Area Attractions in Kauai Hawaii

Menehune Fish Pond

This ancient KauaiFishpond can be seen from an overlook on Hulemalu Road. Legend states it was built one moonlit night by the smallish native Menehune people. Archeologists date the pond to pre-Hawaiian times over 1,000 years ago. The fishpond fronts the Hule'ia Stream. The wall between the pond and the stream is 900 feet long - an engineering mystery considering when the pond was built. Today the fishpond is privately owned and is no longer in use.

Directions:

Take Highway 50 east toward Puhi. Turn right on Puhi Road just past Mile Marker #2, across the street from Kauai Community College. At the end of the road, turn left on Hulemalu Road. The fishpond is on the right and can be seen from the overlook.

Grove FarmMuseum

Nawiliwili Road
Lihue, Hawaii 96766
808-245-3202

This 80-acre sugar plantation was built by George N. Wilcox and his nieces in 1864. It was turned into a museum in 1978 and illustrates the rise to fame of the key family. The main house is in almost flawless condition with walls and staircase made of native Koa wood. Also on the grounds are a wash house, a tea house and a guest cottage.

Kauai Museum

4428 Rice Street
Lihue, Hawaii 96766
(808) 245-6931

The Kauai Museum is a privately owned, non-profit museum, opened in 1960, through the founders’ efforts to have a community focused vision. For 43 years the Kaua'i Museum has been a sanctuary of community strength in the areas of culture, art and the humanities. It lends its support to individuals and to organizations on the local, state and county levels and preserves the art and artifcants of native Hawaiians.

Kukui Grove Shopping Center

3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 245-7784

Kukui Grove Center offers over 60 shops and restaurants. From footwear, clothing and more, you're sure to find a versatile assortment of shops. The covered food court area is cool and breezy and is a great place to grab a quick bite from over 12 different restaurants. Specialty stores feature Kauai-made products and unique gift ideas. There are also shops for electronics, automotive, surf boards and more.

Wailua Falls

This magnificent 80-foot tiered waterfall is in close proximity to the roadside lookout and easily accessible for everyone to enjoy. The falls were made famous when it was featured in the opening scene of the popular television show, Fantasy Island. The best time to view this sight is early morning as the sun shines on the falls. There is also a trail down to the bottom of the falls so visitors can take a dip in the cool mountain water.

Directions:

Fern Grotto

For a truly breathtaking Kauai adventure, cruise up the Wailua River to a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns. At the grotto, you will be serenaded by Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs. The acoustics within this natural amphitheater are moving and amplify the singing and guitar accompaniment. The trip up this historic and sacred river takes about 40 minutes via a long flat bottom riverboat. Boats depart from the south side of the river every 30 minutes. On the way to the Fern Grotto, you will encounter numerous photo opportunities of the tropical grasslands lining the river and cloud-capped Mt. Waialeale looming in the background.

Directions:

Take Highway 56 north toward Wailua. Cruise boats and kayak rentals are located on the south side of the Wailua River (before crossing the bridge).

Spouting Horn

This Kauai natural wonder occurs when water rushes under a lava shelf and bursts through a small opening at the surface. Every wave produces another spray. Spouting Horn frequently spurts salt water 50 feet into the air. The phenomenon is especially exciting at sunset when the spray becomes incandescent with the colors of the rainbow.

Directions:

Take Highway 50 from Hanapepe toward Lawa'i. Just past Mile Marker #11 turn right on Koloa Road (Highway 530). Continue to Po'ipu Road and turn right again. The road forks near the ocean, go right on Lawa'i Road. Spouting Horn is approximately one mile down the road on the left. Park and walk down to the overlook.

Allerton Garden

(808) 742-2623

Allerton Garden lies between the Pacific Ocean and the McBryde Garden in the Lāwa`i Valley on the south shore of the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. It is a garden paradise, transformed through time by the hands of a Hawaiian Queen, by a sugar plantation magnate, and most significantly by an artist and an architect. The endless possibilities found in this dramatic topography led to the creation of this masterpiece of garden art.

Kilauea Lighthouse

(808) 821-2242

Dedicated in 1913 the Kilauea Lighthouse served as a pivotal navigation aid for ships on the Orient run. Today, it is one of Kauai's most visited sites with more than 500,000 annual visitors.

Russian Fort

Russian Fort Elizabeth is the last remaining Russian Fort in Hawaii. They were built in the early 19th century as the result of an alliance between High Chief Kaumualii and the Russian-American Company in its attempt to gain influence in Hawaii. It is a National Historic Landmark and is now part of the Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park.

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and a fine illustration of Kauai’s dramatic natural beauty. Measuring 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,500 feet deep, the canyon was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit. Although smaller than the Grand Canyon of Arizona, Waimea Canyon rivals its beauty. Numerous lookouts and hikes offer terrific views of every aspect of this natural wonder.

Directions:
Take Highway 50 west from Hanapepe toward Waimea. Waimea Canyon Drive is on the right just past Mile Marker #23. The road travels through the canyon area and ends at Pu'u o Kila Lookout. Makaha Ridge Road runs off Waimea Canyon Road just before Mile Market #14 and travels to more scenic lookouts. Numerous lookouts and trails lead off of these two roads.