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Aloha and welcome to the beautiful island of Kauai.
Nicknamed “The Garden Isle,” Kauai is considered by many to have the
lushest greenery and most distinctive natural beauty. The outdoor activities
here are incomparable. Kayak the Na Pali Coast below majestic volcanic
cliffs, travel through state parks on horseback, or view Kauai’s stunning
landscape by helicopter. Whichever way you choose to tour Kauai, you’re
in for exhilarating views and unique native plant and bird sightings.
Kauai is a curious mix of ranchlands, sugarcane fields, rainforests,
pristine beaches and sea cliffs. The oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands,
Kauai’s 553 square miles exude a distinct timelessness not present on
the neighboring islands.
Geography and Climate
As the fourth largest Hawaiian island, Kauai’s climate is semitropical.
Kauai is home to several different micro-climates thanks to the varying
landscape and elevation differences. From sand dunes to bare desert
plateaus, fertile river valleys, foothills, tropical rainforests and
awe-inspiring mountain tops, Kauai is an exceptional geographical subject.
Temperatures range from the lower 60s to the upper 80s (15.5-26.6 C)
depending on elevation and season. Adventurers can explore any one of
eight state parks, or picnic in one of the 67 county parks. Mountain
lovers can hike up to the island’s highest spot, Kawaikini Peak at an
elevation of 5,243 feet (1,598 m), or the slightly shorter Mt. Waialeale
at 5,052 feet (1,540 m).
A resident population of just over 58,000 leaves plenty of room to lose
yourself in this uncrowded paradise.
Beaches
Visitors can play on Kauai’s 69 spectacular sandy beaches scattered
along the island’s 113 miles of shoreline. That’s more beach per coastline
mile than any other Hawaiian Island! The majority of beaches here are
pristine white-sand beaches, and each offers unique views and activities.
If you love to swim, visit one of the many south shore beaches. For
scuba and snorkeling, visitors will find breathtaking spots on Kauai’s
east side. Tunnels Beach, Lumahai Beach, Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay
Beach are some of the most popular and most scenic spots.
Golf
Golfers rejoice! Kauai is a prized golfing destination, home to five
top-rated golf courses. Challenging obstacles and uniquely shaped terrain
are enhanced by magnificent backdrops that surround each hole. Reserve
your spot at one of these popular golfing destinations: Kiahuna Golf
Club, Poipu Bay Golf Course, Princeville Golf Club, Puakea Golf Course
or Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.
Spouting Horn
This natural delight on Kauai’s south shore consists of a lava formation
that spouts out a towering geyser of water every time the water swells
in during high tide. Water spout heights can reach up to 60 feet (18
m)!
Waimea Canyon
At the famous Na Pali Coast of West Kauai, visitors will find Waimea
Canyon, also known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” a definite
must-see for Kauai visitors. Waimea Canyon is 10 miles (16 km) long,
2 miles (3.2 km) wide and a whopping 3,600 feet (1,097 m) deep.
Waialeale Crater (West Kauai)
Although rainfall is minimal at about 34 inches (86 cm) per year in
Poipu, Mt. Waialeale Crater is the wettest spot in the world with an
average of 460 inches (1,168 cm) of rain per year. Hike around the crater
or take a helicopter tour for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the
resulting waterfalls.
Alakai Wilderness Preserve
Kauai’s Alakai Wilderness Preserve is 939 acres of pure country, including
the 10-mile (16 km) Alakai Swamp and many rare plant and animal species.
Botanical Gardens
Kauai is home to the picturesque Lawai
Garden, the only tropical botanical garden chartered by the U.S. Congress.
Here you can view a unique and extensive collection of tropical plant
life from Hawaii and around the world.
Allerton Garden, adjacent
to Lawai Garden, offers 100 acres of brilliant flowers and diverse trees.
Stop by Kauai’s north shore prize, the 17-acre
Limahuli Garden, a garden noted for its incorporated
historical and archaeological sites.
What makes Kauai unique?
Vacationers who choose Hawaii don’t take long to settle
on Kauai, the “must-see” island in the chain. Remember the gorgeous
scenery in the movies South Pacific, Fantasy Island and Blue
Hawaii? There is a reason Kauai is the location of choice for Hollywood
directors, honeymooners and visitors of all ages. Kauai is small enough
to get that quaint island feel, yet so diverse in activities, landscape
and geography that one would need to return several times to see and
do everything here.
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