The tropical paradise of Kauai, often called "the Garden Isle," boasts some of the most delightful beaches anywhere. Many, like Poipu, are favorite tourist playgrounds, while others remain quiet and secluded. Kauai's magnificent sunsets and tranquil , natural beauty evoke a mood of romance and charm.As the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is also the most lush. Dense jungles and rainforests, brimming with rare plants and birds, cover the island. Yet there is plenty of space to play. Soar above the cathedral-like walls of Waimea Canyon in a helicopter. Or bask in the sun on Kauai's powdery sand beaches. take a sunset cruise, or a boat ride up the Napali Coast. The Fern Grotto, is also an attraction on Kauai. While less tarvelled and less known than its sister islands, Kauai nonetheless offers a range of activities and attractions to satisfy even the most adventurous.

BOTANIC GARDENS-abounding in natural vegetation, Kauai also has four botanic gardens which are open to the public for small fees. The Smith's Tropical Paradise at Wailua, Olu Pua Gardens at Kalaheo, Kiahuna Plantation Gardens in Lawai, offer an unusual assortment of flowers, shrubs, cacti and other magnificent species of palnt life.

CAPTAIN COOK'S LANDING, WAIMEA BAY-the first palce in which the intrepid British explorer set foot in Hawaii in January 1778. This bay was for many years a favorite provisioning port with pacific traders and whalers.

FERN GROTTO-this hauntingly beautiful cave, luxuriantly festooned with growing ferns, is reached from the Wailua Marina.

GROVE FARM HOMESTEAD-founded in 1864 by George Wilcox, the homestead is now a museum complex that includes the old family plantation home, wash house, tea house, guest cottage and other amenities. The homestead is typical of the old Hawaiian plantation experience and tradition . It is just south of Lihue.

HANALEI VALLEY-another name for Hanalei is Hanohano, meaning "glorious." You will want to stop at the vantage point near the marker to gaze at this sweeping scene of majestic tranquility.

HANAPEPE VALLEY-note the red cliffs and the handsome color accent they give the valley's myriad shades of green and blue.

KALALAU LOOKOUT-once peacocks preened their plumage in this tropic Eden and families cultivated terraces of taro, No one lives here now...nothing remains but one of the most beautiful views on earth.

KAMOKILA HAWAIIAN VILLAGE-above the great bend of the Wailua River, where war canoes of the King of Kauai, Kaumualii, once assembled, lie the ruins of an old Hawaiian village.

KAUAI MUSEUM-the museum in Lihue presents a factual history of the Garden Isle, using artifacts and photographs. Other historical and art exhibits are also displayed.

KE'E BEACH PARK- a fine beach at the end of the road where the trail begins to the Na Pali Cliffs.

KILAUEA LIGHTHOUSE & KILAUEA POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE- a refuge for nesting seabirds, the isolated refuge is where the lighthouse sits,and is open to visitors with a small donation.

KOKEE STATE PARK-adjacent to Waimea Canyon this park has picnic grounds, cabins and a wide variety of outdoor activities including hunting, trout fishing and hiking. The NASA Kokee Tracking Station is located nearby.

LUMAHAI BEACH-chosen for Nurses' Beach in "SOUTH PACIFIC", this lovely spot is undoubtedly the most photographed beach on Kauai.

MENEHUNE DITCH-only small portions remain of what was once a great water course or aquaduct. Archeologists say it was built before Hawaiians came, possibly by the Menehune.

MENEHUNE FISH POND, NIUMALU-remarkable stone walls are said to have been built in one night by the Menehune. The fish pond they enclose is still in use.

OLD RUSSIAN FORT (Fort Elizabeth)-hoping to seize Kauai for his Czar, an employee of the Russian Fur Company of Alaska built this fort near the mouth of the Waimea River in 1817. Rocky ruins are all that remain of his efforts and dream.

OPAEKAA FALLS-the Wailua River makes a dramatic plunge over a high cliff. Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp" and dates from days when swarms of shrimp were seen rolling in turbulent waters at the base of the falls.

POIPU BEACH-a very nice beach for swimming and an awesome place for watching the sunset. The sunset pictures you see are from here. A great place for learning how to surf.

ROYAL BIRTHSTONES WAILUA-women of Hawaiian nobility always tried to reach the sacred stones in time to give birth to ensure the royal status of their children.

SLEEPING GIANT-the outline of a mountain ridge shows a striking resemblance to a reclining giant.

SMITH'S TROPICAL PARADISE-this 23 acre site has gardens, lagoons, exotic birds and a unique narrated train ride which meanders through a rain forest, a Polynesian village, a Japanese island, a Filipino village reflected nightly in a 75 minute musical production in the lagoon theater.

SPOUTING HORN-when the tide is running high, waves pressured through lava tubes are focused through a hole in coastal rocks to burst noisily into spectacular fountains of salt spray and foam . It sounds like a fog horn.

WAILUA FALLS-nicknamed Fantasy Island Waterfalls.

WAIMEA CANYON-this is more than a view, it's an experience! You'll treasure in memory its beautiful jewel-tone colors, it's awesome depth and breadth. This is so colorful, red dirt, green foilage, and blue skies. must see.

WAIOLI MISSION HOUSE-visitors are welcome to look through this quaint home, built in 1834 and restored by descendants of the first missionaries.

WET AND DRY CAVES OF HAENA-these eerie caverns, one dry, the other two filled with limpid green water, are where cheifs are said to have gathered in ancient times.