KAUAI
Area: Hawaii
Country: United States of America


Location:
Island in the central Pacific Ocean, almost on the Tropic of Cancer, 20 mins' flight from Honolulu (Oahu) via inter-island airlines.

Telephone code from UK:
1 808

Position:
Northernmost of major Hawaiian islands.

Description:
Kauai _ geologically the oldest of the major islands _ is hauntingly beautiful, its lush green interior earning it the nickname "Garden Island". Jagged green mountains dominate the landscape and some parts are still untamed _ Na Pali Coast remains roadless, a mystic wilderness. Major resort destinations are Princeville on the N coast, the Coconut Coast in the E and Poipu Beach on the S shore. The island's major airport is at Lihue with a smaller airport at Princeville. Kauai was the victim of a destructive hurricane in 1992.

Suitability:
Middle to upmarket families, couples, incentive/corporate groups _ active, sports-orientated, independent. Mainly American.

Accommodation:
About 90 properties, two-thirds of which are hotels; the remainder is made up of condominiums, a few cottages and B&Bs.

Shopping:
Clothing, art and souvenir shops located in most hotels; shopping "villages" located at Poipu, Kukui Grove Centre (Lihue), Koloa town, Coconut Plantation Marketplace in Wailua, Princeville, Hanalei. Boutiques also at Kilohana, an old sugar mansion between Lihue and Poipu which has been converted to shops and restaurants. Look for hand-painted clothes, exquisite Niihau shell necklaces and jewellery; hand-crafted items; local artists' work. Outdoor shopping includes a bazaar at Spouting Horn, a sea spout just W of Poipu.

Beach:
The island is ringed with 45 superlative beaches _ large and small _ most of them deserted, but all of them (as throughout the Hawaiian Islands) open to the public. Among the best: Hanalei Bay on the N shore; Poipu Beach in the S; Kalapaki Beach near Lihue (E coast); Polihale Beach in the SW. Many beaches are for strolling along or sunbathing rather than swimming as currents are strong and undertows dangerous.

Entertainments:
Daytime: golf; water sports; hiking on the Na Pali Trail; botanical gardens; gliding; Kauai Museum in Lihue, Missionary House in Hanalei; downhill cycle glide at Waimea Canyon; bird-watching, fishing, learning Hawaiian crafts; cultural and music festivals, sports events. Nightlife: hotel clubs, bars and entertainment programmes; local dancing and music.

Eating:
Good choice ranging from restaurants serving Hawaiian regional dishes and other haute cuisine to snack bars and lunch wagons near beaches. Hotel restaurants are good; local food tends to be multiethnic, filling and inexpensive. Local speciality is shaved ice flavoured with tropical syrups.

Public-transport:
Bus system anticipated for portion of island. Some properties offer courtesy bus service to local amenities and entertainments.

Local-excursions:
Sightseeing Na Pali Coast in helicopter; wilderness hiking; kayaking the rivers and calm inshore coastal waters; cruising. Chartered deep-sea fishing and winter whale-watching are good off Kauai and sister islands. Several botanical gardens and nature preserves are a must for scientists and gardeners alike.