Kauai, Treasure Island

Our family of six spent two weeks on Kauai having a great time, mostly snorkeling at the beaches. What about your family? Share your memories on this site too!

When we first thought of a Kauai Hawaii vacation, we hoped to go snorkeling to see tropical fish. We figured there were waves and sandy beaches, too, and warm water. One more thing: we don't like crowds.

We considered various places. Finally, the road less traveled led us to Kauai, the least populated of the major Hawaiian islands.

Once we got there, we were happy to find yes, the tropical fish--swimming in the water with us at the beach! And yes, the waves. Yes the sandy beaches. Yes, no crowds.

But we were also surprised and delighted at the beauty of the island. It is a feast for the eyes.

Kauai, the Garden Island of the Pacific, has gorgeous and varied scenery. Its northwest coast, called Na Pali meaning "the cliffs," is stunning, serving as backdrop for movies like South Pacific, King Kong, and Jurassic Park.

Like all the Hawaiian islands, there are activities to choose from. On Kauai, you can kayak in the rivers and zipline through the trees. You can hike or kayak to swimming holes at waterfalls in the forest. You can go to the beach, take a boat trip, and see whales or dolphins (between December and March). You can surf, snorkel or scuba. The beaches provide a variety of experiences, from surf to gentle waves.

Let's give this site many perspectives! If you have already been to Kauai, you may add your comments and photos to this site by emailing me at phylliswheeler (at) yahoo.com. I will put your comments and/or photo, with your name and city, on the appropriate page on this site. (Your email address will be kept private.) Your input will help many people who are considering a Kauai Hawaii vacation. Thanks for sharing! (You retain the rights to your photos and writing, granting me the right to use them on this Web site only.)

1. A bright-plumaged bird was brought to the island in about AD 500 by Polynesians, and has made itself at home in the absence of predators. What is it?

2. Kauai is not the westernmost of the Hawaiian islands. What is?

3. How long are the daylight hours in the summer on Kauai, approximately?

4. Kauai has a relatively recent history with agricultural plantations. What two main crops were grown? Why are they hardly grown now?

5. To the eye of a visitor, what seems to be the predominant ethnic group among year-rounders living on Kauai?

6. Native Hawaiians on the nearby island of Niihau, closed to visitors, produce a unique folk art form. What is it?

7. One spot on Kauai is called the wettest spot on earth, with 460 inches of rainfall per year. What is it?

8. Visitors often take a kayak to explore what feature of Kauai?

9. Which shore of the island, North, East, South, or West, has the tamest surf and is therefore best for family swimming?

10. What's this about leprechauns on Kauai?

11. Who is the person who made this Web site?