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Best Hikes Around Hanalei

Hikes around Hanalei offer trails of varying lengths and elevations, rugged paths, waterfalls, a natural island setting and photo opportunities on the North Shore of Kauai. We each walk at some point in our daily routines, but when you’re on vacation, there’s something about the new observations you’ll make—in Hanalei, it might be a native flower, the expanse of the ocean against a striking blue sky, a sea cliff, mountains in your realm and waterfalls singing the sounds of nature. Regardless of your level of skill, stamina or spirit of adventure, you’ll find scenic paths you must explore, if only for the bragging rights.

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Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is one of the most well-known among hikers and travelers. You can hike as little or as much as you’d like, just make sure you dress ready to walk and pack your essentials in a backpack (water, snacks, sunblock, etc.). The first two miles lead to Hanakapiai Beach and beyond that, it’s campers only. The rust-hued soil alongside the deep greens alone make for a great hike. A bright, clear day with clouds floating by will make you feel as if you’ve tackled great heights, and with this trail, you have.

Sightseeing in Kona

The destinations that boast the lofty claim that they offer something for every traveler are plentiful. Kona on Big Island successfully asserts its position as an island locale with a myriad of sights for every interest. Multiple national historical parks make Kona sightseeing about history through adventure, art and cultural heritage.

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Hawaiian islands. The park is almost 400 square miles with nearly 150 miles of walking trails. The muti-textured landscapes provide coastal lava plains, rainforests, desert and the Kilauea volcano itself, all in one vast location to explore. The area has also been designated by UNESCO as an International Biosphere Reserve. A museum, art center, visitors center and Crater Rim Drive, this site will take a few days to cover.

North Shore Oahu Best Surf Spots

Kaunala Beach
Kaunala Beach, known to locals as Velzyland or V-land, is an excellent local surfing experience. Spot local surfers on occasion here. Phantom Reef is the allure, a mile from the coastline, which provides a tower of shade from the peak takeoff along shallow ledges. Beyond Backyards Beach, this beach offers parking along Kam Highway. You can enter through the gate at Sunset Beach. The places to stay vary in budget, with condos, rooms for rent, hotels, and Turtle Bay. Food is plentiful, with the popular food trucks. Velzyland is at the end of the renown Seven Mile Miracle.

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Sunset Beach
Storybook Sunset Beach is a reality, with world-class surfing year-round, plus competitions that build excitement for the surfers and spectators. Among the longest and broadest beaches in Oahu, Sunset Beach is also known for snorkeling and sunsets. The Sunset Rip, the currents that thrill with waves up to 20 feet, is what enthralls surfers of all levels.

Best Golf Courses around Lanikai

Every golfer that strives for a better score with each game also aspires to play in remarkable destinations, part of the bragging rights. Windward Oahu offers golf courses that embrace the landmarks familiar to travelers, including those who have yet to visit. This side of the island offers a variety of golf courses in Lanikai’s neighboring towns.

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Koolau Golf Club
Located in Kaneohe presents the golfer with nature’s gifts, including the Koolau Range, the backdrop volcano remnant that serves as a mountain view, and the Kaneohe Bay, with its captivating facets, including a reef, sandbar and multitudes of blue waters.

Boasting points for golfers of Koolau Golf Club include its natural formation from a tropical rainforest and the back tees are considered among the most challenging worldwide. Verdant foliage, clouds peering above the mountain range, varying elevation and plentiful waterfalls provide for an exciting day of golf. The forward tees offer good play for all levels.

Things to Do in Poipu

Poipu, Kauai’s South Shore, is genuinely the sunny side of the island, so expectations are already quite high for things to do, particularly outdoors. Whether solo traveler, couple, family or group, Poipu’s beaches and sights offer scenery, heritage, water sports, adventure and sheer indulgence.

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Gardens
Nature in Poipu is wondrous and some must-sees include the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, McBryde Garden and Allerton Garden in the Lawai Valley. See native and endangered plant species, with a combination of walking and tram tours. Plan on at least half a day for both gardens, depending on your level of interest.

Spouting Horn
A fascination to many as they watch salt water shooting vertically into the air at a height of 50 feet. Water bursts through a lava shelf, creating a sound that boosts the legend of this blowhole. A large mo’o (lizard) once guarded the coast and would devour anyone getting near the area. A man, Liko, once swam under the lava shelf and slipped away through the hole but the mo’o, in efforts to attack, was trapped for eternity and cries to this day in anguish. Sunset is a beautiful time to see Spouting Horn.