Welcome to the Kauai Vacation Guide
Planning your next vacation to Kauai? We can help ... with many great vacation ideas, reviews, and travel tips. All from experienced vacation travelers who know and love Kauai!
Whether you're looking for the famous Kauai beaches, or you want an exciting outdoor adventure, or just want to relax at a full-service resort ... we've got all the information you need to plan a great Kauai vacation.
Your vacation in Kauai - Come enjoy the "Garden Island"
Kauai's greatest attraction is the sheer beauty of the island, appropriately nicknamed The Garden Isle. But whether your planning a romantic getaway for two or a fun vacation for the whole family, a vacation in Kauai provides both young and old with a broad variety of activities to fill many sun-drenched days and dreamy nights.Island Overview
Lush, green Kauai is the northernmost of Hawaii's main islands and measures 550 square miles in area. It's believed that the island was formed more than six million years ago and travelers to this incredible island can view not only the sites of modern day Hawaii while on vacation in Kauai but also the magnificent heritage and historic sites of the island.
The Five Regions of Kauai
The island is divided in to five regions and a trip to Kauai ought to encompass a little time in each area. The magnificent North Shore boasts the Na Pali Coast, with majestic cliffs rising more than 4,000 feet above the ocean as well as the beaches of Hanalei Bay, one of the oldest settlements on the island, and Lumahai, made famous in the movie "South Pacific." Don't miss the northernmost point at Kilauea, with its picturesque lighthouse and spectacular wildlife refuge.
The rugged West Side of the island offers visitors on vacation in Kauai some of the most amazing scenery in all of the Hawaiian Islands. Visit Waimea Canyon, dubbed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific" and enjoy unbelievable views of some of the most photographed scenery in Hawaii. Visitors will also want to make a stop at Polihale Heiau, the place where, according to tradition, departed souls leave the island and head into the setting sun. Spectacular!
The South Shore is full of enticing beaches such as Maha'ulepu Beach with its ancient petroglyphs and the rocky Shipwreck Beach, both perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Of course, there's Poipu Beach, continuously voted one of the world's top beaches by travel experts throughout the industry. Click www.poipu-beach.org for more about this fantastic beach and all that it offers. The tiny South Shore is also home to a number of interesting historic sites.
Golfers on vacation in Kauai won't want to miss the Lihue/Kalapaki region, the island's county seat and site of two 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Huleia National Wildlife Refuge located here offers stunning scenery and a great place to photograph native birds and animals. Remember the opening scene of the 70's television show Fantasy Island? That was filmed near pristine Wailua Falls, once the site of thrilling cliff diving.
The Coconut Coast, located on the northeastern portion of the island, beckons vacationers to Kauai to visit its many sacred sites and Hawaiian cultural attractions. On the Coconut Coast resides the 19th century plantation town of Old Kapa'a, sprinkled with fine restaurants and distinctive shops.
What to Do - Fun Activities
After discovering the rich variety of the island while on your vacation to Kauai, it's time to experience the many activities that make Kauai one of the most desired vacation destinations in the world. Water sports are probably the most plentiful activities that guests enjoy while on vacation in Kauai.
The calm waters of the South Shore, with its diverse and plentiful marine life, offer the best scuba diving on the island. Windsurfers can check out Anini Beach while on vacation in Kauai, with consistent winds that make windsurfing a breeze, so to speak.
Avid fishermen love Kauai! Both freshwater and saltwater fishing are available in Kauai and lucky anglers can catch such delicious delights as ahi tuna, marlin, ono, and aku, and later that evening prepare them for dinner.
If you prefer the land to the water, you'll discover that hiking in Kauai is spectacular. Since only about ten percent of this picturesque island is accessible by road, there's plenty to explore on foot that you might otherwise miss. Magnificent hiking trails like the Kukui Trail to the breathtaking Waimea Canyon offer hikers views that are unparalleled. Many trekkers use the island's state parks for camping while on vacation in Kauai and there are also scenic trails designed specifically for horseback riding.
A Taste of Hawaiian Culture
When it's time to slow down a little, Hawaii offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions for those who enjoy learning a little more about the island and its history while on vacation in Kauai. Don't miss the National Tropical Botanical Garden on the South Shore, Captain Cook's Monument on the West Side, the early 19th century Waioli Mission House in the North, and the lush Keahua Forestry Arboretum on the Coconut Coast while on vacation in Kauai. Be sure to also stop at the local history centers and museums that dot the island to learn more about Kauai's past.
Festivals in Kauai are plentiful and occur all year long. Participating in one is a great way to get to know the friendly locals and learn more about the traditions of this magnificent island community. For a calendar of the many fun-filled festivals taking place throughout the island see www.kauaifestivals.com
Planning your Trip
On this site, you'll have the opportunity to explore Kauai in depth and learn about the land and its people. We'll also offer you invaluable vacation tips about where to stay, what to do, the coolest places to shop, and which restaurants offer the best food on the island. If you like what you see, you may want to make Kauai your next home, so we've also included some information on purchasing real estate on the island.
Should you have any questions, we stand eager and ready to help you organize your vacation Kauai or assist you in learning more about the magnificent Garden Island.
