Kauai

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Kauai is the northwestern most of Hawaii‘s major islands. Nicknamed the Garden Island, it is covered with lush greenery and tropical plants, watered regularly by abundant rainfall. As the oldest of the islands, it has been changed the most by the forces of erosion, and this has resulted in natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. As a consequence of its age, Kauai also has more miles of sandy coastline than the other Hawaiian islands.

Cities

  • Kapa`a, on the east side, about a 20 minute drive north of Lihu`e, is the largest population center on the island.
  • Lihu`e, on the island’s southeast side, is the civic and commercial center of the island
  • Po`ipu, on the south side, branded “the sunny side of paradise”, is the major visitor destination for the island.
  • Princeville is a planned resort community on the north shore, consisting of homes, condo developments, the St. Regis hotel, and 2 golf courses.
  • Waimea, on the west side, is a small town with a flavor of old Kaua`i.

Tourist Information

In many ways, Kauai is different from the rest of the islands. It’s almost as if you’ve stepped into a separate kingdom, and for many years Kauai was just that in relation to Hawaii. Kamehameha I was able to conquer all the islands by force, except Kauai. Two separate campaigns to take the island ended in failure. In the end, it took diplomacy, a royal kidnapping, and an arranged marriage to bring Kauai into the kingdom of Hawaii.

Warning

This island can be quite hot in the summer!