Kauai, Hawaii

The Pacific Ocean at Kauai
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kauai.jpg
Author: Thomas E. Martin, Jr.
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Kauai is the fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Located on the western part of the archipelago, it covers 562.3 sq mi (1,430.4 sq km) and has a population of 65,700 people (2011 estimate). The island is in the Hawaiian/Aleutian Time Zone, which is UTC-10 with no daylight saving time.

The island of Kauai is within Kauai County, which also includes the islands of Kaula, Lehua and Niihau. The county seat is Lihu'e. It is the second most populous town on the island after Kapa'a. Being the farthest west of the main islands, Kauai developed its own distinct dialect of the Hawaiian language. Unfortunately the dialect is today extinct. If pronounced in the local dialect, the name Kauai will sound more like Tauai.

Kauai coast, Hawaii
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coast_of_Kauai,_Hawaii.jpg
Author: Paul Bica
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As with the other islands of the archipelago, Kauai is volcanic. It is also the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, being formed some six million years ago. The highest peak on Kauai is the 5,243-ft (1,598 m) Kawaikini.

Kauai is home to one of the wettest places on earth, the eastern side of Mount Wai'ale'ale, which receives an average annual rainfall of 460 in (12,000 mm). The heavy rain has carved deep valley in the mountains, and also created many scenic waterfalls. On the west coast of Kauai is the Waimea Canyon, one of the most scenic canyons in the world.

Unsurprisingly, the economy of Kauai is today dependent on tourism, with most of the visitors coming from mainland United States (84% of all arrivals) and Japan (3%). The hotel and food services industries are the biggest employer followed by government and retail. Kauai traditionally depended on sugar plantations, but today most of these plantations have closed.

Koloa Sugar Mill, the first commercially successful sugar plantation and mill in Hawaii
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Koloa_sugar_maill.jpg
Author: Jhofman
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Visiting Kauai

Most visitors arrive from Honolulu by flight to Lihue Airport (LIH). There are also some non-stop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Seattle/Tacoma.

Cities on Kauai

Kapa'a
Biggest town in Kauai. Located on the Coconut Coast where there are moderately priced motels.
Lihu'e
The civic and commercial center nof Kauai, and home to Kukui Grove Center, its largest shopping mall.
Po'ipu
Town in southern Kauai with some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Allerton and McBryde Gardens are located here.
Princeville
Resort community on the north shore.
Waimea
Gateway to the Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Na_Pali_Coast_profile_Kauai.jpg
Author: Dcrjsr
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Places of Interest in Kauai

Allerton Garden
One of the three National Tropical Botanical Gardens of Kauai, formerly owned by Hawaiian royalty.
Haena
Gateway to the Na Pali Coast. The Limahuli Valley, a botanical garden, is located here.
Hanalei
Small beach town on the north shore famous for white-sand Hanalei Bay, a popular surfing destination.
Kauai Museum
Museum in Lihu'e documenting the history, geography and people of the island.
Kilauea Point Lighthouse
Landmark lighthouse that used to guide ships passing the island.
Limahuli Valley
One of the three National Tropical Botanical Gardens of Kauai, located in a spectacular spired valley.
Lydgate State Park
Park with recreational activities for kids and grown-ups.
McBryde Garden
One of the three National Tropical Botanical Gardens of Kauai, contains the largest collection of Hawaiian plants.
Opaekaa Falls
Waterfall along Route 580.
Waimea Canyon
Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this is a tropical canyon with a depth of over three thousand feet. Koke'e State Park is located above the canyon.

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