Located near Hanapepe on Kauai’s Westside, Salt Pond Beach Park got its name from the traditional Hawaiian sea salt produced in pools located near the beach. For many generations during the summer months, Hawaiian families have dug out pans from the red soil here to evaporate seawater and produce natural sea salt. After the salt is produced, the salt is bagged and used not only for cooking, but also for use as an Epsom salt-like medicine and offered plain or mixed with red clay. Until now, Hawaiian salt is still available at some markets on the island.
When you get down to Salt Pond Beach Park, you may see some families at work in their salt pans. The rights of use are handed down from generation to generation and the art is practiced with pride. You can observe them as they work to get a real feel of the how families have lived here for centuries, but take care not to walk too close to the salt pans.
Aside from this charming glimpse of island living, Salt Pond Beach Park also offers gentle waves rolling in year-round, which makes the place a popular spot for family outings. Young body surfers will also love the gentle rolling waves, and snorkelers will find clear water at each end of the crescent beach.
Fronting the salt ponds are time pools worth exploring. At Salt Pond, it seldom rains so if it’s pouring elsewhere, come down to this place and have a fantastic time on the beach. You don’t have to be an accomplished swimmer to enjoy snorkeling on Kauai’s Salt Pond Beach. With minimal instructions, even beginners can snorkel in no time. Even the non-swimmer can enjoy snorkeling, with proper flotation device.
Snorkeling Safety Tips:
• Always snorkel in areas where there are other swimmers and snorkelers.
• Do not snorkel near surfers and body surfers.
• Do not snorkel if the water is unclear, rough, or choppy.
• Look up out of the water periodically to keep your bearing. This easy precaution will keep you from drifting off course without knowing it.
• The best snorkeling is in calm clear water. Try mornings.
• Do not feed the fish under any circumstances. It fouls the water and sickens the fish, which makes them susceptible to predators.
• A good way to attract fish is to just bring a zip lock bag. Put a leaf or any other colorful object in the bag, fill it with water, and allow it to float near you. You’d be surprised at all the curious fish that will swim up to inspect the bag.
• Help protect Kauai’s reefs. All coral reefs are marvelous ecosystems that take thousands of years to develop and only seconds to destroy. Float over shallow reefs, but do not walk on them. Paddle to a sandy spot to stand.
• Admire sea turtles and monk seals only from a distance. Both the Pacific green sea turtle and the monk seal are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is against the law to harass them in any way, including touching. These laws are strictly enforced in Hawaii. If you are fortunate enough to see one of these rare creatures in the water, enjoy them from a respectful distance.
• Remember to always check local conditions for safety before entering the sea. High surf and storm surges can be very dangerous anywhere they are occurring. Listen to weather forecasts, talk to local people, and plan your snorkel location accordingly.
What makes Kauai truly unique is its splendorous variation. You can tour the whole island and never have to do the same thing at one time. Opportunities are endless. Those we mentioned above are but a few of the most exciting ones, so don’t limit yourself to them.
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Cruise Ships: Preparing For Your Voyage
When it comes to vacationing aboard a cruise ship, many individuals consider preparation to be the luggage that they plan to bring with them. Packing for your cruise ship vacation is important; however, it is not the only preparation that should occur. Preparation shouldn’t wait until the week before your trip. Rather, it should begin as soon as you book your cruise ship reservation.
The type of cruise that you will be taking is vital to preparation. A large number of cruise ships travel on international waters. In addition to being on international waters, many dock at international ports. Before begin able to board your ship, you may have to show proper identification. With international cruises, this identification often includes a drivers licenses and a passport.
Why Air Travel Just May Be The Most Important Part Of Your Trip
Are you in the process of preparing for a trip that requires you to travel by air? If you are, you should know the impact that your air travel experience can have on your vacation. Unfortunately, this is something that many individuals do not think of until a complication arises.
For starters, traveling by airplane is important to the overall success of your trip, as it is how you will get to your destination. If you miss your flight, you may, literally, be out of luck. Depending on the situation at hand, you may be responsible for buying your own replacement tickets. For that reason, you will always want to arrive to the airport early. You will also want to make sure that you follow all airport rules and restrictions, especially at airport security checkpoints.
