Kaua`i Hawaii, the "Garden Isle" --The name alone to those who know this small but memorable island conjures up images of majestic beauty, romance and sacred Hawaiian legends...

The eldest in the volcanic chain of Hawaii's visited islands, Kaua`i rose from the sea more than 5 million years ago.
Kaua`i's youngest volcanic rocks date back 520,000 years. 

Erosion, Mother Nature's sculpting tool, has created miles of steepled, verdant cliffs on the Na Pali Coast; and the rugged Southwestern-like Waimea Canyon, as well as more beaches per mile than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. 


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Kauai Island, Hawaii
Facts, Weather, Attractions and Eco Activities


Thanks to Kaua`i's endless summer climate and the waters of Mount Waialeale, the Garden Isle is perpetually in bloom. 

While Kaua`i is the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, don't be fooled. Kaua`i offers an exciting blend of fun activities and cultural exploration, along with some of the most incredible vistas found on Earth (such as the Na Pali and Kaua`i's miniature Grand Canyon, Waimea). 

If you have not yet experienced the delights of Kaua`i, or you would just like to get better acquainted, read on...

Kaua`i Facts 

















Kauai Weather

Kaua`i is home to one of the wettest spots on Earth. Mount Waialeale, rising up to 5,148 in the center of the island, experiences an annual average rainfall of 460 inches. As a result, Kaua`i has literally thousands of enchanting waterfalls.

Rainfall on Kaua`i as on the other islands, varies by region. However, thanks to Kaua`i's small size, you only need drive a few minutes to experience different weather!  Rainfall ranges from 20 to 30 annual inches on Kaua`i's leeward side
(west) to 60 to 90 inches on the windward north shore. 

The average temperature on Kaua`i of a perfect 75 degrees that changes very little from region to region (with the exception of the cooler, high elevations), season to season and night to day. 


Kaua`i Attractions

Napali Coast

The Na Pali Coast State Park, also called the Napali Coast,  tops the list of Kauai's scenic wonders. This is Hawaii's premier wilderness experience. The castle-like, verdant cliffs overlooking miles of amazing coastline can be explored by foot, sea or air.  
Read more about the Napali Coast and the various ways to experience its wonder and mystery.   .

Kauai Beaches

Kauai offers miles of soft sand beaches, from family beach parks to top
snorkeling and surfing spots. Unlike the other main islands, you can even find shells on Kauai beaches, as well as endangered Hawaiian monk seals. For my list of favorite Kauai beaches, a beach safety video and more, check out Coconut Roads' Best Kauai Beaches

Other main attractions of Kaua`i include: 










Kaua`i Activities

As if viewing Kauai's splendid attractions and hiking the Garden Isle's scenic trails wasn't enough, you'll find an abundance of additional activities on Kauai. And remember, on the Garden Isle it's summer year round, and you don't have to drive far to get anywhere.  

Snorkeling Kauai 

Snorkeling in the underwater gardens of the Garden Isle is an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed be people of all ages and swimming abilities. 
To see why, read my article and check out a Hawaiian Reef video Snorkeling Kauai

Scuba Diving Kauai

Kauai isn't as popular for diving as some of the other islands, but the island does offer pristine sites teeming with colorful marine life, as well as underwater caves. You can even take a scuba diving tours to Ni'ihau, the "Forbidden Isle" and view the majestic sea arches and endangered monk seals (please only view at a distance.). Kauai's best dive spots are in the calmer waters of the South shore where visibility averages 50 feet. 


Ocean Kayaking & Wailua River Kayaking 

Kauai is a sea kayak paddler's paradise. And kayaking on a peaceful rivers of the Garden Isle has its own pleasure. Surf over to Coconut Roads' Kayak Kauai for the rest of the article.


Kauai Horseback Riding 

Whether you're a green rider or a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy), Kauai has a horseback riding tour for you. To learn more, read "Horseback Riding in Kauai." Giddy up! 


Hawaiian Luau, Kauai Style 

Kauai, steeped in ancient myth and enchanting beauty, is the perfect setting for luau. Read about two of the most popular and best Kauai luau.  

Hawaii Golf Vacations

Immerse yourself in natural beauty while golfing at an eco sensitive course (designed by Robert Trent  Jones Jr. ) at Poipu on the Garden Isle.

More Things to do on Kauai

Learn more about Kauai's culture by attending cultural and art festivals. These are frequently found at shopping villages, community centers and hotels. 

If after a day of outdoor adventures or relaxing on a beach, you're ready to go out on the town, the resorts and the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa (near the North Shore.) are the best spots for nightlife. Also in Kapa'a, check out Charo's (the queen of coochi coochi makes her home on Kauai).  

Kaua`i Accomodations

Beautiful resorts are concentrated at Princeville on the North Shore, Poipu on the South Shore and along East (windward) Kaua`i's Coconut Coast. Time shares and condos are preferred by many visitors. 

You can also stay in cabins at Koke`e or go camping. I don't recommend staying at just any campground on Kauai but some such as Anini Beach Campground at one of Kauai's best snorkeling beaches and the YMCA's Camp Slogett in upcountry Koke`e are very nice. You'll find these and other Kauai campgrounds detailed in my  Kauai Eco Travel on a Budget Guide.

Geology and Geography of Kauai

From the "Wettest Spot on Earth" to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific,"  Kauai Island's geology and geography is like no other in Hawaii.

Visiting Kauai - The Garden Isle is a really nice island to visit. It's small so it doesn't take long to get from place to place, and yet its regions are very different from another. The people are friendly and keep things neat and tidy. The beaches are pristine, and the gardens enchanting. 
Learn how ecotourists and simply budget savvy visitors vacation on 

Kauai Island and other islands in Hawaii on the cheap. 
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