EVERYBODY’S FAVORITE

KAUAI. Its many fans show no hesitation when asked, "What's your favorite island?"

"Kauai", they say.

Every Hawaiian island has its own "feel", its own mystique and personality, and to these people, Kauai feels just right.

It is said that Kauai has more beautiful beaches for its size than any other island. It is jam packed with a wondrous variety of topography, from the cool forests of Koke`e at 4000 feet to the nearby breathtaking Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon. From the deserted 15 mile long wonder of Hawaii's longest beach at Polihale to the comparably crowded strand of Ke`e Beach at the end of the road on the North Shore. From the Na Pali cliffs with their humbling beauty, to homely Lihue, the island's capitol. From the plush resorts at Poipu to the tiny B&Bs of Anahola and Kilauea. The list can go on and on.

There are hidden pockets of beauty everywhere, such as perfect beaches, huge and uncrowded --or even deserted. Amazing hiking trails; challenging ones through Waimea Canyon and along the Na Pali Coast, and gentle treks across the hill country of Kawaihau, (above the Kapaa and Wailua town areas), short and easy ones, like the 15 minute stroll through cane fields to fabulous Donkey Beach south of Anahola at mile marker 11, and Maha`ulepu Beach near Poipu.

There's some great shopping to be done at the large shopping Centers, like Coconut Marketplace, Waipouli Town Center, Kauai Village, and Kukui Grove, and at unique little stores in small towns like Hanapepe, Kapaa and Hanalei.

    You can stay in a hotel that meets your needs; the out-of-the-way Waimea Plantation Cottages, built in a coconut grove, for quiet, solitude and a true Hawaii feel; the Tip Top Motel in Lihue for rock bottom prices; the Princeville Resort for North Shore opulent luxury; or the Koke`e Cottages for cool mountain air and roughing it at bargain rates. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is the standout luxe property on Kauai’s beautiful, sunny Poipu South Shore, with fabulous beach hiking close by.

    Eating well is no problem. You can find a gourmet lunch in luxurious surroundings at a bargain price at Gaylord's (dinner is expensive, though), the latest up to the minute high-priced Pacific Rim cuisine at A Pacific Cafe, creative, fresh and great tasting healthy fare at Papaya's, great Japanese or Chinese food and unforgettable atmosphere at the Hanamaulu Restaurant and Teahouse (make sure you ask to sit out back; sushi available only after 5:30 PM).

Kauai's North Shore packs a week's worth of activities and sights into a 14 mile stretch of coast that winds its beautiful way from Kilauea and its landmark lighthouse to Ke`e Beach at the end of the road --and the beginning of the tortuous and world famous Kalalau Trail. In between Secret Beaches (one of them is even called Secret Beach), roadside waterfalls, a guava plantation, hidden hamlets (Kahiliwai), a super luxury resort, a fabulous "tourist" town with great shopping, lots of charm and great food (Hanalei), a magical and inspirational lookout point (Hanalei Lookout), superb snorkeling (Tunnels), a dry cave and a wet cave, and warm, crystalline jewel like Pools at the edge of the sea (Queen's Bath and Prince Albert's Bath).

Kauai? Kauai is Lappert's ice cream, Kauai Kookies, Red Dirt Shirts, beautiful Hawaiian items at the Yellowfish Trading Company in Hanalei, the view from the beginning of the Kalalau Trail, an easy, mosquito-free hike to Waimea Canyon's Cliff Trail, sunning naked on Donkey Beach, the endless spaces of Polihale Beach, the Kauai Museum, Hawaiian legend Israel Kamakawiwo`ole singing Kauai Beauty on the radio...and so much more.

    But, you'll find all that out for yourself, soon.

    When you visit Kaua`i, you live Kaua`i.

Waimea Canyon From Trail

Na Pali

Kalalau Beach

Kahiliwai Bay’s

Secluded Beach

Waikanaloa Cave

BEAUTIFUL LAWAI BAY

LAWAI BAY is the home of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, cradled in a gorgeous incomparable setting. Call (808) 742-2623 for reservations. GPS: +21° 53' 8.67", -159° 29' 33.04"

POLIHALE BEACH:

KAUAI-STYLE, HANDS-IN-THE- DIRT DIY!

KAUAI’S RESIDENTS FIX VITAL BRIDGE FOR FREE INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR THE MOLASSES-PACED GOVERNMENT TO GET AROUND TO IT.

Kauai citizen volunteers rolled up their sleeves and enlisted the help of friends and local businesses to complete the job the government wouldn’t —and in record time. Click the CNN logo to read their story with photos.

POLIHALE BEACH was cut off from visitors when the bridge was washed out. Rather than wait “years” before the state could fix it, Kauai residents have engaged in a little take-charge grass roots DIY. See the story below.

POLIHALE BEACH