So, in my last article I shared a lot about the general Hawaiian vacation experience and how difficult it is for a vacationer, unfamiliar with each island within the scope of islands to choose where to visit to fit your vacation needs. This article is one of the 5 most visited islands with its own identity. Personally speaking, I like visiting each of them, but my preference most of my visits has been Kauai. This article is going to cover why, BUT, each of you reading this and the following articles about the other 4 popular locations, are going to decide what fits your vacation m.o. relative to age, activity, and so much more. Let’s get started. What you need to know is that Kauai is a rugged island, a mountainous area with many, many trails. A great place for the adventurous, but also a quieter island than either Oahu, or Maui or Kona. It is historically the most popular island for the mature and/or adventurous traveler, especially Hiking. A beautiful location with flowers and waterfalls. 

How to get there. Alaska, Hawaiian Air and basically most all of the legacy airlines will take you there. Even Southwest from Reno (with connections). Many tour operators offer air, car, lodging as a package and saves rather than booking each one individually. The choices of airlines are optional as well as the car rental options. However, if you have timeshare opportunities and want to use the points or time or earn loyalty points from any accommodation vendor, you will have to book direct to do so. Remember though, on any of the islands you can still book air/car packages and still save. Car rentals have gotten really expensive, so remember that. Also, a hint, there is a company in the Hawaiian Islands where private parties rent out their own cars and there can be tremendous savings. They do have a website and you might want to consider that as an option. Toro.com to search out the particular island. Fun to look and research as they offer various ways to pick-up and drop-off a vehicle and show age and type of automobile, etc. Compare their offerings to the Hertz, Avis, Alamo, etc. But what if you don’t want to do all the planning? There are tour operators that offer tours to each of the islands. I can tell you there is a value to having an opportunity to learn about the island, see the entire island and witness the islands uniqueness and doing so in a small group of like-minded travelers. An example of these would be Globus, Collette, Perillo offer a 3-island tour that includes inter-island flights. These companies satisfy the traveler who doesn’t necessarily want the sand and sun only trip. 

Independently is how most people like to do the Hawaiian islands to shape their trip to their own personal preferences, especially if for GOLF or fishing or just social experiences. Keeping this in mind, many hotels, resorts and condos to choose from in each of the areas: North, South East and West shores. Each of the areas are distinctively different. The most important aspect has to do with rainfall. Yes, it rains often there but not heavily. They say it always rains in Kauai, go figure IT’S THE GARDEN ISLAND. I’ll be sharing what is unique about the various areas so you have an informed choice of which location matches your dream vacation plans. The activities you choose will be a prime indicator for you regarding locations. This leads me to WHEN is the best time to go to this island? And, what is your goal upon arrival. First, I want to tell you that Kauai is known as the perfect trip for the adventurous vacationer. Weather can affect your experience but rain will not disrupt your vacation for the most part. 

Examples of activities that are excellent probably compared to any of the other HA islands: Hiking, Zipline, sky diving, fishing, horseback riding, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayak trips and the like. Another very popular activity is GOLF, and there are many courses around the island. If you decide to seriously visit this island and want to know all that there is to do, I highly recommend THE ULTIMATE KAUAI GUIDEBOOK (Kauai Revealed). You can find older versions of this book at second hand stores, used book stores and yes even online. Or, just look online, requesting specific info about the trails or the golf courses and where they are located. These are excellent resources though prices reflected may be old, the island doesn’t change. The info will be

 very valuable and loaded with specific trails or golf courses and so much more for reference conveniently. 

So talking about rain, where is it the wettest? The coast get considerably less rainfall than the interior, and Kauai gets the most rain of any of the other islands. Kauai is considered a tropical location. Kauai and Oahu have the highest proportion of sand beach and shoreline. Kauai’s latitude indicates the island receives the most sunlight directly than anywhere on the mainland. What this means, you will need to wear a strong sunblock. During the winter months the beaches are not swimmable, especially in the East and North. 

Here’s a breakdown of each of the four (4) areas: 

North Shore: On the North side you’ll find it very green. You’ll find Princeville, an area known for golf and parks and the famous Nap Pali coastline and the town of Hanalei. One of my favorite mini-series was filmed there, The Thorn Birds FYI. You’ll also find the Lima-Huli tropical gardens. When exploring this area you don’t wanna miss Wishing Well Shave or Paradise Shaved ice, a staple for sure. IT IS NOT LIKE OUR ICEE’S on the mainland. Shaved Ice is a special delicacy in Hawaii. LARGE OR SMALL is a flavored ice cream topped with ice with flavoring and truly to die for. (In the Waimea area, Jo-Jo’s Club House or in Lihue the Halo Halo shaved ice….all outstanding. Be sure to give them a try. 

East Shore: This area is where you find Lihue, popular as a cruise port, so on certain days there will be an influx of temporary vacationers. It is also where you’ll find the Costco. There is a lagune there and golf. It is probably the most populated area of the island with the airport located there. You’ll find a Kauai Museum located in Lihue. The main roadway out of Lihue, Kaumuali’i leads to Poipu about 9 miles away. (Poipu is located in the Southside however). The further you go, you get to do lots like walking trails, a fern grotto, the Wailua River and shopping areas, parks and the like. Lots of hotels and resorts located on the East shore. Unlike the other islands Kauai has many roads leading to sights off the main drag and a distance inland to reach. So the East Shore is diverse regarding busy shopping and then areas of desolation, mountains, and rugged trails. 

South Shore: I mentioned Poipu is located in this area and known for golf among other things. The oldest sugar plantation known as Old Koloa Town, a neat place to visit and casually walk. Ice cream, monkeypod things made right in Kauai. The beaches in this area are described as FANTASTIC. Also, in this area are trails for riding, hiking. You’ll find cactus in this area too. It is in this area you’ll find what is left of the Tree Tunnel, established in the early 1900’s and partially destroyed by a hurricanes in 82 and 92, but still beautiful but called now, the Tree Corridor. The South Shore is known for the BEST, for example: The Best Strolling beach or Best Secluded Beach or Best Golf, or Best chance to see Beached Monk Seals, or Best Laguna or Best Romantic Restaurant or, you get the idea. So if that whets your appetite, you’ll want to concentrate on an accommodation in that area. 

And Finally, the West Shore: With the infamous Waimea Canyon. This area is also home to the only non-plantation town on the island Hanapepe. Today however, the town is to some charming and to others run down. It is going through renovations and up to you, according to my sources, if it is worth stopping for. However there is a swinging footbridge over the Hanapepe River. Sadly, it has been replaced following the 1992 hurricane. Yes, Hawaiian islands have suffered their share of natural and unnatural disasters for sure. I’ll be talking about that in the Maui article to come. There are several small townships in the area; Polihale, Kekaha, Waimea to name a few…but the most obvious site in the area is of course the Waimea Canyon..a huge gorge. My sources tell me it is dubbed The Grand Canyon of the Pacific. So, you may want to venture to the Lookouts as they are spectacular. Remember JoJo’s shaved ice on your way to the canyon. Important to know about driving in Kauai, and know that it is a place, especially the West Shore, you need to have good brakes. 

For many travelers, shopping is a primary activity. And, if you are renting a home or staying at a condo you might be interested to know there is a Costco, Safeway for food and the like. No matter what island you are on you’re gonna find a Hilo Hatties, with free shuttles to their locations and yes, free leis upon arrival. This particular island however is best known for adventure and golf, shopping is available of course, just not the same as a stroll in Honolulu HA. 

This does it for Kauai from me. But, before closing, I love the flowers and the greenery here. I love the slow pace and the relaxing environment. Not a great party island, though you can make your own FOR SURE.