| , most appropriately nicknamed the Garden Isle, is the | | | | of breathtaking scenery where some of the most |
| Hawaiian vacation destination treasured for its lush | | | | popular motion pictures and television series have been |
| tropical greenery and sparkling sand beaches. The | | | | filmed. These hits include Jurassic Park, Raiders of the |
| tropical paradise of Kauai basks amidst the sparkling | | | | Lost Ark, South Pacific, Blue Hawaii, Gilligan's Island, |
| blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, about 20 minutes by | | | | Fantasy Island and about 30 others. |
| air from Honolulu. Formed some six million years ago, | | | | - Kauai is known as the Garden Isle because it's so |
| the island encompasses roughly 550 square miles and | | | | green and the flora and fauna so profligate. One can |
| is the oldest and northernmost of the eight major | | | | wander through botanical gardens chartered by the |
| islands of the Hawaiian chain. | | | | U.S. Congress and encounter some of the rarest living |
| For vacationers who want to avoid the crowds of | | | | things on Earth. At Limahuli Gardens, native Hawaiian |
| Oahu and Maui and see Hawaii in a much more natural | | | | plants are arranged around ancient taro terraces |
| setting, Kauai is the perfect alternative. | | | | carved into the base of the mountains where the |
| Visitors to the island worship not only its | | | | Napali Coast begins. The scenery is dramatic, the air |
| postcard-perfect beauty, but Kauai's diversity of | | | | tranquil. Ninety percent of Hawaii's native plants are |
| cultures, activities, shopping, and dining. | | | | unique to the Islands and half are endangered. At Na |
| If ever an island was made for adventure, it's the | | | | 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, the Garden Isle's newest |
| Hawaiian island of Kauai, owing to its extraordinary and | | | | garden, whimsical sculptures and a maze full of |
| diverse natural environment. Verdant rainforests, | | | | surprises are woven into a landscape of ponds, |
| sparkling sand beaches, impressive golf courses, | | | | gardens, waterfalls, lagoons and streams. Kauai's |
| vibrant scenery, friendly faces, blissful breezes, and | | | | glorious weather provides the just right amount of sun |
| striking waterfalls are just a few of Kauai's | | | | and rain to nurture kiawe trees, blackberries, java plum, |
| spectacular offerings to its guests. | | | | guava, eucalyptus, bamboo, sandalwood, pineapple, |
| - The busy harbor at Port Allen is the launch pad for a | | | | and sugarcane, to name just a few. One of Kauai's |
| fleet of pleasure boats that take to the seas for whale | | | | specialties is the indigenous mokihana vine and berry, |
| watching, dinner sails, dolphin encounters, charter fishing, | | | | found only on the island. Other great finds include |
| snorkel and picnic trips and cruising beneath the | | | | orchids, coconut palms, plumeria, hibiscus and other |
| stunning green palisades of the Napali Coast. | | | | tropical plants throughout the island, with its arid to lush |
| - Hiking trails head into Waimea, the "Grand Canyon of | | | | climate enhancing the beauty and fragrance of Kauai's |
| the Pacific," or along the Napali Coast to breathtaking | | | | flowers and vegetation. One can anticipate the |
| valleys unreachable by road. There are coastal hikes | | | | opportunity to see a variety of unique and distinctive |
| across high sand dunes, and rain forest treks among | | | | animals and birds on this tropical island, which includes |
| the oldest flora in Hawaii. Ferns reach up to eye level | | | | the likes of, dolphins, monk seals, sea turtles, reef fish, |
| and tropical hibiscus and ginger blossoms measure the | | | | coral reefs, whales, and so much more. Native birds |
| size of ones fist. Waterfalls and cool plunge pools, | | | | include the iwi and the State bird, the nene goose; |
| hidden shoreline coves and glorious mountain vistas | | | | other birds on the island are doves, cardinals, egrets, |
| heighten the whole experience. | | | | roosters. |
| - The only navigable rivers in Hawaii flow through | | | | - Kauai is a great place to learn a new sport or hobby, |
| Kauai. Paddlers can explore placid river reaches by | | | | one that may light up a lifetime. There are schools for |
| kayak, gliding silently through sanctuaries for the rarest | | | | surfing, SCUBA diving, tennis and golf. Golfers can tee |
| birds on planet Earth. | | | | off at one of nine golf courses, many of them |
| - Real horseback riding will take one into forests, | | | | championship links set amidst spectacular scenery. |
| canyons and mountains for picnics, waterfall swims | | | | There are also several tennis courts. |
| and glorious ocean vistas. | | | | - Some of the most authentic lu'au in Hawaii happen |
| - Kauai's award winning and highly popular Movie | | | | on Kauai. No one should go home without enjoying this |
| Tours offers visitors the opportunity to visit the places | | | | traditional feast with Hawaiian food, hula and fun. |