Introduction to Kauai Island

Kauai is one of eight main islands that comprise the Hawaiian chain. The oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, Kauai is 70 miles northwest of O'ahu. Kauai is 33 miles wide and 25 miles long, and is remarkable for its spectacular and widely varied landscape from Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," to the Napali Coast, with cliffs rising 2,700 feet and more than 40 white sand beaches. Within Kauai's 533 square miles, there are distinct micro-climates including coastal sand dunes, desert-like plateaus, verdant river valleys, foothills and mist-shrouded mountain tops.

Kauai has virtually no manufacturing -- tourism is its major industry. Pineapple is no longer commercially grown on the island, but papaya, beef, coffee and guava are becoming increasingly important. Kauai also produces more than 60 percent of Hawaii's taro, growing more than five million pounds each year. In addition, the island has been very active in developing ways to diversify the economy including aquaculture and tropical flower cultivation.

Kauai has greatly benefited from a visitor industry that hasn't compromised the beauty of the island. Because of its diverse and spectacular scenery, Kauai has played a role in more than 75 movies and full-length television features including "Jurassic Park I, II, III," "Six Days, Seven Nights," "Dragonfly," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Uncommon Valor," "Flight of the Intruder," "Blue Hawaii," "King Kong" and "South Pacific."

About Kauai Island

Kauai Travel Guide

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