Kauai is Hawaii’s oldest and northernmost island. Kauai has many names including ‘the Garden Isle,’ a reference to its lush vegetation and rainforest and ‘the separate kingdom’ because of the island’s resistance to the unification of the Hawaiian islands by King Kamehameha. Kauai was eventually was forced to amalgamate. The story goes that after the death of King Kamehameha, his son Liholiho took the throne. Liholiho lured King Kaumualii of Kauai to his ship, then kidnapped him, took him to Oahu and forced him to marry the widow of King Kamehameha which ultimately united the islands forever. When travelling to Kauai it is helpful to acquaint yourself with some of the popular areas or towns beforehand, especially if you plan on doing some exploring. Kapa’a is located on the Coconut Coast on the east side of the island. Kapa’a has the largest population on Kauai and you will find many affordable accommodations, strip malls and such. Lihu’e is located on the southeast side of the island and is the commercial and governmental centre of the island. This is where you will find the Kauai’s main airport, the Kauai Museum (well worth a visit), government offices and Kukui Grove Centre. Princeville is located on the north shore and is home to one of the island’s most illustrious resorts, golf courses, a number of condos, and great beaches. Po’ipu, on the south side is the major tourist centre with the majority of the islands hotels and resorts. Waimea is a small, traditional town on the west coast. It is often overlooked by visitors but if you want to experience the true spirit of Kauai, there is no better place than Waimea.

A vacation to Kauai would never be fully complete without discovering the splendor of the NaPali Coast. The NaPali Coast is Kauai’s most famous attraction and attracts hundreds of visitors a day to view the 4,000 foot towering cliffs, rich jungle landscape and intriguing sea caves. The NaPali Coast is now a state park covering more than 6,000 km of land completely isolated from the rest of the world. The best ways to witness the awesome wonder of the coast are by boat cruise, kayak or helicopter. Yes, helicopter rides can be expensive but are sure to be the experience of a lifetime. Another absolute must see is Waimea Canyon or as some call it, The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, known for its red coloured lava bed and consistently changing hues. Although it is much smaller than Arizona’s Grand Canyon, it is no less dramatic or memorable. The canyon is approximately 1 mile wide, 12 miles long and 3,567 feet deep. Hiking and helicopter rides are most popular here. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. It really would be a shame not to capture these moments forever. A word of advice: always observe NO TRESSPASSING signs. Don’t climb on sacred ruins or temples and never take rocks home as they belong to the volcano goddess and will bring bad luck.

Kauai’s beaches are stunning; the perfect place for rest, relaxation and a great tan. Some of the best ones are Kalapaki Beach (the absolute best), Poipu Beach Park, Hanalei Beach and Haena Beach. Kauai is also the perfect place for active tourists with more than its fair share of activities and exploration. Hike, cycle or horseback ride on miles of rainforest trails or majestic cliffs; swim, snorkel, dive, kayak or surf in the warm, azure waters that surround the island. Every day brings a new adventure in Kauai, the place to make vacation memories that will last a lifetime. Kauai enjoys summer like temperatures year round. During the summer, temperatures average 30˚C and during the winter months the average daily temperature is around 26˚C. Certain areas are prone to rain year round though and Kauai is home to the wettest place on earth, Mount Waialeale. The cloud forest at Kokee experiences a unique climate where days are generally cooler and wet with partial sun. So if you are planning on exploring be prepared for different weather and temperature conditions.