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| When on a cruise... Kauai, Hawaii (long)
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Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:46:50 -0700
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When on a cruise... Kauai/Nawiliiwili, Hawaii
(The Garden Isle)
Complied and presented by...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
NOTE: Because of some major computer problems, this "When on a cruise:"
series had to be put on hold until now. Likewise, my e-mail notification
list had to be recreated as well. Therefore, any time delays and/or category
assignments was chosen by events and/or my personal choice of destinations
that I have actually visited - not by any other outside influence.
HISTORY:
During the reign of King Kamehameha, the island of Kauai was one of the last
Hawaiian Islands to join the Kingdom of Hawaii. The Kauai ruler, Kaumualii,
resisted Kamehameha for years. King Kamehameha on two occasions prepared an
armada of ships and canoes, trying to take Kauai by force. He failed twice.
Once due to a storm, and another time due to an epidemic. King Kaumualii,
under the threat of a further invasion, joined the Kingdom of Hawaii without
bloodshed. He became Kamehameha's vassal in 1810, ceding the island of Kauai
to the Kingdom of Hawaii upon his death.
Kauai is the oldest of the eight main islands in the Hawaiian change and was
once the home to the most mysterious tribe of people linked to central
Polynesia. This tribe, the Memehune, inhabited only Kauai and none of the
other Hawaiian islands.
Mana, the spiritual power of the elements and Gods who would take human,
animal and divine form, greatly influenced the lives of ancient Hawaiians.
Throughout Kauai, the ruins of sacred worship sites remind us of the native
Hawaiians who built these stone platforms, which also included walls and
other wooden structures. Kauai's natural elements, along with the Mana,
continues to create magnetic attractions felt by many even today.
British Capt. James Cook anchored his ship in Waimea Bay in 1778, and it was
this event that began an era of irrevocable cultural and social change for
the island.
As mentioned, Kauai's chief was able to maintain his independence from
Kamehameha's rule until 1810. A few decades later, in 1835, congregational
missionaries settled in Kauai. At that time, the first sugar plantation was
founded in Koloa. Mainly through the labor of immigrants from both Asia and
Europe, the sugar industry flourished, thus enhancing life throughout
Hawaii. Hawaii's Queen Liliuokalami was overthrown in 1893 by a group of
Americans. This was actually the start of the thrust towards statehood.
The Kauai Museum in Lihue is a great place to learn more of Kauai's rich
culture and history. The museum itself has rotating exhibits of photos and
artifacts detailing all aspects of the island's rich social and natural
history, while permanent exhibits round out the islands political influence
and cultural enhancement among all of the Hawaiian Islands.
The Grove Farm Homestead Museum:
This was the former home of George Wilcox, founder of one of Kauai's largest
sugar plantations and son on missionaries. Tours of this gracious home and
gardens will show you how the birth of the sugar industry changed Kauai.
George Wilcox is a pioneer in the islands development.
The elegant home of another Wilcox family member, in nearby Kilohana, will
remind all of us this long-past culture and lifestyle. Emphasizing more of
the sugar industry history, carriage tours will carry you through the actual
sugar plantation fields of today.
Waioli Mission House:
Located in Hanalei, and built in the 1830s by one of the missionary families
who came from New England. The goal was to convert and educate the
"heathens."
Kokee Natural History Museum:
This museum is in Kokee State Park and reveals much about the changes to
Kauai's flora and fauna that have occurred. Of particularly value, is the
upland forest environment that surrounds the museum. This museum is also
well-stocked with books on natural history, social history, and the
environment.
GEOGRAPHY:
* Location in the state of Hawaii
* 22°05′N, 159°30′W
*Area 552.3 sq. mi.
* Ranks 4th largest Hawaiian Island
* Highest point is Kawaikini 5,243 ft.
- Demographics...
* Population 58,303
* Density 106 sq. mi.
* Official Insignia (1)
* Flower = Okihana
* Color Poni (Purple)
CRUISES...
Twenty-one (21) million dollars is contributed to the local economy because
of the cruise season. This consists of 176,000 cruise passengers and 92
ships calling on Halifax from April to October. Likewise, these is a major
impact on the Nova Scotia economy just because of cruises.
Just some cruise lines calling on Kauai/Hawaii:
(http://www.shiptoshorecruise.com/Inventory.htm)
* Celebrity Cruises
* Carnival Cruise Line
* Holland American Line
* Norwegian Cruise Line
* Princess Cruise Line
* Royal Caribbean International
SIGHTSEEING:
Kauai is rather a small island, but the opportunities to see a variety of
interesting things are almost endless. Geography, landscapes and interesting
points of view are almost endless.
- On the North Shore...
* Hanalei Valley Lookout
* Kilauea Lighthouse
* Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
* Princeville
* Makana Peak
* Manininiholo Dry Cave
* Na Pali Coast
* Waikanaloa & Waikapalae Wet Caves
* Waioli Mission House
- On the West Side...
* Captain Cook's Monument
* Hanapepe
* Hanapepe Valley Lookout
* Kalalau Lookout
* Menehune Ditch
* Russian Fort Elizabeth
* Salt Pond
* Waimea Canyon
- On the South Shore...
* National Tropical Botanical Garden
* Spouting Horn
- In Lihue/Kalapaki...
* Fern Grotto
* Grove Farm Homestead Museum
* Huleia National Wildlife Refuge & Menehune (Alekoko) Fishpond
* Lydgate State Park
* Nawiliwili Harbor
* Wailua Falls
- On the Coconut Coast...
* Bell Stone
* Keahua Forestry Arboretum
* Opaekaa Falls
* Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)
BEACHES & PARKS:
Because of the sheer beauty of Kauai, you will find the beached and parks
perfect for strolling, sunbathing, beachcombing and/or picnicking.
- On the North Shore...
* Anini Beach
* Hanalei Bay
* Kee Beach
* Lumahai Beach
* Honopu Valley
- On the West Side...
* Polihale State Park
* Kalalau Lookout
* Kekaha Beach Park
* Salt Pond Beach Park
- On the South Shore...
* Kipu Kai Beach
* Kukuiolono Park
* Mahaulepu Beach
* Poipu Beach Park
* Prince Kuhio Park
* Shipwreck Beach
- In Lihue/Kalapaki...
* Hanamaulu Beach Park
* Kalapaki Beach
* Lydgate State Park
* Ninini/Running Waters Beach
* Niumalu Beach Park
* Niumalu Harbor
* On the Coconut Coast:
* Wailua River State Park
CULTURE:
On Kauai, it's as easy to discover cultural sites that have existed for
hundreds of years, for Hawaiian culture is unique in the world.
- On the North Shore...
* Waioli Mission House
* Ke ahu a laka Heiau
- On the West Side...
* Polihale Heiau
* Kokee Museum
* Salt Pond
* Salt Pond Beach Park
- On the South Shore...
* Koloa History Center
* Old Koloa Town
- In Lihue/Kalapaki...
* Grove Farm Homestead Museum
* Kauai Museum
* Menehune (Alekoko) Fishpond
* Hauola Place of Refuge
* Hikina Akala Heiau
* Pohaku Ho'ohanau
- On the Coconut Coast...
* Bell Stone
* Holo-holo-ku Heiau
* Old Kapaa Town
* Poliahu Heiau
TOWNS:
Cities and towns on Kauai range in population from the roughly 9,500 people
in Kapaʻa to tiny hamlets. The list below lists the larger or more notable
of those from the northernmost end of Hawaii Route 560 to the western
terminus of Hawaii Route 50.
* Hāʻena
* Wainiha
* Hanalei
* Princeville
* Kilauea
* Anahola
* Kapaʻa
* Wailua
* Hanamāʻulu
* Līhuʻe
* Poʻipū
* Kōloa
* Lāwaʻi
* Kalāheo
* Eleʻele
* Hanapēpe
* Waimea
* Kekaha
NEWS:
* The Kauai Garden Island News - main local newspaper
* Hawaii Weather Today - Glenn's daily Weather Narrative
* Pacific Disaster Center - The Source for Daily Pacific Disaster News
GOLF:
What puts the golf courses found on Kauai in a class above those you might
find elsewhere, is the location. Those found on the island of Kauai are
among Hawaii's best, most with awe-inspiring views and great mountain
backgrounds. There are both private and public courses found here.
* Puakea...
Adult Pricing From: $99
Par 72, yardage 5,225-6,954, slope 113-135.
Designed by Robin Nelson, Hawaii's most prolific golf course architect,
Puakea plays around deep ravines and over streams fed by fresh mountain
rains. Tee times at these beautiful professionally designed courses are
limited and therefore are non-refundable once booked.
* Poipu Bay...
Adult Pricing From: $235
Par 72, yardage 5,372-7,081, slope 122-134.
The course is backed by lush emerald mountains and sculpted from a rolling
plateau eight stories above the expansive blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Tee times at these beautiful professionally designed courses are limited and
therefore are non-refundable once booked.
* Kauai Lagoons Golf Club...
Adult Pricing From: $140
Par 72, yardage 5,544-7,101, slope 114-138
Just a quick 5-minute shuttle ride from port of Nawiliwili awaits the
courses at the spectacular Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. Featured are holes that
bear the unmistakable signature of their famed creator, Jack Nicklaus. Tee
times at these beautiful professionally designed courses are limited and
therefore are non-refundable once booked.
* The Prince Course...
Adult Pricing From: $245
Par 72, yardage 5,346-7,309, slope 127-145
Golf Digest has named The Prince Course the number one golf course in the
State of Hawaii. It's also included in their prestigious list of 'America's
100 Greatest Golf Courses.' The Prince is one of Hawaii's most challenging
golf courses, with a USGA course rating of 75.3 and a 145 slope. Tee times
at these beautiful professionally designed courses are limited and therefore
are non-refundable once booked.
HORSEBACK RIDING:
There are scenic trails that follow along the coast. Trips up Hanalei
Valley, a place that hasn't changed much in the past one thousand years.
Other trails take you to Haupu Valley, along the beach and past the coves of
Mahaulepu Beach, or down into Waimea Canyon, known as the 'Grand Canyon of
the Pacific. Of all the ways to explore Kauai, from horseback must be among
the best.
FISHING:
Marlin, ahi, ono, and aku are found in abundance off Kauai's south and east
coasts. There also are special charters available that will carry you near
the private island of Niihau for giant tuna and marlin. Kauai is a popular
spot for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Large- and smallmouth bass
are taken in Kauai's inland reservoirs.
HIKING:
About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you
enjoy hiking, because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to
be explored on foot. Of course, before you set out you'll need to know where
you're going.
Write to the Hawaii Geographic Society, P.O. Box 1698, Honolulu, HI 96806,
and ask for their information packet. A good book on the subject, Hawaiian
Hiking Trails, by Craig Chisholm, offers trail descriptions by someone who
has been there. You can also contact the Sierra Club, Kauai Group at
http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/Kauai/kauai.html. Any of the above will prove
helpful to your planning.
Good maps are also necessary. The University of Hawaii Press Reference Map
of Kauai is available from the Hawaii Geographic Society and at bookstores
on Kauai. Maps may also be obtained from the State Division of Forestry,
P.O. Box 1671, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766.
Three of Kauai's best trails:
* The Kukui Trail...
This 5-mile (round trip) trail drops 2,000 feet into spectacular Waimea
Canyon, and offers the shortest route to the canyon floor. There's a large
swimming hole at the bottom. The trail begins off the Iliau Loop Trail.
* The Kuilau Ridge Trail...
This 4.2-mile (round trip) hike offers dramatic views of small waterfalls
and a wealth of flora. The trailhead is about a mile beyond the University
of Hawaii Agricultural Experimental Station on Route 580.
* The Kalalau Trail...
This is the original Hawaiian trail into Kalalau Valley, and offers dramatic
views of Na Pali Coast and Kee Beach. It begins at Kee Beach where Highway
56 ends. Two miles inland is Hanakapiai Falls, which cascades 300 feet to a
pool below. The trail travels on to Kalalau Valley, and many hikers camp
overnight at Hanakapiai and before continuing on the next day. The entire
trip is best made by experienced hikers.
WINDSURFING:
Anini Beach Park and Kalapaki Beach are both good places for windsurfing,
especially Anini Beach because it said to have more consistent wind. On the
south coast, Poipu Beach is also an excellent choice. For the more advanced,
Haena Beach on the north shore is a great spot.
SCUBA DIVING:
The best diving on Kauai is found along the southern shore because waters
are calmer. The water is clear, with visibility averaging about 50 feet, and
sea life is abundant.
THE WAILUA RIVER:
... is a river on the island of Kauai. It begins at the Waiʻaleʻale crater
and is the only navigable river in all the Hawaiian Islands. It is a center
of activity for locals and visitors in the form of boat tours to Fern
Grotto, kayaking and water skiing.
Waimea Canyon State Park...
... is a large canyon, approximately ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet
deep, located on the western side of Kauai. Dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the
Pacific" by Mark Twain, the canyon was formed by a deep incision of the
Waimea River arising from the extreme rainfall on the island's central peak.
The State Park provides a wilderness area with numerous hiking trails. It
can be accessed from Waimea on Hawaii state road 550, which is 18 miles long
and leads up to Kokee State Park. The island of Niihau, only a short
distance west of Kauai at that point, can be clearly seen from the highway
Fern Grotto...
... is a fern covered, lava rock grotto located on the Wailua River on the
eastern side of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. It forms a natural
amphitheater which greatly increases the acoustics of the many bands that
are hired to perform live music, which has traditional themes. Several boat
companies give river tours which lead to the grotto.
MOVIES & TELEVISION:
Waimea Canyon was used in the filming of the 1993 film Jurassic Park III.
Likewise, the island of Kauai has also been featured in more than 70
Hollywood movies and television shows, including the musical South Pacific
and Disney's 2002 animated feature film and television series Lilo & Stitch.
Scenes from South Pacific were filmed in the vicinity of Hanalei. Parts of
the island were also used for the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Other movies filmed here include Six Days Seven Nights, the remake of King
Kong and John Ford's 1963 film Donovan's Reef. Coco Palms Resort is a famous
resort located on this island and many of Elvis' films including Blue Hawaii
were filmed here.
Lilo & Stitch...
This was the sixth Disney animated feature to take place in the present day,
following Oliver & Company. The movie was originally intended to take place
in rural Kansas so that Stitch could interact with other characters while
still being isolated from wreaking greater havoc. A decision to change the
film's setting to the Hawaiian island of Kauai was an important choice in
defining the plot more clearly. No other feature-length animated movie had
ever taken place on any of the Hawaiian islands before. The hula sequence in
Lilo & Stitch plays a key role in establishing the movie's Hawaiian setting.
When the film was released, it was praised as an accurate portrayal of
Hawaii, its people and their lives, not only for the dialogue using accurate
Hawaiian slang, but also for the realistic animation of the characters
(i.e., realistic body shapes, noses, skin tones, etc.) and other touches in
the film.
While the animation team visited Kauai to research the locale, their tour
guide explained the meaning of ʻohana as it applies to extended families.
This concept of ʻohana became an important part of the movie. "No matter
where we went, our tour guide seemed to know somebody. He was really the one
who explained to us the Hawaiian concept of ʻohana, a sense of family that
extends far beyond your immediate relatives. That idea so influenced the
story that it became the foundation theme, the thing that causes Stitch to
evolve despite what he was created to do, which is destroy."
To give a brighter image to the film, the studio used watercolors to paint
the backgrounds.
Lilo & Stitch also draws largely from Hawaiian culture and makes extensive
use of typical features of Hawaiian music such as the slack-key guitar and
hula dancing. Because of Lilo's infatuation with Elvis Presley, some of the
songs used in the movie (such as "Hound Dog" and "Suspicious Minds") were
also included on the soundtrack, as well as covers of Presley's "Burning
Love" performed by Wynonna and "Can't Help Falling in Love" performed by
Swedish pop group A-Teens, which were both played over the film's closing
credits. Hawaiian hula teacher and chanter Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu wrote and
sang two songs especially for this film, "Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride" and
"He Mele No Lilo", which he performed together with The Kamehameha Schools
Children's Chorus. That was under the direction of Lynell Bright. "Their
voices are beautiful, I'm glad that we get this type of opportunity," says
Lynell. Broadway producer (2007) says, "If everyone on the planet had a
choir that sang as beautiful as you guys there would be no wars."
The score material was composed by Alan Silvestri, who was the directors
first and second choice. The soundtrack does not include AC/DC's "Back in
Black", which was used in some trailers for the film.
FREE-ROAMING CHICKENS:
Kauai is now home to thousands of wild roosters and hens, roaming the island
with few natural predators. Wild roosters have been known to disturb evening
quiet time at odd hours with their crowing. 1992s Hurricane Iniki may have
caused an indirect change in Kauai's ecosystem with some saying a chicken
farm was destroyed, causing all of these chickens to roam free. Others say
that sugarcane plantation laborers in the late 1800s and early 1900s brought
and raised chickens and many got loose over the years and multiplied.
SHORE EXCURSIONS:
As a reference, I have included some of the optional shore excursions for
Kauai from a number of cruise lines, including our cruise on Norwegian
Cruise Line, instead of just trying to list everything that is available.
This way, nothing will ever become outdated, as the cruise lines themselves
modify their own online information. One can naturally sign up for the
cruise line organized tours, and/or simply use this information to see
what's suggested, then do things on your own. After all, it's your cruise.
* Celebrity:
http://www.celebritycruises.com/search/shorexSearchResults.do;jsessionid=0000Z2fzkMBFhL7wvJ_y-BA9032:12hdbcveb?DestinationCode=HAWAI&backPageUrl=%2Fdestinations%2FshoreExcursions%2Fhome.do%3Fdest%3DHAWAI%26DestinationCode%3DHAWAI&LocationCode=NAW&DurationCode=&ActivityTypeId=&shipCode=&ActivityLevel=&Day=&Month=&Year=&CurrencyCode=USD&x=63&y=9
* Carnival:
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?region=H&portcode=LIH&portname=Kauai+(Nawiliwili)%2c+HI
* NCL: http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/shorex.html?
* HAL:
http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-destinations/ShoreExcursions!viewExcursions.action?destCode=H&portCode=LIH
* Princess: http://www.princess.com/learn/shorex/shorexdisplay.jsp
* RCI: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.do
PHOTO ALBUMS:
* 3-Albums:
http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=79181205031364194/l=359183285/g=28292148/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
(This also includes photos from our helicopter flight seeing tour over Kauai
itself)
REFERENCE, BACKGROUND AND/OR SOURCE MATERIAL ONLY:
* Kauki Vacation Information: http://www.kauai-hawaii.com/culture.php
* Kauki Government Website: http://www.kauai.gov/
* Official Tourism Website: http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/
* Kauki Island Garden News: http://www.kauaiworld.com/
* Kauki Vacation Travel Guide:
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/kaumap.shtml
* Wikipedia - The free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauai
For reference, and with the exception of specific Wikipedia requirements,
the above was source material only as background information for my personal
interpretations/writings in this series. Yet, even so, it is still in
connection with the "fair use" exemption to copyright law, which was created
to allow things such as commentary, parody, news reporting, research and
education about copyrighted works without the permission of the author.
Furthermore, the license Wikipedia uses grants free access to their content
in the same sense as free software is license freely.
Happy sailing...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
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