Kauai is
about 20 minutes by air from Honolulu, 170 kilometers
across the Kauai Channel, northwest of Oahu, it has an area of 1.446 sq. km. and a
population of 60.000 inhabitants. Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska,
he first landed in Waimea. The Waimea river mouth was also the site of a fort built by Russian fur traders.
The island is mountainous, the highest peak is Mount Kawaikini at 1,598 m, the second
highest peak is Mount Waialeale near the center of the island, 1,570 m above sea level.
The wettest spot on Earth, with an annual average rainfall of 11.700 millimeters, is
located on the east side of Mount Waialeale, but Kauai has also a dry and sunny side: its
southern and western sides. Kauai main attraction is its scenary, the island is nicknamed
"the Garden Island".
The North shore is lush and mountainous with waterfalls,
the north-west coast has one of the most beautiful rugged coast of the world: the Na'Pali Coast. On the western side of the island is the
Grand Canyon of the Pacific: Waimea Canyon. Other
attractions are: Wailua waterfalls , Opaekaa Falls, Fern Grotto, Sleeping Giant, Lydgate
Beach and Kealia Beach (all in the eastern side). In the south-west side are: Spouting
Horn Blowhole, Russian Fort Elizabeth, Salt Pond Beach Park near Hanapepe, Poipu Beach,
Brennecke's Beach and Polihale Beach. In Kauai's northern shore are Hanalei and the
Kilauea Lighthouse.
