Kauai'u: What is Kauai'u Island, the location of Jurassic Park? What to see and how to get there from the Big Island of Hawaii

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

The Hawaiian Islands are composed of islands created by undersea eruptions.

Of these, Hawaii Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and is nicknamed the "Big Island" because it is even larger than the total area of the other major islands.

Historically, Polynesians first settled in the Hawaiian Islands about 1,500 years ago, and King Kamehameha the Great, who unified the Hawaiian Islands, was born, raised, and spent his last years here.

Enjoy a big vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii, where you'll feel like you're traveling across the continent and freeing your body and mind.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island is recommended by core Hawaii fans as "the place to go if you want to experience the real Hawaii." It is a precious island where you can enjoy beautiful scenery that has not changed since prehistoric times.

Hawaii Island is also known as the "Island of Volcanoes," with the towering peaks of Mauna Kea (4205 m above sea level) and Mauna Loa (4169 m above sea level), which are higher than Mount Fuji, and five other volcanic systems: Mount Hualalai, the Kohala Range, and Mount Kilauea.

Kilauea Volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is an active volcano that reminds us that we are on a "living island," and was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1987.

The warm, humid air carried in from the Pacific Ocean is blocked by high mountains such as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, creating thick clouds over the East Coast and bringing rain.

Therefore, rainy days are common in Hilo and on the east side of the island where Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located.

In contrast, by the time the winds carry the air to the west side of the island, it is dry and sunny on the west side of the island, where Kona and Waikoloa are located.

Temperatures average around 30°C in summer and 26°C in winter.

However, the temperature drops so low that it snows on Mauna Kea, the central high peak, during the winter months.

Be sure to remember to bring a heavy jacket for the popular sunset and stargazing tours.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are direct flights from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines fly into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the Big Island of Hawaii from Haneda and Narita, respectively.

The outbound trip takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, and the return trip takes approximately 9 hours due to winds.

There are also flights to Hilo International Airport as well as Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport via Honolulu on Oahu.

Flight time is approximately 50 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Island is full of big-scale attractions where visitors can experience the power of nature, including Kilauea Volcano, the No. 1 popular tourist spot and still erupting, and Mauna Kea, a 4,000-meter-high mountain.

The fact that the island has completely different faces in the east and west is another attraction of the island.

The West Coast is an upscale resort area with famous hotels and golf courses such as Kailua-Kona and Kohala Coast.

On the other hand, to the east is the nostalgic old town of Hilo, Hawaii's second largest city.

You can also enjoy the power of nature in the Waipio Valley, which was loved by the royal family, the beautiful black sand beaches, horseback riding in Waimea, and sailing on the Kona Coast.

 

Spectacular, untouched nature

First-time visitors to the Big Island of Hawaii will be amazed at the scenery that unfolds around the runway from the window when the flight lands.

The pitch-black earth tells us that the island was created by nature in the form of lava.

Visitors can view the world's most active volcano, Kilauea Volcano, as well as astronomical observations from Hawaii's highest peak, Mauna Kea, and the pristine Waipio Valley, where the earth has created landscapes that have not changed since ancient times.

 

A powerful volcano

Kilauea Volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is an active volcano that continues to erupt today.

The Kilauea Visitor Center is the first stop on any visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hear updates from rangers and volunteers on the volcano, which changes daily.

You can also get a guide map in Japanese here.

There are also panels, photo exhibits, and souvenirs unique to Volcano, and you can use the restroom here.

The center of the 1248-meter-high Kilauea Volcano is the massive Kilauea Caldera, which has a circumference of about 12 km.

There are a number of trails in the park, which is also a World Heritage site, where you can walk and feel the breath of the volcano that is still active.

If you want to drive further down the lava plateau, the "Chain of Craters Road" is a great place to start.

This road branches off Crater Rim Road in the southeastern part of Kilauea Caldera and runs toward the ocean.

Many craters are scattered along the road, and a drive along this road will show the evolution of eruptive activity over the 20th century.

The view of the lava spreading as far as the eye can see from the observatory located halfway up the mountain is a sight to behold.

The Chain of Craters Road is approximately 32 km one way.

If you plan to get off at the end of the road to see the sights, it will take two hours round trip, so drive with a comfortable schedule.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the Big Island of Hawaii and stands out for its beauty, even though black beaches surrounded by lava rocks are common on the Big Island.

It is also designated as a state park and is regularly ranked in the top 10 best beaches in the world, and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Hawaii, ranking first or second.

Maniniowali Beach, commonly known as "Kuabay," is a white sand beach that is very popular among tourists and locals alike.

It is only about 15 minutes from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

The Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the southeastern Kau coast is also one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.

Although not suitable for swimming, it is also a popular beach where loggerhead turtles can be seen napping.

Picnic facilities and restrooms are available, so why not take a break from your drive and visit?

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

If you enjoy shopping on the Big Island of Hawaii, visit the area where you stayed or a nearby location.

For example, if you are staying in a resort area on the Kohala Coast, we recommend the shopping malls at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, King's Shops and Queen's Marketplace.

Kings Shops is a great mall for souvenir shopping, with everything from brand-name stores such as Tiffany & Co. to stores selling Hawaiian goods.

In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy daily Hawaiian cultural experiences and entertainment.

It is also located along the lagoon, so you can refresh yourself with a meal or tea time by the water.

Queens Marketplace is the newest shopping center in the Waikoloa area, featuring a wide selection of unique stores and restaurants.

In addition to a casual food court, there are also restaurants such as Sansei, a Hawaiian-style Japanese restaurant, Macaroni Grill, an Italian restaurant, and a Thai restaurant.

At Waikoloa Luxury Cinema, the newest cinema opened in 2017, you can enjoy a 3D movie while enjoying a meal.

Also, hula dance shows and Hawaiian quilt classes are offered on a daily basis.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Kona Coast, the center of Hawaii Island tourism, is home to a collection of historically significant buildings.

Enjoy leisurely visits to historic sites such as Hulihee Palace, the former summer home of Hawaiian royalty, and Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii and a landmark of the city.

Hilo, Hawaii's second largest city, was severely damaged by tsunamis in 1946 and 1960, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum tells the sad history of Hilo.

Other museums include the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, a museum of astronomy and culture.

Experience a planetarium with the latest technology.

 

What is Kauai like, where Jurassic Park was filmed?

Kauai, nicknamed the "Garden Island," is the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands.

It is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and, like the others, was created by volcanic activity.

The island has an area of 1430.4 km2, about the same size as Oahu.

Because the trade winds from the Pacific Ocean are blocked by Mount Waialeale (1569 m above sea level), which rises in the center of the island, the weather conditions in the eastern part of the island and the western part of the island are extremely varied.

In general, rainy or cloudy days are more common from the north coast to the east, while sunny days are more common from the south coast to the west.

Erosion caused by abundant precipitation and other factors has created unique landscapes such as Waimea Valley and the Na Pali Coast, which have been used as filming locations for Hollywood movies such as "Jurassic Park" and "Pirates of Kabylian".

The main areas of the island are Lihue (the group's capital), the political and economic center; the east coast, where Wailua and Kapaa, the birthplace of Kauai culture, are located; and Poipu, a popular resort district on the south coast, where the weather is sunny.

It is then divided into four districts, including Princeville, an upscale resort on the north coast, and Hanalei, reminiscent of the beautiful Japanese countryside.

The roads along Kauai's coastline are well maintained and traffic is light, making it a good place to rent a car for a leisurely tour of the island.

 

Can I go from the Big Island of Hawaii?
Access to Kauai

Kauai's main air gateway is Lihue Airport, located in Lihue, the business and transportation center of the island.

The flight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu to Lihue Airport is approximately 40 minutes.

And Hawaiian Airlines offers scheduled nonstop flights from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on Hawaii Island to Lihue Airport on Kauai Island, with round-trip service once a day.

The flight distance between Kona and Lihue is 423 km and takes approximately 1 hour.

 

Kauai Highlights

Kauai is also known as the "Garden Island," and the entire island is boxy and beautiful.

There are many places to enjoy the great outdoors, including Waimea Canyon, Fern Caves, the Na Pali Coast, and Hanalei Bay.

 

Spectacular wilderness with the oldest history in Hawaii

Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, created by an undersea eruption about 6 million years ago.

Because of its high precipitation and long history, the beautiful, art-like landscape has been created over millions of years by the action of nature.

The spectacular scenery created by nature on a grand scale, including not only the beautiful ocean, but also towering rocks along the coastline, rivers and waterfalls, and mountains covered with tropical jungle, is sure to leave a lasting impression on the visitor.

 

Enjoy visiting movie locations!

As is well known to movie buffs, Kauai ranks among the top 10 movie locations in the world.

The first Hollywood movie was shot on Kauai in 1933.

Counting only the major films since then, there have been nearly 80 films set on Kauai.

For this reason, Kauai has even come to be known as the "Hollywood of the Pacific.

Among them, the four parts of the "Jurassic Series," best known for the movie "Jurassic Park," were all filmed here on Kauai.

This makes a tour of movie locations a must-see on Kauai.

 

Artistic and spectacular view

The greatest attraction of Kauai is the fact that magnificent scenery like that seen in Hollywood movies is a commonplace part of everyday life.

See the spectacular, unspoiled nature of this beautiful island, which is like a work of art created by the earth over a period of mind-boggling years.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Kauai

Here are some of the best places to visit in Kauai.

 

Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast, where the movie "Jurassic Park" was filmed, is a coastline of sheer cliffs that is worthy of being called unexplored, and is one of Kauai's most representative landscapes.

Recommendations Beyond Ke'e Beach, the high cliffs that stretch from the north to west coasts of the island have white threads of waterfalls running along the coastline, and the sheer cliffs plunging vertically into the sea are constantly splashed by the rough waves from the Pacific Ocean.

The Na Pali Coast is too rugged to enter by car and can only be seen by cruising or helicopter.

Access Access by sea or air only.

For more information, contact the helicopter or tour ship company.

 

Fern Cave

The Fern Grotto, located in a corner of Wailua River State Park, was once a sacred site reserved for royalty and the aristocracy.

Nowadays, there is no end to the number of couples who hold their weddings here.

Recommendations It is the most famous tourist attraction around the Wailua River, but since it is not accessible by car, it is approached by a cruise boat from the marina at the mouth of the Wailua River.

The huge fern-covered caves are mysterious and are said to promise eternal love when visited by lovers, and are still a popular spot for couples today.

Access The Fern Cave is accessed by boat.

Tours are available from the marina at the mouth of the Wailua Estuary to the caves and back in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

 

Poipu Beach Park

Poipu Beach Park is located in Poipu, Kauai's leading resort area in the southern part of the island.

This beautiful beach with its shallow shoreline, voted one of the best beaches in the U.S., is crowded with tourists and local residents.

The reason for its popularity is the favorable weather; even when it rains in other parts of the country, it is often sunny only in Poipu.

Recommendations Snorkelers can observe large honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) swimming and colorful tropical fish such as humuhumu nukunukuapuaa, the Hawaiian state fish.

With lifeguards on duty, restrooms, showers, and picnic facilities, a leisurely picnic with the family is recommended.

Another secret to the beach's popularity is that visitors can see the Hawaiian monk seal, an endangered species of seal that is found only in Hawaii, sunbathing.

However, touching or feeding the monk seal is prohibited.

Access It takes about 30 minutes by car from Lihue Airport.

 

Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is located in the Wailua area of eastern Kauai, and its beautiful scenery has been used as a background for numerous television and film productions.

It is a dynamic waterfall with two 25-meter-high streaks located upstream from the Fern Cave, where ancient Hawaiian kings and warriors held a ritual of diving from the top of the waterfall into the basin to compete with each other for bravery and courage.

Recommendations There is a parking lot near the observation deck where you can view the falls, so there is no need to walk the trail.

It is also known for its frequent rainbows, and if you are lucky, you can witness a double rainbow that intersects with the waterfall.

Furthermore, after it rains, the waterfalls become more powerful and very impressive.

It is also a popular power spot for purification and healing energy.

Access It is about a 15-minute drive from Lihue Airport.

 

Waimea Valley State Park

Waimea Valley State Park is the highlight of Kauai sightseeing. The beauty of the canyon, which looks like a chasm in the earth, is as spectacular as the Grand Canyon.

Meaning "red water" in Hawaiian, this deep canyon is approximately 16 km long, 1.6 km deep, and over 1000 m deep, making it the largest in the Pacific Ocean.

Recommendations As the writer Mark Twain called it "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific," the sculptures of the earth, created over millions of years by the forces of nature, are nothing short of inspiring.

The canyons vary in color according to their strata, and the surfaces have been carved by wind and rain to reveal various shapes of mountainsides.

The way the colors change from moment to moment depending on the sun's rays is also a sight to behold that leaves one speechless.

The Waimea Valley Lookout, about 1,000 meters above sea level, was acclaimed by Mark Twain.

You can enjoy the power and charm of Waimea Valley, a magnificent art created by nature.

Beyond this lookout, the Puu Ka Pele Lookout and the Puu Hina Hina Lookout offer spectacular views of the valley from different angles.

Access It is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Lihue Airport.

 

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay means "crescent-shaped bay" in Hawaiian.

It is the largest bay on Kauai, and the long sandy beach has picnic tables, barbecue facilities, restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard on duty, making it a great beach for families.

The sunset at Hanalei Bay is one of the most frequently seen views in postcards and photo albums of Kauai, and is world famous as the location for the Hollywood musical film masterpiece "South Pacific.

Recommendations Completed in 1892, the old Hanalei Pier is a popular spot where locals gather to fish, swim, and play music.

Hanalei Bay's charm also lies in its scenic beauty, making it one of the best photogenic spots on Kauai.

The changing colors of the bay can be enjoyed as if watching a slide show: the time when the morning sun turns the sky red, the daytime when the sea shines blue against the background of green mountains, and the moment when the entire bay is tinted in madder colors.

Access It takes about 50 minutes by car from Lihue Airport.

 

tree tunnel

The Tree Tunnel, located on the way from Lihue to Old Koloa Town on Kauai, is lined with eucalyptus trees that are more than 100 years old.

The large trees, which literally line the road like a tunnel for about 2 km in length, block the strong sunlight and create a cool shade on the road.

Recommendations The beautiful tree tunnel view straight from the entrance is a recommended photo spot.

In addition, the unique aroma emitted by eucalyptus has aromatherapy effects that enhance concentration, so be sure to take a deep breath and enjoy its cool, refreshing sensation.

If you drive through, the road ends in a flash, so if you want to enjoy the atmosphere, including the scent of the trees, you may want to park your car on the shoulder of the road and walk.

Access It is about a 30-minute drive from Lihue Airport.

 

Hanapepe Valley Lookout

The Hanapepe Valley Lookout (Hanapepe Valley Lookout) is a lookout from which visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Hanapepe Valley.

Hanapepe Valley, also known as Kauai's "mini-mini Grand Canyon," was the filming location for the movie "Jurassic Park.

The observatory is not particularly prominent, and when heading west from Lihue, there is only a sign and a roadside strip on the right side of the road, so be careful not to pass by it by accident.

Recommendations From the Hanapepe Valley Lookout, you can see the Hanapepe Valley leading to Kauai's highest mountain, Mount Kawaikini (1594 meters above sea level).

Visible at the bottom of the reddish-brown mountain valley is the Hanapepe River, Kauai's third longest river, and the taro fields that make use of its abundant water sources.

And beyond the valley, sugar cane fields spread out on a small hill.

On the other side of the road, vast coffee fields can be seen, and in the far distance, the west coast ocean can be seen.

Access Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Lihue Airport.

 

Recommended Tours

Here are two of our recommended tours on Kauai.

 

Kauai Sightseeing Tour Movie Location Tour

An English-speaking guide will take you on a tour of Kauai, which has been the filming location for many TV shows and movies, from a Hollywood perspective.

Both movie buffs and non-film buffs will enjoy the content.

The schedule begins with a pick-up at the designated hotel or Lihue airport.

We will then visit Wailua Falls, Hanamaulu Bay, Koko Palm, Opae Ka'a Falls, Kapaa Town, Aliomanu, Mo'oua Beach, Hanalei Pier, Hanalei Valley and movie locations.

After visiting the locations, this 7-8.5 hour tour includes lunch and shopping before returning to the designated hotel or Lihue Airport.

Experience the wilderness of Kauai as it really is.

 

Kauai Day Tour Waimea Valley + Fern Cave + Hanapepe Valley

This is a one-day tour from Oahu to Kauai with a Japanese-speaking guide.

Come to Kauai, the oldest island in Hawaii with its beautiful and mysterious nature, and see the Fern Grotto, known as a sacred place for royalty, the powerful Waimea Canyon, and the sparkling Poipu Spouting Rock.

The schedule includes early morning pickup at designated hotels in the Waikiki and Kahala areas of Oahu, followed by departure from Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Kauai's Lihue Airport.

After arriving at Lihue Airport, we will visit Opaekaa Falls, Wailua River Cruise & Fern Cave, and have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit Hanapepe Valley Lookout, Waimea Valley, shopping, and Poipu Squirt Rocks before returning to Lihue Airport, Kauai.

This is an exciting 14.5-15.5 hour day tour that departs from Lihue Airport, arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu, and returns to your designated hotel in the Waikiki or Kahala area.

This tour is recommended for those who want to easily enjoy sightseeing on the neighbor island, Kauai, from Honolulu.

 

summary

We hope you enjoyed our introduction to Kauai, the island where Jurassic Park was filmed.

The islands of Hawaii and Kauai are both rich in nature and offer a relaxing resort stay to the fullest.

Come see the wilderness and Old Hawaii, the real face of Hawaii on a Neighbor Island trip.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.