According to Liuxers, Kauai County, Hawaii is situated on the northern shore of the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and secluded beaches. With a population of approximately 72,000 residents spread across 553 square miles, Kauai County is the fourth largest county in Hawaii. The county seat is located in Lihue and its largest city is Kapaa.
Kauai County features a variety of geographical features including mountains, valleys, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and beaches. The highest point in the county is Mount Waialeale at 5,148 feet above sea level and it’s surrounded by lush rainforests that are home to many native plant and animal species. The Na Pali Coast State Park offers visitors stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as well as access to numerous hiking trails while Waimea Canyon State Park is known for its beautiful red canyon walls that stretch for 10 miles along the western edge of Kauai.
The economy of Kauai County is largely driven by tourism which brings in millions of visitors each year to experience its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. There are numerous resorts throughout the island as well as restaurants offering traditional Hawaiian cuisine such as poi (taro root) and laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves). Other industries include agriculture (primarily sugar cane), fishing (both commercial and recreational), construction, retail stores, healthcare services, education services, government services (including military bases), transportation services (including air travel from Lihue Airport), media outlets (newspapers and radio stations) and banking/financial institutions.
Kauai County has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit year round with occasional showers during the wet season from November through April. The warm weather makes outdoor activities such as swimming at one of Kauai’s many beaches or exploring its scenic hiking trails popular pastimes for both locals and visitors alike.
Kauai County offers an idyllic setting with plenty to do both indoors and outdoors making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation. Whether you’re looking to explore nature or relax on one of its many beaches – Kauai has something for everyone.
History of Kauai County, Hawaii
Kauai County, Hawaii is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and has a rich and fascinating history. The first settlers to inhabit Kauai were Polynesian voyagers who arrived in the 4th century A.D. These early settlers established villages around the island and developed an agricultural society based on fishing, farming, and trading with other Polynesian islands.
The first European contact with Kauai occurred in 1778 when Captain James Cook made landfall at Waimea Bay. Cook named the island after his patron, King George III of England. He was followed by French explorer La Perouse who visited in 1786 and gave Kauai its name “Kauai” meaning “place of refuge” or “safe haven”.
In 1810 Kauai became part of the Kingdom of Hawaii when Kamehameha I unified all of the islands under his rule. Under Kamehameha’s rule Kauai flourished as a major trading port for goods traveling between Hawaii and other parts of the world such as China, Japan, Australia, and Europe. This period also saw a surge in population growth on Kauai as well as an increase in immigration from other parts of the world including China and Portugal which further diversified its culture and economy.
In 1819 King Kamehameha II sold Kauai to British trader George Vancouver for a sum of $400 worth of guns and ammunition in what is known as “The Vancouver Treaty” which enabled Britain to gain control over much of Hawaii for nearly 30 years before it was returned to Hawaiian sovereignty in 1849 under King Kamehameha III.
Kauai was one of the last islands to join into statehood when it became part of modern-day United States in 1959 under President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration. Since then it has become one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its breathtaking scenery, laidback atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities available such as snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, hiking, whale watching etc…
Today, Kauai County is home to approximately 67 thousand people who live peacefully among its lush rainforests, rugged mountainscapes, stunning beaches, and cascading waterfalls – creating an idyllic setting that attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled vacation.
Major cities and towns in Kauai County, Hawaii
Kauai County is located in the Hawaiian Islands and is made up of five major islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. The county seat is located in Lihue on the island of Kauai. The largest city in Kauai County is Kapaa, with a population of about 10,000 people. It has a charming downtown area with numerous shops and restaurants to explore. Close by is the Wailua River State Park, which offers plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking and kayaking.
Kalaheo is another town located on the south side of Kauai. It’s known for its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. There are several beaches nearby where visitors can relax or take part in water sports like snorkeling and surfing. Kalaheo also has some great shopping opportunities with several boutiques and art galleries to explore.
Hanapepe is a small town located on the southwestern part of Kauai island. It’s known for its historic buildings from the sugar plantation era which have been converted into art galleries, cafes, restaurants and shops. Hanapepe also hosts an annual Art Walk event which features local music performances as well as artwork from local artists.
Kilauea is home to a large population of wildlife including birds, turtles and monk seals that can be seen around the Kilauea Lighthouse area near the northern coast of Kauai Island. There are also several beaches nearby for swimming or sunbathing as well as plenty of trails for hiking or biking around the area. Kilauea Town has some great dining options with several restaurants serving up traditional Hawaiian cuisine along with other international dishes as well as bars offering craft cocktails and live music performances on certain nights throughout the week.
Airports in Kauai County, Hawaii
Kauai County is served by two main airports, Lihue Airport (LIH) and Princeville Airport (HPV). See Hawaii airports. Lihue Airport is located on the southeast side of Kauai Island and is the main hub for inter-island travel. The airport offers domestic flights to Honolulu, Maui, Kona and Hilo as well as international flights to Canada, Japan, Australia, Mexico and many other destinations. It also has several car rental companies available for travelers who need transportation.
Princeville Airport is located on the north shore of Kauai Island and primarily serves private planes. However, it does offer a few select commercial flights that go to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu Island. This airport also has car rental companies available for travelers who need transportation.
Both airports have several restaurants and shops where travelers can purchase snacks or souvenirs before their flight. There are also ATMs in both terminals so travelers can withdraw cash if needed before their trip. Both airports also have free Wi-Fi access available for passengers while they wait for their flights.
In addition to the two main airports in Kauai County, there are several smaller airstrips located around the island that offer charter flights as well as scenic tours of the island’s beautiful beaches and mountainside views. These airstrips include Port Allen Airstrip (PAK), Kalalau Airstrip (KAL), Waimea-Kohala Airstrip (WKA), Kekaha Airstrip (KEA) and Polihale Airstrip (POL).