| Its four distinct geographical regions are the main | | | | will also pay a price in crowded hotels, and congested |
| reason for the Magic you will experience when | | | | roads and beaches. |
| vacationing on the Island of Kaua'i's 550 square miles. | | | | One thing remains the same year round on the island |
| Kaua'i's western side is the site of what is possibly | | | | of Kaua'i is its temperature, at an average of a |
| the most beautiful stretch of coastline in all of Hawaii, | | | | delightful 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Kaua'i is coolest in |
| the Na Pali Coast. Kaua'i's North Shore has all the | | | | the early morning and late evening, and swimmers |
| mesmerizing beaches, emerald mountains, tumbling | | | | can expect water temperatures of between 74 and |
| waterfalls and rainbow-spanned vistas you would | | | | 80°. Vacationing on Kaua'i during the rainy |
| expect to find on Hawaiian vacation brochures. | | | | season between December and March can be |
| The island's South Shore as the sunny weather and | | | | disappointing unless you restrict your travels to its |
| unspoiled beaches which attract most of its visitors, | | | | southern and western areas. The biggest advantage |
| and is the home of the Po'i'Pu Resort. Finally, Kaua'i's | | | | of enjoying Kaua'i during the rainy season is that you |
| East Side is where you find its commercial and | | | | will experience its plant life and waterfalls at their |
| residential heart, its government offices, and its | | | | most spectacular. |
| largest city, Kapa'a. | | | | Packing for your trip to Kauai will require some care. |
| You will enjoy your visit Kaua'i much more if you time | | | | Make sure to include a sunscreen or sunblock which is |
| it to suit your taste in activities. If you are planning to | | | | both waterproof and has an SPF rating of at least |
| spend your days enjoying its magnificent beaches, be | | | | 25, to protect you from the strong beach sun. Also |
| aware that the huge surf off its North Shore can | | | | include UV, protective sunglasses, and a camera with |
| make those beaches un-swimmable during the winter | | | | either lots of memory, or plenty of rolls of film. Light |
| months, while it is South Shore gets big waves during | | | | clothing is fine all year long, but make sure you have |
| the summer. Your best opportunities for whale | | | | protection from the rain if you are traveling during |
| watching occurring February, although some whale | | | | the winter. |
| show up as early as December, and some remain | | | | Get a map which guides you not only to the islands |
| until April. | | | | important tourist areas, but one that will help you find |
| The Island's Kalalau Trail may be off-limits following | | | | it off-the-main-drag attractions. If you plan to hike in |
| winter rains, and you can forget along the Na Pali | | | | its outlying areas, bring plenty of water because you |
| coast during the winter months. Almost all of Kaua'i's | | | | cannot rely on the safety of its streams. You will |
| western shore attractions, in fact, are available only | | | | need sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, and |
| during the dry season. At least busiest seasons are | | | | whatever water sports equipment will let you take |
| between mid-June in early September, and from | | | | advantage of all the beach-related activities on this |
| mid-December to early April. You will pay more for | | | | marvelous island escape! |
| your accommodations during those months, and you | | | | |