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!
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