Haena is slow and peaceful, yet never boring. Sightseeing and sports opportunities abound on Kauai.
Ancient caves created from lava tubes, the Maniniholo Dry Cave, and two wet caves, Waikapala'e and Wakanaloa, are said to have been formed by the Fire Goddess Pele as she searched for an appropriate homesite. Instead of striking fire, she struck water and moved on to the island of Hawaii to make her home in the fiery crater of Kilauea Volcano.
Just beyond the dry cave, the mystical peaks of Pohaku-o-Kane and Makana are visible, the source of many legends. In ancient times, Makana served as the "fire cliff" from which flaming branches were hurled. Caught by the ocean winds, they were carried out to sea in a shower of sparks, creating a spectacle for miles around.
Nestled in the shadow of these two mountains is Kauai's Limahuli Valley, home to the magnificent Limahuli Garden and Preserve, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is believed to be one of the earliest sites of human habitation in the Hawaiian islands. A 17-acre garden is open for public tours.
The end of the road brings you to Kee (kay-ay), one of the loveliest beaches imaginable and, above it, one of the most sacred spots in all the Islands. A short pathway leads to the remains of an ancient heiau (place of worship), dedicated to the practice of hula. The heiau is still considered sacred today and visitors are asked to treat it respectfully.
The end of the road marks the beginning of the world-famous Na Pali coastline, accessible only by boat, helicopter, or by hiking the 12-mile Kalalau Trail. The incredible trail, carved by the ancient Hawaiians is strenuous yet rewarding and should not be undertaken without thorough preparation. The treasures to behold along the way are breathtaking pristine beaches, remote waterfalls seen by a lucky few, and a rugged coastline known globally for its magnificent peaks and valleys.
For swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or sun-bathing, Haena's beaches are incomparable and rarely crowded. Sailing, surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking are just a few sandy steps away. Keep in mind that during Kauai's winter months you may have to share the ocean with the humpback whales that frolic offshore!
If you're looking for shopping malls, towering high-rises, and symphony orchestras, and the conventional attractions, you won't find them on Kauai. Instead, Mother Nature has created and melded a masterpiece of land, sea, and sky: emerald peaks and scarlet-gold sunsets, moonlit nights glistening upon the vast sea, soft evening breezes scented with plumeria, and tropical forests tinged with mountain mist.
Relax...listen to the melodic sound of the sea lapping the shore...feel the rich warmth of the sand beneath your toes...you are now in paradise.
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You will not soon forget Kauai or the warm Aloha spirit.
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