Given to such quantifications as oldest, fourth-largest, wettest, and northernmost Hawaiian island, Kauai also gains points as most pristine and arguably most beautiful. Steep cliffs in the northwest mean that a road can't be built around the entire island. This, along with its distance from other islands, protects Kauai from an abundance of development. The lush natural environment, in fact, makes it a favorite with filmmakers, who have capitalized on its wild beauty in such films as "Jurassic Park," "South Pacific," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Nature-lovers, in particular, find Kauai an ideal destination and clamor to take in such awe-inspiring sights as Wailua Falls, Fern Grotto, Na Pali Coast, and the indescribable spectacle of Waimea Canyon, considered the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Lihue, situated on the southeastern coast, is the island's county seat and most prominent city. Site of the airport, it also serves as the primary locus for business and cultural pursuits on Kauai. In addition, Lihue's processing plants prepare raw sugar for export to the States, continuing the island's century-old tradition of sugar cane husbandry. If you're in the mood for local color, Kauai Museum boasts exhibits of art, geology, and island heritage, while Grove Farm Homestead lets visitors wander a sugar cane plantation that illustrates life on early Kauai. More than anything, though, visitors simply soak in the island's mystique and otherworldliness, from scenic shoreline to untamed terrain and native wildlife. Rafting excursions, hiking expeditions, and helicopter flights all grant first-hand experience of the sparsely populated island that is as close to untainted beauty as you're likely to find in this world. And although its given moniker is "Garden Isle," it's quite likely that Kauai could just as easily be called paradise.
Kauai Factoids
Fact 1:Interestingly enough, Kauai lays claim to having the planet's wettest locale. Thanks to moisture-laden winds that strike Mount Waialeale, the area surrounding the peak is often deluged by upwards of 480 inches of rain per year. The lush rainforest that exists around the mountain can be practically impenetrable at points and is home to many unusual florae and faunae.
Fact 2:In the late '60s and early '70s, near Ha'ena on the North Shore, a hippie colony evolved on land belonging to Elizabeth Taylor's brother, Howard. In a quarrel with the state over taxes and land usage, Taylor allowed a clutch of young people to use the land, which became known before long as "Taylor Camp." Although its population reached about 100, eventually, the state prevailed and succeeded in ousting the campers and incorporating the land into a state park.
Fact 3:Long before Hawaii became an American state, it played a role in the Civil War. During this conflict, a Confederate ship called the "Shenandoah" was plying the Pacific, attempting to disable northern whaling vessels and disrupt the economy. A Union ship in the vicinity, trying to avoid notice, sailed up the Wailua River until danger had passed.
Fact 4:Thanks to the abundance of waters that rain down on Mount Waialeale, the Wailua River rushes down the mountain and forms a freshwater stream that's Hawaii's only navigable river. Just inland from the coast, the riverbanks were once the site of an ancient village and the capital of pre-Western natives.
Fact 5:On western Kauai lies a curious phenomenon known as Barking Sands Beach. The unusual name comes from the belief that when walked on the sands emit a sound reminiscent of barking canines. Scientific study attributes the sound to the rubbing of the small hollow spheres and claims that the effect can only occur when sands are bone dry.
Fact 6:The rugged Na Pali Coast on Kauai's western side is characterized by sheer drops from island to sea. The gorgeous, dramatic coast has led some geologists to speculate that, in centuries past, part of the island broke off and fell into the sea. Others simply believe that erosion sculpted the cliffs. The scenery is breathtaking, no matter which school you subscribe to, and worth viewing from land or sea.
Fact 7:Kauai has the distinction of being the archipelago's oldest island. Formed by volcanic activity more than 5 million years ago, it readily displays evidence of its age, unlike many of the upstart islands. Among these tell-tale characteristics are the impressive Waimea Canyon and Kauai's extensive sandy beaches, both of which were created from lengthy, erosive effects of water on stone.
Fact 8:Thanks to Kauai's pristine beauty alternately lush, rugged, and sunny- the island has been a coveted setting for Hollywood films. Over the years, such well-known works as "South Pacific," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jurassic Park," and "Outbreak" have been filmed here. You may also recognize scenes from "The Thorn Birds," "Fantasy Island," "Throw Momma from the Train," and "Blue Hawaii" while you're munching popcorn in front of the telly.
Fact 9:Although Kauai's documented past hasn't recorded a great number of hurricanes, the late 20th century did much to revise that information. In November, 1982, Iwa assaulted the island in a great fury and stunned residents, only to be followed ten years later by Iniki, who practically eradicated much of the island. Most of the damage has been dealt with now, although folks currently maintain a much more realistic perception of paradise's other side.
Fact 10:At one point in its history, Kauai was a haven for nudists, thanks to its secluded beaches and low population. As the island grows, however, ideas change, and places that once lay undisturbed are now being patrolled for roving naturists. As a result, practitioners may be wise not to visit venues such as Donkey Beach and Secret Beach au naturel or at least be vigilant when they do.
