History
The oldest of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai's spirited history includes stories of the Menehune, British explorer Captain James Cook, Christian missionaries, and a royal battle for Kauai. The Menehune, mystical and mythical, were small people brilliant in rapid construction (one night's time) and engineering. The Menehune are believed to have built Kauai's aqueducts and fishponds. Find "proof" of their existence at Alekoko, the Menehune Fishpond.

En route to Alaska in search of the Northwest Passage, Captain James Cook arrived at Waimea, Kauai, and he was viewed as a god, based on his attire, appearance and artillery. Today, a statue is erected in his honor in Waimea. Sugar plantations and the Christian missionary lifestyle are part of Kauai's past, but glimpses are still evident today, with the self-guided Koloa Heritage Trail (14 stops, 10 miles) and the Waioli Mission House (on the National Register of Historic Places).

King Kaumualii held strong to the island for years, refusing to relinquish Kauai and nearby Niihau to King Kamehameha. After vigorous battle and when typhoid struck most of Kind Kamehameha's troops, King Kaumualii eventually relented and Kauai joined the chain of Hawaiian islands.

Things To Do
Known as the Garden Isle for its lush beauty and home to the wettest spot on earth, Mt. Waialeale, Kauai is packed with things to do and places to stay, including our 167 Kauai vacation rentals, 187 Kauai condos and 47 Kauai luxury rentals.

Considerably less populated than Oahu, Kauai has a unique harmony between its remote places and places with things to do and see. Millions of years of rain and wind carved the remote and wild formations that have created Kauai, with undeniable grandeur at every level, from sandy beach to 5,100' peak.

More than 40 beaches in Kauai offer the setting and sport for every interest and type of traveler, families or couples. Some are accessible and others are worthy for the travel it takes to get to them and the scenic gifts that await upon arrival. Notable beaches are Hanalei Bay, Poipu, Kee and Polihale, to name just a few, but on Kauai, you'll find multiple favorites and could argue any as a top beach.

The Waimea Canyon, rigorous and rewarding Kalalau Hiking Trail and the Na Pali Coast are a thrill-seeker's (photographer's too) paradise. The volcanic rock, waterfalls, contrast between the rust hues of Waimea Canyon, dabs of greenery on the cliffs and the emerald waves embracing the Na Pali Coastline. Millions of years in the making, the coastline is viewable only by hiking to it, by air or sea.

Gentler outings include the guided trip on the Wailua River, Hawaii's only navigable river. Additional scenic ventures include the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (featuring a 1913 lighthouse); Limahuli, McBryde and Allerton Gardens, all part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Sunning, seeing monk seals resting on the beach, surfing, snorkeling, indulging in spa treatments, hiking, camping and golfing are all part of Kauai's visitor offerings. Exploring Kauai is seemingly never complete and 90% of the island is not accessible and best seen from a helicopter. Getting around by rental car, the island is easily navigable and itineraries can be explored in quadrants, east, west, north and south.

Eat and Shop
Kauai has its share of resorts and independently-owned eateries that serve the range of popular cuisines, plus places for hearty breakfasts, fresh fruit juices and rich ice cream. Beyond the seaside dining and numerous places to grab a bite, Kauai is also fun for shave ice, innovative Hawaii Regional Cuisine, plate lunches and shrimp trucks.

Shopping is equally indulgent and fun, with open-air markets and shopping centers filled with jewelry, crafts and island apparel. Upscale shopping is also available on Kauai. Look for the Kauai Made label when perusing the boutiques throughout the island—you'll enjoy the value of taking home an authentic souvenir. Fortunately for visitors to Kauai, those interested in fresh foods and items to cook in their vacation rental or eat immediately will find Sunshine Markets (farmers' markets) in different parts of the island Monday through Saturday.

Packing
Apparel, toiletries and some electronic essentials (digital camera, battery charger, cell phone charger, etc. ) are the main items to pack for a trip to Kauai. Anything forgotten is always available on the island, but to be prepared to land and head directly to one of the beaches, bring your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen and sandals. If you're planning on hiking, bring good shoes. It's always good to pack primarily casual clothing plus a few nice outfits, at least one, for a fancy night on the town.

Your vacation rental will have some of the basic utensils and kitchen items.