5. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is the most lush - and least developed - of Hawaii's four major islands, with a richlyfertile interior and rugged cliffs in the northwest offsetting pristine white beaches along the north and south coasts. Also called the Garden Isle, Kauai is the place Hollywood heads when it needs a suitably tropical and remote locale. Think King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park - all of which had scenes filmed here. Even the island's Wailua Falls earned small-screen distinction when it was used in the opening credits for the TV show Fantasy Island. Kauai is truly a natural wonder, home to the wettest place on Earth (Mount Waialeale), the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" (Waimea Canyon), and a host of other eye-popping spectacles, brought to you courtesy of Mother Nature.

Of course, Kauai also happens to earn the distinction of being home to one of the world's best beaches - Poipu, a series of three white crescents curving beside turquoise waters along the island's south coast. Running from the Sheraton Kauai Resort east to Poipu Beach Park, Poipu Beach offers excellent swimming, surfing and snorkeling, as well as ample opportunity for less energetic pursuits like watching palm trees sway in the wind while lying flat on your back on a towel. In fact, it's a near-perfect destination for families, since older kids (and wannabe kids) can head closer to the rocky outcroppings to catch some surf, while younger waders and novice swimmers can stick to the crescents' middle reaches, where the water tends to be calmer. Just a bit farther east is Poipu Beach Park, where a lifeguard is on duty and shallow near-shore waters make for safe swimming. Here there are showers, restrooms and picnic tables, making a day-long excursion possible.

Of course, while the beach is captivating in its own right, it's always good to know there are other options nearby. Kauai also has two championship golf courses, horseback riding, spectacular hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, sailing and a host of other pursuits. Without a doubt, if you like the outdoors, Kauai is the place to be.
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