Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Around
Veer
mauka
(inland) onto Hanapepe Rd at the 'Kauaʻi's Biggest Little Town' sign.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
STARRY STARRY NIGHT
With minimal city light interference, the west side of Kauaʻi is an ideal locale to take
in the night sky. The
Kauaʻi Education Association for Science & Astronomy
(KEASA;
332-7827;
www.keasa.org
)
holds free, monthly Starwatches on Saturdays closest to
the new moon (the dark one). KEASA educators share both their gear and insights.
Arrive at the Kaumakani Softball Field (between Hanapepe and Waimea) at sunset
and prepare to have your mind blown. Space: it goes on forever.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Waimea
POP 9212
One of several Waimeas in Hawaii, this is not the legendary surfing mecca nor is it the
upscale cowboy town. But in many ways, Kauaʻi's Waimea is so much richer. Part
humble Native Hawaiian hamlet, part big-dollar agriculture stronghold, it's also the ori-
ginal landing spot of Captain Cook and the access point to the sensational Waimea
Canyon and Kokeʻe state parks.
Waimea means 'reddish-brown water,' which refers to the river that picks up salt from
the canyon and colors the ocean red. It was at the Waimea River mouth where Captain
Cook landed in 1778.
