About Kauai
Take a trip to Hawaii’s firstborn, Kauai, and prepare for the unexpected. The enchanting “Garden Isle” offers a spectacular variety of tropical splendors, as well as the surprising burnt umber, 10-mile long “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon and Hawaii’s only navigable river, the Wailua. Its source lies at the island’s core, Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on earth.
Explore Hawaii
Getting to Kauai
Kauai is well connected from the mainland, as well as with a wide network of international destinations through inter-island flights arriving from Honolulu. Kauai’s Lihue Airport is located on the island’s eastern corridor.
Fast Facts
There is actually a law on Kauai that no building shall be taller than a coconut tree.
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island, dating back more than six million years.
Legend states that the hula began along the Na Pali Coast when the human chief Lohiau danced in front of volcano goddess Pele at the sacred Ka Ulu o Laka temple and they fell in love. Today, Hawaiian dancers still practice their hula in this significant spot.
Travel Tips & Tools
Overview
Kauai’s attractions are endless. Cruise into the island’s lush interior along the river towards peaceful Fern Grotto. Snorkel in the sparkling waters of the south shore at Poipu. Capture photos of one of the island’s most popular destinations as the nearby Spouting Horn lava tube blasts waves 60-feet in the air. This northernmost Hawaiian isle holds stunning views for hikers and sight-seers around every turn, from the towering cliffs of the sublime Na Pali Coast to the quaint town of Hanalei on the north shore. On the northernmost tip of Kauai resides the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse, built in 1913. Visitors to the lighthouse will enjoy a breathtaking view and the adjacent seabird sanctuary.
Does that vista atop the breathtaking Kalalau Valley look familiar? This verdant valley was a backdrop for both Jurassic Park and the 1976 version of King Kong. Consider hiking tours or other guided adventures on this island, a true Hollywood darling, and the location of more than 60 Hollywood films and television shows, from Gilligan’s Island to Fantasy Island.
Make your own family movie on a one-of-a-kind vacation in captivating Kauai, with Kauai vacation packages available from the Hawaii travel experts at Pleasant Holidays.
What To Do on Kauai
Explore the incredible “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon, and take a relaxing cruise in an open-air boat along Hawaii’s only navigable river, the Wailua River, towards peaceful Fern Grotto during the Kauai Waimea Canyon Wailua River Experience. Enjoy a Na Pali Sightseeing Sunset Dinner Cruise with a spectacular 2,500-foot-high backdrop. Glimpse all the magic on a Kauai ECO Adventure helicopter flight over exquisite Hanapepe Valley, “Jurassic Park Falls,” Waimea Canyon, the spectacular Na Pali cliffs and beyond. Complete your day watching the entertaining Luau Kalamaku show, which combines a delicious dinner and musical reenactment of the Polynesian journey from Tahiti to Kauai with special effects, songs, and dance. Visit pleasantactivities.com for additional information.
Check out our 5 favorite experiences on Kauai.
What To See on Kauai
Whet your appetite for adventure with an endless list of things to do in Kauai. Take a picture of the Spouting Horn lava tube along Kauai’s southern shores as bursts of water explode high into the air.
Visit the lovely beaches along the island’s northern coast, where South Pacific and The Descendants were filmed. Explore the majestic Na Pali Coast, the scene of Jurassic Park and other popular movies, or peaceful Fern Grotto, which featured in the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Keep an eye out for cascading Opaekaa Falls in Wailua. Drive through a mile of towering Eucalyptus trees at the impressive Tree Tunnel along Maluhia Road.
View the burnt umber “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” from the Waimea Canyon lookout perched 3400-feet above this rugged canyon. See if you can spot the waterfalls and flowers amidst its rugged 14-mile long terrain.
Shopping
Shop for authentic Hawaiian knick-knacks and clothing in the quaint town of Hanalei and regal Princeville along the island’s north shore. The Poipu Shopping Village on the island’s south shore is worth a stop. Take a break from shopping to enjoy traditional dance and music performances in their courtyard. Visit the charming Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula in Poipu and sample delicious local fruits and vegetables as you shop for the perfect art, souvenirs and designer fashions.
Nightlife
Luaus are a great way to spend the evening on Kauai. There are also plenty of bars and hotels on Kauai showcasing Hawaiian and contemporary music.
Kauai with Kids
Tour Smith’s Family Garden in the sacred Wailua River Valley, followed by a delightful luau.
Watch the entertaining Luau Kalamaku Show for a delicious Hawaiian dinner and enchanting musical based upon the fabled Polynesian journey from Tahiti to Kauai.
Snorkel and swim along the isle’s myriad tropical beaches or go Hawaiian and learn to hula and play the ukulele for a first-rate Kauai vacation. Your Pleasant Holidays travel expert can help you with Kauai hotel deals and activities for families.
Off the Beaten Path
Go tubing through the flumes and tunnels of a former sugar plantation in the beautiful backcountry of Kauai. Tour the private, 3,000-acre Kipu Ranch, site of such films as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park, via ATV or jeep in lush southeastern Kauai for a one-of-a-kind Hawaii vacation.
Food and Drink
You’ll discover a cornucopia of delectable cuisine on Kauai, such as mahimahi, ono, wahoo and opakapaka fish, fresh produce, and tasty Hawaiian Regional Cuisine crafted by talented local chefs. Experience the authentic flavors of the island such as kalua pig cooked in an imu (earth oven), purple poi (Hawaiian taro starch) and tasty haupia (coconut pudding) at any of the island’s festive luaus.
When to Go
It is usually warmer and dryer along the south shore and west side of the island. Considering Mt. Waialeale in Kauai’s interior is thought to be the wettest spot on earth with an annual rainfall of 460 inches, the rain on the rest of the island is pretty mild. You can expect light showers along the north shore and eastside on most days, followed by lots of sunshine and vivid rainbows. Rainfall usually increases the further inland you go. Temperatures range in the mid-80s F during the summer months and high 70s from January through March.
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