Tree Tunnel

Walter Duncan McBryde, a Scotchman who began cattle ranching in South Kauai, planted these Eucalyptus Trees over 150 years ago. The trees form a beautiful canopy over the highway even after two hurricanes damaged the tops of the trees. Drive through to visit old Koloa Town. The historic site boasts being the state�s oldest plantation settlement and a line of shops and restaurants greet you in the remodeled sugar plantation buildings. Poke around at the Koloa History Center, open 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

South Kauai, Koloa, Kauai HI.

Kilauea Lighthouse

The lighthouse is located on a narrow peninsula and remains one of Kauai's most popular attractions. Native vegetations and an informative visitor center attract thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kauai's past. Also, dramatic views from the overlook down the seacliffs and into the churning ocean water below make for beautiful photo opportunities.

Nearby is the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to a diverse population of nesting seabirds and the only such sanctuary in the islands. Residents include the red-footed boobies, the Laysan albatross, and the great frigate bird with its 8-foot wingspan.

North Kauai, Kilauea, Kauai HI.

Spouting Horn

Kauai's natural wonders never cease. This one is a waterspout that shoots up like Old Faithful out of ancient lava rock in the ocean shores. Because the rocks are slippery and people have been known to fall in, follow the paved walkways around this area. You'll also find one of the best selections of rare, hand made, treasured Ni'ihau shell necklaces.

South Kauai, Po'ipu, Kauai HI.

Waimea Canyon

Created by an ancient fault in the earth's crust, the canyon has been eroding over the centuries due to weather, wind, and the water of it's rivers and streams. The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" is 3,600 ft deep, 2 miles wide, and 10 miles long. Its breathtaking deep reds, greens, and browns are ever changing in the light while birds and rivers flow through. Be sure to allow time to soak up the views from Pu'u-ka-Pele and Pu'u-hinahina lookouts.

West Kauai, Kauai HI

Fern Grotto

For an unusual Hawaiian adventure, cruise up the Wailua River to a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns. On the way to the Fern Grotto, you will encounter numerous photo opportunities of the tropical grasslands lining the river and cloud-capped Mt. Waialeale looming in the background.

The Fern Grotto is a natural, lava rock amphitheater covered with large, rainforest ferns. At the grotto, you will be serenaded by Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs. The trip up this historic and sacred river takes about 40 minutes via a long flat bottom riverboat.

East Kauai, Wailua, Kauai HI.

National Botanical Gardens

This botanical gardens actually consists of two gardens: Lawa'i and Alberton Gardens. Lawa'i is a 186-acre preserve chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1964. This magnificent garden claims the world's largest collection of rare and endangered plants. The Herbarium alone contains 26,000 specimens of tropical flora.

Alberton is a 100-acre oceanfront garden. It was originally planted in the 1870's by Queen Emma who came here after the death of her husband and only child. The garden features sculptures, pools, fountains and flowers set among pathways that follow the stream and ocean. Tours also view the Alberton Estate house and Queen Emma's cottage.

South Kauai, Poipu, Kauai HI.