Kauai is very rich in natural resources, culture and traditions which is why you have to make the most out of your vacation. If you’re only planning to stay for a few days, make sure you do the most memorable Kauai activities that will truly make the trip worthwhile. These things are great whether you’re going solo, on a honeymoon or with the entire family. Make reservations and a sound budget today.

Appreciating Nature

Kauai has a lot of state parks and natural scenic views such as Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon. Koke’e State Park borders the ?Grand Canyon of the Pacific? and ranges more than 4,000 acres. Here you can enjoy over 40 hiking trails with captivating backgrounds. Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, 2 miles wide and 3,600 feet deep featuring an array of colors.

The Na Pali Coast is one of the most popular sites in the island featuring 22 miles of volcanic cliffs. Take a boat or helicopter ride to view the coast fully. Helicopter rides are definitely preferred if you want a clearer picture of waterfalls, sea cliffs, mountains and volcanoes. The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is more than 1,000 acres of tropical abundance in Haena at the northern part of Kauai.

Some spots in Kauai have been used in movies and television shows. Find out where big hits like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, Gilligan’s Island, Blue Hawaii, etc. were shot by taking the Movie Tours via bus, 4×4 or helicopter. Learn more about the plantation life and fields of old Kauai by taking the Kauai Plantation Train which features wooden cars at Kilohana camp. You get to see the best of Hawaiian agriculture and produce like pineapple, coffee, tropical flowers and banana.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Kauai Vacation. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Enjoy the many open and commercial beaches and resorts all across the island where you can enjoy Kauai activities on and off shore. Some must-visit spots include Princeville resort, Hanalei Lookout and town, Ke’e Beach, the Coconut Coast and Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse. Kauai is also every golfer’s paradise featuring some of the best golf courses in the world. Try a few holes at Poipu Bay Golf Course which has an attractive ocean view and challenging layout.

Modern Kauai Activities

If you prefer to explore the towns and cities in Kauai, there are also a wide array of restaurants, spas, shopping centers and business hubs available. Poipu Beach has several great dining places specializing in ethnic cuisine and seafood. In Hanapepe Town you can find Hanapepe Cafe for a romantic dinner and original slack key guitar tunes by Cindy Combs then visit the nearby galleries afterwards.

Hanapepe comes to life in the evening especially during weekends so expect to see clubs and bars offering delectable appetizers and cocktails. Tradewinds, a South Seas Bar is located in Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa where you can enjoy a Hawaiian style bar with karaoke, games and other fun Kauai activities.

Crafts and other gift items are available at Vintage Aloha in Hanapepe Road, Kalaheo. Glass art can be found at Kela’s Glass Gallery while Hawaiian tank tops, shirts and outfits are sold at Nite Owl T-Shirts in Eleele, Kauai.

Shopping centers and malls are also located in Lihue such as the Anchor Cove Shopping Center where you can buy Hawaiian books, crafts and souvenirs.

As your knowledge about Kauai Vacation continues to grow, you will begin to see how Kauai Vacation fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Learning More about the Island

1. Why is Kauai called the ?Garden Isle??

Kauai got its name because of its rich tropical life filled with green valleys, deep jungles and beautiful gardens. Mt. Wai’ale’ale is home to the wettest spot on the planet, receiving around 400 inches of rain annually. 3 of the 5 National Tropical Botanical Gardens are located in the island namely Allerton, McBryde and Limahuli. Kauai life actually stemmed from abundant sugarcane fields, vegetable plantations and farms. A lot of plants you see today were originally brought by Polynesian explorers who intended to enhance agriculture and herbal methods.

2. What attractions should I look forward to?

There are both artificial and natural tourist attractions that define Kauai life well. You can find several ancient heiaus or Hawaiian temples where ancient villagers and chiefs used to worship their gods and goddesses. Here you will find artifacts and other sacred structures like totem poles. Ancient burial sites and secret caves are also found all across the island nearby captivating waterfalls, tropical jungles and seaside cliffs. Several popular movies were filmed in different spots of Kauai such as ?Jurassic Park?, ?Might Joe Young?, ?King Kong? and ?6 Days, 7 Nights?.

Kauai is around 5.1 million years old and has a number of popular volcanoes and peaks. It is also home to the enchanting Na Pali Coast which was formed from several volcanic eruptions. Experience the Great Canyon of the Pacific or Waimea Canyon which is more colorful than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It is 10 miles long and have hiking trails leading to towns and tropical jungles.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

3. What can I do in Kauai?

Some of the popular activities that resemble Kauai life include swimming, snorkeling, sand strolling, hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, surfing, bodysurfing, windsurfing and experiencing festivals and luaus. Some must-see beaches include Hanakapi’ai Beach and Kalalau Beach. You should also try the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach that takes you to some majestic views of valleys, coasts and peaks.

A lot of people get married Hawaiian style using authentic floral decorations, lei ceremonies and seaside landscapes. It is the perfect vacation spot for the entire family as well as lone individuals. There are a number of world-class hotels like the Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott. The downtown area is also bustling with Kauai life with festive bars and clubs, restaurants serving international dishes and shopping hubs.

More Questions

4. What natural attractions can I expect?

Na Pali Coast is home to the rare monk seals as well as other species like the nene geese, dolphin and humpback whale. Tourists come to watch whales and other marine life from December to April. You can also find a lot of waterfalls as you explore deeper into the island such as Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls and Manawaipuna Falls which was featured in ?Jurassic Park?. Some of these spots can be trekked to or you may avail of a helicopter tour as well for a better view.

5. What can I expect about the weather?

Kauai life usually has moderate and comfortable climate and temperature. Poipu in the south shore is the sunniest while the western parts leading to Mana, Polihale and Kekaha are the driest. All coastal areas are generally sunny and comfortably warm. Temperatures tend to get cooler in the evening all across the island. Generally, it rains a lot in Kauai.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

The Origin

Around 400 to 500 A.D., Kauai had its first share of settlers who brought basic food products like taro which is commonly used to make poi. The Marquesans sailed from Polynesia and became the first inhabitants of the island. In 1000 A.D., Tahitians arrived and overpowered the Marquesans to settle in Kauai as well. Several of the Polynesians brought many of the plants that you can still find in Kauai today.

Westerners arrived at the scene only during the 1700s. Captain James Cook is the most famous of all western explorers who navigated Hawaiian waters and islands. The HMS Discovery and Resolution of the captain first landed in Waimea Bay, the west coastal region in 1778 resulting to trinket and food trading as well as cultural education from Hawaiian hosts. Captain Cook named the islands ?Sandwich Islands? after the captain’s superior officer, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.

Cook however, attempted to kidnap a Hawaiian high chief when a boat was stolen but was killed by the islanders. James King assumed the lost position and a few years later, merchants, missionaries and diseases found their way into Kauai history. There are also undocumented reports that Gaetan, a Spanish explorer was accidentally blown off course into the island in 1542.

See how much you can learn about Kauai Vacation when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don’t miss out on the rest of this great information.

In 1810, King Kamehameha took Kauai non-violently from King Kaumuali’i. He reigned over almost all the islands. In 1815, Georg Scheffer, a Russian doctor visited Kauai to hopefully establish trade privileges with King Kamehameha. The island however, was still nominally under the control of King Kaumuali’i so the doctor promised Kaumuali’i to liberate Kauai with the help of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia in exchange for cargo located in Waimea. Fort Elizabeth was then constructed on the western part of the island plus a couple more near Hanalei. Unfortunately, Scheffer was called back to his home country resulting to the fall of Fort Elizabeth into the hands of King Kamehameha.

The Kilauea Lighthouse was created in 1913 at the northernmost point of the major Hawaiian islands which featured the largest glass lens of its kind guiding sailors from the Orient. It continued to function until 1970 and is now considered as a historical landmark. Hawaiian history continued to flourish throughout the years and was well-preserved even after American colonization during the 1900s.

More Historical Sites and Museums

You will find several other historical stories, items and structures all over Kauai island such as Polihale Heiau along the Coconut Coast which is a Hawaiian temple that contains several ancient idol sites on its terraced location. The Hauola Place of Refuge used to be a sacred sanctuary if a person loses in battle or breaks the law. The Waioli Mission House features antique furnishings dating back to 1850.

Kauai Museum features some of the best in Kauai history with artifacts, exhibits and dioramas. Grove Farm Homestead Museum features the Wilcox family as well as how sugar plantations existed in 1860. Kamokila Hawaiian Village lets you experience the ancient lifestyle of the Hawaiian people complete with crafts, games and demonstrations.

Koke’e Natural History Museum boasts the rich flora and fauna of Kauai history. It is located near Koke’e State Park and Koke’e Lodge.

Is there really any information about Kauai Vacation that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Oceanfront Luaus

The Surf to Sunset Luau is held every Monday and Friday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. just a few steps from the crescent-shaped white beach of Kauai. This is the perfect ceremony for families and couples featuring world-class entertainment that boasts the island’s culture and traditions plus a wide array of authentic Hawaiian dishes. Here you can enjoy fresh sweet pineapple, lomi salmon, pipikaula, kalua pig, poi, poke and tempting desserts like coconut coated haupia, chocolate macadamia nut cake and guava chiffon pie.

Other delicacies included in the extensive banquet are Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. You get to choose between the Traditional package and The Golden Circle package.

The Traditional package includes classic buffet dining and entertainment while The Golden Circle package includes table service complete with appetizers, salads and beverages served family style, signature lei and great stage side seats.

Poipu also offers classic Kauai luaus with a spectacular oceanfront view at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa every Sunday and Thursday with the theme ?Havaki Nui? or ?a journey to new lands?. Check-in time is at 5:00 p.m. Here you can enjoy quality Hawaiian and cosmopolitan culinary luau dishes and entertainment provided by world-class producers of Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

The program features the voyage of ancient Polynesians into the Pacific Ocean to search for Havaiki Nui resulting to the established lands of Hawaii, Samoa and Tahiti. The story is well-described through songs, dances and chants. You get to see live fire knife dances and the mystical hula.

Other inclusions in the siet are the shell lei greeting, music and photo opportunity, limited bar, Hawaiian arts and crafts and Imu unearthing. The Kauai luau buffet has a very extensive menu with specialties like somen salad, tropical fruits, kim chee, imu-style cooked kalua pig, brewed kona and several specialty teas.

The Must-See Luau

The most famous Kauai luau is probably Smith’s Garden Luau held at the Wailua Marina State Park on the east side of the island. The program is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Check-in time is at 4:45 p.m.

The event started more than 50 years ago by the Smith family in the holy Wailua River Valley and up to now, they continue to entice visitors to experience and become part of the family or ?ohana?. The feast is the main highlight of the luau featuring delicacies like kalua pig roasted in the earthen imu oven, Cousin Gary’s secret teriyaki beef recipe and chicken adobo.

More highlights in this Kauai luau are Tahitian drum dances, Samoan fire knife dances, shell lei greeting, meeting some of the Smith family members, cocktails, Hawaiian music, the Aloha Show with performances from Hawaii, the Philippines and New Zealand and a preview of the romantic Hawaiian wedding.

Occasionally, the Pareo Fashion show and Tihati’s Hiva Pasefika Revue is also presented. Some ethnic dances and chants from China, Japan and Korea are featured as well.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

It is important to determine the right modes of transportation during your Hawaiian vacation to ensure that you save a lot of time, effort and money. There are a lot of Kauai travel methods available depending on the number of people and places where you intend to go. The island is relatively small but great spots are spaced far apart so walking is not always ideal on all occasions. Here are some to help you plan.

Kauai Driving

If you’re visiting a relative, you may be fortunate to be lent a car to drive around in. There are 2 major highways in Kauai and both starts in Lihue. From Lihue Airport, Kapule Highway or Highway 51 is on the right. Kapula Highway eventually merges 1 mile away into Kuhio Highway or Highway 56. Kuhio Highway leads to Coconut Coast and through the North Shore then ends at Kee Beach at the starting point of Na Pali coast. There are no roads along Na Pali Coast in the northwest of the island.

Following Kapule Highway will lead you through Lihue and Nawiliwili. Taking Nawiliwili Road or Highway 58 will lead you to an intersection with Kaumualili Highway or Highway 50 that leads to the south and southwest parts of Kauai up to Waimea then ends at the opposite end of Na Pali Coast. Take Maluhia Road or Highway 510 south if you want to go to Poipu. Waimea Canyon Road or Highway 550 or Kokee Road or Highway 55 both join halfway up to Waimea Canyon.

Traffic tends to congest from Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. You can get stuck in traffic for over an hour since only a single road circles the entire island connecting all towns and locations.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

The 2 main highways, however, almost lead to every popular attraction and site for your Kauai travel. Hawaii traffic regulations also strictly enforce proper of wearing of seat belts. On the highways, go for an average of 40 to 50 mph and 30 to 35 on smaller roads.

With fairly normal traffic, expect to reach Poipu from Lihue in 20 minutes, from Poipu to Polihale in 35 minutes, from Lihue to Kapaa in 10 minutes and from Kapaa to Hanalei in 30 minutes. It is important to know about contra flows wherein cones are placed on lane divisions resulting to traffic driving on the wrong side of the road. This approach aims to reduce traffic congestion during commute hours. Bypass roads ideally help you enjoy the scenery without having to worry about heavy highway traffic.

More Kauai Driving Tips

As far as insurance goes, Hawaii is a no-fault state so you are required to pay for all damages should you be involved in a collision and do not own collision-damage insurance. This applies regardless of whose fault the accident was and you need to pay before leaving the state. Some car insurance plans cover a number of car rental policies so check your company for privileges and insurance benefits.

You may opt for the optional insurance but bring your insurance identification card if not. Aside from insurance companies, credit card companies may also provide collision-damage insurance so check for these.

Hawaiian state law requires all car passengers to wear a seat belt. All infants should be strapped into car seats as well. A $50 fine will be given to violators. Pedestrians always have right of way all the time. You can cautiously turn right on red from the right lane after a full stop unless there’s a sign that prevents you.

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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

If you’re looking for serenity, excitement or adventure, Kauai beaches are the perfect places to be. Almost half of the island’s coastline is made of both open and commercial beaches featuring an array of beautiful plants and animals on land, air and water. Some of these sites have unique characteristics which are why it is important to be on the lookout constantly and understand some navigation and safety tips.

Finding the Best Beach

The oldest and northernmost island of Hawaii measures around 552 square miles on an almost perfect circle form. It is about 33 miles wide and 25 miles long at its furthest points and only 3% of the land is residentially and commercially used. People generally reside along the coastal points leaving the interior part pristine and conserved. Expect temperature to be around 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit although these tend to rise during the summer and drop during late afternoon and evening.

Cool breezes come from the northeast trade winds while the ocean temperature ranges anywhere from 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain showers are common early in the morning and at night over the mountain ranges.

Anini Beach on Anini Road in North Shore Kauai is one of the safest and most protected sites along the northern part of Kauai. Hawaii’s longest reef runs the whole length of Anini Beach. You will find luxurious Kauai vacation homes at different key points featuring captivating views of the coast and ocean.

One side of the beach only has 4 feet of water that slowly cascades to more than a 100 feet on the opposite end. You can enjoy several activities like snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving and swimming. There are campsites as well along shady Kamani trees complete with showers and restrooms.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Donkey Beach is located in East Kauai featuring a combination of rocks, sand and trees. Donkey Beach was named after the common practice of letting donkeys and burros haul sugar cane in nearby fields and plantations. This is a beautiful open beach where you can enjoy snorkeling, picnicking and walking. There are no lifeguards, facilities and restrooms however. Visitors should be cautious about swimming during high tide since waves breaking on ledges and drop offs are unpredictable.

Ha’ean Beach on Highway 560, Northa Kauai is another open beach and is a favorite among surfers. There is a beach and park area with picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Swimming is not recommended however because of deep drop offs.

Beach Safety Guidelines

For amateur surfers and swimmers, it is recommended to swim only at beaches featuring lifeguards and located only a few miles from the nearest health center. Always inform lifeguards and other companions before going into the water and ask for swimming tips and areas of concern. Watch out for warning signs and follow rules. Daily and seasonal changes occur which can make some beaches particularly dangerous depending on the current weather, tide or time of the year.

Waves come in sets and there can be as much as a 20-minute break in between dangerous ones. Stay away from coastal rocks and boulders since strong waves can easily thrash people. Ask how long from the shoreline the drop offs are. Accidents can happen off the water as well so be careful when treading on sand, grass and rocks. It is advised to go with a rip current instead of fighting back.

Call for help immediately and conserve energy. Ask a partner to go with you when doing water activities and if you do not have full information about a certain Kauai beach or body of water, never go out.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

A Hawaiian trip is one of the most exhilarating experiences for any person in the globe. The 51st state of America features a lot of rich culture and history that will surely give you an unforgettable stay. A Kauai vacation is considered a top choice because of the various beautiful sights as well as the traditions that make it one majestic island. Find out more about the place especially its unique layout and geography.

About the Island

The name Kauai probably originated from Hawai’iloa, the Polynesian explorer who is known to have discovered Hawaii. Hawai’iloa was said to have a favorite son whom he named the island after. It also translates to ?food season? or ?place around the neck? just as how a father would lift his favorite child. The population in the island ranges over 60,000. The United States Census Bureau defines Kauai as Census Tracts 401 to 409. This includes all of Kauai County except for the islands Lehua, Ni’ihau and Ka’ula.

Kauai or Kaua’i is the oldest and fourth largest main island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the 21st largest island in America which lies 105 miles across the Kaua’i Channel, just northwest of O’ahu. It is also called ?Garden Isle? with blooming flora and fauna, great weather and captivating volcanoes.

The island is of volcanic origin with Kawaikini the highest peak standing at 5,243 feet and Mount Wai’ale’ale at the center of Kauai at 5,148 feet. It is one of the wettest places in the plant with annual rainfall resulting to deep valleys, canyons and waterfalls.

If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Lihue Airport is the main air transportation hub of the island. There are several towns and cities all over Kauai but majority of the distinctive ones are located from the northern tip of Hawaii Route 560 to the western end of Hawaii Route 50. Some popular places include Kapa’a, Lihu’e, Wailua, Princeville, Hanalei, Hanapepe, Kilauea, Lawa’i and Anahola.

Kauai resembles the shape of an almost perfect circle over an area of 552 square miles. The location provides warm waters from the Pacific Ocean as well as great temperature any time of the year. About half of the shoreline of the island is comprised of Kauai vacation beaches. You can expect to find some very rare species of animals and plants both on and off shore such as bamboo, orchid, hibiscus, sandalwood, eucalyptus, java plum, kiawe, iwi, nene goose, sea turtle, whale, dolphin and humuhumunukunukuapuaa.

What to Expect

You get to enjoy several open and commercial beaches all across the island as well as the vast richness of marine life. Hiking is another great Kauai vacation activity because of its mountainous regions specifically the Waimea Canyon or the ?Grand Canyon of the Pacific? rising up to 4,000 feet. Another popular site is the Napali Coast featuring captivating coastline views, free-flowing waterfalls, secret sea caves and tall cliffs.

Enjoy the tropical weather of a Kauai vacation all-year round. Temperatures also drop later in the afternoon for cooler nights. There are micro-climates on the island wherein both lush and dry areas exist Mount Waialeale has a beautiful rainforest having more than 400 inches of rain per year.

Other areas usually have sunny days and warm breezes and surrounding sites around the peak are generally unaffected by the rain. Coastal spots have an average of 18 inches of rain annually. Rainfall usually occurs at night.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

If you’re looking for a great place to dine, be sure to visit a Kauai restaurant. Some spots in the island offers world-class cuisine prepared by only the best in the world. You can try a variety of authentic Hawaiian cuisine and drinks as well as other popular international dishes. Some places are ideal for romantic getaways while others are perfect for the entire family with huge appetites and a budget.

What the Experts Recommend

Some Kauai restaurants particularly focus on keeping the whole family entertained and full. The Hanama’ulu Tea House and Ono Family Restaurant are popular spots for having quality service, special attention to children as well as great food and drinks. Here you can enjoy some authentic Hawaiian meals at the right sizes for every member of the household. Brick Oven Pizza is another fun restaurant as well where kids can feel right at home. If the family are up for nice meats and steaks, they can visit Tip Top, Kintaro and Brennecke’s. These places have very extensive menus.

If you’re looking at value, there are some spots that offer great prices as well. Barbecue Inn is located at the eastern side in Lihue featuring large servings at very affordable rates. For Mexican food lovers, they can visit Tacqueria Nortenos, Neidei’s Salsa & Samba and Pony Island Cantina. The Palm Tree Terrace in Wailua is ideal for big groups. You can also enjoy dining bargains at Mema’s and King & I in Wailua which offer fine Thai food and Hamura’s and Okazu Hale.

More excellent steaks and seafood await at Kalaheo Steak House which features their specialty prime rib and island fish. Meat and fish are cooked to perfection together with great appetizers and top quality wine. Bull Shed is located on the eastern shore which also has delicious steaks and seafood. Duke’s Canoe Club in the Kauai Marriott is found on the eastern shore offering an extensive salad bar and beachfront view. Winds of Beamreach is another must-visit Kauai restaurant on the north shore.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Kauai Vacation? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

For Formality and Romance

For honeymooners and others visiting Kauai for a romantic vacation, the Princeville Resort has a few restaurants with a spectacular view of Hanalei Bay such as Cafe Hanalei, La Cascata and Bali Hai Restaurant. The Beach House Restaurant also offers seaside views on the south shore.

If you’re up to garden scenes, Piatti in Poipu and Gaylord’s near Lihue are ideal locations. Chef Jean Marie Josselin offers you some of the best Pacific cuisines on the east side of the island at A Pacific Cafe. Postcards Cafe is great for dieters since it features natural dishes with no meat and additives. Brennecke’s can provide you with the best seafoods in Hawaii such as fresh ono, snappers and ahi.

Enjoy candlelight dinners in Kauai restaurants such as Dondero’s with its array of Italian dishes. The place has an excellent wine selection coming from California and several European countries.

La Cascata has a very unique and romantic setting with inlaid marble floors, Franciscan murals and ocean view. The restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine plus authentic Italian and Hawaiian desserts. Roy’s Poipu Bar & Grill at Kiahuna Plantation Drive offers Euro-Asian fusion with its delightful seafood, vegetable and meat dishes.

It also keeps you very close to Poipu Shopping Village so reservations are recommended.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

Hawaii is brimming with culture and traditions which is why millions of visitors flock to the islands from all over the world every year. A Kauai tour is one of the best experiences since you get to enjoy the tranquil scenes, beautiful people and fun-filled activities that make it a very unique place. The island has been the site of many interesting events and holds tales that most individuals only thought were myths.

Good Things to Know

Most areas of Kauai are part of Kaua’i County particularly the city of Lihu’e which is the seat at the southeast coast of the island. Lihu’e is the 2nd biggest city on the island although Kapa’a on the ?Coconut Coast? which is situated about 6 miles north has 2 times more people with a population of around 10,000. Waimea at the southwest region used to be the capital of Kauai and was the first island visited by Captain James Cook in 1778. The town of Waimea is found at the mouth of Waimea River which formed Waimea Canyon or ?The Grand Canyon of the Pacific? which measures 3,000 feet deep.

Although Hawaii is abundant in both animal and plant species, there is a unique presence of feral chickens in Kauai. Experts speculate that indirect changes in the ecosystem particularly in wild roosters and hens occurred due to Hurricane Iniki in 1992.

A chicken farm was said to be destroyed or sugarcane plantation laborers brought and raised so many chickens resulting to free-roaming chickens today. In the evening, you may notice wild roosters crowing. Huge numbers of Kauai chickens however, are dying most probably because of bacterial infection from overpopulation.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Kauai Vacation now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

Kauai tours continue to be popular since more than 70 Hollywood movies and television shows have been shot in the island. Included in the list are the musical South Pacific, Jurassic Park which was filmed at Waimea Canyon in 1993, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Six Days Seven Nights, the King Kong remake, Donovan’s Reef in 1963, Blue Hawaii, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and South Pacific wherein some scenes were filmed in Hanalei. You can also find the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility or ?Barking Sands? on the western shore of Kauai.

Kauai used to have the distinct dialect of the Hawaiian language although it became extinct and was replaced with standard language based on the dialect of Hawai’i island. Still, Kauai dialect usually pronounces ?k? as ?t? just like old pan-Polynesia. Today, some places are still referred to in ?t? such as Tapa’a for Kapa’a and Tauai’i for Kaua’i. Majority of Hawaiians know how to speak English.

More Culture and Experiences

Aside from its melodic language, Kauai features the best of Hawaiian music using a variety of instruments like the ukulele and slack-key guitar. The hula is a very famous dance used as a means of worship, storytelling through chants or ?mele? and entertainment. Hula is actually for both men and women including children featuring the popular grass skirts. The most prestigious hula school used to be located in Kauai. Modern music is also starting to evolve such as Hawaiian reggae and hip hop.

Millions of people look forward to a Kauai tour with the lei which are colorful fragrant garlands made of ilima, carnation and plumeria. Anise-scented mokihana lei which are made of Kauai berries are also placed around the neck of visitors occasionally.

Hula dancers used to place lei made of green maile leaves at the altars of Laka, the hula goddess.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

Staying Safe at the Beach

Kauai is located at 22 degrees latitude which is very close to the equator so it gets more direct sunlight compared to other islands in the Pacific. Although temperatures on the average range from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, some areas particularly in the northwest part of the island tend to experience intense rays from the sun. During the summer months, it is recommended to stay in shady areas or completely avoid sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beaches in the southern and eastern shores are cooler. Wear waterproof sunscreen or sunblock preferably with an SPF of 30 but definitely not less than 15. Wear a wide brim hat or bring an umbrella. Drink lots of water to prevent sunstroke and dehydration. If you plan to sunbathe, the best times would be from 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Start by lying out 15 to 20 minutes per side on the first day. Gradually increase the duration over the week to avoid sunburn.

Always be on the lookout for warning signs, rules and regulations. Popular beaches usually have lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas and other facilities. Open shores however, may be completely uninhabited so make sure you know the right route to the nearest medical institution should any accident occur.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

Inform people in other areas if you plan to explore wild beaches. Observe the beach as well as the water. Large waves can be good but stay away from rocky areas since you can get slammed by the current. Winds can mean larger and stronger currents. Find out about the current tide as well as the presence of drop offs.

The tide can change depending on the season, time of day or weather. People are recommended to stay out of the water before it gets dark. Snorkelers, surfers and scuba divers should always enter the water in pairs. Children should always be supervised by an adult. Heed warning signs and watch out for the presence of other marine species like seals, crabs, jellyfish and sharks.

Water and Forest Safety

Kauai safety guidelines cover all types of terrain and bodies. Rip currents are currents of water channelled away from the beach. Waves breaking over sandbars and shallow reefs with deeper channels without breaking waves are signs of a rip current. Conserve energy and don’t fight if you find yourself in one. Call for help and go with the flow instead. Most currents will release you offshore after some time.

Bring insect repellents when hiking as well as a water jug. You can get leptospirosis by drinking from infected streams and ponds. Wild animals and poisonous plants can lead to emergency situations so always stay on the trail and follow hiking rules and tips.

It is recommended that you go in groups or in pairs to stay away from danger and potential threats. Kauai safety and health personnel are available in most state parks and tourist spots.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on Kauai Vacation. Compare what you’ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of Kauai Vacation.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: Billigt Webbhotell – from SEK 10:- per month!