Kauai, Hawaii
Princeville - Lihue - Poipu
Kauai is one of the most amazing places in the entire world. Known as the “Garden Isle” for its spectacular flowers, trees and lush environment, Kauai has been the location of such films as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park. The Na Pali coast on the North Shore of Kauai has perhaps the most stunning physical geography of any location in the world.
At approximately six million years old, Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands. In the center of the island is Mt. Wai’ale’ale, which is one of the wettest spots on earth with an annual average rainfall of 460 inches or 1170 cm. This high annual rainfall is what has created the spectacular deep valleys, canyons and scenic waterfalls Kauai is known for. On the west side of the island is Waimea Canyon or sometimes referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. The Na Pali Coast wraps around the northwestern portion of the island and has some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world. Read more.
Tourism is Kauai’s number one economic source and most of the jobs on the island are in the accommodation and food services. Helicopter tours can give visitors a bird’s eye view of the interior of the island, which is inaccessible by car. The resort areas of Princeville on the North Shore and Poipu on the South Shore allow visitors to experience wonderful activities offered around the island. .
Surfers traveling to Kauai will be in for a real treat with the vast array of choices for all skill levels. Spots like Poipu Beach on the South Shore are best in the summer months and Tunnels and Hanalei Bay on the North Shore in the winter months give local and traveling surfers many options year round. The local surfers on Kauai like to keep their spots undercover so showing up with cameras and a car full of friends is probably not the best way to make friends. But just like anywhere in the world, if you show respect to the local surfers you will get plenty of waves in return. Kauai is truly one place every visitor to Hawaii must see to appreciate. See less.