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Kauai
Kauai is
named ‘The Garden Island’ for its lush scenery.
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Being the oldest island, its
mountains are smoother and less rugged and most of its interior is a mountainous forest
reserve. Kauai is dry and sunny on its southern and western sides, and
has long stretches of white-sand beaches. The North Shore is lush and tropical, with
waterfalls, beautiful beaches, and incredibly green valleys.
Highlights include the Na Pali
sea cliffs, Waimea Canyon, and some of the best beaches in Hawaii.
A belt road
runs three-quarters of the way around the island ending at Haena in the north and Polihale
in the west. Roughly center are Poipu, Lihue and Kapa’a where most of the population
lives. At the extreme ends, major populations centers are Waimea and Hanalei.
 Movie makers have chosen Kauai
for its beautiful scenery and its comforts. Dozens of films have been shot here and major
films include South Pacific, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and King Kong (to
name but a few). Kauai is singled out as being Elvis' favorite island
(and that of many other Hollywood personalities as well).
Kauai is the
fourth largest of the islands and has an area of 558 sq. miles. It is 33 miles wide and 25
miles from north to south. The highest elevation is Mt Kawaikini at 5243 feet.
As with the other islands, Kauai’s
temperature varies more with location than season. Average coastal temperatures are 70°F
in February and 77°F in August. At the higher elevation in Kokee State Park, temperatures
can drop into the 30s during winter nights. Kokee averages 55°F in February and 65°F in
August.
Kauai’s
average annual rainfall is about 40 inches but variances are extreme. Waimea in the south
averages only 21 inches while Princeville in the north averages 85 inches. To top it all,
Mt. Waialeale in the swampy interior averages a whopping 486 inches, a world record. It is
known as the "wettest spot on earth". Summer trade winds keep the humidity from
becoming oppressive and bring in showers.
The National Weather Service
has recorded local weather information (245-6001) and marine forecasts (245-3564). KUAI
radio (720 AM) broadcasts beach and surf reports and at 7:25 am and 8:25 am reports
weather conditions at Kokee State Park. To find out where the surf’s up, dial
KUAl’s surf hotline (335-3611).
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