Overview of the island of Kauai
Kauai has just about everything you could ever ask for in a tropical vacation, and more than you could ever dream of! The jungle where they found King Kong, the beaches of South Pacific, home of the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, and the spot that Stitch fell to Earth (I know that one was animation, but is was still set in Kauai). Beside the movie locations, there are amazing real-life wonders of nature on Kauai that you will never find anywhere else.
Kauai’s North Shore has some of the most hard-core surfers in the world, and is well deserving of the fame it has received. The waves tower and then crash against the smooth sandy beaches with such intensity that one can’t help but be mesmerized watching. There are small, gentle coves and bays that are ideal for swimming, and Hanalei Bay is one of the most stunningly beautiful shorelines in the world. There are trails for hiking and biking that go through jungles and wind around cliffs, there is an underwater cave where you can actually scuba dive (there are above-ground caves to explore, too), and a wildlife refuge with a lighthouse.
On the West Side of Kauai you will find ancient sacred sites, a rain forest, and the kind of shocking beauty that you come to Hawaii to see (and a Russian fort smack dab in the middle. Now that’s diversity!). Poipu Beach on the south shore is great for swimming, and do not go to Kauai without checking out the lava tube at Spouting Horn! It’s truly amazing what nature can do! Kauai’s Coconut Coast offers trips up the Wailua River in a boat or kayak, an arboretum for a memorable picnic, and, like the West Side, has amazing history in the sacred sites that inspire awe in anyone who visits. Lihue has world-class golfing and scuba diving along with beautiful beaches for sunning and swimming. You can find a lot of videos online which will give you a real peak at the islnad. If you would like some videos of a fun resort outside of LA check out the videos of Silver Saddle Ranch. |
The food, aah, the food! There are so many amazing restaurants with mouth-watering cuisine that we recommend staying at least a year so that you can try each and every one (once you get to Kauai you will want to stay at least that long anyway). There is such great shopping in the shops and boutiques all across the island that you will need to buy an extra suitcase to take all of your new prizes home. But it’s the brilliant island tan that you will take home that will truly make your friends green with envy!
As you travel inland on the island you will find glorious tropical rain, while on the shore it is sunny, sunny, and sunny on Kauai with temperatures consistently lingering around the 70s. Anytime of the year is a great time to plan your getaway. And a getaway it is. A world away from reality, Kauai truly is the definition of paradise.
Come snorkel with the vibrantly colored fish in the Na Pali Coast reefs, tee off at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in Lihue and world-class championship golf courses in Princeville, surf the famous North Shore waves, or spend a lazy day lounging on the smooth, sandy beaches getting a tan. Luxurious hotels and beautiful campgrounds, wild experienced-only hiking trails and gentle scenic paths, island shopping and luau dining, whatever your fancy, Kauai has it all!
Take a helicopter ride over the island to see why Kauai has earned the nickname “the Garden Isle”. The lush vegetation and rare species of bright flowers that grow inland around Mt. Waialeale could only exist in one of the wettest places on earth – though don’t let that worry you, the sun is often shining out towards the shore. Kauai has sights that you will never find anywhere else in the world, and you will never forget your experiences here. That is, if you can bring yourself to leave!
However, should you have to leave, the author would like to suggest your next trip could be to one of his favorite islands, over in the Caribbean, Barbados. Seriously, check it out, Barbados is a beautiful island with loads to offer, it's easy to get around with a cheap rental car, and it is for most people a little bit shorter flight than coming to Kauai. |
