Kaua`I's Lihu`e
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Kaua`I's Lihu`e - Heather McDaniel
Kaua`i's Lihu`e
Heather McDaniel
Hunter Publishing, Inc.
HUNTER PUBLISHING, INC.
www.hunterpublishing.com
E-mail comments@hunterpublishing.com
© 2011 Hunter Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
This guide focuses on recreational activities. As all such activities contain elements of risk, the publisher, author, affiliated individuals and companies disclaim any responsibility for any injury, harm, or illness that may occur to anyone through, or by use of, the information in this book. Every effort was made to insure the accuracy of information in this book, but the publisher and author do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability for loss or damage caused by errors, omissions, misleading information or potential travel problems caused by this guide, even if such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.
Introduction
The Hawaiian Islands
History
Polynesian Settlers
Arrival Of The British
Hawaiian Monarchy
Arrival Of The Missionaries
The Economy
Statehood
Politics & Government
The Land, Flora & Fauna
Ecosystems
Climate
Flora & Fauna
The People & Culture
The Lei
The Population
Island Time
Kaua`i In Films
Music
Hula
Myths & Legends
Hawaiian Language
Dining
Travel Information
When To Go
What To Pack
How to Dress
What Can I Bring?
Accommodations
Hotels
Resorts
Condos
Bed & Breakfasts
Vacation Rentals
Dining
Banks
Post Offices
Libraries
Holidays
Getting Here
Getting Around
Staying Safe
General Safety
Hospitals
Police
Water Safety
Sun Safety
Hiking Safety
Getting Married on Kaua`i
Kaua`i Wi-Fi
Cell Phone Service
Gay Kaua`i
Important Numbers
Top Attractions - Best Of Kaua`i
Lihu`e
What to See
Sightseeing Tours
Adventures
On Land
On Water
In the Air
Spas & Health Clubs
Shopping
Where to Stay
Where To Eat
Nightlife/Culture
Introduction
Kaua`i is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its lush, green mountains, clear waters, and once-in-a-lifetime views, there's a reason why it's called The Garden Island.
You'll be sure to leave refreshed, rejuvenated and enchanted by an island that has so much to offer. It really is unforgettable.
From the moment you step off the plane, you'll notice that you're in a unique place, and it will captivate you. It's hard to believe that a mere 20-minute flight from Honolulu can bring you to a place so different, like being in a different country. Even though it's only about 100 miles from Honolulu, Kaua`i is literally a world away from the up-tempo city life.
As you drive around the island, you'll be sure to notice a few things right away. First, the chickens. Seriously, Kaua`i is full of chickens. Not in a bad way, but rather in a quaint and amusing way. They're at the airport, they're probably at your hotel (not in your room, of course), and you can see them cross the road. Don't worry; they won't bite.
Second, you'll notice the extreme heart-stopping beauty of the island. The natural beauty that's been refined over literally millions of years ranges from Waimea Canyon to the majestic Na Pali cliffs. Mark Twain dubbed Waimea Canyon The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,
and for good reason. Seeing the canyon stretch for miles is absolutely amazing.
You'll also notice that Kaua`i is quite rural. It has a laid-back style and feel all on its own. The residents of Kaua`i have worked hard to maintain its plantation town past. Streetlights are few and far-between. Highrises are non-existent. Kaua`i's residents are rare in that they have really fought to ke`ep its natural beauty, at the expense of development.
If you think that means there's nothing to do, you're wrong. Dead wrong. Kaua`i has so much to offer. Whether you visit for a quiet getaway, a great adventure or even to get married, Kaua`i does have it all. You can sit at the beach and read a good book, enjoy a massage, learn about Kaua`i's past at a museum or, if you're the adventurous type, kayak to the Na Pali cliffs, snorkel the crystal clear waters, explore caves and beaches, or hike around Waimea Canyon. There's something for everyone on this tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
KAUAI QUICK FACTS
Kaua`i size 553 sq mi
Population 62,000
Average Temperatures 75-85°
Island Flower Mokihana
Official Color Purple
Highest elevation 5243 ft (Kawakini)
The Hawaiian Islands
Kauai at left and Ni`ihau at right from space
The Hawaiian island chain is among the most isolated in the world. It's about 2,550 miles from Los Angeles and 3,850 miles to Tokyo. Its isolation has played a huge part in the development of this unique culture.
The chain consists of as many as 132 islands, atolls, shoals and reefs, which stretches over 1,600 miles in the Pacific. This archipelago began to form millions of years ago, and is still growing, as evidenced by the 20-year eruption of Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Of these 132 islands, eight of the most southeastern are inhabited and are considered to make up the State of Hawai`i.
In June 2006, President Bush signed the Northwestern Hawaiian Island Marine National Monument, which created the largest protected marine monument in the world. It covers almost 140,000 square miles and is home to more than 7,000 species, one-quarter of which are found only in this area. More important, it's also home to the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. There are only between 1,200 and 1,400 left of this amazing animal in the world and most reside here. This area also serves as the breeding ground for 90% of the Hawaiian green sea turtle population.
The northernmost inhabited island, Ni`ihau is located 17 miles off the west coast of Kaua`i. Ni`ihau is the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, with a land area of 70 square miles and a population of about 250, almost all of whom are Native Hawaiian. You can see Ni`ihau from the south and west shores of Kaua`i.
The island was offered for sale by King Kamehameha IV in 1863 and was purchased by Elizabeth Sinclair for $10,000. Mrs. Sinclair turned the entire island into a cattle and sheep ranch, before moving back to Kaua`i. Today, Ni`ihau is still privately owned by the descendents of Helen Sinclair Robinson, with the US Navy also keeping a presence there for weapons testing.
Because of the limited access, the island has remained immune to the influences of modern civilization.
Hawaiian is the primary language here and there are none of the modern conveniences - no paved roads, cars, hotels, restaurants. Each family grows their own fruits and vegetables and the ranch still raises beef and mutton.
What Ni`ihau is well-known for is the incredibly rare Ni`ihau shell-lei. These intricate necklaces are hand-sewn from tiny shells that are found only on this island. These are the only shells that are considered to be gems. The shells come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange and blue.
Want to see Ni`ihau for yourself? There's a reason why Ni`ihau is known as The Forbidden Island.
Access is extremely limited. People who have lived on Kaua`i for years and grew up in the shadows of Ni`ihau have never set foot on the island. Access to the island is restricted to only family members, US Navy personnel, government officials and invited guests.
But there are ways to visit Ni`ihau. Ni`ihau Helicopters (www.niihau.org, tel. 1-877-441-3500) offers three-hour helicopter tours on a very limited basis for $300. You can also go on a full-day hunting excursion, shooting at pigs and sheep. Prices start at $1,650, not including a Hawai`i hunting license and rifle rental.
There are snorkeling and diving tours off the coast of Ni`ihau as well, but those do not make landfall. Hololo Charters also offers snorkeling off the northernmost tip of Ni`ihau (tel. 1-877-678-7333 or 808-572-7333, adventureinhawaii.com/kauai_niihau.htm).
Kaua`i itself is the second-oldest inhabited Hawaiian Island, with a population of approximately 62,000. Kaua`i is considered to be a rather rural island, as it's kept its focus on preserving the natural beauty of the island, as opposed to the major development seen on other islands over the past few years. That's the primary reason residents of the other islands consider Kaua`i their favorite. However, like the rest of Hawai`i today, it's growing at an astronomical pace. Real estate is booming and tourism is way, way up.
The Island of O`ahu is the third-oldest island and geographically, the third-largest at 607 square miles. It's home to nearly three-quarters of the state's 1.275 million residents, most living in and around the city of Honolulu. Honolulu serves as the county seat, the state capital, and the center of business and industry in the Islands. Honolulu Harbor is the lifeline for all the Islands. Most of Hawai`i's food and manufactured goods must be imported and distributed through this port. O`ahu is also home to Waikiki beach, the world-renowned waves of the North Shore and military bases such as Pearl Harbor.
Next is Maui, with a population of 126,000. The second-largest of the populated Hawaiian Islands, Maui also boasts the second-largest population in the state, behind O`ahu. Haleakala, which translates as house of the sun,
is the largest dormant volcano in the world. Not yet extinct, it is expected to erupt sometime in the next 200 years (it last erupted in 1790).