Polihale/Mana:
Polihale Heiau:
Just north of Polihale State Park is the powerful
Polihale heiau (sacred site). This is one of the
points from which the souls of the dead departed
the island into the setting sun.
Polihale State Park:
Just past the Pacific Missile Range Facility gate
on Highway 50, a sign posted by the Hawaii Visitors
Bureau points to a dirt cane-hauling road angling
off to the left. Follow the road for about five
miles and you'll arrive at Polihale State Park.
The park has a beautiful 3-mile long beach. However,
the ocean here can be dangerous, with a severe
shore break and rip currents.
A better bet is found at the 3.4 -mile mark along
the cane road, where the road curves near a large
monkeypod tree. Take the fork to the left and
park almost immediately. Walk north along the
beach until you come to a hollow in the coral.
This is Queen's Pond. It's usually calm here except
when high winter surf comes over the reef.
Kekaha/Waimea:
Captain Cook's Monument:
Located on the roadside in the rural town of
Waimea in Hofgaard Park (also known as Tamago
-- egg-shaped -- Park), is the site where British
Captain James Cook first landed in Hawaii in
1778. Cook, with his ships the Resolution and
Discovery, was the first westerner to discover
the islands.
Kalalau Lookout:
If you make the drive from Waimea to see Waimea
Canyon, you might as well do it right. From
Kokee State Park, at the top of Waimea Canyon
Road, continue on to Kalalau Lookout. There
you'll encounter a spectacular view of knife-edged
cliffs and overgrown gorges that drop to the
sea 4,000 feet below. Mist and cloud cover roll
in and out of the valley so inquire at the Kokee
Museum about the best time that day to see the
full valley panoramic.
Kekaha Beach Park:
The sunsets from Kekaha Beach Park are spectacular,
and the beach itself is beautiful. A great place
for picnics and strolling the shore. However,
the entire beach is exposed to open ocean (which
brings with it strong currents), so caution
is advised.
Kokee Natural History Museum:
Kokee Museum is located at Kokee State Park
at the top of Waimea Canyon Road. Part of the
beauty of visiting the park and museum, of course,
is the drive past breathtaking Waimea Canyon,
the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"
to get there. The small, quaint museum is devoted
to the flora, fauna, and natural history of
the area. It also features collections of shells
and Hawaiian artifacts. Admission is free.
Menehune Ditch:
According to legend, the high chief of Waimea,
Ola, was concerned that his people were having
difficulty bringing water from the Waimea River
down to their taro patches. In order for Ola
to enlist the aid of the hardworking Menehune,
he had to establish a kapu (taboo) so that no
one could leave their houses at night. Once
the kapu was set, the Menehune proceeded to
divert some water from the Waimea River overnight
with the elaborate cut and dressed stones of
this ancient aqueduct.
Russian Fort Elizabeth:
In 1815 the Russian doctor, Georg Scheffer,
arrived in Hawaii to gain trading privileges
from King Kamehameha, who had created a kingdom
incorporating all the islands of Hawaii. The
Russian went to Kauai, nominally under the control
of King Kaumualii, to salvage Russian cargo
being held in Waimea. Once on Kauai, Scheffer
gained the confidence of King Kaumualii when
he promised the king that Czar Nicholas would
help him to break free of Kamehameha's rule.
Kaumualii allowed Scheffer to build a fort near
Waimea and two others near Hanalei. However,
Scheffer did not have the backing of the Russian
Czar and was forced to leave Kauai. Russian
Fort Elizabeth eventually went under the control
of Kamehameha supporters and years later was
used to put down a rebellion by Kaumualii's
son, George Prince Kaumualii. It is the only
remaining Russian fort in Hawaii.
Waimea Canyon:
Ten miles long and about 3,600 feet deep, Waimea
Canyon was described by Mark Twain as the "Grand
Canyon of the Pacific." One memorable image
of the canyon that will remain with you, beyond
the incredible scale of it all, is the rainbow
of colors that dance along the canyon peaks.
From the last two lookouts there are spectacular
views into Kalalau Valley, one of the most beautiful
sights on the island.
Salt Pond/Hanapepe:
Hanapepe:
Hanapepe means "bay crushed by landslides."
The main street through town was used for the
filming of "The Thornbirds." This
quaint town is filled with charm, and there
are heiaus and numerous Hawaiian homesites up
the valley that are also worth exploring.
Hanapepe Valley Lookout:
Rolling green hills, quaint farms, and lush
vegetation create a dazzling view from the Hanapepe
Overlook. This untamed, exotic area was the
perfect setting for Steven Spielberg's blockbuster
thriller Jurassic Park.
Salt Pond:
You may be able to catch a glimpse of days gone
by at the ancient Hawaiian salt ponds near Hanapepe.
The art of salt-making in earthen pans is still
practiced here by families descending from ancient
saltmakers, and is a reminder of the rich Hawaiian
culture of the island. Enter the salt-making
area only if permission is granted by saltmakers.
Salt Pond Beach Park:
Salt Pond Beach Park is a place where the swimming
is usually safe year around. Camping is allowed
with a County permit. The crescent beach is
partially protected by reef. A toddlers bathing
pool is created by rocks that form a small lagoon.
Swimming is good and there are tidepools to
explore. It's also a great spot for sunsets.
