Lihue, Kauai

Kauai's soothing climate hums along with the predictability of the trade winds. Temperatures are near perfect year-round, with daily averages ranging from the low- to high-20s C, edging slightly warmer in the summer.

From the air, Kauai looks like a tropical paradise, with lush volcanic mountain ranges, palm-lined beaches and rolling surf. On land, you sense a relaxed and mellow vibe. Like the other islands, Kauai has undergone a renaissance of pride in native Hawaiian culture encompassing all parts of island life, from music to cuisine.

It is recommended that you bring U.S. dollars for general expenses. For entertainment and shopping, a credit card will give you the exchange rate at your time of purchase. There are multiple ATMs around the island for your convenience, but do note that transactions fees vary by ATM.

Waimea, Princeville, Hanalei, Bali Hai—it seems like every part of Kauai is legendary. This island is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, and thus far, all of the commercialization has occurred along the coastline leaving its wild, verdant heart to flourish untamed. The rugged coast is lined with dramatic cliffs, while its core is sheathed in a lush, tropical rainforest. Although big-city dwellers occasionally complain about the lack of nightlife, most visitors feel that Kaua'i is a near-perfect tropical getaway.

Lihue—Central Kauai

The first town that one sees upon stepping off the plane is Lihue. While it isn't nearly as industrial as Honolulu, or even Kahului, it holds the County Seat and is the home of the island's main airport. It also boasts the Kaua'i Museum and the island's only still-active sugar mill. Upon heading inland, one quickly notices civilization disappearing, replaced by jungle, waterfalls and finally near impenetrable mountains. But most people don't head inland from Lihue; instead, they go in the opposite direction, toward the ocean.

There isn't far to go. The coast is just a few moments' drive away. From there, it's easy to get to one of the island's main resort districts.

Coconut Coast

Just north of Lihue on the East Shore is the famed Coconut Coast, so named because of the hundreds of coconut palms that shade the main highway. The Wailua River runs along this coast, and half a dozen famous natural attractions cluster around it. Fern Grotto and Sleeping Giant are two favorite sights while kayaking down the river is a popular pastime.

Several mid-priced hotels are situated on the Coconut Coast, among them is the Aston Islander on the Beach. The area also boasts several upscale bed & breakfasts. Most of the island's shopping is located in this area. The major mall, Coconut Marketplace, is located in Kapa'a Town, as are many major chain stores. The Coconut Coast Trolley shuttles visitors up and down the coast, from the Poipu Resort Area in the south all the way up to the Wailua River mouth.

North Shore

Hot, humid and lushly landscaped, the North Shore is home to yet another of Hawaii's incomparable resort areas. Princeville, that land of perfectly manicured greens and spectacular vistas, is known for its golf as well as other outdoor activities. The Princeville Ranch offers everything from hiking to kayaking to horse-drawn carriage rides. Fine dining, world-class health spas and plenty of shops cater to the multinational tourists.

Just past Princeville the landscape changes and the cars on the road begin to look more and more local; this is due to the proximity of Hanalei Bay and the neighboring beaches, known to be among the world's top surf spots. In the summer a few of the beaches around Hanalei—specifically Tunnels Beach—offer great snorkeling, but when the wintertime swells begin to roll in, all beginners get out of the water, leaving it to the pros. The towns of Hanalei and Haena are small, charming and possessed of an atmosphere unlike anyplace else. They're equal parts village, surf spot and resort district. Ke'e Beach, the beach that borders the North Shore and the West Side, literally marks the border between civilization and the wild.

West Shore

The West Shore might be the most famous part of Kaua'i, but it will never be the most commercially developed. About a half of the coastline belongs to the state park system. Even if it didn't, there would be no way for modern machinery to tame the wilderness. Ke'e Beach marks the beginning of the Na Pali Coast, the majestic stretch of jagged cliffs and hidden valleys that tower 4,000 feet (1219.2 meters) above sea level. Imposing, stunning, ancient and almost magical, the cliffs are a must-see for any Kaua'i visitor. The method of seeing them varies, however. Some people opt for a birds-eye perspective from a helicopter or private plane. Many people choose to take a catamaran or sailing cruise along the coastline. The most daring test their mettle by traversing the world-famous Kalalau Trail.

Just southwest of Na Pali is Koke'e State Park, home to famous Waimea Canyon. Koke'e is another hiker's paradise, boasting a dozen trails that range from beginner-level to advanced. Further west is Polihale State Park, known for its shifting sand dunes. Miles and miles of uninhabited coastline extend to the southernmost part of the island.

South Shore

While it's hard to say which spot in Kaua'i is the most tourist-filled, trendy Poipu on the South Shore definitely claims the largest number of big-name hotels. The Sheraton Kauai and the Embassy Vacation Resort Poipu Point are both located in Poipu. Near the resort area is charming, funky Koloa Town, a restored old-school village that blatantly angles for Poipu tourist dollars.

But the South Shore is much more than a perfectly 'manmade' resort. The tiny towns of Hanapepe and Kalaheo are throwbacks to the last generation, while the botanical gardens near Poipu are in a class apart; these encompass three of the five National Botanical Gardens are on Kaua'i. Kauai Coffee Company in Ele'ele is a thriving coffee plantation; visitors can tour the fields and the factory. People who shun the resort scene can stay anywhere from a simple guesthouse to a luxurious bed and breakfast.

The island of Kaua'i is small; one can easily drive its circumference in a single day. In many ways it's still a sleepy little island, home to only 50,000 people. But there's a reason it is a favorite of nature lovers, jaded travelers and even Hawaiian locals. There is, quite simply, no limit to the secrets and the surprises of this island.

Citified vacationers joke that Kauai is the sort of sleepy island retreat that shuts shop after sunset. That was probably true a few years ago, but the growing tourism industry has brought about more than a few changes to the entertainment and dining scene. But Kauai's strong suit still lies in its traditional Hawaiian entertainment and in its daytime outdoor activities, which are diverse and widespread. Anyone who sticks with diving, golf and surfing in the daytime and luaus at night is likely to be more than satisfied.

The Outdoors
The Pacific Ocean, in all its glory, provides all the entertainment that most may need. Favorite swimming beaches include Anahola Beach Park on the Coconut Coast and the South Shore's Poipu Beach Park. On the West Side, the beaches are gorgeous but desolate and often dangerous. On the North Shore, it's also best to be very careful, especially during the winter months, when swells can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6.09 meters). Never swim at Hanakapiai; this beach reports more drownings than any other place on the island.

Plenty of surf schools are located on the shores of Poipu and Kalapaki Beach. Kalapaki Beach Boys, Kauai Surf School and Learn to Surf are just a few of the companies that teach the island's favorite sport. Not quite as Hawaiian as surfing, but nearly as popular, are the sports of bodyboarding and windsurfing. Anini Beach Park is one of the best spots for windsurfing on the island; it also has a well-reputed surf school.

The crystalline waters off the shore of Kauai offer great snorkeling and diving. Haena State Park is a popular destination for snorkeling, as is Ke'e Beach, while Lydgate Park has the safest year-round snorkeling conditions. Snorkel Bob's rents out snorkel equipment for the day or the week.

The coastal waters off Kaua'i are almost as popular as a hangout as the island's beaches. Kauai Sea Tours, Captain Andy's and a number of other companies offer a variety of day and evening cruises. Holoholo Charters takes passengers to the Forbidden Isle for snorkeling and sunning. Z-Tour-Z combines snorkeling and rafting to create a unique adventure. Advanced divers can visit a variety of different sites with Seasport Divers.

Those to prefer to stick to the shores can bask in the sunshine at the island's many beaches. The silvered coast of the Polihale State Park and Hāʻena State Park are backed by soaring cliffs and swaying palms; picture-perfect enclaves of this Hawaiian island. For a more thrilling adventure, explore the many hiking trails that riddle Waimea Canyon and the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge for panoramic views and a close encounter with Kauai's native wildlife.

Golf
Like its neighbor islands, Kauai is a golfer's paradise, thanks to warm weather, frisky winds and breathtaking scenery. From Poipu, the Kauai Lagoons to Kiahuna, the island offers some of the most technically challenging and visually stunning courses in the world. The best of the best include the Ocean Course at Hokuala, Princeville Makai Golf Club, the Poipu Bay Golf Course and the Puakea Golf Course.

Museums

Kauai's few museums offer historical and educational exhibits about the island. The easiest one to reach is the Kauai Museum, centrally located in downtown Lihue.

The rugged West Side of the island is home to two other museums. The new West Kauai Technology & Visitor Center traces the history of the island's development, from the ancient mariners to the latest high-tech start-ups. The Koke'e Natural History Museum, located 4,000 feet above sea level in Koke'e State Park, offers educational videos, exhibits and short, guided nature walks. There's a smattering of small art galleries as well, such as the Island Art Gallery and the Bright Side Gallery.

Shopping
Kauai's luxury retail scene is not anywhere near the caliber of O'ahu or even Maui. It's best to shop for souvenirs, handmade crafts and local products, here. Find quality local merchandise at Kauai Products Fair or the county-sponsored Sunshine Markets. Ching Young Village and Hanapepe Town provide a glimpse of the way Kaua'i used to be. Even large shopping centers such as the Coconut Marketplace and the Poipu Shopping Village are filled with local stores selling typically Hawaiian wares.

Performing Arts

Foremost of Kauai's local performing arts scene is the Kauai International Theatre. A big name indeed—but this 'international' theater only has 52 seats. It presents original and international plays throughout the year, and offers live music concerts on Wednesdays. Groups from the mainland and big-name Hawaiian musicians often perform at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center.

Luaus
Noted as one of the most authentic luaus is the nightly luau at the Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach. The luau at Gaylord's at Kilohana, on the other hand, is oft-lauded as one of the most picturesque settings on the island for a traditional Hawaiian feast. A few other luaus are presented around the island.

Cinema
Movie theaters are all over the island. There are cinemas at Kukui Grove Center, Coconut Marketplace, Kong Lung Shopping Center and a few other locations.

Nightlife
When the sun goes down on Kauai, many people are too tired to do much besides eat dinner and go to sleep. But the people that still have energy can find something to do, even if it's just belting out karaoke tunes at a beach bar.

All of the major hotels have a couple of upscale watering holes. Rob's Good Times Grill is open till 2a—late night by Kauai standards. Tahiti Nui is a quintessentially Kauai hangout, serving local food, tropical drinks and a nightly program of entertainment that runs the gamut from karaoke to live music and dancing. Another great spot for live music after sundown is the Happy Talk Lounge, and Keoki's Paradise, an open-air bar that features folk dance and live music in the warm glow of tiki torches. If it's a beach bar you crave, there are plentiful choices topped by Duke's Barefoot Bar and the more upscale Stevenson's Library. Other fine alternatives include Bar Acuda for tapas and wine, Buchon's for sushi and live music in industrial-chic digs, and RumFire for fabulous cocktails.

Free Entertainment

The main lounges at the Hanalei Bay Resort & Suites and Kauai Marriott Resort are great spots to enjoy Happy Hour, complete with live music and refreshing cocktails.

Free hula shows are presented on Wednesdays at the Coconut Marketplace at 5p. The Poipu Shopping Village presents a Polynesian revue on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

While one can't assume that the quality of restaurants on Kaua'i will be uniformly high, there are some good bets to be found around the island. First time visitors are well advised to research restaurants in advance. The real jewels are sometimes hidden. The restaurants noted below are just the highlights of each region—of course, there are many more tucked away. Get friendly with a local and they just might share a few insider secrets.

Kapa'a: The Eastern Shore
Kauai's eastern shore, nicknamed 'The Coconut Coast', is a popular tourist destination and therefore home to a variety of restaurants. It is, for the most part, a casual corner of the island.

Health-conscious diners are best directed to Papaya's Natural Food Market. Everything sold at Papaya's is whole-grain, organic and eco-safe. If all you have in mind is a great cup of coffee, visit Java Kai.

Lihue (The North-Eastern Shore)
Lihue is home to some of Kauai's best-known restaurants, including the Duke's Canoe Club. Duke's Canoe Club has two levels, the lower being a lounge, the upper a gourmet restaurant.

This side of the island has a plethora of local and American restaurants to choose from including Tip Top Cafe and Kalapaki Beach Hut. Ms. Dixie's Deli is a health-conscious option located inside Kauai Athletic Club.

Hanalei/Princeville (The Northern Shore)
Kauai's North Shore harbors some of the island's finest dining. Just a few minutes west of Princeville are the gourmet restaurants of Hanalei. Postcards Cafe is known for its rustic-tropical atmosphere and superb 'healthy gourmet' food.

Relatively new to the North Shore dining scene is Cajun-inspired Chef Joshua's Bourbon Street Cafe, which occupies the place that was formerly Hale o Java. The Hanalei Gourmet is another upscale cafe with a menu of creative salads and sandwiches. The Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza is, according to many locals, the best place to go for fresh baked bread—it transforms into Pau Hana Pizza after 3 p.m.

The West Side
There really aren't many restaurants on this side of the island. In fact there isn't much to be seen of civilization. Grab something in Waimea after a day at one of the parks.

Poipu & the South Shore
The South Shore offers plenty of dining options, although most of its gourmet scene is contained within the resort hotels. The Hyatt Regency alone houses amazing restaurants and lounges, two of including Dondero's that has fabulous ambiance and quality Italian cuisine.

One of the region's better-known seafood restaurants is Brennecke's Beach Broiler. The beach in front of Brennecke's is frequented by surfers and body-boarders.

Pizza fans, rejoice! Two of Kauai's best pizza restaurants are located on this side: Pizzetta and Brick Oven Pizza. For patio dining and quality sandwiches, try Poipu Bay Grill & Bar (located on a golf course).

A number of charming little coffee houses dot this 'hotel row'. Two worth mentioning are Kalaheo Coffee Co and the afore-mentioned Java Kai, formerly Island Java.

While not everyone has the same dining expectations, most people can appreciate an award-winning gourmet menu or a cost-efficient café, if it turns up at the right time. Of these, Kaua'i has plenty. Its other strong suit is, of course, its ambiance. Breathtaking views, oceanfront dining, garden terraces and other little pieces of Paradise can be enjoyed no matter where you sit or what's on the menu.

Kaua’i


State: Hawaii


Country: United States


Kaua'i by the Numbers

Population: 65,930
Elevation: Ranges from sea level to 5,243 feet (1598 meters) at its highest point.
Average Annual Rainfall: Ranges from 21.8 inches (55.4 centimeters) in Waimea to 77.8 inches (198 centimeters) in Princeville.
Average January Temperature: 71.5°F / 22°C
Average July Temperature: 79°F / 26.1°C


Quick Facts

Electricity: 120 Volts, 60Hz, standard two pin plugs

Time Zone: GMT-10

Country Dialing Code: 1

Area Code: 808


Did You Know?

Kaua'i is the oldest of the five main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. Today, Waialeale, Kaua'i's principal volcano, has eroded and now stands at 5,148 feet at its peak. The volcano is also home to one of the wettest spots in the world; the northern slopes of Waialeale get over 450 inches of rain annually.

Approximately ninety-seven percent of the island of Kaua'i is used for agriculture and conservation.


Orientation

Kauai is located in the Hawaiian Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, and is the farthest west of all the islands. Kauai is about 74 miles (119 kilometers) west of the island of Oahu.

Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, forged by volcanic forces and sculpted by wind, water and waves. It's incredibly diverse, with steep mountains draped in rainforests, desert-like canyons, rolling farmland, soaring seaside cliffs and white-sand beaches.

The island of Kaua'i formed from gradual volcanic overflow approximately 5.1 million years ago. The oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kaua'i has a heritage that is steeped in myth and legend.

Although most mainlanders group all the Hawaiian islands together, many of Kauai's people (and many students of Hawaiian history) consider Kaua'i to have a separate history from its sister islands. Some even insist that it is in fact, 'a separate kingdom'. This theory is based on evidence showing that Kaua'i was once the home of the seafaring Menehune tribe of Central Polynesia. At present, the word 'Menehune' describes a mythical creature similar to an elf or a sprite, but in ancient times they were a brave and formidable tribe, small of stature but long in reach.

Much of what is known about Kaua'i is based around its natural history, and can be better understood through a visit to the Koke'e Natural History Museum.

The first recorded history of Kauai's people began with the Marquesans of Polynesia. They inhabited the island from the time of their arrival (400 A.D.) until the Tahitians finally conquered them 600 years later. The Polynesian bloodlines still run strong on the island: many of Kauai's oldest families are of Polynesian descent. In addition, much of the flora and fauna that flourish on the island was transported from Polynesia during this era of migration.

The ancient Hawaiians had a polytheistic society centered around the concept of mana, which stated that gods could appear in a variety of forms besides divine. Deities could take on human or animalistic shape, thereby passing through society undetected. Many places of worship known as heiau were erected during the ancient times; some are still standing today. Not a great deal of solid fact is verifiable, in regards to ancient religious practices. Most legends and legacies, including that of the Menehunes, are kept alive through Hawaiian chant and song, often performed in conjunction with hula dance.

While the theory is under scrutiny, some historians uphold a belief that Captain Cook (hailed as the white founder of the Hawaiian chain) was not the first person to discover the Hawaiian Islands. Some evidence disproves his claim, showing that one of Spain's navigators discovered the islands by accident—as with so many of history's great discoveries. This Spaniard (by the name of Gaetan) was searching for the vast riches of Mexico. Finding no such jewels or spices in the Hawaiian Islands, he departed shortly after his arrival in 1542, never to return.

Whatever the truth might be, Hawai'i remained a world unto itself until the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778. He sailed two ships into Waimea Bay on the Big Island, beginning the explosive era that would forever alter the islands, including heretofore blissfully self-sufficient Kaua'i. Initial interactions between Englishmen and native Kauaians were peaceable. Most negotiations involved the bartering of goods (mainly English sundries for edibles), but a few curious Englishmen made overtures into Hawaiian society. They left having gained much knowledge but earned little of material value.

Just more than 30 years later (in 1819), Kaua'i was brought into a union with the Hawaiian Kingdom, agreeing to accept the rule of King Kamehameha I. This arrangement strengthened the chain as a whole, but did little to prevent the eventual surrender of Kaua'i (and all other Hawaiian Islands) to American forces in 1893. At that point, Kaua'i had already harbored European missionary settlements for more than 100 years. It was also the home of numerous sugar plantations; these were quickly becoming the island's best leverage for trade.

Some 50-odd years after Hawai'i was forcibly assimilated into the U.S. territories, it was granted statehood.

Perhaps the single-most influential time in Kauai's recent history was the boom-time of the sugar industry. Up until that era, the sleepy little island had known nothing of trade. The first sugar plantation was founded in Koloa in the year 1835. Plantations like it would eventually attract scores of people from all corners of the world, including East Asia, the Philippines and Europe. Immigrant labor was cheap, with workers being housed in structures known as Camp Houses. A few of these old Camp Houses are still standing today, although they have been completely renovated. Renovated plantation homes such as Grove Farm Homestead Museum and Kilohana Plantation teach visitors about the growth of the sugar industry and its influence on the island as a whole.

With its lush, tropical landscape, breathtaking views and relative seclusion, Kaua'i makes the perfect location for a Hollywood film shoot—particularly if the story is set in the jungle. Kauai's Hollywood history goes back as far as the 1930s, but it entered the international spotlight due to the 1976 production of 'King Kong'. In just the past 10 years, the world has seen Kauai's scenery in movies like 'Hook' (1991), 'Jurassic Park' (1993), 'George of the Jungle' (1997), 'Six Days, Seven Nights' (1998) and 'Mighty Joe Young' (1998). Hawaii Movie Tours takes interested tourists to all the top locations.

The Garden Isle's natural beauty draws visitors from all over the world—and the accompanying natural disasters only slow down the tourism flow for a few weeks at most. Today, a visitor to Kaua'i might not realize that both 1982 and 1992 brought mass destruction, in the form of Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki. Both of these hurricanes devastated the island, but in the near-decade since, Kaua'i has been rebuilt to far outshine its former self.

The Hawaiian Islands continue to develop all the time, in order to accommodate the ever-increasing number of visitors. The Garden Isle is no exception, and the first decade of the new millennium will doubtless prove to be yet another time of phenomenal and constant change.

While it's impossible to name the most beautiful Hawaiian island, Kaua'i, the oldest island open to the public, boasts more beaches per mile, more botanical gardens, wetter patches of jungle - the second wettest spot in the world in fact - than its gorgeous, slightly more famous neighbors.

While some of Kauai's most amazing sights can be seen by pulling over at the designated mile markers on the island's only major highway, others can only reached only by kayak or on foot. Some of these hidden attractions are best viewed from the vantage point of a helicopter or catamaran. While the attractions mentioned below are the most famous, they're only a sample of the vast treasures island has to offer.

Na Pali Coast

The rugged, magnificent cliffs on Kauai's northwestern shore rise 4,000 feet into the sky, casting a shadow over the sea below. After rain storms, countless waterfalls can be seen cascading down these rocky cliffs. Multiple valleys are nestled amid the sheer cliffs, some accessible only by boat and others via the Kalalau Trail.

No matter what perspective these monolithic mountains are viewed from, the Na Pali Coast is unforgettable. Helicopter companies such as Will Squyres and Jack Harter Helicopters offer both close-up and birds-eye views of the cliffs. Holoholo Charters, Blue Dolphin Charters and Kauai Sea Tours offer marine excursions along the coastline. The more physically fit adventurer may want to hike the famous Kalalau Trail. Leaving from Ke'e Beach, the trail is 11 miles long and is extremely rigorous. Many consider it one of the best hiking trails in the country. The even more physically fit can go a step further with the world's longest open ocean kayak excursion - 19 nautical miles - courtesy of Napali Kayak Tours.

Ni'ihau

Known as the 'Forbidden Isle', Ni'ihau is ordinarily inaccessible to anyone except native Hawaiians. Two companies are allowed to bring small groups to the island; however, although only to uninhabited areas. Ni'ihau Helicopters is owned by the same family that owns the Ni'ihau and can bring groups of five to seven people to the island for lunch and swimming on the beach. Holoholo Charters transports people to Ni'ihau in a sleek luxury catamaran. Both trips are lengthy and expensive, but the experience is one-of-a-kind.

Waimea-Koke'e

Waimea Canyon is among the top travel destinations on Kaua'i. More than 3,000 feet deep and approximately 10 miles long, it is frequently referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The canyon is located in Koke'e State Park, a 4,000-square-acre expanse on the Western side of Kaua'i. Koke'e Natural History Museum offers information about the park as well as the more than 40 miles of pristine, emerald green hiking trails. Trail length varies; the shortest hike is literally a 30-minute walk in the park, while the long excursions are far more lengthy and only for the hardiest hikers.

There are a few ways to experience Waimea and Koke'e. By car the trip takes anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending how many times you stop and look around. Koke'e Road (Highway 552) is fairly easy to navigate. The best view of the canyon is at Mile Marker 10, with Kalalau Lookout at the end of the road. Hiking trails can be accessed from various points along the highway and current maps are available at the museum.

People who don't wish to hike can either take a bus tour with a company such as Roberts Hawaii or opt for a shorter and more expensive--but more memorable--helicopter tour. Safari Heliocopters, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters or any of the helicopter tour companies mentioned above offer Waimea tours.

Kilohana

If there is a place in Kaua'i that can please everyone -- from the youngest children to the most jaded adults -- it is probably Kilohana Plantation. This place offers a little bit of everything. Shops and art galleries abound in the various guesthouses and the main villa. The rooms that have not been turned into shops are perfectly restored in the old plantation's original style. The gardens and farm behind the house are great places to explore on foot. Children may be entertained by a stroll through 'Kilohana Camp', a perfectly recreated plantation village. Three nights out of the week Gaylord's Restaurant presents a full-scale luau, complete with fire dancers and a Polynesian buffet.

Botanical Gardens

Of five National Tropical Botanical Gardens in the U.S., three of them are on Kaua'i. Two, in fact, are adjacent to each other, making it not only easy, but almost necessary to tour them at the same time. Individual tours are also available, but most people choose to see both gardens consecutively.

No matter which park comes first, the tours begin at the visitor's center, located just across the street from another landmark, Spouting Horn. Tours generally include the Allerton Tropical Garden, the McBryde Garden, and Allerton House. The guided tours last about two hours, but self-guided tours are also available.

If one were to try to see all three gardens in one day, the next logical step is to hop in the car and drive to the north shore, where the gorgeous Limuhuli Valley is located. While the park is several hundred acres, only 17 acres are open to the public. Visitors may choose to explore this garden with or without a guide. Hundreds of exotic and rare plants are cultivated in this mountainous sanctuary just a few moments from the Na Pali Coast.

Just like its neighbor Maui, Kaua'i is deceptive. One would think that a small island in the Pacific, home to relatively few people, would not have much to offer. In reality, anyone who has an appreciation for natural beauty, natural history or South Sea culture will find plenty to do and see on the Garden Isle.

Aerial Tours

Helicopter and Airplane Tours ( +1 888 321 3646/ http://www.kauaitours.net/ )

Blue Hawaii Helicopters ( +1 (808) 245 5800 / https://www.bluehawaiian.com/kauai/tours/‎ )

Jack Harter Helicopters ( +1 (808) 245 3774 / www.helicopters-kauai.com/‎)

Eco Tours

Kauai Eco Tours ( +1 877 742 7893/ http://www.kauaieco-tours.com/ )

National Tropical Botanical Garden Tours ( +1 (808) 742 2623 / https://ntbg.org/gardens/tours)

Princeville Ranch Adventures ( +1 808 826 7669 / http://www.princevilleranch.com/ )

Cultural Tours

Kauai Tours ( +1 866 654 1438/ http://www.allkauaihawaiitours.com/ )

Kamokila Hawaiian Village ( +1 808 823 0559 / http://www.villagekauai.com/ )

Kaua'i Museum ( +1 808 245 6931 / http://www.kauaimuseum.org )

Ocean Tours

Napali Kayak Tours ( +1 808 826 6900 / http://www.napalikayak.com/ )

Beach Snorkel Tours ( +1 800 452 1113 / http://www.alohakauaitours.com/ )

Holo Holo Charters ( +1 808 335 0815 / http://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com )

Car rentals are the most popular option for those looking to explore the island. Driving here is quite easy, especially with Kauai’s small size. There are public buses on the island, but they typically won't get you everywhere you need to go.

Arrival

Just three miles away from the town of Lihue, Hawaii's Lihue Airport is the main airport serving the island of Kauai. When you depart Canada, you will first go through security and U.S. Customs. Once you arrive in Lihue, proceed to the general baggage claim area.

When Hollywood directors go searching for paradise, they often end up in Kauai. South Pacific made the beaches famous. Its waterfalls, ocean cliffs and remote mountain valleys were immortalized in Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Blue Hawaii, Raiders of the Lost Ark and many other hit films.