Have you ever wondered where to stay when traveling to the lush green isle of Kauai? The names of each coast are as pretty as the area itself but they can leave first-time travelers easily confused. In order to simplify the regions, the island can be divided into four, with landscapes varying from verdant forests to sunny beaches with azure waters perfect for snorkeling to canyons with waterfalls.
The South Shore
The Poipu area is the most popular tourist destination filled with vacation rentals, resorts and condos. The beaches are the safest for all classic Hawaii tourist activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. This area is hot and dry and is considered the mid-point for the Waimea Canyon, as well as the attractions in the Lihue area. You can find good deals on lodging in other small South Shore towns such are Koloa, Kalaheo, Lawai and Omao, which are close to all the Poipu area activities.
The Western Coast
The mountainous area of the west side is the Na Pali Coast. Most of the area is impassable because there are no roads and only hiking trails. The weather at the coast is hot and dry. Waimea has lots to offer besides hiking and waterfalls in the canyon, and includes the Russian Fort Elisabeth State Park and Hofgaard Park's Captain Cook statue commemorating his landfall on Hawaii at Waimea Bay. You will find good deals on vacation rentals in the town of Kekaha which is a small town with plenty of long beaches nearby.
The Eastern Coast
This area is also known as the Coconut Coast due to the coconut trees that line most of the shoreline. The weather here is wetter than the south and west sides. This area is considered the mid-point for those who would like to explore the south and north shores. The airport and other commercial establishments such as restaurants and shops are centered around Lihue. Other attractions in the area include the Kauai museum, Wailua River State Park and Lydgate Beach Park. Good deals on lodging can be found in the smaller towns of Kapaa, Wailua, Hanamaulu and Anahola.
The North Shore
This is the wettest part of the island is the north shore. Travelers should not let the rain deter their vacation plans: Drier conditions are only a small drive away. This area is very lush and several Hollywood movies - including Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park - have been shot in this region to include the thundering waterfalls and spectacular rainforests. Princeville is the largest and most popular resort area overlooking the cliffs of Hanalei and Hanalei Bay. Some of the other towns with beautiful beaches include Hanalei, Kilauea and Haena. Heed beach safety warnings due to high surf conditions.
Although all the regions of the island and its specialized activities are within an hour's drive, it is highly recommended that travelers plan their stay around activities that appeal to them. So whether it is the sandy beaches, the snorkeling, hiking or shopping, the Garden Isle of Kauai has it all.
This tidbit of travel advice was contributed by Anita Menon.