auai may be regarded as a micro-continent, you can travel to different areas of the island and experience the changing weather patterns, from rain forest to high desert. The island of Kauai is regarded by many as the most beautiful island of all Hawaiian Islands, and among the most beautiful in the world. Kauai's 550 square miles offer a variety of microclimates and life styles.

n the center of Kauai is a mile-high extinct volcano, Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of the rainiest spots on earth at over 400 inches each year. This creates spectacular waterfalls and rivers which cascade down the steep sides of this and many other extinct volcanoes, visible mostly from Princeville, Hanalei, and the North Shore. This high rainfall is exclusive to the center of Kauai, several miles from the coastal areas, because of the mountaintop micro-climate

It is where world famous Princeville Resort is, with beautiful homes and condos, and charming Hanalei, a bustling village of art galleries, surf shops, restaurants, and retail stores. In most lists of 'World's Ten Best Beaches,' the North Shore beaches usually place from 3 to 5 of our many beaches. The golf courses in Princeville are the most beautiful and challenging in Hawaii.

Since 'North Shore' in the Atlas of Hawaii includes much of the Na Pali, Wainiha and Haena areas, where it rains much more than in Princeville, monthly rainfall is 6-7", mostly at night. But, in Princeville, it is about half that.

(Monthly rainfall Princeville/Kilauea - 3-4"; Hanalei, Haena, Wainiha - 6-7")


The Eastside - Anahola, Kealia, Kapa'a, Wailua. 2-6" monthly.

The Eastside is a major population area (if such a thing exists when the entire population of Kauai is 56,000!) centered in Kapa'a, a commercial center. There are good beaches and plenty of restaurants, hotels, condos, and vacation rentals. Kapa'a is less well known for scenic beauty. The surf is often dangerous since the Eastside faces the Pacific Ocean tradewinds and powerful ocean currents.

(Monthly rainfall 2-6")


Downtown - Hanamaulu, Puhi, and Lihue, our county seat. 2-6" monthly.

The 'downtown' area is the major population and commercial center, where our civic buildings, hospital, medical group, with most services and major stores (Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Kaua'i Medical Clinic, Sears, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Longs, Marriott Resort, and car dealers), and the Lihue airport. The most popular beach is Nawiliwili, next to the Marriott. Downtown is also on the eastern edge of Kauai.

(Monthly rainfall 2-6") 


Southshore - Koloa, Poipu, Lawai, Kalaheo. 3-4" monthly.

Poipu is the second major tourism center after the North Shore, and home to the beautiful Grand Hyatt Resort. There are many fine homes and condos there, plus art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The Poipu Bay Golf Club is a popular course. In general it is much windier here with choppy surf, but there are many fine beaches also. It is much drier here, with cactus plants, and much less green.

(Monthly rainfall 3-4")


Westside - Port Allen, Hanapepe, Ele'ele, Waimea, Kekaha, Mana. 1-3" monthly.

This area is sparsely populated and very dry, and can be very windy. There are some retail shops, galleries, and attractions. It is most noted as the entrance to the Waimea Canyon and interior parks, and home to the Pacific Missile Range Facility, where the US Navy does research and development on high tech sensory systems.

(Monthly rainfall 1-3")


Na Pali - Na Pali (literally, 'The Cliffs,' in Hawaiian), the State Parks around Na Pali and Waimea Canyon, most of the inaccessible-by-road island interior. 6-7" monthly.

This area, including the many parks contiguous in the interior, is very popular and worth at least a day sightseeing. Ironically, the actual Na Pali cliffs are not accessible except by boat or on foot, and boat tours are now conducted out of Port Allen. The mile high top of Mt. Wai'ale'ale can be cold, windy and rainy, so dress accordingly. There are virtually no residential properties in this area.

(Monthly rainfall 6-7")