The North Shore is home to the world’s tallest sea cliffs and the longest fringing reef. The South Shore is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement. The West End is home to two-mile-long Papohaku beach.
Kalaupapa National Historic Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park is a US National Historical Park located in Kalaupapa, Hawaii. This park is also located on the island of Molokai. It has fascinating stories to tell and is a must-see if you’re visiting Kauai.
Founded in 1866, Kalaupapa National Historic Park is an interesting place to visit if you’re interested in the history of the island. The park has two leper colonies that were used as quarantine during King Kamehameha’s time. The site is still home to cured patients and the park is dedicated to preserving the history of this important site.
There are no official opening hours, but you can take commercial tours at any time. The National Park Service manages most of the land so you’ll need to apply for a permit to enter. Even if you get a personal invitation, you’ll need to fill out an application with the state’s Board of Health Office. Without a permit, you’ll be denied entry.
The petroglyphs and heiau in Kalaupapa National Historical Park are a must-see. These structures were once used by Hawaiian people to hide in a sacred place. The park also includes two popular fishponds and great hiking trails. You’ll even find green turtles at these sites.
A Belgian missionary lived in Kalaupapa. He served the community for 16 years before dying of Hansen’s disease. Afterwards, his grave can still be found in Kalaupapa’s St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church. Today, the site is a place for reflection and contemplation. And if you’re on Kauai, don’t miss Saint Damien’s grave.
Kalaupapa National Historic Park is a place of prayer, history, and Hawaiian culture. It’s also home to eighteen surviving Hansen’s disease patients. All of them are at least 70 years old. Walking through Kalaupapa is like walking through a ghost town – the only people around are state employees and park rangers.
Papohaku Beach
Papohaku Beach is a three-mile long stretch of white sand. It’s a popular destination for vacationers, and it’s the longest white sand beach on the island. There are restrooms and showers at the beach, and campsites are available nearby. Papohaku Beach is also a great place to watch the sun set.
Papohaku Beach is known for its windy days, and even moderate winds can blow sand up to your chest. This beach was also once the site of the largest sand mining operation in Hawaii. Sand was mined here and shipped to neighboring Oahu in the 1960s, but the industry ended in 1975. During that time, a concrete tunnel was built and is still visible today.
If you’re looking for an ideal place to relax, Papohaku Beach is a great choice. The beach stretches for miles and is a popular spot for collecting seashells. The island of Molokai has a 28-mile-long fringing reef, which makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling with colorful tropical fish.
Kalaupapa, Hawaii’s largest town, is home to a historic settlement. The island’s king once banished infected lepers there. The island is surrounded by turbulent waters and sky-high cliffs, and the National Park Service offers tours of the site. The island also boasts Hawaii’s longest barrier reef, which sits about a mile offshore. You can take snorkeling tours to explore the reef’s best parts.
Halawa Beach Park consists of two beaches. One is located in the historic Halawa Valley on the northeastern side of the island. The other beach is Kawili Beach, which is a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sun.
Halawa Valley
Halawa Valley is an ancient site that was settled by the Polynesians more than 650 years ago. It is a half-mile-wide valley with three to four miles of depth that is filled with towering waterfalls and beautiful vistas. It also houses many hidden heiau.
The valley is surrounded by lush greenery and features two magnificent waterfalls, Hipuapua and Moa’ula. You can walk through the valley or take a guided tour. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Kaunakakai.
You can take a road trip through the valley, which passes by more than 60 fishponds built by ancient Hawaiians. This picturesque area is home to some of the islands most spectacular natural wonders. The road that runs through it is very scenic, and it passes through residential areas and beach parks. It also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. If you’re looking for something different, you’re sure to find it here.
Halawa Valley is situated on the eastern side of the island. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from the Molokai Airport. Along the way, you’ll pass the Hawaiian Fishponds and Kalua’aha Church. Halawa Valley is also home to two beautiful swimming beaches. The beach is best avoided during rough seas and winter months, however.
The Halawa Valley is considered sacred land by the ancient Hawaiians. It was once home to more than a thousand people who farmed taro. The village was destroyed by the 1946 tsunami, but luckily, the valley is still a cherished place for ancient Hawaiians.
Solatorio ohana (family)
The Solatorio Ohana family has a variety of places for visitors to visit in Kaunakakai. From waterfall hikes to cultural presentations, this family-owned and operated establishment offers something for everyone. Its cultural hikes are guided and offer a glimpse into the island’s history. They also provide a chance to swim in the waterfall and learn about traditional Hawaiian ceremonies.
Born in Halawa, Hawaii, Solatorio spent his formative years in the Halawa Valley, a rural town where he shared a home with more than 30 other families. He went on to become a stake missionary and later a ward mission leader. Solatorio’s missionary efforts were recognized by several mission presidents. In 1987, he was awarded the “Model Missionary” pin. Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi cited him as one of the mission’s greatest resources.
Solatorio Ohana, an ancient Hawaiian community that has been around for over a thousand years, has several places for visitors to enjoy. One of these places is Papohaku Beach, which is three miles long and one of the longest white sand beaches in Hawaii. It is a popular spot for visitors, but can be tricky to access without a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The main town of Kaunakakai is about four kilometers away. Kaunakakai is home to several small shops and restaurants that offer Hawaiian food and drinks. There is also an outdoor market on Saturday mornings, where visitors can find local crafts, fresh fruits and vegetables, and matted photographs.
The Molokai Visitors Bureau can provide visitors with information on the island’s natural beauty. A welcoming bookstore, Kalele Bookstore & Divine Expressions, offers an extensive collection of books. Visitors can also indulge in some delicious local food at Molokai Burger and Molokai Pizza Cafe.
Mount Kamakou Preserve
Kamakou Preserve is one of Kauai’s most spectacular natural sites, and is home to more than 200 species of Hawaiian plants. This secluded preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy, and is open to the public. Hikes are scheduled throughout the year along a scenic boardwalk. There is a ranger-led tour available.
A beautiful overlook overlooks the Wailua River, a 20-mile navigable river that flows from the center of the island. The river is dotted with waterfalls, including Wailua Falls, which cascades into two streams. This waterfall offers numerous photo opportunities.
The Kamakou Preserve is home to more than 200 native plant species and many animals. You can hike, picnic, and relax while admiring the lush tropical landscape. It is a great place for bird watching and nature lovers. This area is home to endangered species of Hawaiian flora and fauna.
If you love to hike, this is one of the best places to go on Kauai. The nature preserve is surrounded by lush forests and valleys. You’ll find a number of hiking trails, including a trail to Mount Kamakou. During the winter months, the park hosts guided hikes. But for those who prefer to hike alone, senior science and cultural advisor Dr. Sam Gon offers a private excursion to Kamakou. Clear blue skies and a cool breeze greet you as you ascend. The road to Kamakou cuts through verdant pastureland that’s been freshly refreshed by recent rains. The partly cloud-covered summit of Kamakou towers in the distance.
Molokai is another one of Kauai’s hidden gems. It is also home to one of the world’s highest sea cliffs, and is a great place for hiking and snorkeling. Its central town, Kaunakakai, is a fishing village with unique shopping opportunities and a pier that is ideal for late-night strolls. You can also sample local food and drink at local restaurants.