It's no surprise Kauai is known as the Garden Isle. The climate, soil and topography make for ideal, and idyllic, plant life. Whether you're a green thumb or simply love exotic plants, you must allow plenty of time for the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Located in the south part of the island, this attraction is actually five gardens in one. Two of the most popular are the 100-hectare McBryde Gardens and the 40-acre Allerton Gardens. The latter is home to the famous Moreton Bay fig trees that were featured in the movie "Jurassic Park." The McBryde Gardens are renowned for being home to various threatened and endangered tropical plants. On the north side of the island, at Kilauea, you'll find Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, which offer a sculpture collection, a wild garden and even a children's garden. Expect to see an array of stunning red hibiscus, ixora, blue marble trees, firecracker flowers and shaggy-barked fiddlewood trees.
7. Invigorating waterfalls
Imagine the sounds of cascading water, the calls of tropical birds and the squeals of excitement as people plunge into ice-cold pools at the foot of waterfalls. That's exactly what you'll encounter at Kipu Falls, near Puhi, east Kauai. There's also the spectacular Hanakapi'ai Falls on the north shore and the Wailua Falls, immortalized in "Fantasy Island".
8. Exploring the Sea Caves of Napali Coast
Na Pali Coast, an 11-mile stretch of wild coastline on the north side of Kauai, is an absolute must-see. It is accessible by watercraft or via the Kalalau Trail. The incredible sea caves along the Na Pali Coast were formed from the harsh wave action of the Pacific Ocean slamming into the porous lava. Some watercrafts are actually able to enter certain sea caves, making for a truly up close and personal experience. Tours are easy to arrange (with such options as snorkeling, whale watching and diving) and vessels vary from sailboats to catamarans. Visit www.napali.com for details.
9. Lomi lomi massage
The traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage is a terrific reward after a bout of snorkeling, hiking or diving. Lomi lomi means 'to touch with loving hands'. Two massage therapists massage your body, typically in rooms within earshot of the ocean's soothing sounds. Try the lomi lomi massage at the ANARA Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa.
Read more:
• 7 reasons to visit Nova Scotia
• How to make your vacations greener
• Family vacations that please all
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