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Kauai

The Garden Island

   From the moment you step off the plane, you sense there's something magical about Kauai. The northernmost and oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands is a true paradise with its towering emerald cliffs, breathtaking beaches and fragrant plumerias reminiscent of sweet orange blossoms. Aptly called “The Garden Island,” Kauai offers visitors and residents alike a relaxing island-retreat setting bathed in the warm spirit of Aloha.
   Kauai is special. How else would you describe perhaps the most diverse and stunning 550 square miles on Earth? Kauai is rich in natural beauty, from graceful waterfalls to lush valleys, to miles and miles of unspoiled golden sand beaches. On the western side of Kauai, you'll see something that you wouldn't expect to find in a tropical island: the Waimea Canyon, nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain – a nickname that has stuck over the years. Along the northwest is the rugged Na Pali coastline, with 3,000-foot, waterfall-draped cliffs dropping straight down to the ocean.
   Kauai is the only place in Hawaii with a navigable river. Along the Wailua River, you'll see kayakers enjoying the scenery while staying fit and hula dancers entertaining tourists aboard flat-bottom riverboats headed for the famed Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock formation shaped like an amphitheater. Trimmed with hundreds of delicate rain forest ferns, it's a popular spot for weddings.
   Spectacular beaches are found all along the island's coastline – in sunny Poipu to the south, scenic Hanalei Bay to the north and protected Lydgate State Park to the east, to name but a few. Every beach has its own personality. Northern Ke’e Beach is an artist's dream spot, with churning waves crashing against lava rocks. Also along the north lies serene Anini Beach, protected by a large, fringing reef. This is a great place to snorkel and explore tide pools. Gentle bluffs along the north shore offer prime whale-viewing spots. Along the southern portion of Kauai, you may spot sea turtles swimming 20 feet offshore and Hawaiian monk seals sunning themselves not far from human sunbathers!
   Hollywood has enjoyed a decades-long love affair with Kauai. The eastern Coconut Coast was the setting for the 1961 Elvis Presley movie "Blue Hawaii." The classic ""South Pacific (1958) was filmed in Kauai. Remember the scene where Mitzi Gaynor is “washing that man right out of her hair”? That was shot at Lumaha’i, a sparkling north shore beach. "Donovan’s Reef" (1963), starring John Wayne, was also filmed in Kauai. So were parts of "King Kong" (1976), with Jessica Lange; "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), with Harrison Ford; and director Steven Spielberg’s "Jurassic Park" movies, filmed from 1993 to 2001. Even the animated Disney film "Lilo & Stitch" (2002) was set in Kauai.

Communities

   One quality that sets Kauai apart from its sister islands is a desire by the island's community to preserve its natural and relaxed atmosphere. No structure can be built taller than a mature coconut tree – four stories is the limit. This applies to all of the towns and cities in Kauai’s four main sectors: north shore, east shore, south shore and west shore. Yes, all 60,000 of Kauai’s residents live along the beautiful shores. At the center of the island stands Mount Wai’ale’ale, with its summit reaching over 5,000 feet. Known as the rainiest spot on Earth, it's the source of Kauai’s Wailua River and countless streams and waterfalls. Much of the center of the island is lush rain forest, while the shore communities enjoy sunshine, gentle trade winds and ideal temperatures.
   The entire island is the county of Kauai. On the lush north, where it rains an average of 85 inches per year, you'll find several towns including Hanalei, Princeville and Kilauea. Hanalei is an eclectic community of hippies and celebrities, holistic practitioners, and surfers. Its beautiful crescent-shaped bay boasts gorgeous beaches, some great for boogie boarding. Surfers love it here. Hanalei Bay ranks sixth on Dr. Beach's 2004 list of best beaches in America. Princeville is a picturesque town offering world-class golfing, luxury homes and a must-see resort: the regal Princeville Hotel, with panoramic ocean views and its imperial lobby. Kilauea is a former plantation town and home to the Kilauea Lighthouse, perched on the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands.
   On the east shore, you'll find Kapa’a, Wailua and the county seat of Lihue. Average rainfall along this portion of the island is 48 inches a year. Kapa’a is a casual town with island-style shops and marketplaces. Wailua sits at the mouth of the river. It's a bustling, cheery community with tour boats and kayakers adding to the scenery. Here you'll find Lydgate State Park, which has a fabulous playground to stir kids’ imaginations and a protected beach teeming with tropical fish for both experienced and novice snorkelers to see. Centrally located Lihue has the main airport, county offices, the Kauai Museum and larger shopping centers complete with Borders Bookstore and Sears Roebuck.
   The southern shore is known as the “sunny side” of the island, with an average rainfall of 36 inches per year. Communities here include Poipu and Koloa. Poipu is famous for its sunny beaches. In 2001, Poipu Beach Park ranked No. 1 on Dr. Beach's list. This pleasant, tranquil resort community has lovely homes right on the shore and spectacular hotels, including the Hyatt Regency with its impressive collection of pools and waterfalls. Koloa is an old sugar plantation town with giant shade trees and plenty of charm.
   To the west, you'll find Waimea and Hanapepe. The western shore is the driest part of the island, with the average rainfall at about 19 inches per year. From this part of Kauai, you'll have great views of the neighboring island of Ni’ihau. The town of Waimea is the gateway to the spectacular canyon of the same name. Hanapepe is a former rice-growing center.

Attractions

   People find paradise in Kauai – quite simply, that's the main draw. The scenery is as breathtaking as it is diverse. The air is moist and fragrant with the aroma of flowers carried by gentle trade winds. Waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, fertile valleys, gorgeous beaches, lush rain forests, scenic canyons – there is so much to see and discover on this island that even folks who were born and raised here haven't seen it all. Kauai is not just “The Garden Island”; it's also the “Island of Discovery.” These are just some of the many attractions you'll find on beautiful Kauai.
   Beaches: The waters are every shade of blue imaginable! Kauai beaches offer something for everyone. Tide pools teeming with life delight nature lovers of all ages. In some beaches, snorkelers can simply walk in a few feet and stick their heads in the water to see an incredible assortment of colorful tropical fish. Some beaches offer waves for surfers and boogie boarders, while others provide calm waters for swimming or just relaxing. Kauai is home to many of the world's most beautiful beaches.
   Wildlife: Humpback whales enjoy the warm waters surrounding Kauai and can often be seen offshore along the north with the aid of binoculars. Dolphins and porpoises play near excursion boats along the spectacular northwestern Na Pali Coast. Sea turtles are frequently spotted along the south, and swimmers often venture out to be near these gentle creatures. Bird watchers enjoy the variety found on Kauai.

Recreation and Leisure

   The choices are endless! They include swimming in the ocean, in swimming pools or in waterfall pools; surfing; beach combing; fishing and sailing; ocean kayaking, river kayaking and canoeing; snorkeling and scuba diving; hiking, camping and horseback riding; whale watching; jogging, running and cycling; tennis and golf; and wind surfing and water skiing. Helicopter tours are very popular, offering a closeup view of towering cliffs and high waterfalls. Team sports are offered through schools and clubs. If you're looking for a slower pace, spas are available to pamper you. Or simply find a hammock to relax in while you read a book or just daydream.
   Waimea Canyon: An incredible sight to behold, Waimea Canyon stretches across 10 miles. It's two miles wide and half a mile deep. Temperatures are a little cooler up here. If you look carefully, you'll see helicopters (which look like tiny bugs) exploring this vast canyon.
   Kauai Museum: This island has a rich and colorful history. Islanders trace their ancestry to many parts of the world – Polynesia, Japan, China and Portugal, to name a few. Plantation life was prominent in Kauai’s not too distant past. Learn more about Kauai’s people and past at this insightful museum in Lihue.
   Spouting Horn: One of Kauai’s many natural wonders, the Spouting Horn in the south is a blowhole created by ocean waves forced through an opening on a lava shelf. Water shoots high into the air. This is also a great place to take beautiful sunset pictures and spot sea turtles swimming offshore.
   Limahuli Garden: Part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Limahuli features native Hawaiian plants as well as plants introduced by settlers from different parts of the world. The most spectacular part of the garden is the ancient terrace system, used to grow taro and other staples, made by early Hawaiians some 1,000 years ago.

Dining

   Seafood here is fresh and varied, as you would expect. Local favorites include ahi (tuna), mahi mahi and ono. These are sometimes prepared with fruit relishes and coconut sauces. If you go to a luau, be sure to try kahlua pig (which is very good), Hawaiian sweet potatoes (which are purple and not quite as sweet as the orange variety, but still quite tasty) and haupia (a wonderfully delicious coconut milk pudding).
   With your breakfast, enjoy a glass of passion fruit or guava juice, and a cup of Kona coffee. Hawaiian sweet rolls are delicious – kids especially love them! Try mangos, papayas and macadamia nuts for a taste of Kauai. And for a refreshing treat, have some shaved ice. It's a Hawaiian-style snow cone.
   If you're hungry for a burger or pizza, you're in luck. Restaurants like Bubba’s Burgers, Zelo’s Beach House and Brick Oven Pizza will satisfy your craving. Other casual eateries serve everything from pancakes to sandwiches to tacos. Upscale, romantic restaurants abound, many serving steak and seafood, including lobster.

The Arts

   The artistic community is alive and well in Kauai. Artists working in every medium are inspired by the scenic wonders found everywhere on this magical island. Fine-art collectors will enjoy visiting the many galleries located throughout Kauai. Theatrical productions are presented by several groups, including the Kauai Community Players and the Kauai International Theatre.
   Kauai’s residents are proud of their island's heritage. To celebrate, they hold events and festivals every year. The Waimea Town Celebration is held each February. The Prince Kuhio Festival is celebrated every March in Poipu. The Kauai Museum in Lihue offers an annual May Day Lei-Making Contest and Celebration.

Housing

   Home prices vary widely from one part of the island to another. The most luxurious homes are generally found in Princeville and Poipu. Lovely, affordable starter homes can be found in Kapa’a and Lihue. Many properties offer spectacular ocean views and/or mountain views. Some include acreage. Investors buy condos to rent out to vacationers. Overall, prices have appreciated very well within the last five years.

Employment

   As you can imagine, tourism employs many. Resorts need cooks, wait staff and groundskeepers. Tour outfitters need crew, guides and instructors. Luaus, like the ones at Smith's Tropical Paradise and the Princeville Hotel, need hula dancers and musicians. Some of these are part-time positions, so many locals find themselves working two or even three different jobs.
   But tourism isn't the only industry on the island. Two of Kauai’s largest employers are the Wilcox Health Facility and the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Retail, agriculture and education also employ many. In addition, entrepreneurs enjoy applying their skills to open specialty shops and unique businesses on the island.

Education

   There are more than a dozen public elementary and middle schools in Kauai, as well as several charter and private schools. Public high schools are located in Lihue, Kapa’a and Waimea. Kauai Community College is located in Puhi, just to the south of Lihue.

Maps of Kauai

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