Hawaii is the only known U.S. state that is entirely made up of islands. Its oceanic surroundings, warm tropical climate, public beaches, active volcanoes, and natural scenery laid out for all and sundry make it a popular tourist destination. People from all over the world visit the island state just to enjoy its lush environment.
One of Hawaii’s most sought-after vacation spots is the island of Kauai. This 550 square mile island was formed due to volcanic eruptions roughly six million years ago. Obviously, it is one of the oldest islands that make up Hawaii, and it is located at the northernmost part of the island state.
Locals and tourists refer to Kauai as the Garden Isle for all the right reasons. Its natural beauty alone makes it worth visiting. Tourists who love snapping pictures will have a field day in this island, as everything there is photo-worthy. The entire island serves as a perfect backdrop for any activity you have in mind, from the time the sun rises, and up to the time it sets.
While the main attractions in Kauai are the beaches that are nestled in the sunny blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, there are other places worth visiting there. One of these is Waimea Canyon, which the great Mark Twain described as ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ for its size and utter beauty. Another one is Fern Grotto, which you can reach by booking a boat tour up the Wailua River. It got its name from the fact that the ferns grow upside down from the roof of the grotto. This attraction was proudly featured in the movie “Blue Hawaii” that starred no less than the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
Of the many beaches that made Kauai a favorite among beach bums, Hanalei Bay stands out because of its spectacular beauty and uncanny shape. Such is its beauty that it served as the setting for the hit 1958 musical “South Pacific,” and it was featured in Harrison Ford’s cult classic, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Hanalei literally means “lei making,” something that’s quite popular amongst Hawaiians. Nevertheless, the word has an alternate meaning, which is “crescent bay,” a term that clearly describes the stretches of half-moon shaped sandy beaches that somehow seem to be carved right into the base of a steep cliff.
Hanalei Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy various water activities such as paddling, surfing, boating, snorkeling, diving, and so much more. Apart from the natural wonders that the sea and seashore have to offer, the place is also rife with majestic waterfalls that are sure to leave you awestruck. Of course, you can also enjoy the picturesque landscape surrounding the beach as you laze on the white sand like the beautiful mountains and lush greenery.
The innate beauty of this three-kilometer half moon-shaped stretch of sand helped it land at the top of the list of America’s top ten beaches. In fact, the Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, Mr. Stephen Leatherman, referred to Hanalei as his “favorite getaway beach” in Hawaii. Coming from the man dubbed as “Dr. Beach,” that is worth taking note of.
Therefore, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just forget about the rest of the world, hie off to Hanalei Bay. Its sheer, breathtaking beauty and idyllic setting would surely keep your mind clear even for just a short while.
Hanalei Bay absolutely looks breathtaking!
Growing up in Hawaii & spending most of my days through age 6 at the beach I can totally relate.
My brother and his wife honeymooned in Hawaii and visited Hanalei Bay. I remember looking at their honeymoon pics and couldn’t believe how beautiful of a place it was. Thanks for bringing back those great memories!
Oh, how beautiful! I always wanted to see Hawaii….never got the chance. Maybe one of these days, but it’s hard for me to travel now. Wish I had gone when I was younger! Sure looks better than Orchard Beach in the Bronx!