Captain James Cook was a British sailor who changed the course of history for Hawaii.

He sailed his two ships, Resolution and Discovery, into Waimea Harbor in January 1778. Cook was reportedly the first westerner to ever set foot on the Hawaiian islands.

Captain Cook had explored several of the Hawaiian Islands until he was tragically killed in 1779 on the Big Island of Hawaii. The reason was a petty dispute over a rowboat.

The monument of Captain Cook is located in Hofgaard Park, in Waimea on West Kauai.

Cook’s monument is actually a replica of the one that stands in his home town of Whitby, England.

Directions:
From Highway 50 (West) from Hanapepe, Waimea is located around Mile Marker #23. The Captain Cook monument is located in the downtown area in Hofgaard Park.

The amazing Wailua Falls is located at the south end of the Wailua River, near Lihue on Kauai.

The falls cascades down as two separate streams to a location at least 80 feet below. Luckily for visitors, Wailua Falls is near the road lookout for all to enjoy.

Back in the 1970′s, TV fans of the popular ABC show “Fantasy Island” will recognize Wailua Falls during the hit show’s opening scene. “Fantasy Island” made these falls popular.

The water flow of Wailua Falls can vary widely depending on local rainfall and river flow. The top of the falls is flat but you can see channels have been cut into the rock, from centuries of flowing water.

You can enjoy fantastic views during the early morning hours, as the sun’s rays shine directly on the impressive falls.

Legend states that back in ancient times, local warriors would jump from the top of Wailua Falls to prove their bravery. Please don’t try this because any leap or fall could likely be fatal.

To get there, take Highway 56 north out of Lihu’e to Ma’alo Road, Highway 583, on the right. The waterfall is found at the end of the road, and it’s only 5 minutes from the city of Lihu’e.

For a truly unusual Hawaii adventure, you can’t beat the allure of a scenic boat cruise up the Wailua River to a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns.  The Fern Grotto is only accessible via a short boat trip up the Wailua River.  Along with the cruise boats, kayakers, motor boats and water skiers also make the journey.

The memorable trip up the historic and sacred Wailua River will take about 40 minutes via a long flat bottom riverboat. To keep the crowds moving, boats depart from the south side of the river every 30 minutes.

During the short cruise to the Fern Grotto, you will encounter numerous photo opportunities of the tropical grasslands which line the river in addition to the cloud-capped Mt. Waialeale looming in the background.

Once you arrive at this famous Kauai destination, visitors to the fern grotto will receive a serenade by Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs. The acoustics within this lush, natural amphitheater are incredible and will greatly enhance the singing and guitar accompaniment.

Once you arrive at the Fern Grotto, visitors will view a cave cloaked with ferns and cooled by the mists of a waterfall.

Viewing the Fern Grotto wasn’t as simple as it is now. There was a time when the Grotto was off-limits to all but Hawaiian royalty. But for more than 50 years, riverboats have provided tours of the site. The Grotto and nearby Paradise gardens are a popular place for wedding ceremonies. Another way to see the Grotto is to rent a kayak and paddle up the river on your own.

Directions :
Take Highway 56 north towards Wailua.  Cruise boats and kayak rentals are located on the south side of the Wailua River (before crossing bridge).

Anara Spa is located in the luxurious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in tropical Kauai, Hawaii. Since 1991, the spa has pampered guests with world-class treatments that blend traditional Hawaiian customs with nature’s soothing powers.

Anara Spa’s multi-million dollar expansion and renovation added five elegant open-air hale (thatched roof bungalows), each hale features its own exclusive lava rock shower and steam grotto.

Two hale are designed specifically for couples treatments. An open-air Vichy treatment room for soothing hydrotherapy was also added along with two lava rock botanical baths, a relaxation room, and an open-air hale for fitness classes, yoga, and personal training.

Existing treatment rooms, each opening to their own private garden, were completely renovated adding native koa wood cabinetry.

The well appointed fitness center, open 24/7, was expanded by 900 square feet allowing for additional cardio and strength equipment.

At Anara Spa you can choose from an array of innovative treatments rooted in Hawaiian healing traditions for a spa experience like no other.

Anara Spa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
Tel: +1 808 742 1234