The northernmost island in the Hawaiian Island chain is Kauai (properly spelled Kaua'i). This is where all the beauty of Hawaiian Paradise can be found. This island is one of the most beautiful and lush Hawaiian islands, encompassing cascading waterfalls, roaring cliffs, surf, lush green valleys and sun-drenched beaches. Dramatic is the only way to describe Kauai. It's the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and with its rich volcanic soil and plentiful rainfall, it was a natural for Taro plant farms. The tubers (roots) of the Taro plant are pounded into Poi and were a staple of the Hawaiian diet.

The weather in Kauai is beautiful all year so any time is a great time to visit. Temperatures from April to November average 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and it is also the dryer season. Winter temperatures are slightly cooler and you will always have the afternoon trade winds throughout the year.

Kauai Airport

Lihue Airport (LIH) is the island's main airport. Some airlines offer direct flights from the continental US directly to the island of Kauai.

Precipitation & Scenery

Kauai's northern end is the wet side and the wettest part of all Hawaii. The island receives so much rainfall, it is known as one of the wettest places on earth with an average rainfall of 460 inches of precipitation per year. The island has beautiful valleys, lush rainforests, jagged cliffs and towering waterfalls. With it's beautiful green valleys and scenic waterfalls, it has been the location of over 70 Hollywood movies and TV series, including Raiders of The Lost Ark, Lilo & Stitch, Jurassic Park, King Kong, and the current TV series Lost.

Kauai Vacation Activities

The island's visitors can take a helicopter adventure and soar over and through the lush green canyons and hover alongside magnificent waterfalls, taking in views and an experience they'll never forget. Travelers can also enjoy golfing at Princeville or hiking the Napali Coast, which are all-time favorites of vacationers.

The meandering Wailua River abounds with scenic views of rich foliage. Rent kayaks and explore the island on your own or relax and take the leisurely river cruise. Consider joining your guide on a hike into the fern grotto where you will be serenaded amidst luscious flora and fauna. Weddings are one of Kauai's specialties. Here, you'll find professional, experienced wedding coordinators to help you create your own customized, romantic island ceremony and celebration.

The southern area of Kauai receives more sunshine and offers many crescent beaches. You will soon see why the Travel Channel voted Poipu Beach one of America's best beaches. This popular area is where surfing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and golf are the pastimes of vacationers. Nightlife is slow and quiet here, but you won't miss it, as this is where you will rejuvenate and unwind in the beauty and tranquility of Kauai. About a 30-minute drive from Poipu, you'll find the famous Waimea Canyon. Pause to stare in awe of its mile-wide and ten-mile long magnificence.

Kauai Vacation Rentals

When planning your Kauai vacation, there are many Kauai hotels to choose from; however, many travelers prefer to stay in a privately owned vacation rental home or condo for both comfort and cost-efficiency. A vacation rental provides comforts rarely offered by most hotels, such as a fully stocked kitchen for home cooking, multiple bedrooms, and many even have their own private swimming pool and Jacuzzi, which is tough to put a price on. So, before booking a hotel, shop around for the perfect Kauai vacation rental that can accommodate your entire family. You just might find the ideal beachfront vacation rental your family has been dreaming about.