Those with a keen eye may recognize Wailua Falls from the opening sequence of the ‘70s and ‘80s hit show Fantasy Island. It was the perfect bit of scenery to represent the mythical isle where fantasy became reality, as nothing quite epitomizes tropical paradise like these dramatic 80-plus foot tall falls. What’s more, you don’t even have to hike through the dense jungle to see Wailua as they’re clearly, and conveniently, visible from Maalo Road.

With its dangling chandeliers of lush, leafy ferns and its natural acoustics, this lava rock grotto is certainly a feast for the senses. In order to see the grotto, you’ll need to hop on a boat and sail along the Wailua River to the east side of Kauai. Taking advantage of the haunting natural amplification of sound as it reverberates within the ancient lava rock walls, musicians often play traditional Hawaiian music inside the grotto to the delight of visitors.

Venture deep into the dark recesses of this eerie sand-bottomed cave and you’ll understand how local lore could have sprung up about its origin and history. Depending on who you ask, this cave was dug on orders of Maniniholo, head fisherman of the Menehune people (Kauai’s legendary first inhabitants), who was in search of an akua (a magical beast) suspected of stealing their hard-earned fish.

The photo op of photo ops. Where else can you get a view of the lush and majestic Namolokama mountain range bedecked with several sparkling waterfalls, all behind a patchwork quilt of gloriously green, water-fillled “kalo” (taro-root) fields? Get out your cameras and capture the splendor of the Hanalei Valley from this perfectly positioned vantage point. Then afterwards, grab a bite to eat and do some shopping at the quaint and lovely town of Hanalei.

Though this is not Hawaii’s original “Queen’s Bath” (the first was located on the Big Island, but was destroyed by lava flow in 1987), this natural swimming pool on the north shore of Kauai has since become the reigning “Queen’s Bath.” This tide pool was formed from an igneous rock sinkhole and, like the first Queen’s Bath, the waters were considered sacred and accessible only to Hawaiian royalty—hence the uppity name.

Opaeka'a, strangely enough, translates into “rolling shrimp”—a seemingly odd name for these majestic 151-foot tall twin falls (which combine into one during heavy rains) in Wailua River State Park. The falls get their name from the native freshwater shrimp that, at one time, were so plentiful in the river that they could be seen tumbling down the waterfall and plunging into the waters below to continue their journey along the Wailua.

Believe it or not, in order to build a lighthouse on the northernmost point of Hawaii’s inhabited islands, the U.S. purchased 31 acres of gorgeous coastal land in Kilauea in 1909 for a mere dollar. You read that right—one single dollar. The Kilauea Point Lighthouse was completed in 1913 and operators used it to guide commercial ships (heavy with treasures from the far east) safely to harbor for over 60 years. In 1976, however, it became an automated beacon for boats and aircraft.

When you think of surfing in Kauai, you think of Hanalei Point. One of the world’s premiere surfing destinations, Hanalei not only boasts incredible, rideable waves but sparkling white sands and a majestic mountain range for a backdrop. For beginning surfers, the waves near Hanalei Pier are more novice-friendly. Just make sure to ask the lifeguards on duty for advice if you’re iffy about where to surf for your skill level.

This lookout provides visitors with a stunning view of the ancient Menehuna fishponds built approximately 1000 years ago. Like the Menehune Ditch, these fishponds were purported to have been miraculously built overnight by the legendary Menehuna people (leprechaun-like beings), thought to be the first inhabitants of the island. Supposedly, the Menehuna formed a human chain 25-miles long, passing stones from hand to hand all the way to the ponds’ building site.

Na’Pali translates into “high cliffs”—and its these stunningly striated, jagged-edged cliff faces and rugged mountain peaks that give the Na’Pali coast its characteristic, beauty. Get a glimpse of these vibrant rocks reflecting brilliant hues of red and green towering above a deep cerulean blue ocean, and it’s hard to picture a more beautiful location. The Na’Pali Coast State park is the perfect place for hiking, as there are several majestic waterfalls and tranquil streams to explore.