Where to Go (or go away)

On the Garden Island, it’s easy to slip away to an uncrowded beach lined with vine-covered, white sand dunes and revel in the beauty of the crystalline turquoise waters of the warm Pacific Ocean. Escape by kayak or boat up one of Kauai's many rivers and streams to secluded picnic spots in the shadows of rugged mountains.

Pack the camping gear and retreat to the sand dunes and haunting legends of Polihale State Park, where the full moon and twinkling stars heighten any romantic experience. The Na Pali coast at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau Valleys offer similar camping retreats for adventurous honeymooners -- provided proper permits have been obtained from the Department of Land and Natural Resources at the State Building in Lihue. Permit applications must be submitted well in advance.

North Shore beach spots that are often uncrowded include Kalihiwai Beach, the very secret "Secret Beach," and Lumahai Beach, where scenes from the famous film, South Pacific, were shot. Other small, remote beaches are located along the way from Hanalei to Haena and marked by "Public Access to Beach" signs.

On Kauai's sunny south shore, a multitude of clandestine play spots abound, either for exploring or splashing in the surf. Mahaulepu (past the Grand Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort) offers a very pristine beach accessible only via a guarded cane road. It is as much fun to find as it is to enjoy. At Shipwrecks Beach, honeymooners can watch expert surfers carve the sleek curling wave faces, or see the tail-slapping grandeur of a humpback whale as it breaches into the sky. Whale season runs roughly November through March, during which time these gentle giants can be observed frolicking in the sapphire waters surrounding the island.

West side sunsets are some of the most colorfully spectacular in the world. Watch the sun slip behind the cliffs of Niihau island from remote Glass Beach near Port Allen, or from the wide, white sands of Kekaha Beach. Polihale, too, is one of Kauai's most dazzling sunset arenas, as are Haena and Kee Beach on the dramatic north shore.

Beaches aren't the only isolated regions of Kauai. There are miles of hiking trails as well as dirt roads accessible by 4-wheel drive or mountain bike. Quiet woodland paths are treasured places where newly-weds can get to know each other, and Kauai's beautiful scenery, intimately.

At Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks, you can make a getaway for the secluded canyon floor via the Kukui Trail or languish in the depths of a fragrant pine forest near the fairyland stream called Kawaikoi, where a refreshing dip will cool the heat of any hike. Or slip away down one of the many hiking trails where the only other encounter a honeymooning couple may have is with the legendary rainbow maiden who hides in the mysterious pools below one of the numerous waterfalls.

Weddings, vow renewals, and honeymoons on Kauai are the experience of a lifetime, the fulfillment of dreams, and the opportunity to live out your fantasies. Start dreaming about the perfect wedding or honeymoon, then come and make it real here on Kauai.

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