Kauai -- Island Overview

Kauai is often called the "Garden Isle" -- a name that is well deserved, given the luxuriant greenery and fragrant flowers you find everywhere you go. It is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, and, we believe, the most beautiful.

Apparently, Hollywood agrees with our assessment of Kauai's natural wonders, having chosen Kauai as the setting for dozens of films. Some of the most memorable pictures shot here include Jurassic Park, which was filmed in the rain forest of Mt. Waialeale (which, with its 400 inches of rain each year, wins the prize for the "wettest spot on the earth") and South Pacific, which featured the ivory sand and dramatic mountain views of Lumahai Beach. Kauai is also the home of the Wailua Falls, easily recognizable from the opening scenes of the 1970s TV series Fantasy Island.

Touring The Island
One of the best ways to see Kauai's beauty is to take a helicopter ride around the island. In fact, a helicopter ride is the best way to see the rugged, cathedral-like spires of the mountains that line the Na Pali coastline, since this area is not accessible by car, and the view from the water does not do justice to the grandeur of these peaks and valleys.

There are other parts of the island that are best viewed on foot. For example, Kokee State Park offers miles of hiking trails with panoramic views. One of our favorites is the Awaawapuhi Trail, which can be a bit strenuous in places for the casual hiker, but rewards your efforts with a spectacular ocean overlook. You may also want to consider hiking in Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

Other Attractions
If you prefer golf to hiking, you won't be disappointed on Kauai. From the famed (but pricey) Princeville Resort to the Wailua Municipal Course (featuring 18 holes for $18), Kauai offers the golfer well-laid out courses with breathtaking ocean views.

In addition to offering natural beauty and a plethora of outdoor activities, Kauai was home to the Menehune, a legendary race of tiny, but industrious people. The Menehune are said to have predated the Polynesians on Kauai. Their legacy is a host of interesting stone works, including the Maniniholo Dry Cave. Despite years of study, no one has been able to explain how else these structures might have come to exist, had the Menehune not built them.

Where to Stay
So there you have it, from movie fans, to nature lovers, to connoisseurs of ancient lore, Kauai has something for everyone. So where should you stay to enjoy all these delights? We recommend choosing a hotel on the eastern coast of the island, away from the rainy area of Mt. Waialeale. The southeastern region around Poipu, the Wailua area, and the northeastern towns around Princeville are your best bets.

Plan Your Trip
Convinced that the island of Kauai is the place for you? Visit our list of articles about Kauai for all kinds of tips about what to see and what to do. And don't forget to use our convenient travel services for saving money on your hotel reservations, rental car reservations, and airline reservations!

BOOK AN ACTIVITY
Make the most of your time in the islands by booking your vacation activities now! Click here to get tickets to tours, attractions and hundreds of other Hawaii activities. Or check out this collection of once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences, including skydiving, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning and much more.

QUICK CLICKS
Cheap Tickets has some of the greatest travel deals on the web. Just click. You're there.
Hotwire Hot-Fares are airfare deals you won't find anywhere else - up to 50% off.
Luggage Online carries top brands in luggage, briefcases and travel accessories at great prices.

Site Directory: