With white sand beaches, coconut lined coasts, tropical rain forests, misty canyons, and the majestic Na Pali Coast it's hard to imagine a place on earth more beautiful than Kauai.

Known as "the Garden Island", the tropical paradise of Kauai lies amidst the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, about 20 minutes by air from Honolulu. Kauai is 33 x 25 miles and encompasses roughly 550 miles. It is the oldest and northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands. Lihue is the county seat and location of the Kauai Airport. Population is almost 60,000 residents and the highest point is Kawaikiki Peak at 5,243 ft above sea level.

The county of Kauai Includes the islands of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau and uninhabited Lehua and Ka‘ula. The island of Ni‘ihau is privately owned and is known as the "Forbidden Island". Public access is allowed only with permission of the owners. Its land area is 69.5 square miles.

Born over 5.5 millions years ago, Kaua‘i is the oldest of Hawai‘i's major islands. The town of Waimea was the site of the first Hawai‘i landing by Captain James Cook in 1778. Kauai has been a host to Hollywood movies including Jurrasic Park, South Pacific and Raiders of the lost Ark, just to name a few.

At the heart of the island is Mount Wai'ale'ale, one of the wetest places on earth, with an average rainfall of 444 inches per year. Average rainfall at Po‘ipu Beach on the south shore is 35 inches per year. To the northwest, lies the rugged Na Pali coast with peaks as high as 4000 feet and deep valleys where ancient Hawaiians once lived. The north side has the upscale resort area of Princeville and a premier golf course, breathtaking beaches, and the famous Hanalei Bay. The town of Hanalei is filled with colorful shops, galleries, and restaurants.

To the east lies breathtaking waterfalls and the Wailua River. The sunny south shore is a main tourist attraction, which boasts beautiful beaches and unique towns to explore. Koloa Town, in the heart of the South Shore, was once the site of Hawaii's first successful sugar plantation. A tript o Kauai is not complete without a visit to Polihale State Park, on the West side. It is a rugged journey to get there, but well worth the trip. This is the place of Hawaii's longest stretch of beach and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, blue sky, white sand, and crystal blue water. Paradise!

Weather
Kauai’s weather is moderate year around with average temperatures ranging from 70° to 81°F.

For a current weather forecast click here


Population
Resident population for the county (2000): 58,463.
By ethnic groups (2000): Caucasian (26.1%); Hawaiian/Part Hawaiian (23.3); Filipino (17.3); Japanese (12.1)
Main cities and towns (2000): Kapa‘a (9,472); Lihu‘e (5,674)


More Information about Kauai
For more information about Kauai please visit:
www.kauaidiscovery.com
www.kauai.com