Kauai Vacations

Only one airline is Hawaiian

The oldest of the Hawaiian Island chain, Kauai is a beguiling matriarch that has weathered well with time. In fact, the years have embellished the island’s accordion ridges, lavish fern grottos, ribboning waterfalls and the multihued Waimea Canyon – fittingly dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Kauai travel takes you to a quaint, quiet island of restored plantation homes, regal coconut groves, silken beaches and one-lane bridges linking past to present. Here, a towering tree-lined tunnel leads to posh resorts. Shave ice stands and funky surf shops mingle among rave-worthy restaurants and trendy boutiques. It’s diverse, eclectic, and Hawaii pure and simple.

No surprise that Kauai serves as the backdrop for so many Hollywood blockbusters. Even the most imaginative of set designers would struggle to create more dramatic scenery than what thrives here naturally. Do Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and South Pacific ring a familiar film bell?

This island exudes an enchanting essence that draws you from one dreamlike setting to another. From the sparkling south shore sands of Poipu to the Bali Hai beauty of Hanalei on the north coast, Kauai captivates with its calmness. It’s a rare hideaway where you can dive in, then drift away.

A Kauai vacation is a natural playground, the island brims with excitement for those with adventuresome souls. Explore sea caves tucked into the Na Pali Coast. Zig-zag along Kalalau Trail above it all. Kayak Indiana Jones' escape route. Zipline across valleys, rivers and jungles with the greatest of ease. Bike the backcountry, paddle up a lazy river or simply soak in a glorious sunset. Whether you prefer an active or passive approach, these are far beyond typical treks.

Into ocean action? The hopping harbor of Port Allen is anchorage to a fleet of pleasure vessels geared for deep sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin adventures, snorkeling and exploring the imposing Na Pali palisades.

Known as Hawaii’s Island Of Discovery, Kauai travel leads you far beyond simply discovering a piece of paradise. It’s about rediscovering yourself.

Sound like your dream getaway? Hawaiian Airlines offers daily flights to Kauai connecting in Honolulu from nine West Coast gateways. So Kauai air travel is flexible. Why not spend a few nights on Oahu before heading to this most romantic side of Hawaii?

So check it out now! Learn more about Kauai airfare and Kauai travel packages on Hawaiian Airlines. You can book Kauai flights and purchase your Kauai airline tickets with on-line ease. Then you’ll see just how quick your Kauai travel arrangements are when Kauai vacation packages are handled by Hawaiian Airlines.

Kauai Island Tidbits

• Kauai was inhabited briefly by Russians during the reign of the island’s final monarch, Kaumualii. The king allowed Russian traders to build a fort at the mouth of the Waimea River, where remains still stand today.
• Kauai has no building taller than an adult palm tree.
• Wailua, Hanalei and Kalihiwai are the only navigable rivers in the state.
• The northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Island chain, Kilauea Point is a sanctuary to the state’s largest colony of seabirds.
• With Hawaii’s longest reef, Anini Beach is popular among beginning snorkelers for its shallow waters. The other side of the reef attracts windsurfers of all skill levels.
• Poipu Beach frequents a variety of "America’s Best Beaches" lists. These golden sand crescents are favored for snorkeling, swimming, wading, boogie-boarding and surfing.
• On Kauai, it’s all about ag. The island’s Guava Kai Plantation is known as the undisputed "Guava Plantation of the World." Kauai is also responsible for 62% of Hawaii’s taro production and homes the largest private coffee plantation in the state.

Top Kauai Travel Tips

• Take a hike! Since 90% of the island is inaccessible by road, foot power is the best bet for experiencing Kauai’s natural splendor. Most celebrated among the island’s throng of hiking options is Kalalau Trail, a spectacular but strenuous 11-mile challenge with multiple switchbacks. Here’s a tip – much of the remarkable scenery can be witnessed within the first few miles.
• When touring Waimea Canyon, be sure to make your way to the 4,000-foot level to catch the stunning view from Kalalau Valley Lookout.
• Heads up, golfers! Bring your clubs. Kauai’s roster of courses includes five of the top 15 in the state – all within roughly an hour’s drive.
• Take time to learn local lore. According to legends, Kauai’s first inhabitants were Polynesian gods from Tahiti. It’s also reputed that the island was home to "menehune," a race of tiny people known as extraordinary stonemasons and builders.
• Wander to a waterfall. Kauai is blessed by countless cascades, with the most accessible at Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls near Kapaa.
• With the only navigable rivers in the state, Kauai kayakers are amply rewarded by the raw beauty of the island’s tropical jungle interior.
• Other Can’t Miss Hits – Kilohana Plantation Estate, Na Pali sea tour, snorkeling at Lydgate Beach Park, ziplining at Princeville Ranch, wet and dry caves at Haena State Park, Kilauea Lighthouse, Kokee State Park, National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Spouting Horn Blowhole, Fern Grotto, Alekoko Menehune Fishpond.

Kauai Fast Factoids

• Nickname: Hawaii’s Island Of Discovery
• Flower: Mokihana
• Population: 61,929 (2004)
• Largest Towns: Lihue and Kapaa
• Orientation: As the northwestern most island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai lies approximately 2,600 miles from the U.S. mainland. It’s a 25-minute jet flight from Honolulu.
• Size: Measuring 33 miles wide by 25 miles long, 552-square-mile Kauai is fourth largest in the Hawaiian Island chain.
• Coastline: 90 miles
• Beaches: 43
• Highest Elevation: 5,243 feet at Kawaikini Peak on Mount Waialeale
• Parks: 9 state parks
• Golf Courses: 9
• Average Temperature: 75 – 85F
• Accommodations: Some 3,000 hotel rooms and 3,000 condominium units are situated in the major resort destinations of Princeville on the north coast, Royal Coconut Coast along the east shore, Kalapaki Beach in Lihue and Poipu Beach on the south shore. Other visitor areas include Hanapepe and the West Side, gateway to Waimea Canyon.

Kauai Airport:

Located 1.5 miles east of Lihue on the southeast coast of the island, Lihue Airport (LIH) provides facilities for domestic overseas, interisland and commuter flights.

Your Hawaiian Connection:

Hawaiian Airlines offers scheduled interisland service daily between Lihue and Honolulu on Oahu, Kahului on Maui, and both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island. Code-share service is operated to Molokai, Lanai and Kapalua in West Maui.

Visitors Bureau: www.kauaidiscovery.com