Lihue, Kauai

The prevailing northeast trade winds bring refreshing breezes and, at times, lots of rainfall that gives the island its lush landscape.

The rugged north and east sides lie on the windward side of Kauai and typically receive more precipitation than the gently sloped and drier south and west sides.

Winter sees big surf on the north and east shores and calmer waters on the south. In summertime, the swell picks up on the south and the north becomes more swim- and snorkel-friendly. When it comes to ocean sports, it doesn't matter what season you're visiting, if locals aren't in the water, there's probably a good reason for it. As the beachside warning signs say, "If in doubt, don't go out."

Many hotels regularly host story evenings with Hawaiian elders eager to share traditional knowledge about plants, healing, mythology and other aspects of a culture dating back thousands of years to Tahiti, Samoa and other South Pacific Islands. Locals still pay tribute at ancient heiaus, or sacred shrines, like the one near Kee Beach dedicated to Laka, the goddess of hula. The Kauai Museum in Lihue is dedicated to telling the story of the island, from its birth up through the Territorial Period (before Hawaii was recognized as a US state in 1959).

Unlike the other islands, Kauai has a unique independent streak. It was the last of the major Hawaiian Islands to be reigned over by King Kamehameha and brought under the umbrella of a united kingdom in 1810. It happened only after Kauai's King Kaumualii finally agreed to give up his territory to avoid all-out war with Kamehameha, who had conquered the other islands.

Kauai's determination to remain distinct and unique lives on. Though Lihue is the county seat of Kauai, it retains the feel of a laid back country town – just the way locals like it. Even the building codes here maintain that no structure is allowed to be taller than a coconut tree.

The island's population of approximately 63,000 is dispersed among mostly small towns. The rugged interior remains wild and largely uninhabited, the domain of the ancient Hawaiian gods.

Locals love nothing more than a big, multi-generational family barbecue at the beach. Parents and kids, brothers and sisters, grandmas and grandpas gather for a weekend cookout at the beachfront parks. They bring along surf and boogie boards and portable music systems to crank out some "Jawaiian," a distinctly Hawaiian and popular local form of reggae music.

This warm and inviting island, with its unique culture and proud history, has an ideal combination of relaxation and adventure – it is the perfect spot for your next vacation.

The island emerged from the sea floor five million years ago with the eruption of a massive volcano. Today, its eastern rim, Mount Waialeale, is the high point of the island at 1,569 metres.

Like most of the Hawaiian Islands, you can divide Kauai topographically along a line separating the windward and leeward sides. Its northern side is heavily vegetated and hard to explore, while the south is drier and more gently sloped. This terrain is where fortunes were once made from the sprawling sugarcane plantations. Now, the main crops are coffee and pineapple, among others.

Thanks to millions of years of evolution, Kauai offers excellent opportunities for birding and experiencing native ecosystems. Hawaii’s state bird, the endangered Hawaiian goose (or nene), has been successfully reintroduced here. You may spot one pecking away on the manicured lawns of five-star hotels. Kokee State Park protects the rare mountain forests full of native hibiscus and iliau flowers, koa and hala trees. Spectacular Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge is home to an array of seabirds.

While it's not possible to drive around the entire island, you can drive as far as Kee Beach travelling along highway 560 on the north coast, and Polihale travelling along highway 50 in the west.

For your convenience, you can rent a car right from Lihue International Airport or catch a taxi or airport shuttle to get you to and from your hotel and car rental dealership. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance. Rentals go quickly, especially during peak winter holidays. It's also worth noting that gas prices here are quite expensive, so plan wisely.

If you have pre-booked a transfer or an orchid lei greeting and transfer with WestJet Vacations, please see the Diamond Head Vacations representative in the baggage claim area.

If you are picking up a rental car, proceed from the baggage claim area to the car rental booths located across the street from the airport terminal. Pick up and drop off areas are located behind the car rental booths. Hotel shuttles and taxis are located curb side in front of the baggage claim area.

Keep in mind that Lihue Airport is a 15 to 25 minutes to drive to Wailua and Kapaa and a 30 to 40 minute drive to Poipu. If you're headed to Princeville or Hanalei, it will probably take you around 45 minutes to an hour.

Departure

Smiling WestJetters will be ready to assist you at the international check-in counters at Lihue Airport. The WestJet counters open three hours prior to departure and close 15 minutes after your flight departure time. You can also check in and select your seats ahead of time using the WestJet Web check-in service.

Kauai manages to satisfy beach lovers, the action-oriented and the culturally curious. Topographically, it is astonishingly diverse. The Napali Coast has sheer, sharp cliffs, soaring hundreds of metres from the crashing surf. The giant, 1,000-metre-deep rift of Waimea Canyon with its walls of red, orange and green rock is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Its challenging surf has shaped the talents of world-class surfers, like the late Andy Irons, who grew up riding the waves of Hanalei Bay on the north shore.

Kauai is also the only Hawaiian Island with wide, placid rivers, like the Wailua, Hanalei and Huleia that allow you to navigate by paddle, oar or motor deep into the heart of the land. It boasts more beaches per kilometre of coastline than any other Hawaiian Island.

It's also one of the rainiest places on Earth. The slopes of Mt. Waialeale receive a whopping 1,150 cm of rain annually. The rain constantly replenishes mountain streams, and feeds the fertile small-scale farmlands that have turned Kauai into a haven for fresh produce. You can find everything from organic lettuce to pineapples and taro root here.

The island also has some interesting Hollywood connections. Out on winding Route 56, where it wraps around the north shore, Richard Taylor, brother of the late Hollywood siren, Elizabeth, once invited a band of hippies to form a clothing-optional retreat on his oceanfront property during the 1960s. These days, celebrities like Pierce Brosnan choose this secluded stretch of coastline as a retreat from the paparazzi.

Though the State of Hawaii has been a global tourist hub for decades, Kauai is just far enough off the beaten path at the northern end of the main islands to make it feel like an unpolished pearl. Once experienced, it's not easily forgotten.