Kauai Map & More…

May 28, 2011 Charlie Things to do, Things to see

Is The West Side The Best Side?

Let us concentrate a little on the west side of the island. After all this is where the famous Captain James Cook first landed in 1778. And despite his voyages around some of the most exotic lands to be found on earth even he must have been impressed. After all Kauai is a metaphor for heaven. And west Kauai is an intoxicating blending of nature’s wonders and cultural delights. The monument to Captain Cook is in Waimea and just north of Polihale State Park is sacred Polihale heiau from where the souls of the dead depart into the setting sun. You will find what you have been dreaming of, and yearning for with the white sandy beaches and the lush rain forest of the uplands.

And here is just one tempting tit-bit.

Polihale State Park
Just past the Pacific Missile Range Facility gate on Highway 50, a sign posted by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau points to a dirt cane-hauling road angling off to the left. Follow the road for about five miles and you’ll arrive at Polihale State Park. The park has a beautiful 3-mile long beach. However, the ocean here can be dangerous, with a severe shore break and rip currents.

A better bet is found at the 3.4 -mile mark along the cane road, where the road curves near a large monkeypod tree. Take the fork to the left and park almost immediately. Walk north along the beach until you come to a hollow in the coral. This is Queen’s Pond. It’s usually calm here except when high winter surf comes over the reef.

Periodically this area will be shut down due to the condition of the roadway into Polihale. Please check at (808) 274-3444 for updates. You can also check at http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/announcements