With the unmatched beauty found in its serene beaches and majestic mountains, Kauai vacations continue to captivate visitors year after year - many say there is simply no more beautiful place on earth. Whether you enjoy the balmy trade winds, the harmony of the sea or the green lushness of the mountains, Kauai is sure to exceed your every expectation.
The new and exciting experiences are the most important part of a great vacation. Kauai offers delightful vacation activities for family fun. If you want to challenge your skills at the world's most spectacular golf courses, soak up the sun while being soothed by breaking surf or hike through lush, rugged natural landscapes, then Kauai won't disappoint you.
Photo credit: HTA / Ron Dahlquist
You will discover that the word "unspoiled" still applies to this tropical destination, which has become a rarity in the Pacific islands. Only about ten percent of the island of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking and guided tours, because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot.
Golden sand beaches, emerald valleys, majestic cliffs, and jagged peaks can be seen throughout the island. You will love the island's reclusive charm; registering a permanent population of roughly 56,000 people, Kauai is the least populated of Hawaii's four counties and is the most sparsely developed among the popular Hawaiian vacation spots.
You may notice the constant presence of rainbows across the skies of Kauai. This phenomenon is most pronounced in the northern coast of Kauai, which receives more rainfall than the rest of the island. Approximately 472 inches of rain descend on the gorgeous Mount Wai'ale'ale, further nourishing the lush and green environment.
Fairly mild temperatures make Kauai an ideal vacation destination at any time of the year, but visitors yearning for nonstop hot fun in the sun might schedule their trip from June through October, when rainfall is at its lightest. You will enjoy balmy daytime temperatures, which range from the mid-70s and the mid-80s Fahrenheit degrees and slightly rise in the summer.
Kauai's diverse terrain guarantees a wide array of outdoor pursuits. For excellent windsurfing, head to Anini Beach Park and Kalapaki Beach, two places in Kauai that receives consistent winds. The southern shores of Kauai offer the best scuba diving experience because they contain calm waters, an average of 50 feet of visibility, and abundant marine life. Perhaps you will enjoy a journey through the island on foot by some of its scenic trails. The five mile Kukui Trail descends 2,000 feet into the majestic Waimea Canyon, while the four point two mile Kuilau Ridge Trail winds around dramatic views of small waterfalls and colorful flora.
One best ways to explore Kauai is by horseback. There are scenic trails that follow along the coast like trips through the Hanalei Valley, a place that hasn't changed very much in the past thousand years. Other trails take you to Haupu Valley, along the beach and past the coves of Mahaulepu Beach, or down into Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."