Hawaiian islands, striking with a unique landscape and riot of tropical plants, are chosen by those who love exoticism and are looking for new sensations. The 50th American state of paradise will appeal to travelers who do not want to give up comfortable leisure conditions.
Tourist centre
Foreign guests who are going on a long trip will know in advance where the island of Kauai (Hawaii) is located with a developed tourist infrastructure. One of the wettest places in the world is located in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean and is at the epicenter of tropical hurricanes and tsunamis.
In the fourth largest island of the vast archipelago live about 56 thousand people. Kauai is part of the eponymous district. The largest settlement is the city of Kapaa, and the administrative center is Lihue.
A bit of history
Kauai Island is one of the oldest in the world. Originating over six million years ago, Kauai is of volcanic origin. It is believed that the first people appeared here in 750 BC. In the XVIII century, the famous traveler James Cook arrived here. And after several decades, attracted by sugarcane plantations, the Japanese, Filipinos, Americans rushed to the island. Russia also claimed territory, and even erected a defensive fortress, which now has turned into a historical monument.
In 1810, an independent island joins the Hawaiian archipelago, and 58 years ago it is part of the state of Hawaii, USA.
Where it always rains
Kauai Island, located in the north of the archipelago, is the first to be affected by atmospheric fronts. Precipitation, which is brought in by humid winds from the Pacific Ocean, collides with the giant Mount Vaialeale and falls in the form of light rain and drizzle. Lost on the edge of the earth, the place can not be called sunny, because the inhabitants practically do not see the light. A case is known when from the end of August 1993 to the end of April 1994, rainfall did not stop for 247 days. It is best to come here in the summer, as the rainy season begins in early November, and ends only in February.
The gigantic mountain with a height of more than 1, 500 meters, towering in the very center of the island, the ancient inhabitants considered sacred. Hawaiians revered the god-ancestor of the earth, who, in their opinion, lived at the very top. They built a temple where they brought gifts to propitiate the mighty Cana.
Permanently covered by clouds, Vaialeale is the second highest volcano, whose age exceeds eight million years. He rose from the bottom of the ocean from a huge depth of 5500 meters. This is the wettest place on the island of Kauai, and the annual rainfall reaches 11 thousand millimeters per year.
The top of the mountain, which is a flat plateau with a lake, which gave the name to the giant, is always hidden in dense fog due to constant rains. The steep slopes of a volcano extinct many centuries ago, which do not prevent moist air from rising to a height of about a thousand meters, are covered with impenetrable jungle. Such frequent rains create ideal conditions for beautiful waterfalls tearing down a mountain covered with emerald vegetation.
The picturesque canyon of Waimaa
Thanks to tropical rains, the magic corner is just buried in lush greenery. The ridges are separated by deep gorges, and the vegetation descends to the very shores. Seven small rivers begin their journey from the top of the volcano, and thanks to this, one of the slopes in the east is called the “wall of tears”.
One waterway even cut through the picturesque Vaimaa Canyon, which tourists dubbed the Pacific Grand Canyon. Deep, more than a thousand meters, it is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the island and part of the Waimea Canyon State Park. Over time, the canyon hills changed their color, changing the black shade to bright purple. Due to this, the landscape of the area where the hardened lava has turned into basalt rocks attracts with its unusualness.
What else to see?
In the south of the island is local miraculous pride - the geyser Spouting Horn, which is surrounded on all sides by lava rocks. Each time after the tide, he throws a powerful column of water, the height of which reaches 18 meters.
You should definitely visit Honolay Bay, the beauty of which inspired H. Murakami to write a story of the same name in her honor.
Due to the abundant vegetation, the picturesque island of Kauai is more reminiscent of a lush garden surrounded by the ocean. In a tropical paradise, you can admire exotic flowers and trees, many of which are found only here. The Princeville and Lihamuli Botanic Gardens, which received a diploma from the Congress of America, are real pearls, consisting of extensive collections of tropical plants.
Rainbow Eucalyptus
The island of Kauai in Hawaii delights with its amazing flora. Unusual eucalyptus, called "rainbow", became famous throughout the world after they were photographed by tourists. The trees got their name thanks to the bark, which falls off at different times of the year and exposes the inner layer that shimmers with all kinds of colors. Initially bright green, it darkens and acquires a rainbow-colored palette. Tree trunks never have the same color. It is amazing how Mother Nature herself created incredible beauty that delight vacationers. I can’t even believe that an artist-abstractionist did not put his talented hand here.
The bark of young eucalyptus trees is distinguished by a dim pattern, but mature trees have such a juicy color that it is difficult to miss.
Russian fort
Speaking of man-made sights, one cannot fail to mention the Elizabeth Fort, which appeared in 1815. Alexander I wanted to join the island of Kauai (Hawaii), whose history is full of events, to Russia, but changed his mind, considering that such an acquisition would not benefit the state. And soon the Russians left the defensive fortress, abandoned for a long time. In 1966, the fort was declared a historical monument.
Kauai (Hawaii): the "pool of death"
In the city of Princeville, in the north of the island, Oueen's Bath is located, which got its name for the fact that princes swam here. And the tourists surrounded by stones pond gave the nickname "pool of death" for the high waves that suddenly roll and demolish from the rocks into the water. Not every extreme player will take a swim here, because in one instant you can be at the bottom of a deadly trap.
Na Pali Coast
Kauai is famous for the long sandy coast of Na Pali - one of the most beautiful naturally formed coastlines on our planet. The place indicated on all maps is the most spectacular on the island. Two well-equipped tourist areas (Princeville and Poipu) have sandy beaches. These are public places of rest, and you can sunbathe and swim at any of them.
Of particular interest is the so-called glass beach, covered with particles of polished transparent glass, which once fell into the ocean.
Kauai - Jurassic Island
The charming island, whose pristine nature is its main attraction, embodied all the best that tourists are looking for. Golden beaches, emerald valleys, magnificent waterfalls, secluded bays add charm to this place. Like no other archipelago, Kauai is ideal for filming blockbusters about dinosaurs, and landscapes of amazing beauty attract not only travelers.
It is no coincidence that the island, famous for its fantastic landscapes, has become a favorite place for filming: the world famous King Kong, Jurassic Park: The Lost World, Lost, and other adventure films were filmed here. A fabulously beautiful corner appears in various Hollywood films and numerous television shows.
What to do on the island for tourists?
The island offers its guests a vacation for every taste: from hiking trails to diving. This is an ideal place where you do not want to leave.
Helicopter tours are organized for tourists along the long coast of the island, which will allow you to see breathtaking panoramas from a bird's eye view.
You can go on a fascinating boat trip and get acquainted with the marine inhabitants, as well as take a closer look at the mysterious caves on the shore.
In summer, colorful festivals are held in Kauai (Hawaii), attracting many tourists.
You can visit the Hindu monastery, which opens the door for everyone, as well as the temple built by the Japanese, which is famous for its miniature figurines made of stone and wood by talented immigrants.
How to get to heaven on earth?
Tourists from Russia know how to get to the island of Kauai. The fact is that there are no direct flights from Moscow, and vacationers will have to make transfers in Los Angeles and then to Honolulu. And from there you need to get by plane to the airport of Lihue - the administrative center of the district.
