Hawaii: Kauai

Kauai (kuh why ee) is the oldest and northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its natural beauty. The Garden Island is smaller, less populated, more rural, and more laid back than the other main islands.

Kauai Fun Facts:

No building is allowed to be taller than a coconut tree, to stop over-development.
Kauai has been used as a filming site in South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Blue Hawaii, and the pilot episode of Gilligan’s Island.
It was here that Captain James Cook made his first landfall in what he later named the Sandwich Islands.
Kauai was previously known for its sugar and pineapple industries. Currently, tourism accounts for one-third of the island’s income.

Kauai’s Landscape

Kauai is circular in shape with mountains in the center and beaches covering almost half its shoreline. Mount Waialeale (wai uh lay uh lay which means “rippling water”), a dormant shield volcano at 5,148-feet in the island’s uninhabited center, is one of the wettest places on earth. Surrounding Waialeale is the Alakai Wilderness Preserve (also known as the Alakai Swamp), home to rare plants, birds, and other animals.

Kauai’s most striking geographic feature is on the northwest, the Napali Coast. The towering cliffs are intersected by green valleys, lofty waterfalls, and hidden sea caves were formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion.

Kauai by Air

The Lihue Airport (LIH) is on the island’s southeast coast. Flight time to Lihue from Honolulu is approximately thirty minutes.

Pro Tip flying into Lihue: For the best incoming view, pick a window seat on the left side of the aircraft. More often than not the plane lands to the north thanks to the trade winds. From that angle, passengers get a dramatic cliff view off the left side during the final approach.

Helicopter operators use the small Port Allen Airport (PAK) on Kauai’s west coast for island tours as well as the departure point for flightseeing to nearby Niihau.

Kauai on Land

The airport has rental car, taxi, shuttle, courtesy bus, and island bus services. Rental car companies have booths across the street from the terminal. The best way to see the island is by car, and it is the only way to get to some remote and scenic sites.

Pro Tip: Rental Car companies often have restrictions on where the cars can be driven. Be sure to check the rules before leaving the counter!

Highways

Kauai has two highways, both starting in Lihue. It is not possible to circumnavigate Kauai by car because of the impassable Napali Coast. Kaumualii Highway (state route 50) heads west from Lihue to a point north of the entrance of the Pacific Missile Range Facility. It ends at the western side of Napali. Kuhio Highway (state route 56) heads north from Lihue, along the east coast through Kapaa, Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei, and ends at the eastern side of Napali.

Kauai by Sea

Nawiliwili is a deep-water port on Kauai’s southeast coast. Cruise lines use the harbor as their port-of-call. Ships can dock after entering through a narrow passage, but due to high winds, a large swell, or if the ship is too big, the vessel may not be able to enter the harbor and passengers must be tendered in to shore. Niumalu Beach is to the west of the harbor; Kalapaki Beach is to the east, in front of the Kauai Marriott.

Accommodations on Kauai

Chains such as Hyatt, Sheraton, Marriott, and Westin have large, upscale properties. The massive Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa is among the most luxurious on the island. Condominiums and B&Bs are available.

Amenities

PGA rated golf course
- Princeville
- Makai Course
Tennis (most resorts have courts)
Helicopter tours
Zip line courses:
- Princeville Ranch Adventures (north shore)
- Kauai Backcountry Adventures and Just Live (Lihue)
- Outfitters Kauai (south shore)
Water Sports – Scuba diving, fishing, snorkel cruises, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, and paddling
Children’s Programs
Biking
Hiking
Horseback Riding: waterfalls, canyons, or beaches
Sea & River Kayaking
Camping

Pro Tip: Talk to me about the activities and sightseeing you want to do. With the wide variety of climate and rainfall on Kauai, I will help you choose a location best suited to your planned vacation!