If the chill of winter is making you dream of sunny days and warm tropical breezes, then a Waimea vacation rental on Kauai’s warm weathered West side would make a great Christmas present to yourself. A Kauai holiday on the sunny West shore is sure to make you forget it’s December. This side of the island sees the least amount of rain, where the pace is slow and the beaches wide and warm. Here are four not-to-miss Kauai activities near Waimea that will make for a memorable tropical holiday.
Polihale Beach
If you’re ready to warm up, check out the breathtaking beach known as Polihale. This huge span of sand and sun is found at the highway’s end, after a 20 minute trip down an unmarked dirt road. This isolated beach is equipped for camping by permit and an excellent place for sunsets and stargazing. In the summer months, this spot can be so hot that most are left seeking coveted spots of shade. In the winter months, the warmth is welcoming, though waves can be huge and dangerous. There is no lifeguard at this beach so use extreme caution. Even if you don’t dip in, the gorgeous sand beach and nearby cliffsides provide an epic backdrop for a picnic. This place is also known to be a favorite among those seeking the rare Sunrise Shell. Walk the beach in the early morning light and you just may be lucky enough to find one of these scalloped gems.
Art Night in Hanapepe Town
When you’re ready for a little night life, check out Art Night in Hanapepe Town. The West side has a very slow and sleepy pace, so even when Hanapepe town is hopping it’s doing it island style. Definitely a mecca of artisans, Hanapepe has more than 15 galleries lining the main street of town. On Friday nights they open the galleries late and artists are available to meet the public and share aloha. Musicians take to an outdoor stage in town and play into the night, as locals and visitors wander the streets beneath the stars. Check out Hanapepe’s swinging bridge that stretches over the river nearby. Just imagine, on the river in the moonlight in December and you’re dressed in sandals and short sleeves.
Kokee State Park
After soaking in the sun on the various beaches Kauai’s West side has to offer, you may find that you’d like a change of scenery. Within a 30 minute drive, you can be transported to a completely different ecosystem in the upper climes of Kokee. Along the winding road to the mountain top you can pull over at various stops and take in the breathtaking beauty of Waimea Canyon. Mark Twain coined it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. A geological testament to ancient volcanic activity, this huge canyon offers views of waterfalls and colorful walls of red and green hues.
Once in Kokee you can check in with the Kokee Museum and the Kokee Lodge for refreshments, trail maps and gift items. Picnic on the huge grassy lawn in front or eat inside at the restaurant. In the winter, Kokee can be grey and wet registering the coldest temperatures on the island. But it can also provide blue sky days with crisp, cool air, perfect for a vigorous hike through old forests and native plants. Camping is available by permit year round. Check in with the Kokee Lodge for details.
Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade
If you find yourself missing some of the fun of holiday festivities the West side lights up from the 6th of December through Christmas Day. Waimea drips with color, as one of the most decorated towns on the island. You can also check out the annual Christmas Parade on December 20th. This lighted parade moves through town and ends at Hofgaard Park in Waimea’s town center, where live entertainment plays into the evening.
Of course, there’s a lot more to do on the West Side. But you will want to make sure you take some time to relax and enjoy the warm weather. Also, if you can’t find an accommodation in Waimea, Kekaha vacation rentals, Koloa vacation rentals and Poipu vacation rentals are great alternatives that will keep you close to the West side of the island.
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