countryside. Many beach parks have lagoons and natural pools that are perfect for first time snorkelling.

East Shore Dive Sites in Kauai Hawaii include:

Ahukini Landing: An experienced shore dive with a guide. Besides a variety of marine life, there is ammunition that was discarded there during the Second World War. Depths are from 30’ to 70’.

Anahola Bay: A snorkeling site and beginner shore dive. There are sporadic strong currents, high surf, and wave breaks. Slippery rocks and sharp coral are also there, with depths to 20’.

Anahola beach is great for children as the sandy beach is backed by shade. Also, there is a protective reef offshore which makes for good swimming most of the year. Excellent facilities including: picnic tables, restrooms and showers. Lifeguards are present on the weekends and holidays.

Secluded Donkey beach has a lovely stretch of sand and trees for shade, but the shoreline is very rocky. Strong currents, treacherous shore break, sudden drop off and waves breaking on ledge. This is not a good beach for swimming and there are no facilities or lifeguards.

Kealia beach is north of Kapaa Beach on highway 56; it has lovely white sand and is around half a mile long. It is a favourite with surfers and boogie boarders. Powerful waves, strong currents, and riptides are often found in this area, so only reasonable swimming and wading on the north end when the surf is calm. During the summer months the surf is usually just right and the riptide is not as ferocious. No facilities or lifeguards on this beach.
 
The Wailua River State Park is located on the eastern shore of Kauai; it is easily reached from Kuhio Highway and Highway 580, which parallels the river. The park includes the historical and natural sites on and around the Wailua River. The boat ramp inside the park provides access to the only navigable river on the Island.

Highlights within the park comprise of the remains of Malae, Holoholoku and Poliahu Heiaus. Other cultural objects consist of the Royal birthing stones of Kauai and a traditional place of refuge. Cruising on a riverboat on the Wailua River is available for an additional fee. Various activities are accessible in the park such as: hiking trails, kayaking up the River Wailua, water skiing and more.

Fern Grotto is a lava rock cave covered in tropical ferns that can only be accessed by taking a trip up the Wailua River. Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs give this attraction a beautiful ambience. The trip up this significant and sacred river takes about 40 minutes in a long flat bottom riverboat. Boats leave from the south side of the river (before the bridge) every 30 minutes.

Wailua Falls are located near Lihue, at the southern end of the Wailua river. The water cascades down in two streams and drops around 80ft below. The television series ‘Fantasy Island’ used this waterfall in their opening credits.

Opaekaa Falls are located just over a mile from the beginning of Highway 580 in Kapa’a. The water cascades down about 150ft into the stream below. To get a great view of the falls, there is a viewpoint along the highway. Panoramic views can be seen of the Makaleha Mountains in the background and a restored Hawaiian village on the riverbanks where war canoes of the King Kaumualii of Kauai once assembled.

Poliahu Heiau is located close to Opaekaa Falls, the large lava rock Temple of King Kaumualii (Kauai’s last King). Visitors must respect the rocks and not climb on them; they are sacred to the Hawaiian people.

The Nounou mountain ridge between Wailua and Kapaa is the place where you will see the legendary Sleeping Giant. The legend is about a greedy giant, who was always eating, the people of Wailua fed up with him, fed him numerous rocks disguised with fish and poi. After such a feast, the giant fell asleep and hasn’t woken up yet.

On the banks of the River Wailua, a Hindu Temple ‘The San Marga Iraivan Temple’ is being built. The materials used are carved from rocks in India and transported from there to Kauai. The site being used is called ‘Pihanakalani’ which means ‘where Heaven touches the Earth’.

Immediately south of the Wailua River is Lydgate State Park, it has a picnic area with barbeque pits and tables, a long stretch of beach and a play area. The lava pools are perfect for young swimmers and snorkelling beginners, making Kauai Hawaii a must visit location.

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