Kauai - The Island of Discovery
Fast Facts
Size: 552 square miles, 4th largest of the islands
Coastline: 90 miles
Distance from Oahu: 95 miles
Highest Elevation: 5,243 feet (Kawaikini)
Population: 63,000
Number of Golf Courses: 9
Main towns & resorts: Lihue, Wailua, Kapa´a, Princeville
Island colour: Purple
Nickname: The Garden Isle
It is said you don't just go to Kauai - you get into it! It is probably the most exclusive but the least developed of the four major islands.
Most of Kauai's interior is mountainous forest, giving it a lush, rural feel and a laid-back lifestyle all its own. This is the place to be to pamper yourself and get away from it all, to experience the true beauty of nature and to enjoy the finest cuisine.
Kauai is Hawaii's oldest island (up to 5.6 million years) and has been around millions of years longer than its sister islands. Time and the elements have created Hawaii's only navigable river, carved the deep Waimea Canyon> and nurtured an amazing feast of flora and fauna. It is also where you will find the island's central dormant volcanic peak, Mount Waialeale, the wettest place on earth. But don't let that put you off as the island is dry and sunny on its southern and western sides which is where you will find most of the hotels and resorts. These range from the very select to the more casual, thereby catering for all preferences.
Nothing prepares you for some of Kauai's natural wonders such as Wailua Falls and the 17-mile stretch of beaches on the west side of the island. A trip around the island reveals green, tropical forests, cascading waterfalls and golden sand beaches and you can opt to self-drive or join one of the many organised tours by land or air. Kauai is well geared for hikers and walkers, with trails into some incredible places. Many of Kauai's beaches are not recommended for swimming but we choose hotels with good pools. If you do plan to swim in the sea, please check locally for safe conditions.
The landscapes of Kaua'i have served as locations for more than 60 movies and television shows over the years.
Kauai's Highlights:
Napali Coast - one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Take a boat or helicopter to witness its 15 miles of vertical green cliffs falling 2,000 feet into the blue ocean below.
Waimea Canyon - the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" can be viewed from several lookouts within the Koke'e State Park. It is hard to believe that a small island could hide such an immense canyon. It is truly a vast, and beautiful, sight to behold.
Wailua Falls - usually seen as two separate falls, when it rains they transform into one. Rainbows often appear in the morning when sunlight turns the 80 foot waterfall silver.
Rent a kayak and paddle along Huleia stream (where Indiana Jones escaped headhunters in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark) or along the Wailua, Hanalei or Kalihiwai Rivers. For a wilder ride, ocean kayaking along the Napali Coast was deemed the second best adventure in the country by National Geographic Adventure.
Fern Grotto - a natural fern-filled amphitheatre on the Wailua River. Stunning - there's no other word for it!
Spouting Horn - this lava tube forces spumes of salty surf as high as 50 feet in the air. This natural wonder is a photographer's dream, especially at high tide and sunset.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge - an historic lighthouse marks a visitor centre in the 200-acre refuge, protecting such seabirds as the red-footed booby, the Laysan albatross and the Nene Goose, Hawaii's State bird. A lookout offers excellent views of the area.
Click here for information on accommodation in Kauai.
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Hawaii Island Information
There are approximately 1,200 Hawaiian Monk Seals left in the wild with less than 30 living around the waters and beaches of Kauai. They are a protected species, so if you see one sunning itself on the beach stay at least 100 feet away.
Great Value Hawaii in 2010!If we find cheaper prices on your travel dates we'll pass the savings on to you!
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