Kauai (or, more properly, Kaua'i) is the northwesternmost and oldest of Hawaii's major islands. Called the Garden Island, it is covered with lush greenery and tropical plants, watered regularly by abundant rainfall. As the oldest of the islands, it has been changed the most by the forces of erosion, and this has resulted in natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. It is also home to more sandy beaches than any other major island in the Hawaiian chain.
The major regions of Kaua`i can be defined by their location on the island relative to the prevailing trade winds. The north and east sides of the island are on the "windward" side of the island, where the winds blow onto the shore. These parts of the island tend to get the most rain, and as a result, are the greenest and most tropical parts of the island. The south and west sides of the island are on the "leeward" side of the island, which tends to be sunnier and drier, since most clouds have already dropped their rain on the windward side of the island.
However, all parts of the island have points of interest for all visitors. Both the rainy and dry sides of the island have fine resorts and beautiful beaches.
The word "city" might be an exaggeration for an island of 63,000 people, but here's some information on the towns of Kaua`i.
Lihu`e, on the island's southeast side, is the civic and commercial center of the island, host to the island's main airport, county offices, and largest shopping mall (Kukui Grove Center). The Kaua`i Museum, located in the old part of Lihu`e, is the island's best museum on the history, geography, and people of Kaua`i.
Kapa`a, on the east side, about a 20 minute drive north of Lihu`e, is the largest population center on the island. It anchors what is known as the Coconut Coast, which hosts many inexpensive to moderately priced resorts and much commercial activity with many strip malls along the highway. The corridor between Lihu`e and Kapa`a is the island's most congested.
Po`ipu, on the south side, is becoming the major visitor destination for the island, with abundant sun and much resort development. Most of the major hotel/resort chains, such as Hyatt, Hilton, and Sheraton, have their main Kauai resorts here.
Princeville, on the north side is centered on one of the island's most exclusive resorts and golf courses (consistently ranked among the nation's best). Although known by some locals as "Haole-ville" because they believe it represents white interests and attitudes that disrespect and aggravate those trying to live in harmony with the island, it is viewed by many as a convenient jumping off point for explorations of Kauai's spectacular north shore, including nearby Hanalei, a slice of old-time Hawaii, the unmatched beauty of Lumahai, Tunnels and Ke'e beaches, and the hike-in Na Pali Coast beyond. In contrast to its pricey hotel, Princeville also hosts numerous and affordable timeshare and condo properties.
Waimea, on the west side, is a small town with a flavor of old Kaua`i. Most visitors pass through town on the way to Waimea Canyon and Koke`e, but the town itself is worth a relaxing visit. Waimea is also home of the West Kaua`i Tech Center, a major tech incubator. Most research done here is related to the Pacific Missile Range Facility.
In many ways, Kauai is different from the rest of the islands. It's almost as if you've stepped into a separate kingdom, and for many years Kauai was just that in relation to Hawaii. Kamehameha I was able to conquer all the islands by force, except Kauai. Two separate campaigns to take the island ended in failure. In the end, it took diplomacy, a royal kidnapping, and an arranged marriage to bring Kauai into the kingdom of Hawaii.
Kauai is also known as the place where the sugar cane industry in Hawaii was born. Sugar was once the industrial mainstay of the Kauai economy, and although it takes a back seat to tourism these days, it is still very much a part of the island's heritage.
In short, compared to Oahu, Maui or the Big Island, Kauai is smaller, less populated, more rural, and more laid back. That's why it's the favorite destination for many visitors to Hawaii, and for many Hawaii residents as well. Visitors come to explore the island's beaches and natural wonders, but the multitude of resorts on white sand beaches provide ample opportunity to just sit and do nothing if you're so inclined.
Because tourist development reached Kauai considerably later than the other islands, the island has a larger proportion of timeshares, condominiums, and bed and breakfasts. Also, a strict cap on building heights (hotels can be no more than 40 feet high) prevent the development of the mega-resorts and towering skyscrapers found on the other islands. The local rule is that nothing can be built taller than a coconut tree.
One look at a map will show you an important difference between Kauai and the more populous islands of Hawaii: Due to the massive Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast, no roads circle the island. Once you've made the drive along the south shore to Waimea and seen the canyon, the only options are to go West on dirt roads to Polihale Beach or turn around and go back the way you came. Same story for Princeville and Na Pali on the north shore. However, the island is compact enough that both ends of the road can be seen in the same day. The Garden Island cannot be enjoyed or appreciated if you are pressed for time.
Information on this page has been extracted http://wikitravel.org/en/Kauai from and is based on work by rentals@aloha.net, Evan Prodromou, Shallana, David, Amy Kammerman, Todd VerBeek, Paul Matsi, Stacy Hall and Sam, Wikitravel user(s) PatelRahul and Applegettwo, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.
