Kaua'i Sights

  1. Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility

    Between Kekaha Beach Park and Polihale State Park, the beach stretches for roughly 15 miles. But there is only limited public access near the US Navy base at Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). After the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Navy barred access except to Kaua'i residents without felony convictions or to people with military connections.

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  2. Kilohana Plantation

    Amid sprawling, manicured lawns, Kilohana Plantation is now a tourist magnet featuring Gaylord's restaurant, estate tours and one-stop upscale shopping. Sugar baron Gaylord Parke Wilcox, once the head honcho of Grove Farm Homestead, built the house in 1935. Trivia buffs take note: the Wilcox family was the model for James Michener's famous epic, Hawaii .

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  3. Russian Fort Elizabeth

    The remains of the Russian Fort Elizabeth (1816-64) stand above the east bank of the Waimea River. It looks like a boring abandoned stone wall but the historical backstory might surprise you.

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  4. Swinging Bridge

    Find a copy of Hanapepe's 'Walking Tour Map' (around US$2 ), which describes the town's historic buildings. On your stroll, don't miss the Swinging Bridge, which crosses the Hanapepe River. Its funky old predecessor fell victim to 'Iniki, but in a community-wide effort this new bridge was erected in 1996.

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