One of the ways to have an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation is to spend some time visiting the garden isle of Kauai. Not only does Hawaii have unforgettable and breath-taking scenery, but it is a state rich in tradition and culture. Although not the biggest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai not only has wonderful beaches but also an excellent array of interesting things to see and do while visiting there.  

It is thought that the name Kauai probably originated from Hawai’iloa, the Polynesian explorer who is known to have discovered Hawaii.  Hawaiian legend says that Hawai’iloa was said to have a favorite son after whom he named the island. Some say the name came from  “place around the neck”  which refers to how a father might hug or hold his favorite child. Others say that the name “Kauai” translates to “food season” indicating the bountiful vegetation  on the island. Still others say that the name has no historical significance at all. In any case, the island is often a “favorite” of many who find the island’s boundless beauty captivating.  In modern times, the island is often simply referred to as  “the Garden Isle” as a result of it’s extensive blooming flora and fauna, great weather and captivating volcanoes.

Kauai or Kaua’i is the oldest and fourth largest main island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is the 21st largest island in America and resembles the shape of an almost perfect circle which covers an area of 552 square miles. The island of Kauai lies 105 miles across the Kaua’i Channel, just northwest of the island of O’ahu, Kauai has a population of approximately 60,000 full-time inhabitants and many more residents who own condos and visit from the mainland.

The island is of volcanic origin with Kawaikini the highest peak standing at 5,243 feet. Mount Wai’ale’ale lies at the center of Kauai and stands at  5,148 feet. The island of Kauai contains one of the wettest places on earth near Mount Wai’ale’ale with annual rainfall of over 460 inches per year.

You will most likely begin your trip to Kauai by arriving by plane into Lihu’e Airport  from its nearby neighbor O’ahu.  Lihu’e boasts a population of 5,000 residents and serves as the county seat. Towns and small cities dot the island but the majority of the distinctive ones are located from the northern tip of Hawaii Route 560 to the western end of Hawaii Route 50. The town of Kapa’a has a population of 10,000 and lies 6 miles to the north and is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Some of the other popular places include Wailua, Princeville, Hanalei, Hanapepe, Kilauea, Lawa’i and Anahola. Kauai’s location provides warm waters from the Pacific Ocean as well as great temperature any time of the year. About half of the shoreline of the island is easily accessible beach which makes the island a favorite for water sports of all kinds.

Kauai has interesting flora and fauna such as bamboo, orchid, hibiscus, sandalwood, eucalyptus, java plum, kiawe, iwi, and nene goose which can be seen roaming the tropical underbrush. Near the sea, you can find sea turtles, colored tropical fish in every hue and dolphins. Whales are also visible in abundance during the winter months when they migrate to birth their caves in the warm waters of the Hawaiian isles. It is easy to book one of the local tours to take in the sights and sounds of either tropical wildlife or ocean delights.

Hiking is another great Kauai vacation activity because of its mountainous regions  that abound on the island. One particularly gorgeous place for hiking is the Waimea Canyon often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” With deep ravines and breath-taking waterfalls, the canyon offers not only beauty but a chance to explore mother nature at her best.  Another popular hiking site is the Napali Coast featuring captivating coastline views, free-flowing waterfalls, secret sea caves and tall cliffs all of which can be easily explored with sturdy shoes and plentiful supplies of bottled water.

Because of Kauai’s gorgeous beauty and easy accessibility, the island has served as a movie set for well over 70 movies such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park to name just a few and television shows such as the hit series, Lost.  Kauai’s photogenic beauty, soft sands and warm winds lends a not soon to be forgotten vacation experience that you will long remember for years to come. Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore all of her exotic pleasures when you visit Kauai.