Kauai- Land of Beginnings. Kauai is the least visited, but one of the most interesting and beautiful islands in all of the major Hawaiian islands. As home to “the wettest spot on earth”, the island is popularly called “The Garden Isle”. Kauai’s highest peak – Mount Wai’ale’ale- averages 485 inches of rain a year (that’s over 40 feet!!!). But another name, an older name in Polynesia, is “The Separate Kingdom”.
The island may have been the first of the Hawaiian Islands to be settled. It is believed that Marquesan seafarers discovered and populated the island sometime in the fourth or fifth century A.D. Kauai’s ancient history and its separation from the other major islands may be the reason for such designation. Due to the island’s remoteness, it was believed that the royal bloodline of Kauai’s monarchs was the purest.
Over time, the Tahitians migrated and overtook the Marquesan culture, giving way to the current Polynesian society of today’s Hawaii.
Captain James Cook was the first westerner to set foot in the Hawaiian Islands at Waimea on the southern coast of Kauai. In 1778, while sailing from Tahiti to North America, Cook “discovered” the island and the rest is history.
Today, you can visit Kauai for its natural beauty and be amazed by the wonders of the island. Most popular attractions are the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Hanalei Valley Lookout among many others.
Na Pali Coast (meaning “the cliffs”) is a rugged coastline on the northwest shore. Along the fifteen mile stretch, you will find that much is inaccessible to hiking. At points, these cliffs drop straight down thousands of feet into the crystal blue waters of the Pacific. The best way to experience this magnificent coastline is by boat. Cruise in style with Capt. Andy’s Sailing Adventuresonboard a sleek, luxurious 55’ sailing catamaran. The amazing Na Pali, Hawaiian history, gourmet food, and snorkeling are all part of your day. Capt. Andy’s motto? “Nobody has more fun!” Or go on an exciting adventure with Capt. Zodiac Raft Expeditions! Their swift and agile 24’ zodiacs are ideal for small groups. These rafts allow you to explore sea caves, feel the wind in your face, and rush under waterfalls that cascade down from the cliffs.
Dubbed by Mark Twain as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, a mile wide and about 3,600 feet deep. The red, green, blue, gray and purple hues of its gorge make Waimea Canyon a must-see attraction when visiting Kauai. As far as the eye can see, crags, buttes and gorges march into the distance under a dramatic banner of roses and lavenders. The canyon was carved thousands of years ago by numerous floods and rivers flowing down from the summit of Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, renowned as one of the wettest spots on Earth (it receives an average of 485 inches of rain each year). View the canyon from several lookouts along Waimea Canyon Drive.
The road winds into the mountains and ends in the cool forests of Koke‘e State Park. Here you’ll find hiking trails suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. The trails take visitors along the rim and down into the canyon. Be advised, the loss of elevation is about 2,000 feet in two and a half miles, so if you walk down, you’ll also have to walk up! If you prefer a bird’s-eye view, take the helicopter ride, it is well worth it!
Hanalei Valley Lookout offers one of the most famous views on Kauai . The valley is one mile wide and six miles long. Most of the taro (a root used to make poi) that is grown in Hawaii is grown here in the valley. On the valley floor is a one-way truss bridge built in 1912. The bridge was damaged by a tsunami in 1957, and subsequently reinforced. Hawaiian legend has it that the rainbow came to the islands from the bluffs just beyond the valley when a piece of brightly colored kapa cloth was thrown into a pool below Namolokama Falls, and its colors arched up in the mist.
Due to Kauai being the oldest of all the Hawaiian Islands , time and the forces of nature have effectively made the island the envy of all others for its miles of white sandy beaches. Nearly the island’s entire 110 mile coastline is beach. With an estimated 45 % of it being deserted, you will surely find your piece of private paradise!
For other recreation, you can snorkel in the clear warm waters of Kauai ’s lagoons and discover the coral reefs and multitudes of colorful fish. Or visit the seabird sanctuary to see the numerous species of rare birds that are only found on Kauai . Make sure to see the awe-inspiring National Tropical Botanical Gardens. For you golfers, three of the top ten golf courses in Hawaii call Kauai home.
Kauai offers such accommodations as the Hyatt Regency, Marriott Kauai Resort, Sheraton Kauai Resort, Hanalei Bay Resort, and the Best Western Plantation Hale among several others. Also plentiful are rental houses and condos or bed-and breakfasts.
Make sure that Kauai is on your list of islands to visit on your Hawaiian trip. You will be glad you did!

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