Kauai- Canyons and Catamarans

Another one of our favorite days we have had on our trip so far!


Waimea Canyon


The morning started out with a drive to the Waimea Canyon.  We had a view into the 3,567 foot deep canyon that is known for its reddish lava beds.  It is a much smaller version of the Grand Canyon.  it was formed by a massive earthquake that sent a number of streams into the Waimea River, ultimately carving the canyon's shape.  The river continues to cut the canyon deeper and wider.

Views on the drive up the mountain- look at the contrasting colors!

A view into the canyon

If we had more time in the day, we would love to have done some of the hiking trails around the canyons.  Apparently one takes you into the bottom of the canyon- that would be really incredible to do.  But- we had a boat to catch.  And a shrimp shack to check out.

Sailing the Na Pali Coast

Wow- definitely a highlight of our trip!  We were hesitant to spend ~$100 each to go on a 5 hour dinner cruise from the south of Kauai to the Northwest Na Pali Coast- hands down, worth every penny!  If you come here- you've got to do it!

We sailed with Captain Andy's on a 65 foot catamaran.  The trip out was beautiful, but we got caught in a stretch of rain for a bit.  However, the sky cleared, the sun came out, a rainbow made its appearance, and we saw one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.  We even had about 10 minutes of watching spinner dolphins put on a show at the tip of our boat, doing flips in the water and showing off in groups of 4 and 5 at times- we were about 10 feet from them!  We turned around at the exact spot we hiked the day before.

The green area is actually one giant hibiscus bush.  I can't understand how it grows from the rock cliff.

Clouds were present most of the day, but it only added to the views

Sunlight peeked through the clouds and caught part of the mountain

Our captain, David, did a great job, as well as did the rest of the crew

Putting up the sail

The Na Pali Coast is really only able to be fully seen by a boat ride or by helicopter, and most of it does not have beach shorelines- just the cliffs.  It was spectacular to tour by water!