Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is the northernmost and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. Kauai is called “The Garden Isle” for its lush, postcard-perfect tropical setting and natural botanical beauty. The island has been used as the backdrop for more than 70 Hollywood films and television shows, including Jurassic Park, Fantasy Island, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. With average annual temperatures ranging between 75°-80°F, it is no wonder this is such an attractive vacation destination. World-class resorts, fine dining, white sand beaches, waterfalls, spectacular mountain vistas, and abundant leisure activities make this a true vacationers’ paradise. Over 1 million visitors per year come to experience the beauty of Kauai.
Kauai is located a little over 100 miles north of Oahu (Honolulu), just a short 20-minute flight. Direct flights from the US mainland are available from major US airports. Kauai’s main airport is located in Lihu’e along Kauai’s east coast. The island is around 550 square miles in size but only 25 miles by 33 miles across. Only around 60,000 people live on the island. The largest cities are Kapa’a and Lihu’e, which are both located on the eastern coast. Over 95% of the island remains undeveloped, and much less than 10% is accessible by car. There is one main coastal highway that doesn’t circle the entire island. Much of the interior and northwest coast can only be seen by experienced hikers, by boat, or by helicopter. There are a multitude of hiking trails, making Kauai a hiking paradise. Although less than 10% of Kauai is accessible by car, you will surely want to rent a car at the airport. The island has three main resort areas. To the north, you’ll find Princeville; to the east is Wailua, Lihue, and the Coconut Coast; and along the southern coast, you’ll find Po’ipu.
Starting with the northern coast, the resort area of Princeville began as a coffee plantation in the late 1800’s. Today, Princeville is the largest planned development in Kauai. Many tourists choose to stay in Princeville because of its top resorts, beaches, golf, restaurants, and beautiful north shore location. Just west of Princeville on Route 560, the peaceful town of Hanalei and Hanalei Bay is a popular stop for tourists, honeymooners, and beachgoers. The wide 2-mile-long crescent-shaped beach attracts visitors for its calmer summer waters, good surfing in the winter, and views of the waterfalls running down the emerald green mountains in the background. You’ll also find working taro farms near Hanalei. Nearby Lumahai Beach is a popular spot as it was featured in the movie South Pacific. You will also find a bit of nightlife in Hanalei, which can be scarce on the island.
Continuing west along the ocean vistas of Route 560, you’ll discover 13 historic bridges as you drive the narrow road along the coast through the small fishing village of Haena. This popular stretch of Route 560 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The road ends at Haena State Park, where you’ll find the impressive Limahuli Gardens and the Wet Caves at Ke’e Beach. Ke’a Beach is a popular snorkeling spot. The Kalalau Trail along the Napali coast up to the world-famous Waimea Canyon begins here at Haena State Park. At Haena Beach, you’ll also find the Maniniholo Dry Cave, which is about 300 yards deep.