Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Waimea, HI
Year Listed: 2006
In the foothills of the Koke'e Mountain on the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i, Waimea has been beckoning visitors for more than two centuries. A cozy town with much to explore, Waimea is filled with historical places dating from the Polynesian migration to these islands. In ancient times, Waimea was the winter capital for Hawaiian royalty and the place in Hawai'i where the English explorer, Captain James Cook, first landed in 1778. Green and flourishing with flora that runs from the mountains to the sea, Kaua'i's landscape is complemented by the spirit of its people who are committed to maintaining a rural lifestyle. Waimea's natural wonders include the 3,567-foot deep Waimea Canyon, eroded by water, wind, and rain and nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by author Mark Twain. Its' Menehune Ditch, an immense irrigation system dating from the 13th century, was built by the Polynesians and is popular with tourists. Waimea is deservedly proud of its intact collection of early 19th century structures, including the Russian Fort Elizabeth, the Old Stone Church and Waimea Pier. The town also celebrates its' plantation heritage at the Waimea Plantation Cottages, where visitors can stay in a restored cottage from the sugar plantation era. Glimpses of plantation living and artifacts can also be experienced. Visitors can't get enough of Waimea's brilliant sunsets and many outdoor activities including bird watching, hiking, cycling or enjoying the area's pristine forest.
