Great views and Hawaiian history on Kauai's Mahaulepu Heritage Trail.
Visitors to Kauai from the mainland are usually wide awake while the rest of the island is sleeping in. Since most stores and attractions don't open for hours, the best early morning pursuit is a sunrise beach walk. And one of the best is the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, which winds from Shipwrecks Beach to Kawailoo Bay.
To get there, take Poipu Road past the entrance to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort. Turn right on Ainako Street and park at the lot where the road dead ends at the beach.
Named for the wreckage of a fishing boat that sank in the 1970s, Shipwrecks is the first beach on Keoneloa Bay. You'll often see Monk Seals on the beach, sea turtles in the coves, and during winter, you may spot a Humpback Whale offshore.
The Heritage Trail winds for two miles past sand dunes, limestone cliffs, ironwood and kiawe trees. En route, there are several petroglyphs, an ancient temple, and lots of local flora and fauna.
The sights are unmarked, but you can request a free brochure at http://www.hikemahaulepu.org/
If you worked up an appetite, the Ilima Terrace at the Hyatt has a breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. Or head back toward Poipu and have breakfast at Joe's on the Green, adjacent to the Kiahuna Golf Club