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Hawaiian Vacation for Two!
Kauai's Sunny South Shore
By Kim Steutermann Rogers Published: 08/03/2007
At five million years of age, Kauai is the oldest inhabitable island in the chain which translates to more time for wind and water erosion to create our garden no ka oibeyond compare. Youve probably also heard Kauai claims the wettest spot on Earth. Thats Mt. Waialeale in the center of the island. Rainfall averages 410 inches per year, sometimes more, which not only paints our garden island a palette of greens but also colors our skies with rainbows.
Tucked a few miles south, in the lee of the Haupu Mountain range, Poipu receives a mere 30 inches or so of rain per year and in the world of science is considered a semi-arid tropical climate. All this explains the moniker: Sunny Poipu. For as many shades of green youll find on Kauais South Shore, there are as many places to explore and things to do. Heres a few.
No visit to the Garden Island would be complete without a tour of a tropical garden. Allerton Garden across from Spouting Horn on Lawai Road offers three-hour guided tours. This is not your grandmothers garden. Its not just another pretty place. Youll quickly realize theres some serious scientific work going on at the NTBG that elevates this tour into something quite interesting and pertinent.
The South Shore is known for some of the best, year-round snorkel sites on the island due to its relatively calm waters. Poipu Beach is an all-around favorite; just be careful not to trip on an endangered Hawaiian monk seal en route to the water. The one of two endemic mammals of Hawaii is often found beached along the oceans edge hereresting after a time of great feasting. Please keep a safe distance. Two other good snorkel sites are Koloa Landing and a small stretch of beach next to the Beach House restaurant known as Lawai Beach. The endangered Hawaiian Green sea turtles are also known to frequent these spots and, like the monk seal, are federally protected, so dont touch! Snorkel gear can be rented at several shops along Poipu Road just south of Koloa. Ocean conditions vary daily; its always best to spend some time observing the conditions before entering the water, or, better yet, talk to a life guard.
When theres a big south swell during the summer time, Spouting Horn will be going off. That is, the geyser created as water pushes through a hole in the lava rock shelf along the coastline will be spouting and blasting its horn. Theres a legend about an angry moo (giant lizard) who lives at Spouting Horn; lets just say its best to keep a safe distance, say, at the neighboring row of vendors selling inexpensive souvenirs, costume jewelry and some of the best selections of the rare Niihau shell lei and Tahitian pearls. Come to think of it, that might not be a safe place either.
Before your body adjusts to Hawaii Standard Time (yes, Hawaii has its very own time zone), chances are youll wake before dawn. Perfect. Drive down Poipu Road past the Grand Hyatt Regency Kauai and turn right on Ainako Road. Park at the end. Walk along the beach to the east and up the cliff to greet the rising sun. Feel free to explore this geographically unique area of the South Shore where once, 6,500 years ago, a flightless bird lived. More recently, 700 A.D., Polynesians settled here and left the remains of a fishing village, cave dwellings, petroglyphs (stone carvings) and a heiau (temple). If you like, join an interpreted Dune Walk the first and third Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. starting at the Hyatt's Seaview Terrace.
The setting sun draws quite an audience every night. Spectacular sunset-viewing spots include Spouting Horn, Lawai Beach (next to The Beach House Restaurant), Poipu Beach and Polihale Beach (see West Side). Or, sign up for a seasonal two-hour sunset sail along the South Shore. Once the sun sets, be sure to look east. The eastern sky at sunset is sometimes more beautiful than the sunrise, especially if it happens to be cloudy. And on the night of a full moon, you'll see the moon rise in the eastern sky as the sun sets.
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Kauai
Photo Gallery - Kauai's Sunny South Shore
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