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Archive for Kauai Beaches

A Saturday in Hanalei….

Posted by The Jean & Abbott iPad Crew 
· Saturday, June 19th, 2010 

Grandpa Mike & the Boys

My family has a pretty ‘typical Saturday’… the morning starts at Java Kai, the local Hanalei coffee shop where mom gets her morning espresso and the boys get the usual, Kauai Waffle (home-made waffles with fresh fruit, whip cream, toasted coconut and macadamia nuts).  Next stop on the list, the Hanalei Farmer’s Market… heheheee, my favorite!  We walk the rows &  load up on organic salad mixes, sprouts, apple bananas, mangoes, papayas, white pineapple, lychee... wheewww, all that shopping, hot sun and thirsty mouths lead us straight to the last fruit stand,  the Acai Lady!!

Read More →

Best Places to Snorkel on Kauai

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Thursday, July 29th, 2010 

Summertime is Snorkelin’ Time… winter swells are months away, and calm waters rule the day.  Three of the ten best places to snorkel in Hawaii are right here on Kauai:  Ke’e, Anini, and Poipu Beach. Read More →

Kauai App!

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Saturday, July 17th, 2010 

Ok, so here it is… A must for all iPhone and iPad Kauai Travelers, the ‘FREE KAUAI’ App! What is it? Where do you get? Why is it a ‘must have’? Ok, it is a app for all you iPhone and iPad users (smart people… Love our Apples!!) that gives you the total low-down & awesome money saving tips on Kauai Activities, Kauai Hot Shops, Kauai Restaurants & Luaus… and much, much more. Read More →

Kauai Beaches: Anini Beach

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Monday, June 1st, 2009 

anini-beach-photo-pictureThis quiet, beautiful beach goes for miles along a coastline protected by an extensive offshore reef.  At some places the Anini road is so close to the water you could almost jump in.  The Anini beach park has restrooms, camping, and picnic facilities, although you can turn off the road at almost any spot, park and find your private paradise.  The Anini reef creates a quiet lagoon, great for summertime snorkeling, and for windsurfing at any time of the year.  During high surf, particularly in the winter, the current running parallel to the Anini  beach can become strong enough to pull an unwary swimmer out through the channel in the reef at the west end of the park.  Stay inside the reef. Read More →

Kauai Beaches: Kalihiwai Bay

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Friday, June 5th, 2009 

beachview1You’ll catch your first glimpse of Kalihiwai Bay as your drive down the narrow road engraved into the side of the sheer cliff which encloses the beach on one side.  From this angle, the bay is a perfect semi-circle of aquamarine, rimmed with glistening white sand and nestled between two lava cliffs.  Ironwood trees and lush vegetation line the beach, a great area for kids to explore, make forts and be little Hawaiian Natives for the day!   A freshwater stream flows into the bay near the far end, so shallow and gentle at low tide, small children can splash and play around safely.  Another favorite area for my two tots… there are a few rope swings too, A+!  The stream does become deep enough as it goes back towards the valley for kayaking, paddle boarding  and adventuring up-river.  Here we come Robinson Crusoe! Read More →

Kauai Beaches: Lydgate Beach Park

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 

hawaii_movie_tours_07Lydgate Beach Park just south of the Wailua River is a favorite spot for families and visitors alike.  A rock-rimmed pool provides safe swimming for babies and toddlers, even in the winter months.  We have a 1-yr old and 3-yr old and they ‘dig’ this place…  They can run around and swim and feel completely confident with the ocean conditions remaining very peaceful and calm.  This pool is one of the best year-round snorkeling spots on the island, families of brightly colored fish feed along the rocky perimeter, so familiar with people they almost swim into your hands.  The rocky wall protects snorkelers and swimmers from surf and dangerous currents.  Fly a kite, play Frisbee on the wide, sandy beach, and collect shells and driftwood… fun for all! Read More →

Kauai Beaches: Polihale Beach Park

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 

polihale1Polihale Beach Park:

From the time you leave the paved road behind to jolt north through a maze of sugar cane fields, you know you’re in for something special. Gradually, beyond the tall sugar cane rustling in the breeze, a dark ridge of jagged peaks appears on the right. As you get closer, these giant cliffs reveal splendid colors – trees and bush in vivid greens against the black rock slashed with the deep red of the volcanic soil. When you can drive no further, the beach at Polihale emerges from the base of the cliffs – an enormous stretch of brilliant white sand more  immense, it seems, than the cliffs which tower above and the band of deep blue sea beyond. Only the sky seems the equal of this vast expanse of glaring sand, so wide that to walk from your car to the ocean on a sunny day will burn your feet, and so long that no single vantage point allows the eye to see its full extent. Read More →

Kauai Beaches: Secret Beach

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 

ThumbnailNestled at the base of a sheer cliff just north of Kilauea, Secret Beach is well off the beaten track for good reason. You must hike down (and back up!) a rocky trail which zigzags through trees, gullies, and brush. You can drive only to the trail’s beginning at the top of the cliff. From here, you can
hear the waves crashing below – apparently not very far away – as you look down on a trail which seems to disappear into a tangle of jungle. The path is steep in places – sneakers are a good idea – but branches, roots, and vines offer plenty of handholds, and in a pinch, you can always resort to the seat of your pants! Read More →

Kauai Beaches: Shipwreck’s Beach Poipu

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Friday, July 3rd, 2009 

shipwreck_beach_21Kauai’s Shipwreck Beach along Keoniloa Bay and in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai was never much of a beach -until the hurricane blasted the south shore of Kauai and created a new
coastline. What was once a thin curve of sand is now a long, golden crescent divided by lava rocks. It’s called Shipwreck Beach with good reason; the surf is powerful, breaking in long, shining arcs which crest slowly, one at a time, with deceptive smoothness, and then crash in thunderous explosions of spray not far from shore. Local people warn that beyond the break point are dangerous currents and large rocks. A better place for family swimming would be Poipu Beach Park, and novice surfers would be better off at Wailua Beach, where rocks and wind are not a problem and a lifeguard is on duty. Be particularly careful during summer months, when a south shore
swell can bring big surf. Read More →

Kauai Beaches: Tunnels Beach, North Shore

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Thursday, June 18th, 2009 

preview3Popularly know as Tunnels Beach, Makua Beach has a large lagoon perfect for swimming because it is protected by two reefs, the outer reef favored by surfers for the great waves, and the inner reef filled with cavities and crevices for snorkelers to explore for fish and sea life.  Divers love the outer reef for its tunnels, caverns, and sudden dramatic drop off.  Tunnels is about the only beach on the north shore that is usually calm enough for those trying to snorkel for the first time although even here you may find rough surf and treacherous currents during winter. Read More →

Kauai Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Tuesday, December 12th, 2017 

Snorkeling on Kauai

Snorkeling sites along the famed Na Pali Coast provide views of rugged seacliffs, and the snorkeling sites are teeming with fish. Popular snorkeling sites along Kauai’s lush north shore include Ke’e Beach as well as Makua (Tunnels Beach), with a protecting outside reef forming a lagoon where many fish can be seen.

Many prime Kauai snorkeling sites may be reached from shore while others are best accessed by boat. Lawai Beach on the south shore has a reef about fifty yards from shore with waters inside the reef about eight to ten feet deep making good snorkeling conditions for seeing the butterfly fish, wrasses, puffers, tangs and surgeon fish.

A great way to visit Kauai’s best snorkeling sites and ensure safety is to take a guided snorkeling tour with instructions and snorkeling gear provided. Ocean conditions change daily so a guided tour is a good way to make sure you visit the site with the best conditions on the day of your excursion. Snorkeling tours may also be combined with other fun Kauai activities.

Kauai Scuba Diving 

Scuba diving on Kauai provides some of the best dive sites in all of Hawaii, from the Tunnels Reef on the north shore to Sheraton Caverns on the south shore. Crystal blue waters and a multitude of colorful fish and other interesting marine animals make scuba diving on Kauai a true delight.

When Kauai’s north shore waters are calm during the summer months some prime scuba diving sites include the picturesque Ke’e Lagoon, offshore at Cannons and the maze of caverns and ledges at  Makua Beach (Tunnels).

On the south shore of Kauai there are many great dive sites including intermediate and advanced boat dives at Sheraton Caverns, Brennecke’s Drop-off and Oasis Reef, all teeming with Hawaiian marine life. Sheraton Caverns is home to many large moray and conger eels, octopi and other curious creatures amidst huge archways, overhangs and blown-out lava tubes.

One of Kauai’s best shore dive sites is Koloa Landing (Whalers Cove) on the south shore with plenty of colorful fish and interesting coral formations. Another popular Kauai scuba diving site is Aquariums, a shallow dive spot near Nawiliwili Harbor from 30 to 60 feet deep. It has ledges beginning at ten feet deep and many large boulders that are home to lobster and octopi.

Scuba diving operators and dive shops on Kauai offer scuba diving gear rentals as well as scuba diving lessons and certification for all experience levels. Kauai scuba diving excursions also visit the pristine waters of the neighboring island of Niihau as well as Lehua Crater. Enjoy an exciting scuba diving adventure in the clear blue waters of the Garden Island.

Check in with us to have our concierge assist with further details lining up your Kauai Snorkel and Kauai Scuba Dive Trip!

Kauai’s Bali Hai is Calling…

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 

Bali Hai may call you,
Any night, any day,
In your heart, you’ll hear it call you:
“Come away…Come away.”

Read More →

Kauai’s Tops the Charts… AGAIN!

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Friday, July 16th, 2010 

Kauai has done it again!   ‘Travel and Leisure Magazine’ votes’ have just been tallied for their annual ‘World’s Best Awards’… Kauai has topped the charts as the #1 island to visit in Hawaii, and has come in a close 2nd place for most sought after island to visit in the world!  Now is your turn to plan your perfect Kauai Vacation and discover why people call our Garden Isle ‘the best place on the planet’!

Read More →

Magical Hanalei Bay

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 

unknown-2West of Princeville, on Kauai’s North shore, is peaceful Hanalei Town. Graced with timeless beauty, this lovely small town is home to everything from historic places to contemporary art galleries. Hanalei is an unforgettable stop on your visit to Kauai.

Visit the Waioli Mission House and step back into Kauai’s history. Browse Hanalei’s art galleries for made in Kauai art and carvings made from rare, native Hawaiian woods. Locals and visitors come to Hanalei for ukulele concerts held at the Hanalei Community Center, a regular Kauai event.

images

At the foot of Hanalei’s misty green mountains you’ll also discover fields of taro (“kalo” in Hawaiian). These heart-shaped plants grow intensely green in flooded patches and are used to make poi, a Hawaiian staple starch that you can taste at any Kauai luau. You can get a good view of this emerald quilt of land from the Hanalei Valley Lookout. Note that these taro farms are on private property, so only step foot on them during an authorized farm tour.

The historic Hanalei Pier was built in 1892 and has long been a favorite gathering place for local residents who go there to fish, swim and play music on Hanalei Bay. In 1957, the pier became world famous when Oscar Hammerstein II and 20th Century Fox featured the pier in the classic film, “South Pacific.” After a busy day of soaking up Hanalei Town’s history and charm, kick back, relax and watch a luminous sunset over Hanalei Bay.

 

Information provided by GoHawaii.comunknown-1

National Geographic Travel- Kauai is #1!

Posted by Jean & Abbott 
· Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016 

kauai
Kauai has been recently named #1 for  ‘Best Trips 2017’ by National Geographic Travel! Gotta check out the incredible article… the garden isle continues to make us so proud!

“No-filter Kauai stole the show in the Jurassic movies and more than 60 other feature films. The island’s ubiquitous aerial tours do deliver jaw-dropping views of the towering Na Pali Coast sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and other blockbuster locations. But plunging deep into the Garden Island’s wild side requires hitting a trail. Marked hiking paths lead onto the floor of Waimea Canyon, through the shallow bogs of Alakai Swamp, and across unbelievably lush landscapes. One newer route, the five-mile Wai Koa Loop Trail, passes through North America’s largest mahogany forest. For off-the-beaten-path treks, go with a local, says Hike Kaua’i With Me owner Eric Rohlffs. “A guide can take you to less traveled spots while keeping you safe, and educating you on all things Hawaii, such as identifying instead of trampling plants found nowhere else.” 

— MARYELLEN KENNEDY DUCKETT

opi-has-12-more-reasons-visit-hawaii

Read the National Geographic Travel article here.

One Square Mile of Hanalei

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 

Our lovely Hanalei was featured on OneSquareMile.tv.  If you are planning a visit to Kauai’s North Shore and its  most famous town on the Bay, or if you’re missing this place because you already know how special it is, you are going to love this entertaining  “slice of life” video on Hanalei….

Snorkel Bob Foundation: Protecting our Ocean

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 

Jean & Abbott encourages our guests and visitors to check out the Snorkel Bob site… rent their gear, book their activities… why? because of their efforts to protect our oceans through the ‘Snorkel Bob Foundation‘. Read More →

Whale Season on Kauai!

Posted by Jean & Abbott 
· Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 

From December to May, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a majestic kohola, or humpback whale, off Kauai’s shorelines. These gentle giants come to the warm Hawaiian waters every year to breed and give birth to new calves.

Schedule a tour or charter a boat with our concierge to spot these magnificent creatures!  Treat yourself to scenic ocean views as guides take you to the best spots to observe whales playfully surfacing, tail slapping, or blowing spouts in the air. Regulations prohibit boats from approaching within 100 yards of a whale and you should never swim with or touch whales or any other marine animals.

You can also spot whales from Kauai’s many beautiful beaches, including Poipu Beach on the South Shore, and from scenic spots like Kilauea Lighthouse and the Napali Coast’s Kalalau Trail on the North Shore. On the East Side, the Kapaa Overlook between Kapaa Town and Kealia Beach is another notable viewing spot. Whales are attracted to Hawaii’s warm, shallow waters, so keep your eyes open on the sands of Kauai.

Provided by Go Kauai.

You Say Kipu… I Say Kapu!

Posted by Shelah Jean Abubo 
· Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 

Kauai like legends of old, holds the siren song for many travelers with her lush tropical splendor that assault all the senses. Her ‘aina’ (land), her natural surroundings has many secrets and lessons for us, and along with that splendor and beauty is also a dark side that is an exacting teacher in its own right.   Many times those areas in nature are designated “Kapu”,  the Hawaiian word that translates into English as “forbidden” or “marked off” or ritually restricted.

Every year Kauai is the unfortunate site to the untimely demise of visitors that do not approach it’s beauty well-prepared; with respect or with a  good deal of caution.

You say Kipu Falls I say ‘Kapu’ Falls. 

Kipu Falls Kauai

In the past five years  Kipu Falls has been the scene of 5 fatalities, two since December 2010.  The 20′ foot jump from the top of the waterfall or it’s rope swing are exhilarating to-be-sure, but if you do not know what you are doing it can be lethal.  Those that have died have been pulled under usually while trying to swim to shore and there is the thought that there might be  a whirlpool current responsible for these deaths. A teenage girl was paralyzed after her jump.  Still others have suffered chest injuries, rope burns, perforated ear drums, sprained and broken ankles.
Kauai’s bureau of  tourism is urging guidebook publications and the local hotel concierges to remove their recommendations to Kipu Falls.  Not only are people being hurt but their cars parked on the road on the way in to the falls are often being vandalized.  Needless to say Kipu’s inherit beauty has been tarnished by these incidents.

Queen’s BathQueen's Bath, Princeville, Kauai

Queen’s Bath is a natural tide pool in the Princeville area that is a favorite destination for many.  It takes  a ten minute hike over lava rock terrain (for those with mobility problems this is not recommended, a fall onto lava rock can create some serious cuts and abrasions).  The “bath” itself is about the size of a large swimming pool.  Inlets on the sides of the pool let water in from the ocean to refresh it and usher in some of the local fish.  The danger usually is present in the winter months (October to April) where the waves are at their maximum height and strength and people (as recently as this last December 2010) have been swept off the rocks and drowned.  Surf conditions can be deceiving as the calm can last for up to a half hour before waves sweep the unstable terrain surrounding the pool knocking people down and dragging them out to the ocean.

Hanakāpīʻai Beach

Farther North a sign is posted and although the word Kapu is not used it is fairly clear this beach and it’s surf are not to be trifled with.   If we are to believe the reports – the death count is now upwards of 80 people many of whose bodies have been lost to the ocean and never recovered.   The beach is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the start of the Kalalau Trail, and during the summer months Hanakāpīʻai’s sandy shore line is clearly visible; but again with the winter swells this area shows its’ “dark side” as  powerful waves, high tides and rip currents wash away the shore line.  There are no major reefs to calm the surf conditions and  Kauai’s geography makes Hanakāpīʻai even more perilous. If one gets caught in a rip current (or otherwise swept out to sea) the nearest safe shore area is approximately six miles away.

Enjoy Kauai’s beauty, but be cautious and safe. These three spots are reminders of the tried and true  axiom “When in doubt, don’t go out” on whatever Kauai  beach you decide to visit.  Research first, then you can make an educated plan as to the best and safest places to explore and enjoy the Garden Isle.

Safer Alternatives…

For safer alternatives for thrill seekers, we recommend taking a Zipline tour – available both on the South and North shores.  Visit these sites for more information:  Outfitters Kauai and Princeville Ranch.

Explore Kauai

  • Haena
  • Princeville
  • Hanalei
  • Anini
  • Kilauea
  • Aliomanu
  • Anahola
  • Kapa'a
  • Poipu

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Browse Kauai Vacation Rentals by area from the list below. No matter what side of the Island you prefer, the rugged North Shore or the sun-drenched resort area of Poipu, or somewhere in between, you are sure to find the perfect vacation rental for your next visit to Kauai.


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Jean & Abbott Properties offers the largest selection of the finest Kauai vacation rentals including homes, cottages and condos in the most desirable resort and beach communities including: Hanalei, Poipu, Anini Beach, Haena, Kilauea, Princeville, Aliomanu, Anahola and Kapaa. All home rental information, amenities and rates are subject to change and confirmed only on written contract.

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