![]() Most hikers are expected to camp overnight at Kalalau Beach (which requires a permit). ![]() The full round trip, should you take on the challenge, is 35 km. Besides, excellent photo opportunities can be had via a helicopter ride (highly recommended), or drone (also me, heh). This is honestly good enough for most people – the beach is beautiful (though perhaps slightly overrated), and I already managed to take in excellent coastal vistas along the walk despite the early wuss-out. I consider myself to be neither (well, maybe just a bit stupid), making a group decision to exercise caution in terminating our hike at Hanakapiai Beach, just 3km in. With the dual distinction of being the most beautiful and most dangerous hike in the world, it’s the kind of place that attracts the right mix of the brave and the stupid. In trekking circles, few trails attract as much notoriety as the Kalalau Trail. Hanalei Valley Lookout – note the ‘no drones’ sign to the bottom right LOLīack to top Kalalau Trail & Hanakapiai Beach In fact, the only reason it’s not a perfect 360 is due to the ‘Giant’s Head’ itself: a towering, moss-covered rocky formation jutting out from, and thus defining the mountain. However, don’t say no-no to Nounou: the Sleeping Giant trail takes less than an hour for those with moderate fitness, offering a near 360 degree view of the Eastern end of Kauai. There are literally hundreds of trails on Kauai alone, each promising impressive views – with equally impressive cardio workouts. You won’t be surprised to hear that it was by far my favourite! Nounou Trail – The Sleeping Giant Of the three islands we visited, it is the most pristine, with the most striking landscapes I’ve seen. This first entry outlines our adventures on Hawaii’s oldest island: Kauai. Much like my Tasmania trip, our time in Hawaii encompassed far too much to be covered by one post. The best part? Those free POG juices □ Activities / Sights We flew via Island Air, which consistently provided a great (and short!) flight experience every time. They’re serviced by a variety of carriers using turboprop aircraft – a new experience for me. Inter-island flights operate at a frequent clip between four of Hawaii’s major islands. Car rental rates are reasonable, and you won’t be subject to the lasso of tour groups, inflexible itineraries and constant tipping (sorry, I’m Australian – what is tipping?) Sure, you’ll have to do some research – but that’s why you’re reading this post, right? Drive around, my completely-biased opinion is that Hawaii should definitely be done DIY style. The heat & humidity was easily the part I disliked the most about my trip, but at least that means the best time to visit is any time you’re able! Getting Around Hawaii’s tropical location renders the concept of ‘summer’ moot: bring sunscreen no matter what. The focus is instead on freshness of seafood, maximum flavour, and comfort. It’s simplistic nosh, where presentation takes a backseat, with no over-engineering. Hawaiian food is very much representative of its people: a pastiche of flavours and ingredients with influences from multiple Asian cultures, plus a little bit of that Western excess that America is so (in)famous for. ![]() I’m glad I saw with my own eyes what he did: for its beauty certainly justified the choice.Īnd then of course, there’s the food! Unlike my Top End Northern Territory trip, where the isolation and tyranny of distance meant that my stomach was forced to take a timeout, Hawaii’s smaller size meant our stomachs were taken care of just as well as our eyes. ![]() James Cameron famously filmed the Jurassic Park series of movies in Kauai. I’m selling it short: Hawaii is one of the most beautiful locations I’ve ever visited. Table of Contents Trip Map Intro Activities / Sightsĭespite hopping on planes out of Sydney more than 13 times this year, I have to call it: Hawaii takes the gong for the most beautiful place I’ve visited in 2017 – and there’s stiff competition.Īctually, scratch that. My friends and I personally incurred all expenses and planned our own itinerary for this trip no component of this post was sponsored. See my other posts on Big Island, and Oahu! This is part 1 of a 3-part series on my trip to Hawaii. This post focuses on Kauai. It is a place that is literally awe-inspiring. Ancient canyons, valleys, and forests, with verdant beauty that remains untouched: Hawaii’s got them all in spades. It’s a world far removed from the concrete jungle, with friendly people, a relaxed pace, and nature rules. There is no place in the world quite like Hawaii. ![]()
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