Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
main of art galleries (many of which are rather stodgy). Yet even more recently, a couple
of young, groovy entrepreneurs have moved in and are reclaiming Hanepepe as their
own. In their hands, Kauaʻi's 'biggest little town' may soon become the island's hippest,
most creative place. Here is a town where quirk is cool, and where young, brainy locals
who have trouble identifying with the island-dominant surf culture can come to feel at
home. Most folks experience Hanapepe on Friday nights (
Click here
)
, which is abso-
lutely the best time to see it.
SEASONING THE ROOT
Near Salt Pond Beach Park (
Click here
)
fam- ilies continue the tradition of salt pan-
ning in basins, just as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. The spiritual task
of collecting large, reddish crystals of Hawaiian salt means the local seasoning con-
tinues to be a source of Hawaiian pride.
Beaches
Salt Pond Beach Park
BEACH
( ) Named for its saltwater flats (set behind the beach) where seawater is still drained
and harvested for red sodium crystals, this crescent-shaped beach is great for lounging
about, with full facilities, camping access and lifeguards. With a shallow (but not too
shallow) swimming area accessible from the sand and sheltered by a rock reef, it's popu-
lar with local families.
Stronger swimmers and snorkelers may wish to venture through the narrow keyhole in
the reef and swim further west where the water clarifies and fish gather along a rugged
coast defined by lava jagged cliffs. But beware ocean conditions as currents and tides can
shift in a blink. Check with the lifeguard for current conditions before venturing out.
On your way to the beach from the highway, you'll notice the fabulous
Veterans Ce-
metery
, where gravesites old and new are graced with rocks, flowers and love. It practic-
ally glows at sunset. Salt Pond also serves as the finish line and celebration site of the
Kauaʻi World Challenge
, which draws some of the most skilled one-man outrigger cano-
ers from around the globe in late April.
Sights
