TRAILBLAZER HAWAII: Sep 23, 2011

Friday, September 23, 2011

Kauai's North Shore

North Shore Kauai

Kauai's north shore is where the 1950s classic "South Pacific" was filmed, and its yellow-sand beaches and aquamarine waters have been luring tourists ever since. In the summer, calm waters are filled with snorkelers, while winter months bring waves to some of Hawaii's most underrated surfing beaches.

Napali Cliffs

Bottom left of upper photo is the Wahina River, which drains the valley where the last of Hawaii's ancient people, the Menehune where counted in a 20th-century census. From there, the highway twists through a tropical arboretum, passing Lumahai Beach (of South Pacific fame), and reaching Haena State Park—site of beach-side camping and near Tunnels snorkeling beach. The Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast starts a couple miles past Haena, where the highway ends.

Helicoptering over Kauai will give you the best perspective of the island's dramatic beauty. Blue Hawaiian helicopters is a good choice. When it's time to test the trails, the Kauai Trailblazer should be in your daypack.

Trailblazer Safety

Hawaii is home to some of the most violent forces in nature: Volcanoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Yet these events rarely harm anyone, due to early-warning systems and precautions. When Mother Nature harms or kills someone on Hawaii, she does it often on beautiful days when people are out having fun. Deaths occur due to drowning in rip currents, being hit by waves at the shore, falling from steep cliffs or getting lost off trail, and from flash floods. Fortunately virtually all fatalities are avoidable, especially yours. Be sure to follow all posted safety guidelines and well as those noted in Trailblazer guides. Our guides are like any other piece of gear: They will help you have fun adventuring, but it is up to you to use your own good judgment and common sense. All posted signage regarding trespassing and rules of public agencies supersede anything you may read in a book.