Like all the islands of Hawaii, Kauai is made up of a number of very different towns and regions. As you travel in a circle around the periphery of the island each town will reveal itself in its own way and offer a very specific character all to its own. From extremely wet areas to extremely dry areas and from population centers to small communities the regions of Kauai have much to offer the visitor. In this section we have identified the major regions of Kauai and have presented some information and photos that will prepare you for a visit. Hopefully this will prove helpful in allowing you to decide on an itinerary so you can visit those portions of the island that hold the most appeal to you.
Princeville is the largest planned community on Kauai. Princeville was purchased for the purpose of development in 1968 and the visionaries who saw this as an area that would someday rival any resort community in the world were right on the mark from the beginning. Today a stunning hotel graces perhaps the most magnificent an picturesque hotel location in Hawaii. A simple entrance into its lobby will leave you breathless with the views of the ocean and Hanalei Bay far below and the Na Pali Coastline laid out before you like some magical make believe vision from a fairytale.
Of all the locations or regions, not only on Kauai, but in the whole state of Hawaii, a good case could be made that Hanalei is the most beautiful of all. The town of Hanalei lies in the large Hanalei Valley which measures about five miles long and a mile deep. The valley floor is almost flat and abuts right up against the steep walls of the majestic Hanalei Mountains. Waterfalls are an almost continuous element of the green mountain peaks of the Hanalei Range and provide a backdrop to the small village of Hanalei that is unparalleled for a town on any other island.
Though you might not believe it at first glance, the town of Kapaa on Kauai's eastern shoreline is the most populated region on Kauai. To the casual drive-by motorist Kapaa appears to be a long segment of local roadway complete with stoplights and crossroads that make for a slow moving meandering ride through an interesting array of colorful storefronts and interesting looking restaurants and boutiques.
For all intents and purposes, Lihue is the obvious major commercial city on Kauai. If you are flying into Kauai from one of the other islands you will be flying into the Lihue Airport, if you are arriving by cruise ship you will be docking at Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue, any freight that is being delivered to the island over the sea will be delivered to Nawiliwili as well, this is the seat of government for Kauai where you will find all the government buildings the mayor's office and the state offices.… (more info)
Poipu and Koloa
The Poipu Resort has followed a trend consistent with many other locations in Hawaii, in creating a visitor resort area designed almost exclusively for those visiting Hawaii or for those who would like a second or third home in this spectacular area. This planned vacation community has wisely built itself around the sensational Poipu beaches. World class hotels and condos with all their numerous amenities can be found directly on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The seaport area of Port Allen and the small town of Hanapepe are located right next to each other mid-distance between Waimea and Poipu on Kauai's south facing coast. Port Allen is obviously located on the water and Hanapepe lies directly across the main coast highway along the banks of the Hanapepe River.
he Waimea region on the south-western coastline of Kauai is undoubtedly the hottest, driest and sunniest area on the entire island. On days when it is raining on most other areas of the island you on most days can be assured of finding great weather in Waimea. This fairly unpopulated area of Kauai stretches from just south of the town of Waimea all the way up to the beginning of the Na Pali Coast.… (more info)
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