Captivating Kaua'i - Day 3 ( Hindu Monastery - Kilauea Lighthouse )

Kauai Hindu Monastery:

When you think of "Kaua'i Vacation", Hindu Monastery isn't usually the first thing that comes to your mind. However, having been there, I can surely say its well worth a visit.

The Monastery is situated on more than 300 acres of land, with amazing views overlooking Wailua river. It doesn't take much time for anyone to realize that this place reflects spiritual energy. 

A small gazebo near the entrance gives visitors a brief explanation of Hinduism, and of the 
grounds and temples which were established on Kaua'i in early 1970s. 

Temple Entrance

Kadavul temple is a traditional south indian style Shiva temple. front monastery area, including Kadavul temple, is open daily from 9am to noon. There is a guided tour once a week so make sure you call them before planning your visit.

Kadavul Temple

The Iravian temple is being hand built and carved - absolutely stunning. The grounds are lush and green , abundant with plant life. It is the most amazing property with water,mountain and unique flora and fauna. When you've finished touring the grounds take to minute drive to Rudraksh forest - on Hwy 580. Its the only stand of Rudraksha ( Blue marble ) trees in US.

This is definitely the hidden gem on Kaua'i island. Highly recommended. Enjoy the slideshow  !

  Tips:

• Clothing - Hindu guests are encouraged to dress in traditional Hindu clothing when visiting. Alternatively, modest clothing is permitted. No shorts, short dresses, t-shirts or tank tops. Polo shirts are okay.
• Video and photography is not allowed inside Kadavul temple. All other areas can be photographed.

Kilauea Lighthouse : One of a million breathtaking views.

The second destination of the day was Kilauea Lighthouse. It is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. This lighthouse was built in 1913. 

Directions :
If you are coming from south shore, take Highway 56.. Turn right onto Kiauea Road after mile marker 23. Follow the road to the end. You will see the lighthouse.

View of lighthouse from a Lookout 

Along the way, we gazed onto the beautiful view of the ocean, watched the egret birds and waves that crashed against the shore. In the winter months you can see whales as well.

View on the way

This is an old lighthouse. The entrance fee is $5. You get to see the lighthouse up close and go in only base portion of it. Binoculars are provided at no cost, they are must to view the nesting birds year round and whales in winter months.  One of our favorite picture taking spots on the island!

Tunnels Beach ( Makua Beach ) :

Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach, is one of Kauai’s most exciting spots for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. What makes it so great is its large lagoon and its massive hook-shaped reef that provides protection from the surf. The reef here is so big, it can actually be seen from space. According to divers, it’s called “Tunnels Beach” because of all the tunnels and arches in the reef. But surfers often say it’s from the tubular or tunnel-shaped waves that are frequently found at this beach.

This is the superb snorkeling spot on the North Shore. The beach is 2-miles long, running from Hanalei Colony Resort to Ha'ena Beach Park. The center portion has a huge half-moon shaped reef just 1/8 mile offshore where snorkeling is the best. Deep water caversn are located close to shore making it a great dive site, too. Swimming is often good here with shallow, sandy and calm areas.

Tips :

• Great swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving during the calm summer months.
• Great place to view sunset.
• While planning a visit in winter , only go at low tide and when sea is calm.
• It rains often in Kaua'i North shore , so if it starts raining take a shelter and wait for it to pass. Most showers only last for a few mins.
• Bring some food and beverages as there is no food nearby. 
• There are two small dirt roads where you can park to get to this beach; the rest of the roads are all private roads or people's driveways. If you manage to find the first dirt road, it is the best one for parking, as it leads directly to the center of Tunnels beach. The 2nd road drops of you off away from Tunnels, but is nearby. If you end up at the 2nd road, you need to walk to the right of the beach.
• The waves are crashing close to shore and there is no lifeguard. So swim at your own risk !

Directions:

• Head west [right] out of Princeville on Highway 56 toward Hanalei.  At Princeville Center, the Highway changes to 560.  
• Drive through Hanalei [about mile marker 2 on highway 560] and continue to the 8 mile marker.  0.4 miles further turn right and look for parking [this access is just past the YMCA camp and immediately after the yellow "Narrow Bridge" sign]. 
• If parking is not available here, continue another 0.2 mi for a second access point.  Finally, you can drive to Haena, park by the campground, and walk back [east] to Tunnels Beach.  Do not park along Highway 560.  It is a designated fire lane and you can be ticketed and towed.

Ke'e Beach :
At the end of Kuhio Highway (Hwy 560) on Kauai’s north shore lays an absolutely beautiful beach called Kee Beach. This is the last beach accessible by road on the north shore of Kauai. The last stretch of road from Hanalei is narrow and windy and crosses several one-lane bridges, but it's worth the effort. Parking is very difficult to find, so get there early or be prepared to walk a bit. The water is protected from the big north-shore surf by a coral reef, which permits some great snorkeling.

Located at the start of the Kalalau Trail, this beach offers a spectacular side view of Na pali coast and sunset. All around the beach are palm trees and lush vegetation.

Spellbound and totally fascinated by Hawaii's natural beauty, it was time for us to bid adieu  
to Kauai !

Hope you guys enjoy your trip too ...

-Dhara Desai