So what's so great about Kauai?

Kauai is Hawaii's oldest and westernmost island and could very well be the embodiment of paradise. From breathtaking golden beaches and magnificent cliffs, to constant rainbows and thriving rainforests, this "Garden Isle" is unadulterated bliss. The island's pervasive beauty has been celebrated by everyone from Mark Twain, who dubbed Waimea Canyon "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," to the filmmakers who have set their movies against the scalloped cliffs and valleys of the Na Pali Coast for South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, and Jurassic Park, among many, many others.

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A drive around the island only takes 2 hours, so you can see everyone with ease from behind the wheel, or leave the car behind and take a boat trip down the Wailua, Hawaii's only navigable river, to the natural amphitheater at Fern Grotto. The endless famous beaches and fabulous resorts combine golfing, horseback riding, fishing, and hiking galore to make a trip to Kauai unforgettable.

Approximate Air Travel Time

• New York City: 11.5 hrs
• Miami: 11.5 hrs
• Philadelphia: 11.5 hrs
• Boston: 12 hrs
• Los Angeles: 5.75 hrs
• Chicago: 9 hrs
• Dallas-Fort Worth: 8.25 hrs
• San Francisco: 5.75 hrs

Areas Within Hawaii

Poipu

The white-sand beaches, endless sunshine, and aromatic flowers on the South Shore of Kauai make Poipu irresistible. This series of scalloped beaches is home to some the island's best resorts, and visitors will find plenty to do on land with golf, tennis, and wonderful restaurants, and in the water with swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. This region also features a 186-acre tropical botanical garden and plantation towns where residents still plant and harvest sugarcane.

Princeville

Peaceful and serene are the best words to describe Kauai's North Shore. The tropic beauty of this area is perfect for those seeking secluded beaches and authentic Hawaiian culture. Long, sandy shores isolated beneath towering cliffs are complemented by a plenitude of waterfalls and rainbows. Nature provides the ideal conditions for hiking, swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the area's resorts provide world-class tennis and golf.

The Coconut Coast

Hawaii's royalty chose this East Shore spot for themselves because of its exquisite beaches, soothing river, and ideal weather. Named for its hundreds of coconut trees, this area now provides great restaurants and the island's biggest shopping area. But the natural beauty still remains, especially at the Fern Grotto, a beautiful fern-lined cave and cliffs, and the twin Wailua Falls.

Lihue

This town on the island's southeast coast still resembles the plantation it once was. Once populated by sugar planters and cane cutters, Lihue is now the county seat and home to the island's main airport. A natural history museum, beautiful Kalapaki Beach, and Nawiliwili Bay add to the charm.

Na Pali Coast

Since no paved roads enter Na Pali (which means "the cliffs"), it has remained virtually untouched by time. Most people view this northwest coastline from a boat or helicopter, though some choose to brave the various hiking trails. Whatever you choose, you'll be overwhelmed by this dazzling stretch of lush valleys, pristine beaches, and jagged cliffs.

The Waimea Canyon

This "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" was gradually carved into the western third of Kauai by the Waimea River. While most of the island is blanketed in lush greenery, Waimea's pale pinks and greens create a desert sensation.

Topography

Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii's volcanic mountain range. Roughly circular in shape, it covers about 550 square miles in area and is 32 miles in diameter. In the center of the island, Mount Waiaieale towers more than 5,000 feet above sea level and receives more than 450 inches of rain per year, making the mountain the wettest spot on earth. The streams and rivers that carry the water down the mountains have made Kauai a land of broad plateaus, narrow valleys and ridges, high cliffs, and sandy beaches.

Climate of Kauai

Kauai's climate is tropical, but the conditions vary. Temperatures on the island's mountain and highland regions are cooler than at sea level, dropping about 3.5°for every thousand feet above sea level. Rainfall on the island varies by location and season. The southwest coast is generally drier than the northern and eastern areas. Most of the heavy rain falls in the higher elevations, above the resort areas, and during the night. Summer months are mostly sunny on all coasts, while winter brings periodic showers. But even during the wettest winter months, rain comes and goes quickly, and leaves behind fantastic rainbows.

Winter lows in the 60°s, highs in the 80°s, water temperature in the 70°s
Summer lows in the 70°s, highs in the 90°s, water temperature in the 80°s

Best Time to visit Kauai

High season runs from December to March, when snow is covering much of North America. Ironically, the best weather actually comes during the low seasons of spring and fall, when crowds are significantly smaller. An exception is the busy time from the last week in April to mid-May, with 3 successive Japanese holidays during which many Japanese travel to Hawaii.

What To Do & See on Kauai

Helicopter Tour

See amazing sights that even the most intrepid hiking trails can't reach. Fly from the Manawaipana Falls and the velvety folds of the Waimea Canyon to the wind-sculpted face of the Na Pali Coast and on to the "wettest spot on earth," Mount Waialeale, plus many other highlights along the way.

Na Pali Expedition

Cruise along the Na Pali coast for the best view of the island's marine wildlife, including dolphins, schools of flying fish, whales, and razorback turtles. You'll also visit sea caves and snorkel offshore, picnic in a rain forest, and venture into the ethereally beautiful Fern Grotto. Guides recount fascinating stories about the local legends behind the various sights.

Waimea Canyon

Take a guided drive through the island to Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Wailua, and the Fern Grotto. Four-wheel-drive vehicles take you off the beaten path into Kauai's magnificent wilderness. Have a waterside picnic lunch and enjoy your guide's tales of the Polynesian past and present-day Hawaii.

Plantation Backroads

Take an air-conditioned ride in a 4X4 to an area of incredible beauty along cane roads that have been off limits to all but the cane workers for years. Learn about the local history as you meander along scenic back roads all the way to Kilohana Crater. At the top, you get a 360° view that is unbeatable. Head on through old Koloa Town - Hawaii's first plantation settlement - past the old mill, and on to the rugged coastline of Maha'ulepu.

Hiking

This is the ultimate way to see the island's hidden beauty, since only about 10% of Kauai is accessible by paved roads. The 5-mile Kukui Trail, which drops 2,000 feet into the Waimea Canyon, is the shortest route to the canyon floor - where hikers are rewarded with a large swimming hole. The 4.2-mile Kuilau Ridge Trail offers romantic views of waterfalls and vibrant flowers. The Kalalau Trail offers spectacular views of Na Pali Coast and Kee Beach.

Scuba Diving

There are several excellent dive sites along the shore, and many scuba centers will take you out to dive in offshore waters. The warm, tropical waters are filled with lava ridges, pinnacles, archways, caves, and caverns formed by molten lava. There are also coral reefs, cowry shells, and some 680 species of tropical fish!

Golf

Courses are plentiful, both public and resort-owned, 9- and 18-hole. Inspiring views of seascapes and mountain ranges are a bonus to almost every hole.

Horseback Riding

Saddle up for a horseback ride and have one of the fantasy experiences of a lifetime. Few things are more exhilarating than riding a horse through rain forests and across a shore being pounded by the surf. The entire time, you'll be surrounded by stupendous scenery and lots of wildlife.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping, what Kauai lacks in alternatives it makes up for in character. There are a few major malls, but don't overlook the delightful mom-and-pop shops and family-run boutiques. The famous shell jewelry from nearby Niihau is often sold at the outdoor market, along with rare Hawaiian prints, patchwork quilts, cotton kimonos, and hand-etched scrimshaw.

Dining on Kauai

The food in Kauai is a potpourri of flavors from America, Hawaii, Japan, China, Portugal, Korea, Europe, and the Philippines. Most restaurants incorporate Hawaii's freshest vegetables, fruits, macadamia nuts, seafood, and meat to concoct dishes that are simply divine. Island chefs take pride in presentation, paying special attention to texture, color, sauces, and seasonings.

Nightlife on Kauai?... it depends on how you define nightlife

Though there are a few good bars and clubs, Kauai is fairly quiet after dark. Much of the post-sunset entertainment is designed around traditional Hawaiian activities like the luau shows.

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