Papalaua Wayside Park is in Wailuku, Maui. It is one of the most popular destinations to visit Kauai County, Hawaii. The park itself can be found on the Pu’u main beach, along the Wailua River. Backed by large trees, this wide, long sandy beach is always a favorite camping spot. Even if you don’t want to camp, there are plenty of other activities to do at Wayside Park.
When visiting Papalaua, the first thing you’ll notice is its vast tropical forests. Once you step outside, though, the sights and sounds of the forests themselves will greet you. Huge ponderosa pines and exquisite rainforest ferns adorn this natural paradise. There are also plenty of bird and butterfly species to marvel at, as well as hummingbirds and, for those lucky tourists, even a few monkeys!
If it’s night time that you crave, Papalaua has several fun spots for that, too. Visitors can drive up to one of its open-air museums, which offer a photographic display of nature’s wonders. You can also take a sky cruise around the island. Both of these trips will give you plenty of opportunity to observe and photograph various marine wildlife.
While you’re here, you should also try the delicious Wailea restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner. This hotel is close to some great shopping in Wailuku. It’s just a short walk from the Wailea Market, where you can buy anything from fresh produce to handmade jewelry. And you won’t have far to go: the nearest grocery store is only a few blocks away. All in all, it’s a great place to stay while visiting this gorgeous island.
Papalaua itself is home to many other interesting activities, too. Visitors are usually free to enjoy themselves in the natural environment, which is often filled with beautiful flora and fauna. A good way to get there is to take one of the train treks, which cover some amazing scenery and allow you to see some of the islands’ best wildlife. The views are spectacular from the train, and it makes for a great morning stop after a day of walking the grounds. Of course, you can always rent a car if you’d prefer to travel around on your own.
But the best part of all is that you can also experience the island itself. Boat tours are starting every hour, and you can swim with the turtles or fish in the water. Or simply do a round of golf on the greens (there are over forty courses on the property). But even if you don’t venture out on a boat, you can still enjoy the beaches and parks. Just take a bike ride instead.
Also check Wailuku Union Church.
