On the way to Poipu we drive along Highway 520 through the Tree Tunnel, a beautiful avenue of eucalyptus trees. In Koloa we make a quick stop at the church.

The Spouting Horn blowhole forces seawater several meters into the air with a spectacular hissing sound. There are shops and a parking lot here, as well as plenty of wild chickens — a common sight on Kauai.

Poipu Beach Park was named America's best beach by the Travel Channel. The surrounding area offers some of the best shopping, golf courses, and restaurants on Kauai. The beach is particularly famous for its rare Hawaiian monk seals. If you're lucky enough to spot one, please keep the minimum distance of 150 feet and follow the posted signs. During the winter months, you may even see humpback whales from the shore. The waters are excellent for swimming and snorkeling, home to colorful tropical fish and green sea turtles.

A bit inland lies Old Koloa Town, a charming historic village with roots in the sugarcane industry. Koloa was home to Hawaii's first sugar mill, which began operating in 1835. The old plantation buildings now house shops and restaurants. A coffee break and a short stroll through town are definitely worth your time.

St. Raphael Church is the oldest church on Kauai.

Gaylord's at Kilohana is a lavishly furnished manor house dating back to 1935. It houses a craft shop and a restaurant. Luaus are also held here — for independent travelers only on Tuesdays. Reservations: 245 9593. The estate is also home to the Kauai Plantation Railway, a 2.5-mile scenic train ride through the plantation grounds. The railway is purely a tourist attraction.

Wailua River State Park offers excellent hiking and paddling opportunities. It is home to two beautiful waterfalls: Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls.

About 3 miles north of Lihue on the east coast, we reach Wailua Falls via Maalo Road. The twin cascades can be perfectly viewed from an observation point right by the road. The falls are said to be about 80 feet high.

The Opaekaa Falls are located along Kuamoo Road (Route 580). The Opaekaa Lookout viewpoint is on the right side of the road with a parking area. Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp" — there used to be an abundance of them here.

If you cross the road from the parking lot, you'll enjoy a fantastic view of the Wailua Valley with the Wailua River and the restored Hawaiian village — Kamokila Hawaiian Village. The village can be visited independently for $5.