Waimea - Capt. Cook landed here, there’re the ruins of a Russian fort and interesting buildings.

Kauai’s west side is the red dirt capital of Hawaii and the only way to get there is via the east-west Highway 50. The first town you’ll reach is Hanapepe. “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town” is a haven for art galleries.

Waimea has lots to offer: Russian Fort Elisabeth State Park and Hofgaard Park’s Capt. Cook statue commemorating his landfall on Hawaii at Waimea Bay.

Kekaha has a working sugar mill; the Highway 552 junction leads to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks. It’s the beginning of 15 miles of uncrowded beach and views of offshore Niihau. Check out Barking Sands at the Pacific Missile Range and Polihale State Park at the end of the highway. Call Waimea Canyon General Store for an up-to-the-minute “Sunshine Report,” (808)337-9569.

WEST SIDE TOP TO DO

• BEACH- Polihale,
• SUNSET- Waimea Canyon Road
• VIEW of NIIHAU- Puu Hinahina Lookout
• ACTIVITY- Drive up to Kalalau Lookout (p.49)
• SHOP- Waimea Town
• ART- Hanapepe Town
• HOTEL HIDEAWAY-Waimea Plantation Cottages

TAKE A SIDE TRIP

Waimea’s Menehune Ditch has history, fun and magic all rolled into one. Turn off Hwy. 50 on Menehune Rd., go a long mile until you see a swinging bridge that crosses the Waimea River. Park on the side where you can. A Territory of Hawaii plaque marks the ditch—a smooth-lined watercourse still functioning as part of the Kekaha-Waimea plantation ditch system. Accounts of the ditch appear in the journals of British explorers where it was extolled for its engineering. It was supposedly built by the menehune, legendary workaholics that erected several landmarks in one night. While you’re there, take a walk on the swinging bridge.