Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Russian Fort Elizabeth
HISTORIC SITE
Russia befriended Kauaʻi's King Kaumualiʻi in the early 1800s; the relationship stood to
help Kaumualiʻi overcome King Kamehameha, and the Russians to use Hawaii as an
oceangoing stop during their reign as prominent fur traders.
This fort was begun in September 1816, but within a year was stopped - some say due
to King Kamehameha's orders, and some to general suspicion of the Russians. Hawaiian
troops used the fort until 1864. It was dismantled in 1865. Stroll the dusty trail that leads
within the remains of the old foundation amid an otherwise rugged coastal moonscape.
Waimea Recreational Pier State Park
BEACH
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; Laʻau Rd)
This wide black beach, flecked with microscopic green
crystals called olivine, stretches between two rather stunning rock outcrops and is bisec-
ted by the namesake pier. It's especially lovely at sunset when the sun drops dead center
and the sky explodes with color.
Activities
There are three snorkel outfits offering Na Pali Coast snorkel tours from Kikiaola Small
Boat Harbor.
Na Pali Riders
SNORKELING
ted by Captain Chris Turner, who is passionate about what he does and likes to think of
his tour as being in the style of
National Geographic
. Turner offers an intimate setting,
healthy snacks and a CD of photographs and footage taken on the trip, along with the
feeling that you're going out with some of your favorite ragamuffin friends.
Liko Hoʻokano
SNORKELING
(
338-0333, 888-732-5456;
www.liko-kauai.com
; 9875 Waimea Rd; 5hr cruise adult/child $140/
95)
Run by a Kauaʻi-born-and-raised Native Hawaiian, whose ancestors hailed from the
'forbidden island' of Niʻihau, this outfit sails its 49ft power catamaran to the Na Pali
Coast. The maximum group size is 34 and tours go as far as Keʻe Beach.
Na Pali Explorer
SNORKELING
