Kauai Island

Kauai is dominated by the volcanic peak of Mount Waialeale, which sits at the center of the island. The area around the peak is allegedly the wettest place on earth and as a result, Kauai is a very lush and green place. It is often referred to as 'The Garden Island'.

Kauai measures 53 km (33 miles) from east to west and 40 km (25 miles) from north to south. Most of the island's interior is mountainous and protected as a forest reserve. It is an excellent region for hiking. Kauai's southern and western coasts are very dry, sunny and boast numerous wonderful beaches. The most popular beach is Lumahai Beach, although the secluded Secret Beach is also often visited.

Along Na Pali Coast, in the northwest of the island, is a 35 km (22 miles) long stretch of sharply fluted coastal cliffs. It includes Hawaii's most spectacular hiking trail. Waimea Canyon is an 835 m (2785 feet) deep canyon in the south of Kauai. It is often called the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' and it is amazing to see that such an immense canyon could have formed on such a relatively small island as Kauai.

Kauai is 170 km northwest of Honolulu. Accommodation is widely available, but the best places are located in the small towns of Lihue, Kapaa, Princeville and Poipu. There you will also find a wide variety of eateries.