Lihue, Kauai

Kauai is the northernmost of the Hawaiian islands, sitting 4,000 km from the continental U.S. Settled roughly 1,500 years ago by seafaring Polynesians, these pioneers found a wondrous island they called Kauai (pronounced kah-why). At a little more than 1,400 sq. km in size, it is the fourth largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is known as the “Garden Isle,” an abundance of green atop a rugged tangle of mountains and deep valleys. Its powdery-soft beaches are swept by warm trade winds. Kauai is the quintessential tropical paradise. Though it has a population of roughly 65,000, the island still retains its sense of the wild. Visitors come here, not just to stake out a patch of beach, but also to explore Kauai’s many charms. It is also a popular destination for people looking to tie the knot and to honeymoon. Kauai tugs at the adventurer within. It inspires you to get out and explore its incredible hiking trails and to test its waters with a surfboard, boogie board or stand-up paddle board. Or perhaps even travel across the water on an outrigger canoe to experience the way the ancient Polynesians travelled, guided by the stars and an intimate knowledge of the sea. This beautiful island still has a way of enticing visitors, sometimes turning them into permanent residents. It may have a similar effect on you. Inevitably, first-timers vow to return to Kauai for those emerald-green mountains, cascading waterfalls, satiny beaches and coral reef-rimmed lagoons.

Climate

Kauai’s soothing climate hums along with the predictability of the trade winds. Temperatures are near perfect year-round, with daily averages ranging from the low- to high-20s C, edging slightly warmer in the summer.