Of the seven main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is the northernmost and the oldest. Over the last five million years, the forces of nature have created some of the most magnificent scenery on earth. The exquisite white sand beaches, awesome ridges, valleys and waterfalls have made the Garden Island known worldwide for its exceptional beauty.
History: Somewhere between 500 and 800 A.D., for reasons unknown, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands took off in sailing canoes into the vast Pacific Ocean. Navigating only by the stars in the night sky, they traveled thousand of miles over open ocean to land on the Garden Island of Kauai. They settled in the valleys and along the shoreline and formed the Hawaiian culture.
In 1778, Captain James Cook of Great Britian landed in Waimea on the west side of the island and thus began the first documented contact with the outside world. Today, Kauai is populated with a mixture of people from numerous racial backgrounds.
The Garden Island has retained it's rural charm while providing modern day conveniences,making it the perfect place in paradise. The natural beauty of the island beckons the outdoor enthusiast to participate in a myriad of sport activities. Clear turquoise waters are excellent for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, sailboarding, game fishing and boating. Or explore our island on horseback, mountain bike or a leisure hike.
If you don't want to venture too far from the swimming pool and mai tais, take in a game of tennis or check out one of he world class golf courses on Kauai. Come during one of the golf tournaments and you can watch the world's best compete on the Garden Island. Kauai is the only Hawaiian Island with a navigable river. The historical Wailua River offers day kayak trips to a secluded waterfall or if you prefer a workout, you can waterski for miles.
Kauai is the ultimate playground but it is also a sanctuary. The extraordinary physical beauty of the island is complemented by the opportunity to indulge in relaxation and privacy. It is no wonder that so many people are drawn to the Garden Island to recharge and renew their spirits.
The North Shore is the greenest part of the island, with the most beautiful views, sunrises, sunsets, beaches, rivers, and waterfalls. Always cooled by tradewinds, year-round temperature varies from high 60's (a cool day) to the low 80's (a warm day).
It is where world famous Princeville Resort is, with beautiful homes and condos, and charming Hanalei, a bustling village of art galleries, surf shops, restaurants, and retail stores. In most lists of 'World's Ten Best Beaches,' the North Shore beaches usually place from 3 to 5 of our many beaches. The golf courses in Princeville are the most beautiful and challenging in Hawaii.
Since 'North Shore' in the Atlas of Hawaii includes much of the Na Pali, Wainiha and Haena areas, where it rains much more than in Princeville, monthly rainfall is 6-7", mostly at night. But, in Princeville, it is about half that.
Poipu is the second major tourism center after the North Shore, and home to the beautiful Grand Hyatt Resort. There are many fine homes and condos there, plus art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The Poipu Bay Golf Club is a popular course. In general it is much windier here with choppy surf, but there are many fine beaches also. It is much drier here, with cactus plants, and much less green.