Our Kalaheo vacation rentals provide easy access to Kauai's sunny southern shore as well as the west side's landmark Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Kalaheo is considered Kauai's upcountry hamlet and is ideally situated for privacy and quiet while also close to all the amenities of the Poipu resort area and the south shore beaches. <br/> <br/><strong>Things To Do</strong> <br/>One of the most popular activities in the Kalaheo area is heading down to the south shore to enjoy snorkeling, boat tours and just relaxing on the beach. There are also some great hiking opportunities including the coastal walk to Mahaulepu Beach, one of Poipu's hidden treasures. Beginning at Shipwreck Beach, the shoreline trail covers a variety of terrain before reaching the remote and scenic Mahaulepu Beach. <br/> <br/>Golfers will enjoy the Kukuiolono Golf Course located atop a hill in Kalaheo. The course enjoys great views of the ocean and southwestern shoreline. For championship golf courses check out the Poipu Bay Golf Course at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort. <br/> <br/><strong>Eat and Shop</strong> <br/>The fresh baked goods at Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Co. are delicious, including outstanding croissants that go great with their fresh-roasted coffee. Kalaheo also has a variety of other shops and dining opportunities in its small commercial district. <br/> <br/>Head down to the Poipu resort area for a whole range of dining choices from fine cuisine to cheeseburgers and fries with lots of opportunities for outdoor dining along the Poipu shore. The Grand Hyatt Kauai resort has two fine dining restaurants - Dondero's and Tidepools - as well as the Stevenson's Library offering a sophisticated lounge atmosphere. <br/> <br/><strong>Getting Around</strong> <br/>A rental car is recommended when staying in Kalaheo vacation rentals so you can explore the many great south shore beaches and Kauai's many other interesting sites and attractions from the west side's Waimea Canyon to the lush and verd…

The Beginning of the Coffee Trade on Kauai

Kauai has some of the best coffee in the world. Many people like it as much or more than Kona coffee, which has the reputation for being the best. It wasnt always that way on Kauai and more particularly in Kalaheo. Its not a big town; it only covers two point nine square miles and has an elevation of seven hundred feet. In two thousand there were only around four thousand residents, all of which enjoy the serene and charming town. Coffee did help to shape the lush history of Kalaheo. Not only did it shape the past but it will continue to play a role in shaping the future of Kalaheo also. Kalaheo is proud to carry the distinction of producing the majority of the coffee for exporting from Hawaii to other parts of the world. The beans grown in Kalaheo have the honor of being considered very high quality and of having a flavorful taste. They have been working on getting it right since the eighteen hundreds.

The first attempt to get it right on Kauai was not successful. For that matter, it didnt work on Kona the first time either. It actually went through a period of trial and error before getting it right anywhere in the state. Kona coffee, a specific variety that is grown on the Big Island in the Kona district, was not the first to get it right. As early as eighteen thirteen a man named Don Francisco de Paula Marin attempted to plant coffee on Kauai. It didnt work out when he planted it in the Manoa Valley the first time. The second time around it did work out. It was in eighteen hundred and twenty five when the first successful coffee cultivation started. Kauai was the test ground for the plantation and tried different varieties. After several tried, coffee farmers tried their luck in the abundant land of Kona and it worked, it worked well. Kauai, Kalaheo in particular, did work and is working out today as a successful cultivator of coffee. It actually thrives in the soil of Kalaheo and continues to be a driving force in the vital role coffee plays for the success of the Hawaiian Islands.

This commodity is exported to the various mainland states and to all corners of the entire world. Since the seventies, coffee has been very successful and has boosted the economy of the area significantly after being marketed and exported abroad. Even though the history is rich and the coffee is flavorful, not that many people are employed in the industry on Kauai. The number one industry is tourism. It employs the majority of the residents these days. Even when people arent directly involved in the tourism industry directly, they may also be employed due to the trickle effect of the economy. More buildings are needed so the construction industry is in full swing as they build more restaurants, shops and recreational centers. With this comes the need for more coffee and the cycle continues.

PACKING

A Suitcase Full of Necessities

You could almost make a game show out of it. What is in the suitcase? Why people bring the things they bring would also make for a wonderful comedy skit or a fascinating psychological study, depending on how serious you take life. It would seem to many that if youre going to Hawaii, all you need is a couple of bathing suits and a pair of flip-flops. Its a tropical paradise, what else will you be doing there but hanging on the beach and getting some sun? Glad you asked. There is so much to do on Kauai that you could bring several suitcases and still not have everything you need. If youre going to play in the water there are several items you may bring to add to your couple of bathing suits.

You can bring a surfboard, a boogie board, your kite and board, or your sail and board along with a wet suit to keep you warm if youre there anytime other than the summer. You can bring your snorkel, mask and fins along with your BDU, wet suit, knife, air tank and all of the other necessities you need to dive in these magnificent waters. You might want to bring your underwater camera gear because you are almost certain to run into a sea turtle and maybe even some spinner dolphins. Dont forget your suntan lotion. One for the water, one for starting a tan, one for intermediate tans and then the one that is like Crisco to finish off your tan. Or if you are just trying to keep from burning bring the one that puts a layer of protection on that will keep your skin from burning.

If you are a golfer there are many things you might want to pack. For one, the lava around some of the courses eats balls up so bring extras. There is nothing like it in any of the other states. You will want to put in some wind protection, rain protection, and have something for a sunny day. The weather can change pretty fast on Kauai. It does have the wettest place on earth after all. You will also want to bring a hat as the sun can be pretty strong over here. If you are planning on playing any sport you will want to bring those things you dont want to rent. Your tennis racket, your golf clubs, your bowling shoes, and your hiking boots. There are plenty of places to hike on Kauai. The most famous is the Na Pali Coast and is well worth the drive from Kalaheo to see it. You can also fly over it on a helicopter. If youve always wanted to take a helicopter tour, this is the place to do so. Seeing the Na Pali Coast along the Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is just magnificent from the air. Be sure to pack you camera no matter what activity you decide to do.

ATTRACTIONS

A Cultural Shrine Near Kalaheo