Kauai's Unique Geography

Kauai is the shape of an almost perfect circle, with a magnificent beauty emanating from each one of its 552 square miles. The island's location is a strategic and fortunate one for visitors because the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean keep the island at perfect temperature year-round.

Kauai's beaches make up almost half of its shoreline, which is an obvious perk for visitors. Kauai, Hawaii's fourth largest island, also shares its mountains with its guests. A hike along the Kalalau Trail, or a helicopter ride past 5,148-ft Mount Waialeale, the center of Kauai rewards visitors with amazing memories and photographs. The deeply weathered mountainous region tells a story as does Kauai's Waimea Canyon. Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", Waimea Canyon offers extravagant views and hiking trails throughout its 4,000-foot elevation.

A nonstop drive around the island of Kauai is almost achievable, but not quite. Visitors can travel in a variety of directions to experience Kauai uniquely at each turn; a car will take you to Kee Beach, the furthest possible on the north shore, while Polihale Beach State Park or the top of Waimea Canyon Road is as far as you can get on the west side.

Kauai's Napali Coast, which rivals any in the world for the grandest coastline, can only be seen via the sea, or the air, or by hiking (you have an excellent view of the whole coast from Kee Beach). The Napali Coast's 17-mile coastline took its sweet time to form -- millions of years of wind and water erosion -- but the result was worth the wait to enjoy the 4,000-foot cliffs, complete with lush green valleys, free-flowing waterfalls, and secret sea caves.