The Hawaiian Island known as
the "The Garden Isle" because of its lush, tropical
landscape and home to the rainiest spot in the world (Mount
Wai'ale'ale); Kauai is also the oldest of all the islands of
Hawaii; being the first island in Hawaii formed by a
volcanic hot spot in the Pacific Ocean which continues to
erupt lava and expand the chain of Hawaiian Islands to this
day. Kauai is the western most island in Hawaii and is also
the furthest away from all the other islands. Kauai has a
total land area of 552 square miles, is the 4th largest
island, and has a population of about 63,000 people. Whether
this is fact or hearsay, Kauai's remoteness from the other
islands has gained it the reputation as the island with
the purest Hawaiian royal
bloodline in Hawaii.
Visitors who travel to Kauai can
expect a quiet vacation of beautiful, sandy beaches,
tropical rainforests, and majestic waterfalls and rivers.
The island is the least populated in Hawaii and only certain
spots around Kauai are developed. The cities of Kapa'a and
Lihu'e, both located on Kauai's eastern coast, are the two
largest cities in Kauai. Kapa'a is the center for hotels,
shopping centers, and other tourist-related accommodations.
Lihue is also a major center and is home to Kauai's largest
shopping center,the Kukui Grove Center, and is where the
Lihue Airport is located.
Another place of interest for tourists might be a visit to
the town of Hanelei where 60%
of Hawaii's taro, a staple food of Hawaiians, is grown.
Other than visiting these cities, tourists should also
take the time to explore the natural and scenic attractions
on Kauai which include the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon,
Kalalau Lookout, and other destinations. The island's
sparsely populated and untouched landscapes make Kauai the
perfect vacation spot out of all the Hawaiian Islands for
tourists looking to "get away from it all" and have a
relaxing tropical vacation surrounded in the natural beauty of Hawaii.
