Appreciated by local island residents, adventurous travelers, and sightseeing tourists that grace the island, there are so many awe-inspiring features that make Kaua‘i a beloved locale. To help you get to know our home better, we’ve highlighted some interesting facts below that will lure you into the magic of this matchless isle.
Geography
1) Kaua‘i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and the fourth largest in the entire state. With five major islands, including Hawai‘i, Maui, Oahu, Kaua‘i and Moloka‘i (listed in order of size), the Hawaiian Islands are sprawled throughout the Pacific Ocean and each has a distinctive sense of place. The northernmost of the Island chain, Kaua‘i is also its own county with a diameter of 32 miles and widepoint of only 25 miles.
2) An estimated 3% of this bountiful green island is developed, with plenty of rugged wilderness to explore. Due to the natural terrain of the Nā Pali Coastline and Waimea Canyon, it is impossible to drive all the way around the island, with no road that connects the West and North shores.
3) From the west side of Kaua‘i, the faraway islands of Ni‘ihau, Lehua and Ka’ula are visible by sight.
4) Kaua‘i has more rivers than any of the other Hawaiian islands, and the longest river is the Wailua River that meanders for nearly 20 miles.
Landmarks
1) Famously known as ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is approximately one mile wide, 3,600 feet deep, and ten miles in length.
2) One of the wettest spots on earth, Mount Wai’ale’ale averages at around 450 inches per year.
3) At 5,243 feet, Kawaikini peak is Kaua‘i’s highest mountain, in addition to being the summit of the islands inactive central shield volcano, Mount Wai’ale’ale.
4) Alaka’i Swamp is the largest high-elevation swamp in the world. Kōke‘e State Park has trails to experience this boggy treasure.
5) Waterfalls and rainbows? Yes! Falling 800 feet, the highest waterfall on Kaua‘i is Waipo’o in Waimea Canyon.
State Facts & History
1) Our official state color is Purple, with the brilliant mokihana (green berry) as the dedicated flower.
2) With a potential lifespan of 24 years, the precious endangered nene (Hawaiian goose) is our state bird. The Hawaiian hoary bat and Hawaiian monk seal are also two mammals endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, and can be found safely tucked away in the majestic wilderness of Kaua‘i.
3) There is no daylight savings time in Hawai‘i. Hawaii Standard Time (HST) is observed all year long.
Starting the first Sunday in November, we are two hours from the west coast (PST), and five hours from the east coast (EST). When the second Sunday of March arrives, we are three hours from the west coast (PST), and six hours from the east coast (EST).
4) Kaua‘i gets it fitting nickname of the “Garden Island” due to the lush, moist tropical climate that creates the emerald panoramic views, thriving agriculture, and flourishing landscape. (Seen in our prints!)
5) Two destructive hurricanes have made landfall on Kaua‘i, with Hurricane Iwa in 1982 (Category 1), and Hurricane Iniki in 1992 (Category 4).
Culture & Community
1) Spread throughout the island, you’ll see color-coded signage along Kuhio highway that indicates the traditional governing land divisions called moku (the district), and ahuupa‘a (subdivisions within a moku). An ancient Hawaiian system of government regulation, these signs have great cultural significance. Explore More: http://kauainuikuapapa.com/#home
2) Over sixty movies have been filmed on Kaua‘i, with cult classics like: Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Six Days Seven Nights, Fantasy Island, Tropic Thunder, Avatar, King Kong, Indiana Jones, Hook, Gilligan's Island, Blue Hawaii, and South Pacific just to name a few.
3) Part of Hawaiian heritage and passed down through family lineages, the Garden Island grows more taro (a staple native canoe plant) than any other island.
4) Roosters and chickens roam free throughout the island streets and scenery! Often a surprise to visitors, the devastation of Hurricane Iniki (in 1992), set all the coops free and they have multiplied ever since.
