Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hundreds of thriving tropical species, which you'll also see on the tour. Contact the fam-
ily for farm location and directions.
Smith's Tropical Paradise
GARDEN
MAP
might have loftier goals, but you can't beat Smith's for value. For $6 you can leisurely
stroll a loop trail past a serene pond, grassy lawns and island-themed gardens. The setting
can seem Disney-esque, with an Easter Island replica and tour trams, but it's mellow and
unpretentious. The Smith's family-run luau is held on the garden grounds.
Kauaʻi's Hindu Monastery
TEMPLE
(
822-3012, 888-735-1619;
www.himalayanacademy.com
;
107 Kaholalele Rd; 9am-noon)
On an island historically devoid of Hinduism, this Hindu monastery welcomes
serious pilgrims and curious sightseers. Set on 458 acres of thriving rainforest above the
Wailua River, here is an astoundingly glorious green setting with two temples dedicated
to Shiva. The
Kadavul Temple
, adorned with dozens of dancing shiva statues, is where
you will find the world's largest single-pointed quartz crystal.
This 50-million-year-old, six-sided wonder weighs 700lb and stands over 3ft tall. In
the temple, meditating monks have been rotating in three-hour vigils round the clock
since it was established in 1973. Most guests are discouraged from entering, but if you
wish to pray or meditate here, you will be welcomed. The wall at the end of the path is
the so-called
public temple
, and it has a wondrous south facing view onto a gorgeous
teal green bend in the river. While visitors can access a limited area from 9am to noon
daily, we highly recommend taking a free guided tour offered once a week; call for tour
dates and parking reservations.
Keahua Arboretum
RESERVE
Sitting pretty at the top of Kuamoʻo Rd, this arboretum boasts grassy fields, a gurgling
stream and groves of teak, eucalyptus and other towering trees. Hikers descend early to
Trail
.
Kamokila Hawaiian Village
MUSEUM
MAP
(
823-0559;
www.villagekauai.com
;
5443 Kuamoʻo Rd; village adult/child 3-12yr/child under 3yr
$5/3/free, outrigger canoe tours adult/child $30/20;
outrigger canoe tours departures hourly
