Kauai, also known as “The Garden Isle,” is the oldest and fourth-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Situated in the Central Pacific, it is part of the United States and is about a six-hour flight from the western United States. Kauai is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty, friendly local residents and rich cultural heritage, and is a preferred destination for visitors seeking an idyllic experience in paradise. The exquisite island is popular with couples, families, honeymooners and solo travelers. A truly enchanting place that captures the soul, many visitors return again and again to this heavenly spot.
Geographical Features
Kauai’s stunning range of natural attributes, from pristine beaches to epic mountain peaks, offer visitors a multitude of options for adventure, relaxation and rejuvenation.
Almost circular in shape at approximately 33 miles wide and 25 miles long, Kauai covers an area of approximately 562.3 square miles (1,456 square kilometers).
Kauai’s Majestic Na Pali Coast
At the center of the island is Mount Waialeale, an extinct shield volcano that significantly contributes to Kauai’s unique topography. Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on Earth, receiving heavy rainfall that feeds the numerous streams, rivers, and waterfalls that flow from its slopes.
Visitors take in the view at Waimea Canyon.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
The Na Pali Coast, situated on the northwest side, showcases awe-inspiring sea cliffs and lush green valleys. On the west side, Waimea Canyon, appropriately referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” offers visitors panoramic views of deep gorges and colorful layered rock formations. The island’s tropical North Shore is a scene straight out of the movie South Pacific, which was filmed here. The island’s vast, lush and jagged interior is virtually inaccessible, and the spectacular scenery is the subject of popular Kauai helicopter tours. Numerous beaches ring this island paradise while beautiful ocean waters host a variety of marine life including whales, turtles, sea lions, dolphins and more.
Kauai Activities
An ATV tour group enjoys the beautiful scenery in Koloa, Kauai.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tommy Lundberg
Kauai’s remarkable natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities on the island include going to the beach, hiking, sightseeing, boat tours, helicopter tours, horseback riding and adventure activities such as mountain water tubing, ATV tours and ziplining.
A Na Pali Coast boat tour explores a sea cave.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
The Na Pali Coast, one of the star attractions of Kauai, invites visitors to engage its grandeur in a number of ways. Sunset dinner cruises unveil the majesty of this unique coast in a relaxed setting, while smaller boat and kayak tours enable adventurous souls to explore the sea caves of the Na Pali Coast up close and personal. Several viewing points and hiking trails in Kokee Park have spectacular views looking down on the coast from mountaintop elevations.
Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, in Kauai’s high country, provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping and bird watching.
Water activities abound on Kauai, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and scuba diving on the island’s many beaches and waterways.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are another way to experience Kauai’s many charms. Polynesian luaus feature traditional island cuisine and captivating hula performances. Farmers markets are popular throughout the island, offering a chance to discover unique treasures and treats and connect with local entrepreneurs. Cultural events, such as Koloa Plantation Days and the Kauai Mokihana Festival, can be found throughout the year. And coffee and chocolate farm tours, lei-making classes and ukulele lessons are more activity options for an immersive Kauai cultural experience.
The Best Activity?
However, with all that Kauai has to see and do, one of the best activities on the island is doing nothing at all. With its exquisite beauty and serene ambiance, Kauai is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the setting. Correspondingly, various spa, massage, yoga and wellness services throughout the island complement this laid-back approach.
People of Kauai
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Heather Goodman/@hbgoodie
The people of Kauai are friendly and respectful, and they appreciate visitors who are also friendly and respectful of the island’s people, culture and natural attributes. Most of the island’s 80,000 residents reside in small towns dotted along the coast. Many work in the island’s broad tourism industry. In recent years, economic factors have forced some Hawaiians to move off the island which has led to an island-wide shortage of workers. Visitors to the island should be mindful of the shortage and show flexibility, kindness and patience when experiencing service delays and unexpected closures.
Though there is some hustle and bustle to everyday life for many residents of Kauai, the overall pace is noticeably slower on the island. The slower pace is especially evident on the streets, where courteous driving is the norm and not the exception. “Slow yourself down” is not only a mantra on the island, but a store in Hanalei with products that serve as reminders to pause and capture the moment.
History and Culture
Kauai’s history dates back over a thousand years when early Polynesian voyagers first arrived on its shores. These settlers brought with them their rich cultural traditions, language, and agricultural practices. The island has since undergone a fascinating history of exploration, colonization, immigration and socio-economic changes.
The island’s historical significance includes the first contact with Europeans in 1778 when Captain James Cook arrived in Waimea Bay. In the early 1800s, Kauai was united under one ruler, King Kaumualii, who ceded the island to Kamehameha I, the ruler of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom.
Immigrants, especially from Asia, flocked to Kauai in the 1800s into the 1900s to work in the island’s sugar plantation and agricultural industries, bringing new cultures and beliefs to Kauai. Today, the island has notable influences of Japanese, Chinese and Filipino culture that add vibrancy to Kauai’s way of life.
The Wai’oli Hui’ia Church in Hanalei.
Starting in the 1820s, Christian missionaries began arriving in earnest on Kauai resulting in the denigration of traditional Hawaiian culture and the introduction of new societal norms and belief systems to the island. The missionary zeal is still evident today in the many wonderful churches found throughout the island.
Increasing U.S. involvement in the Hawaiian islands resulted in the archipelago becoming a U.S. territory in 1900. During World War 2, the island was an important training and staging area for U.S. troops headed to the Pacific Theater. In 1959, Hawaii, and along with it Kauai, became the 50th state. The designation has brought stability and economic benefits to the island, as well as visitors from the mainland U.S. who can travel to a South Seas-type paradise without the need for visas or passports, and with all the protections of the federal government. It should be noted that for Native Hawaiians, statehood has been a mixed blessing, with many lamenting the loss of traditional Hawaiian culture and their desire for greater autonomy.
Economy and Industry
Historically, Kauai’s economy relied heavily on sugarcane and agricultural industries. However, with the decline of these industries in the late 20th century, tourism has become the primary economic driver.
Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee grower in the United States.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
Agriculture, including coffee, taro, and tropical fruits, still plays a role in Kauai’s economy. Additionally, ranching, renewable energy initiatives and military facilities contribute to the island’s economic diversity.
Environmental Conservation
A farmer demonstrates taro farming to schoolchildren.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Heather Goodman/@hbgoodie
Recognizing the fragility of its unique ecosystem, Kauai is making efforts to protect its natural heritage through various conservation initiatives. Organizations and local communities work together to preserve native species, reduce invasive species, clean up beaches, maintain hiking trails and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Final Thoughts
Surreal Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore
Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Kauai offers visitors a mesmerizing blend of lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse outdoor activities. With its rich history, pristine beaches, and stunning natural wonders, Kauai continues to captivate the hearts of travelers from around the world.
