View source for Kauaʻi

{{Short description|Fourth largest island in Hawaii}}
{{For|the Childish Gambino EP|STN MTN / Kauai{{!}}''STN MTN / Kauai''}}
{{For|the South African takeout chain|Kauai (South Africa)}}
{{Distinguish|Kawaii}}
{{Pp-move-dispute|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox islands
|name                    = Kaua{{okina}}i
|nickname                = The Garden Isle
|image_name              = Kauai from space 2.jpg
|image_caption           = March 2003 satellite photo
|map_image               = Map of Hawaii highlighting Kauai.svg
|map_caption             = Location in [[Hawaii|Hawai{{okina}}i]]
|coordinates             = {{coord|22|04|12|N|159|29|51|W|type:isle_scale:500000_region:US-HI|display=inline,title}}
|area_sqmi               = 562.3
|highest_mount           = [[Kawaikini]]
|elevation_ft            = 5243
|demonym                 = Kauaian
|population              = 73,298
|population_as_of        = 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/kauaicountyhawaii/POP010220/ |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Kauai County, Hawaii |date=1 April 2020 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
|density_sqmi            = 118
|country_largest_city    = [[Kapaa, Hawaii|Kapa{{okina}}a]]
|country                 = United States
|country_admin_divisions = {{Infobox place symbols|embedded=yes|island=yes
|flower = Mokihana (''[[Melicope anisata]]'')<ref>{{cite web |url=http://old.kcc.hawaii.edu/campus/tour/plants/pmokihana.htm |title=Mokihana |work=Native Hawaiian Plants |publisher=[[Kapiʻolani Community College]] |access-date=2009-03-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323004412/http://old.kcc.hawaii.edu/campus/tour/plants/pmokihana.htm |archive-date=2009-03-23}}</ref>
|color                   = Poni (Purple)}}
|rank                    = 4th largest [[Hawaiian Islands|Hawaiian Island]]
}}

'''Kaua{{okina}}i''',{{Efn|{{IPAc-en|lang|ˈ|k|aʊ|aɪ}} {{respell|KOW|eye}}<ref>{{dict.com|Kauai}}</ref> or {{IPAc-en|k|ɑː|ˈ|w|ɑː|.|iː}} {{respell|kah|WAH|ee}};<ref>{{MW|Kauai}}</ref> {{IPA|haw|kɐwˈwɐʔi}}.}} sometimes written '''Kauai''',{{Efn|In Hawaiian there is a [[glottal stop]] before the final ''i'', spelled with the ''[[{{okina}}okina]]''. English speakers may approximate this by pronouncing the name as {{IPAc-en|k|ɑː|ˈ|w|ɑː|iː}} {{respell|kah|WAH|ee}}. Sometimes the ''{{okina}}okina'' is approximated with an [[apostrophe]] or [[grave accent]], for ''Kaua'i'' or ''Kaua`i''.}} is one of the main [[Hawaiian Islands]]. 

Kaua{{okina}}i has an area of <!-- was {{cvt|562.3|sqmi|km2|1}} -->562.3 square miles (1,456.4 km<sup>2</sup>), making it the fourth-largest of the islands and the [[List of islands of the United States by area|21st-largest island in the United States]].<ref name="SizeRef">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/databook/db2004/section05.pdf |title=Table 5.08 – Land Area of Islands: 2000 |work=2004 State of Hawaii Data Book |publisher=State of Hawaii |year=2004 |access-date=2007-07-23 |archive-date=2013-03-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309031745/http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/databook/db2004/section05.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Kaua{{okina}}i is <!-- ws {{cvt|73|mi|km}} -->73 miles (117 km) northwest of [[O{{okina}}ahu]], across the [[Channels of the Hawaiian Islands#Ka{{okina}}ie{{okina}}ie Waho Channel|Kaua{{okina}}i Channel]]. The island's [[2020 United States census|2020 population]] was 73,298.<ref>[https://www.census.gov%7Cb=50%7Cl=en%7Ct=4001%7Czf=0.0%7Cms=sel_00dec%7Cdw=0.32574415146711605%7Cdh=0.22784596312794334%7Cdt=gov.census.aff.domain.map.EnglishMapExtent%7Cif=gif%7Ccx=-160.54887078557877%7Ccy=21.657999272138042%7Czl=5%7Cpz=5%7Cbo=318:317:316:314:313:323:319%7Cbl=362:393:358:357:356:355:354%7Cft=350:349:335:389:388:332:331%7Cfl=381:403:204:380:369:379:368%7Cg=01000US&-show_geoid=Y Census Tracts 401 through 409, Kaua{{okina}}i County] United States Census Bureau</ref>

Styling itself the "Garden Isle", Kaua{{okina}}i is the site of [[Waimea Canyon State Park]] and [[Nā Pali Coast State Park]]. It forms the bulk of [[Kaua{{okina}}i County, Hawaii|Kaua{{okina}}i County]], which includes [[Ni{{okina}}ihau]] as well as the small nearby islands of [[Ka{{okina}}ula]] and [[Lehua]].

==Etymology and language==
[[Hawaiian narrative]] derives the name's origin from the legend of [[Hawaiiloa|Hawai{{okina}}iloa]], the [[Polynesia]]n navigator credited with discovering the Hawaiian Islands. The story relates that he named the island after a favorite son; a possible translation of Kaua{{okina}}i is "place around the neck", describing how a father would carry his child. Another possible translation is "food season".<ref name="PukuiElbert1974">{{cite book |first1=Mary Kawena |last1=Pukui |first2=Samuel H. |last2=Elbert |first3=Esther T. |last3=Mookini |title=Place Names of Hawaii |url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=fkw4JooFxZAC}}|year=1974|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|isbn=978-0-8248-0524-1}}</ref>

Kaua{{okina}}i was known for its distinct dialect of the [[Hawaiian language]], which still survives on Ni{{okina}}ihau. While the dominant dialect is based on that of [[Hawaii (island)|Hawai{{okina}}i island]], which has no {{IPA|[t]}} sound, the Kaua{{okina}}i dialect had this sound. This happened because the Kaua{{okina}}i dialect had retained the old Polynesian {{IPA|/t/}} sound, replaced in the "standard" Hawai{{okina}}i dialect by {{IPA|[k]}}. This difference applies to all words with these sounds, so the Kauaian name for Kaua{{okina}}i was pronounced "Taua{{okina}}i", and [[Kapaa, Hawaii|Kapa{{okina}}a]] was pronounced "Tapa{{okina}}a".

==History==
===Settlement===
It is uncertain when humans discovered the Hawaiian islands. Early archaeological studies suggested that Polynesian explorers from the [[Marquesas Islands]] or [[Society Islands]] may have arrived as early as 600{{nbsp}}AD,<ref>{{cite journal |title=Late Quaternary Chronology and Stratigraphy of Twelve Sites On Kaua'i |date=2002 |doi=10.1017/S003382220006464X |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/radiocarbon/article/late-quaternary-chronology-and-stratigraphy-of-twelve-sites-on-kauai/9EADDA29279452143391D9B2D9AD2CC4 |last1=Burney |first1=David A. |journal=Radiocarbon |volume=44 |issue=1 |pages=13–44 |bibcode=2002Radcb..44...13B}}</ref> possibly with a second wave arriving from [[Tahiti]] around 1100{{nbsp}}AD<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=Kauai's History |url=https://www.kauai.com/kauai-history |website=Kauai.com |access-date=10 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610024805/https://www.kauai.com/kauai-history |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kauai in History: Hawaii's Oldest Paradise |url=https://makanacharters.com/kauai-in-history-hawaii-oldest-paradise/ |website=Makana Charters and Tours |date=3 March 2020 |publisher=Makana Charters |access-date=10 June 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610024805/https://makanacharters.com/kauai-in-history-hawaii-oldest-paradise/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Later analyses suggest that the first settlers arrived around 900–1200{{nbsp}}AD<ref>{{cite journal |last=Kirch |first=Patrick |title=When did the Polynesians Settle Hawaii? A review of 150 years of scholarly inquiry. |url=https://hdl.handle.net/10524/74851 |journal=Hawaiian Archaeology |volume=12 |pages=3–27 |date=2011|hdl=10524/74851}}</ref>

===Arrival of James Cook===
[[File:Captain James Cook statue, Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii.JPG|thumb|left|200px|A statue of Captain [[James Cook]] commemorating his landing at Waimea, Kaua{{okina}}i, January 20, 1778]]
In January 1778, [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]] navigator [[James Cook]] made the [[First contact (anthropology)|first recorded contact]] between any European and the indigenous people of the Hawaiian Islands when he arrived at Kaua{{okina}}i by accident while crossing the Pacific during his [[Third voyage of James Cook|third voyage of exploration]]. The British immediately observed similarities in language and culture between the Kauaians and the parts of Polynesia with which they were already familiar, such as [[Tahiti]]. After some Kauaians were persuaded to board his ship, Cook later wrote:

{{blockquote| I never saw [indigenous people] so astonished at entering a ship. Their eyes were continually flying from object to object, the wildness of their looks and actions fully expressed their surprise and astonishment.
<ref name=Hough>{{Cite book |last=Hough |first=Richard |title=Captain James Cook: a biography |date=1997 |publisher=Norton |isbn=978-0-393-31519-3 |location=New York}}</ref>{{rp|p=312}} }}

Later, while investigating a location for the ships to anchor, a shore party was mobbed by a crowd, a shot was fired, and one Kauaian was killed. The next day, January 20, 1778, the two ships anchored in [[Waimea, Kauai County, Hawaii|Waimea Bay]] on the southwest coast, where the expedition spent days obtaining fresh water and trading for fresh food. The local people especially valued iron: even small amounts, such as a single nail, could be traded for plentiful food supplies. Within two weeks, Cook left the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands to continue his original mission.<ref name=Hough></ref>{{rp|p=311-315}}<ref name="Kuykendall">{{Cite book |last=Kuykendall |first=Ralph S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nkXREAAAQBAJ&q=the+hawaiian+kingdom |title=The Hawaiian Kingdom 1778-1854 Vol 1 Foundation and Transformation |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=1938 |location=Honolulu|isbn=978-0-8248-4322-9}}</ref>{{rp|p=12-15}}

===Cession to the Kingdom of Hawaii===
[[File:Kamehameha I, portrait by James Gay Sawkins.jpg|thumb|Kamehameha I, portrait by [[James Gay Sawkins]], based on Louis Choris sketch]]

At the time of Cook's visit, the Hawaiian islands comprised several kingdoms.<ref name="Kuykendall"></ref>{{rp|p=30}} By 1795, the king of Hawaii Island, [[Kamehameha I]], had established the [[Hawaiian Kingdom|Kingdom of Hawaii]], uniting most of the islands, but Kaua{{okina}}i remained independent. Kamehameha tried to conquer Kaua{{okina}}i in 1796, but stormy seas caused the attack from [[Oahu]] to be canceled and he was afterward distracted by events elsewhere. By 1803, Kaua{{okina}}i was ruled by [[Kaumuali{{okina}}i]], who maintained his independence from the Kingdom of Hawaii. A second invasion of Kaua{{okina}}i from Oahu was planned but this too was canceled after an epidemic broke out among Kamehameha's forces. In 1810, a diplomatic agreement was reached whereby Kaumuali{{okina}}i agreed to be Kamehameha's [[vassal]],<ref name="Kuykendall" />{{rp|p=47-50}} and to cede Kaua{{okina}}i to the Kingdom of Hawai{{okina}}i upon his death by making Kamehameha's son his heir.<ref name="Alexander">{{Cite book |last=Alexander|first=W.D. |title=A brief history of the Hawaiian people |publisher=American Book Company |year=1891 |location=New York|pages=155–156,186|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Fds3JhdHlnsC/page/n165/mode/2up}}</ref>{{rp|p=155-156, 186}}

===Schäffer affair===
[[File:View on the fortress from a bird's eye view.jpg|thumb|left|Artist's impression of [[Russian Fort Elizabeth]] overlooking Waimea Bay, Kaua{{okina}}i]]

{{Main|Schaffer affair}}
The Schäffer affair was a diplomatic episode instigated in 1815 by [[Georg Anton Schäffer]], a German working with the [[Russian-American Company|Russian American Company]]. While at Kaua{{okina}}i in 1816, Schäffer involved Kaumuali{{okina}}i in "a treasonable design" whereby Kaua{{okina}}i would accept the protection of the [[Russian Empire]] in exchange for exclusive trading privileges. In 1817, [[Russian Fort Elizabeth|a fort was built at Waimea]] and a Russian flag raised over it. But on Kamehameha's orders, and persuaded by other foreign traders, Kaumuali{{okina}}i abandoned his relationship with Schäffer and forced the Russians to leave Kaua{{okina}}i.<ref name="Kuykendall" />{{rp|p=57-58}}

===Plantations===
From the 1830s till the mid-20th century, [[plantation]]s of [[sugarcane]] were Kaua{{okina}}i's most important industry. In 1835, the first sugarcane plantation was founded on Kaua{{okina}}i, and for the next century the industry dominated Hawai{{okina}}i's economy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kauai Plantation Railway – Kauai Sugarcane Plantations |url=http://www.kauaiplantationrailway.com/agplantations.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329001052/http://www.kauaiplantationrailway.com/agplantations.htm |archive-date=2014-03-29 |access-date=2011-05-08}}</ref> Kaua{{okina}}i's last sugarcane plantation, the 118-year-old Gay & Robinson Plantation, stopped planting sugarcane in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Gay and Robinson in Hawaii |url=http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/about/industries/sugar/gay-and-robinson.htm |access-date=2024-04-18 |website=www.hawaiiforvisitors.com}}</ref>

===Old Sugar Mill of Koloa===
{{Main|Old Sugar Mill of Koloa}}
In 1835, Old Koloa Town opened a sugar mill.<ref name="Kauai History">{{cite web |title=Kauai History |url=http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/about/history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719001516/http://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/about/history |archive-date=2013-07-19 |access-date=2012-06-16 |publisher=Hawaiian Tourism Authority}}</ref> From 1906 to 1934 the office of [[County Clerk]] was held by [[John Mahi{{okina}}ai Kāneakua]], who had been active in attempts to restore Queen [[Liliuokalani]] to the throne after the U.S. takeover of Hawai{{okina}}i in 1893.<ref name="The Garden Island">{{cite news |url=http://thegardenisland.com/lifestyles/island_history/john-mahiai-kaneakua/article_9422b456-a4c9-11e2-bdaf-0019bb2963f4.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140123125119/http://thegardenisland.com/lifestyles/island_history/john-mahiai-kaneakua/article_9422b456-a4c9-11e2-bdaf-0019bb2963f4.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 23, 2014 |title=John Mahiai Kaneakua |date=Aug 10, 2013 |agency=The Garden Island |access-date=15 January 2014 |author=Soboleski, Hank}}</ref>

===Valdemar Knudsen===
[[Valdemar Emil Knudsen]] was a [[Norwegian people|Norwegian]] who arrived on Kaua{{okina}}i in 1857. Knudsen, or "Kanuka", originally managed [[Grove Farm (Lihue, Hawaii)|Grove Farm]] in [[Koloa, Hawaii|Koloa]]. He later sought a warmer land and purchased the leases to Mana and [[Kekaha, Hawaii|Kekaha]], where he became a successful sugarcane plantation owner. He settled in Waiawa, between Mana and Kekaha, immediately across the channel from [[Ni{{okina}}ihau]] Island.<ref>Joesting, Edward (1988). ''Kauai: The Separate Kingdom''. University of Hawaii Press. Pages 198–199. {{ISBN|9780824811624}}.</ref> His son, [[Eric Alfred Knudsen]], was born in Waiawa.

Knudsen was appointed land administrator by [[Kamehameha IV|King Kamehameha IV]]<!--IV or V?--> for an area covering 400 km<sup>2</sup>, and was given the title ''[[konohiki]]'' as well as a position as a noble under the king. Knudsen, who spoke fluent [[Hawaiian language|Hawaiian]], later became an elected representative and an influential politician.<ref>Lund, Fredrik Larsen (2017). ''Norske utposter''. Vega forlag. Pages 301–302. {{ISBN|978-82-8211-537-7}}.</ref>

Knudsen lends his name to the Knudsen Gap, a narrow pass between Hã’upu Ridge and the Kahili Ridge. Its primary function was as a sugar farm.<ref>Lougheed, Vivien (2007). ''Adventure Guide: Mazatalan and Vicinity''. Hunter Publishing, Inc. Page 250. {{ISBN|9781588435910}}.</ref><ref>Ward, Greg (2002). ''Hawaii''. Rough Guides. Page 472. {{ISBN|9781858287386}}.</ref>

===Hurricane Iniki===
{{Excerpt|Hurricane Iniki|paragraphs=1}}

===Frank VanderSloot===
The historic 105-acre Valley House home on Kauai, where scenes from [[Jurassic Park]] and [[Pirates of the Caribbean]] were filmed, is owned by [[Frank VanderSloot]], the wealthy creator of the health and wellness company "Melaleuca".  He runs the two biggest meat processing facilities in the state. He is an advocate for localising Hawaii's cattle sector.  He has said, "The pineapple has vanished.  There is no more sugarcane.  Cattle are actually the only thing left at the moment.."<ref>{{cite web | last=Liu | first=Phoebe | title=These Billionaires Own 11% Of Hawaii's Private Land | website=Forbes | date=2024-02-18 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/phoebeliu/2024/02/18/meet-the-billionaires-buying-up-hawaii/ | access-date=2025-10-31}}</ref>

===Mark Zuckerberg===
{{Excerpt|Mark Zuckerberg#Hawaiian land ownership}}

==Geography==
[[File:2017-Kauai-Island.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of Kaua{{okina}}i]]
[[File: Na Pali Coast.jpg|thumb|[[Na Pali Coast State Park]] ]]
[[File:Coast of Kauai, Hawaii.jpg|thumb|[[Kalalau Beach]]]]

The five-million-year-old island, the oldest of the main islands (Ni{{okina}}ihau is older), was formed volcanically as the [[Pacific Plate]] passed over the [[Hawaii hotspot]].<ref name="Juvik-1998">{{cite book |last1=Juvik |first1=Sonia P. |first2=James O. |last2=Juvik |first3=Thomas R. |last3=Paradise |title=Atlas of Hawai'i |url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=f0efIh9CV94C |page=3}}|year=1998|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|isbn=978-0-8248-2125-8|pages=3–6}}</ref> It consists of an eroded [[shield volcano]] with a {{cvt|9.3|–|12.4|mi}} diameter summit [[caldera]] and two flanking calderas. [[Evolution of Hawaiian volcanoes#Rejuvenated stage|Rejuvenation]] of the volcano 0.6–1.40 million years ago left [[lava|lava flow]]s and [[volcanic cone|cones]] over the eastern two-thirds of the island.<ref>{{cite gvp |name=Kauai |vn=332809 |access-date=2021-06-28}}</ref>

Kaua{{okina}}i's highest peak is [[Kawaikini]], at {{cvt|5243|ft|m|0}}.<ref name="ElevationRef">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/databook/db2004/section05.pdf |title=Table 5.11 – Elevations of Major Summits |work=2004 State of Hawaii Data Book |publisher=State of Hawaii |year=2004 |access-date=2007-07-23 |archive-date=2013-03-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309031745/http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/databook/db2004/section05.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The second-highest is [[Mount Waialeale|Mount Wai{{okina}}ale{{okina}}ale]], near the center of the island, {{cvt|5148|ft}} above sea level. One of the wettest spots on earth, with an annual average rainfall of {{cvt|460|in|ft m|1}}, is on the east side of Mount Wai{{okina}}ale{{okina}}ale. The rain has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains, carving out canyons with many scenic waterfalls. On the west side of the island, [[Waimea, Kauai County, Hawaii|Waimea]] town is at the mouth of the [[Waimea River (Kauai)|Waimea River]], whose flow formed Waimea Canyon, one of the world's most scenic canyons, which is part of [[Waimea Canyon State Park]]. At {{cvt|3000|ft|spell=in}} deep, Waimea Canyon is often called "The [[Grand Canyon]] of the Pacific". [[Kokeo Point]] lies on the island's south side.{{cn|date=December 2023}} The [[Na Pali Coast]] is an isolated center for recreation, including kayaking along the beaches and hiking on the trail along the coastal cliffs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kalalautrail.com/information.html |title=Trail Information – Kalalau Trail |access-date=2011-09-07 |archive-date=2011-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830012336/http://www.kalalautrail.com/information.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The headlands Kamala Point, Kawai Point, Kawelikoa Point, Kuahonu Point, Pao{{okina}}a Point, and Molehu Point are on the southeast of the island; Makaokaha{{okina}}i Point and Weli Point are in the south.
===Climate===
{{climate chart
|Kaua{{okina}}i
|16|22|31
|14|22|110
|15|24|99
|15|24|34
|17|24|37
|18|25|4
|18|26|11
|18|25|27
|19|24|15
|18|24|35
|18|23|27
|17|21|107
|float=left
|source=<ref name="nasa">{{Cite web |url=http://neo.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/dataset_index.php |title=NASA Earth Observations Data Set Index |access-date=30 January 2016 |publisher=NASA |archive-date=28 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128214629/https://neo.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/dataset_index.php |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

Kaua{{okina}}i's climate is tropical, with generally humid and stable conditions year-round, although infrequent storms cause severe flooding. At the lower elevations, the annual precipitation varies from an average of about {{cvt|50|in|cm}} on the windward (northeastern) shore to less than {{cvt|20|in|cm}} on the (southwestern) leeward side of the island. The average temperature in [[Lihu'e]], the county seat, ranges from {{cvt|78|°F}} in February to {{cvt|85|°F}} in August and September. 

Kaua{{okina}}i's mountainous regions offer cooler temperatures in contrast to the warm coastal areas. At [[Kōke{{okina}}e State Park]], {{cvt|3,200|-|4,200|ft}} [[Above sea level|ASL]], day temperatures vary from an average of {{cvt|45|°F}} in January to {{cvt|68|°F}} in July. In the winter, temperatures have been known to drop down to the 30s and 40s at the park, which holds an unofficial record low of {{cvt|29|°F}}, recorded in February 1986 at Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow.

Precipitation in Kaua{{okina}}i's mountainous regions averages {{cvt|50|–|100|inch|mm}} annually. About {{cvt|10|mi|spell=in}} southeast of Kōke{{okina}}e state park, at an elevation of {{cvt|5,075|ft}}, is the Mt. Wai{{okina}}ale{{okina}}ale rain gauge.<ref>Henning, D. (1967). Mt. Waialeale. Wetter und Leben (Vienna). 19(5–6), 93–100</ref> Mt. Wai{{okina}}ale{{okina}}ale is often cited as the wettest spot on earth, although this has been disputed. Based on data for the period from 1931 through 1960, the average yearly precipitation was {{cvt|460|inch|mm|-2}} (U.S. Environmental Science Services Administration, 1968). Between 1949 and 2004, the average yearly precipitation at Mt. Wai{{okina}}ale{{okina}}ale was {{cvt|374|inch|mm|-2}}.<ref>USGS, NWIS</ref>

Kaua{{okina}}i also holds a record in hourly precipitation. During a storm on January 24–25, 1956, a rain gauge at Kaua{{okina}}i's former Kilauea Sugar Plantation recorded a record {{cvt|12|inch|mm|0|spell=in}} of precipitation in just 60 minutes. The value for one hour is an underestimate, since the rain gauge overflowed, which may have resulted in an error by as much as {{cvt|1|in|adj=on}}.<ref>Schmidli, R.J. (1983). Weather extremes (NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS WR-28, Revised.) Salt Lake City, UT: NOAA.</ref> An accurate measurement may have exceeded [[Holt, Missouri]]'s world-record rainfall of {{cvt|12|in}} in 42 minutes on June 22, 1947.<ref>National Climatic Data Center</ref>

{{clear}}

===Time zone===
[[Hawaii–Aleutian Time Zone|Hawaii Standard Time]] ([[UTC−10:00]]) is observed on Kaua{{okina}}i year-round. When mainland states are on [[daylight saving time]], for example, the time on Kaua{{okina}}i is three hours behind the [[West Coast of the United States]] and six hours behind the [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/island_insights/kauai/ |title=Discover Kauai |publisher=H&S Publishing, LLC |access-date=2011-04-02 |archive-date=2011-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213072037/http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/island_insights/kauai/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===River system===
*[[Waimea River (Kauai)|Waimea River]] {{cvt|35.7|km}}
*[[Hanalei River]] {{cvt|26.5|km}}
*[[Hanapēpē River]] {{cvt|24.2|km}}
*[[Wainiha River, Hawaii|Wainiha River]] {{cvt|24|km}}
*[[Wailuā River]] {{cvt|23.4|km}}
*[[Makaweli River, Kauai|Makaweli River]] {{cvt|23.2|km}}
*[[Hulā{{okina}}ia River]] {{aka}} [[Hulē{{okina}}ia River]] {{cvt|21.4|km}}
*[[Kalihi Wai River]] {{cvt|20|km}}
*[[Anahola River]] {{cvt|19.4|km}}
*[[Lumaha{{okina}}i River]] {{cvt|16|km}}
*[[Kō{{okina}}ula River]] {{cvt|14.8|km}}
*[[Olokele River]] {{cvt|14.4|km}}
*[[Kīlauea Stream]] {{cvt|13.4|km}}
*[[Waikomo Stream]] {{cvt|9.8|km}}

===Waterfalls===
*[[Hāli{{okina}}i Falls]]
*[[Hanakāpī{{okina}}ai Falls]]
*[[Hinalele Falls]]
*[[Kalihi Wai Falls]]
*[[Kīlauea Falls]]
*[[Mānāwaiopuna Falls]]
*[[{{okina}}Ōpaeka{{okina}}a Falls]]
*[[Wailua Falls]]
*[[Waipo{{okina}}o Falls]]

<gallery>
Falls at Waimea Canyon.jpg|Waipo{{okina}}o Falls at [[Waimea Canyon State Park]]
Manawaiopuna Falls.jpg|[[Mānāwaiopuna Falls]]
Wailua Falls, Kauai.JPG|[[Wailua Falls]]
</gallery>

==Economy==
{{main|Economic history of Kaua{{okina}}i}}

[[Tourism in Hawaii|Tourism]] is Kaua{{okina}}i's largest industry. In 2007, 1,271,000 people visited. The two largest groups were from the continental United States (84% of all visitors) and Japan (3%).<ref name="kauai.gov">{{cite news |title=Kauai Economic Outlook Summary: Tourism Woes Mean No Growth Through 2009 |work=University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization |url=http://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments/EconomicDevelopment/EconomicStatisticsandForecasting/tabid/256/Default.aspx |year=2008 |access-date=2008-11-05 |archive-date=2008-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927052942/http://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments/EconomicDevelopment/EconomicStatisticsandForecasting/tabid/256/Default.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2003, approximately 27,000 jobs existed on Kaua{{okina}}i. The largest sector was accommodation/food services (26%, 6,800 jobs), followed by government (15%) and retail (14.5%), with agriculture accounting for 2.9% (780 jobs) and educational services providing 0.7% (183 jobs).<ref name="KEDP">{{cite news |title=Kauai Economic Development Plan 2005–2015 |work=County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, Kauai Economic Development Board |url=http://www.kauai.gov/portals/0/oed/KEDP_2005-2015.pdf |year=2004 |access-date=2008-11-05 |archive-date=2008-12-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218152649/http://www.kauai.gov/portals/0/oed/KEDP_2005-2015.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The visitors' industry accounted for one third of Kaua{{okina}}i's income.<ref name=KEDP/> Employment is dominated by small businesses, with 87% of all non-farm businesses having fewer than 20 employees.<ref name=KEDP/> As of 2003, Kaua{{okina}}i's poverty rate was 10.5%, compared to the mainland at 10.7%.<ref name=KEDP/>

As of 2014, the median home price was about $400,000.

[[File:PMRF aerial.jpg|thumb|[[Pacific Missile Range Facility]] northwest of [[Kekaha, Hawaii|Kekaha, Kaua{{okina}}i]] ]]

Land in Kaua{{okina}}i is very fertile; farmers raise many varieties of fruit and other crops. [[Guava]], [[coffee]], sugarcane, [[mango]], [[banana]], [[papaya]], [[avocado]], [[carambola|star fruit]], [[kava]], [[Morinda citrifolia|noni]] and [[pineapple]] are all cultivated on the island, but most agricultural land is used for raising cattle.<ref name="kauai.gov"/> 

Kaua{{okina}}i is home to the U.S. Navy's "Barking Sands" [[Pacific Missile Range Facility]], on the western shore. 

[[Medium frequency|MF]] and [[High frequency|HF]] ("[[shortwave radio|shortwave]]") radio station [[WWVH]], sister station to [[WWV (radio station)|WWV]] and [[low frequency]] [[WWVB]] in [[Fort Collins, Colorado]], is on the west coast of Kaua{{okina}}i, about {{cvt|3|mi|km|0}} south of Barking Sands. WWVH, WWV and [[WWVB]] are operated by the US [[National Institute of Standards and Technology]], broadcasting standard time and frequency information to the public.

==Energy==
{{main|Kaua{{okina}}i Island Utility Cooperative}}
Kaua{{okina}}i Island Utility Cooperative was formed in November 2002. KIUC operates as a not-for-profit organization that is owned by its members and governed by an elected board of directors. It serves 39,978 meters (electric accounts). Of those, it has 29,000 residential member-owners and 4,000 commercial member-owners. KIUC serves 550 square miles with 1,530 transmission and distribution lines. Its generating capacity is 259.2 megawatts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaua{{okina}}i Island Utility Cooperative |date=April 21, 2025 |title=KIUC: About Us |url=https://kiuc.coop/about-us |access-date=April 21, 2025 |website=KIUC: About Us}}</ref> In 2023, KIUC reported that 57.8% of its electricity came from renewable energy sources. In 2023, the fuel mix by source was 42.1% fossil fuel, 24.7% utility solar, 13.4% customer solar, and 7.8% biomass.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rockwell |first=Brad |date=May 31, 2024 |title=2023 Annual Renewable Portfolio Standards Status Report |url=https://kiuc.coop/sites/default/files/documents/puc_reports/2023/2023%20Annual%20RPS%20Report.pdf |access-date=April 21, 2025 |website=KIUC Renewable Portfolio}}</ref> KIUC is headquartered in [[Lihue, Hawaii|Līhu{{okina}}e]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://website.kiuc.coop/ |title=Home &#124; Kauai Island Utility Cooperative |website=website.kiuc.coop |access-date=2021-06-10 |archive-date=2021-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617033139/https://website.kiuc.coop/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 1970s, Kaua{{okina}}i burned [[sugarcane]] waste to supply most<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/10/07/Hawaiis-sugar-growers-are-putting-new-emphasis-on-their/2908339739200/ |title=Hawaii's sugar growers are putting new emphasis on their... |publisher=United Press International |accessdate=29 July 2021 |archive-date=29 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729061804/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/10/07/Hawaiis-sugar-growers-are-putting-new-emphasis-on-their/2908339739200/ |url-status=live}}</ref> of its electricity.<ref name="auto1" />

By 2008, transition of energy sources and growth in generating capacity had occurred, with most of Kaua{{okina}}i's electricity produced by imported liquid [[petroleum]]. In 2006 and 2007, the inputs cost $69.3&nbsp;million and $83&nbsp;million, respectively.<ref>Flynn, Meghan. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110710192458/http://www.energytodaymagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6869&Itemid=80 Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.] ''Energy Today Magazine.'' September 30, 2008</ref> By 2011, 92% of KIUC's power came from diesel.<ref name="Wagman">{{cite web |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/tesla-teams-with-tiny-hawaiian-utility-to-store-solar |title=Tesla Teams With Tiny Hawaiian Utility to Store Solar |publisher=IEEE |first=David |last=Wagman |date=16 March 2017 |access-date=29 March 2017 |quote=as 2011 we were 92% dependent on fossil fuel generation,” primarily diesel and naphtha. |archive-date=30 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330090014/http://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/renewables/tesla-teams-with-tiny-hawaiian-utility-to-store-solar |url-status=live}}</ref>

By 2017, KIUC's fuel mix was 56% [[fossil fuel]]s, 9% [[hydroelectric]], 12% biomass and 23% [[solar power|solar]]. KIUC integrated large-scale solar into its grid so that, during sunny daylight hours, 97% or more of its generation came from renewable sources. KIUC offers $1,000 rebates to residential customers who have [[solar water heating]] systems installed on their homes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://website.kiuc.coop/sites/kiuc/files/documents/inserts/yellow-Residential-HeatPumpRebate.pdf |title=Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate |publisher=Kaua'i Island Utility Cooperative |accessdate=29 July 2021 |archive-date=29 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729060650/https://website.kiuc.coop/sites/kiuc/files/documents/inserts/yellow-Residential-HeatPumpRebate.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, KIUC opened a Tesla Energy 13 MW / 52 [[MWh]] battery next to the 12 MW Kapaia solar plant<ref>{{cite web |url=https://electrek.co/2017/03/08/tesla-powerpack-2-project-hawaii-kauai-solar-power/ |title=Tesla launches its Powerpack 2 project in Hawaii, will help Island of Kauai get more out of its solar power |work=Electrek |date=March 8, 2017 |access-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308234443/https://electrek.co/2017/03/08/tesla-powerpack-2-project-hawaii-kauai-solar-power/ |url-status=live |last1=Lambert |first1=Fred}}</ref> for 13.9¢/kWh.<ref name=Wagman/> In December 2018, KIUC opened an AES Distributed Energy project for 20 MW solar with 20 MW / 100 MWh batteries priced at 11.1¢/kWh.<ref name=gtm-kauai>{{cite web |url=https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/aes-puts-energy-heavy-battery-behind-new-kauai-solar-peaker |title=AES' New Kauai Solar-Storage 'Peaker' Shows How Fast Battery Costs Are Falling |date=January 16, 2017 |access-date=January 24, 2017 |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118024407/https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/aes-puts-energy-heavy-battery-behind-new-kauai-solar-peaker |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Towns and communities==
[[Līhu{{okina}}e, Hawaii|Līhu{{okina}}e]], on the island's southeastern coast, is the seat of [[Kauai County, Hawaii|Kaua{{okina}}i County]] and the island's second-largest town. Kapa{{okina}}a, on the "Coconut Coast" (site of an old coconut plantation) about {{cvt|6|mi|km}} north of Līhu{{okina}}e, has a population of over 10,000, or about 50% greater than Līhu{{okina}}e. [[Princeville, Hawaii|Princeville]], on the island's north side, was once the capital of Kaua{{okina}}i.

Communities on Kaua{{okina}}i range in population from the roughly 10,000 people in Kapa{{okina}}a to tiny hamlets. Below are the larger or more notable of those from the northernmost end of [[Hawaii Route 560]] to the western terminus of [[Hawaii Route 50]]:{{Cn|date=April 2024}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Kaua{{okina}}i towns and villages by population
! Name || population
|-
| [[Hā{{okina}}ena State Park]] || 550
|-
| [[Wainiha, Hawaii|Wainiha]] || 419
|-
| [[Hanalei, Hawaii|Hanalei]] || 450
|-
| [[Princeville, Hawaii|Princeville]] || 2,158
|-
| [[Kalihi Wai, Hawaii|Kalihi Wai]] || 428
|-
| [[Kīlauea, Hawaii|Kīlauea]] || 3,014
|-
| [[Anahola, Hawaii|Anahola]] || 2,311
|-
| [[Kapa{{okina}}a, Hawaii|Kapa{{okina}}a]] || 11,652
|-
| [[Wailua, Kauaʻi|Wailua]] || 2,359
|-
| [[Hanamā{{okina}}ulu, Hawaii|Hanamā{{okina}}ulu]] || 4,994
|-
| [[Līhu{{okina}}e, Hawaii|Līhu{{okina}}e]] || 8,004
|-
| [[Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii|Wailua Homesteads]] || 5,863
|-
| [[Puhi, Hawaii|Puhi]] || 3,380
|-
| [[Po{{okina}}ipū, Hawaii|Po{{okina}}ipū]] || 1,299
|-
| [[Kōloa, Hawaii|Kōloa]] || 2,231
|-
| [[Lāwa{{okina}}i, Hawaii|Lāwa{{okina}}i]] || 2,578
|-
| [[Kalāheo, Hawaii|Kalāheo]] || 4,996
|-
| [[{{okina}}Ele{{okina}}ele, Hawaii|{{okina}}Ele{{okina}}ele]] || 2,515
|-
| [[Hanapēpē, Hawaii|Hanapēpē]] || 2,678
|-
| [[Kaumakani, Hawaii|Kaumakani]] || 749
|-
| [[Waimea, Kauaʻi County, Hawaii|Waimea]] || 2,057
|-
| [[Kekaha, Hawaii|Kekaha]] || 3,715
|-
| [[Pākalā Village, Hawaii|Pākalā]] || 294
|-
| [[Keālia, Hawaii|Keālia]] || 103
|}
<gallery>
Hanalei, Kauai HI.JPG|[[Hanalei, Hawaii|Hanalei]] town with a view of Mt. Na Molokama, and Māmalahoa
Western coast of Kauai close to Barking Sands.jpg|Northeastern coast of Kaua{{okina}}i, near [[Kilauea, Hawaii|Kīlauea]]
Kauai Spring Break.jpg|View of the [[Pacific Ocean]], from the island's south shore
Anahola-Beach-Kauai-Trailblazer.jpg|Anahola Bay is a snorkeling and swimming beach with clear pools and a long coral reef
</gallery>

==Transport==
===Air===
[[File:Commercial area of Port Allen, Hawaii.jpg|thumb|right|The commercial area in [[Port Allen Garcia, Hawaii|Port Allen]]]]

Located on the southeastern side of the island, [[Lihue Airport]] is the island's only commercial airport. It has direct routes to [[Honolulu International Airport|Honolulu]], [[Kahului Airport|Kahului/Maui]], [[Kona International Airport|Kona/Hawaii]], the U.S. mainland, and Vancouver, Canada. [[General Aviation|General aviation]] airports on the island are [[Port Allen Airport]] and [[Princeville Airport]].

The [[Pacific Missile Range Facility]] has a 6,006-foot runway that is closed to general aviation traffic, but could be used for an [[emergency landing]].

===Cruise ships===
Some [[Princess Cruises]] and [[Norwegian Cruise Line]] ships stop in [[Nawiliwili Harbor]], [[Lihue]].

===Highways===
Several state highways serve Kaua{{okina}}i County:
*[[Hawaii Route 50]], also known as Kaumuali{{okina}}i Highway, is a thirty-three mile road that stretches from [[Hawaii Route 56]] at the junction of Rice Street in Līhu{{okina}}e to a point approximately 1/5 mile north of the northernmost entrance of the [[Pacific Missile Range Facility]] on the far western shore.
*[[Hawaii Route 58]] stretches {{cvt|2|mi|km}} from Route 50 in Līhu{{okina}}e to the junction of Wapaa Road with Hawaii 51 near Nawiliwili Harbor on Kaua{{okina}}i.
*[[Hawaii Route 56]], also known as Kuhio Highway, runs {{cvt|28|mi|km}} from [[Hawaii Route 50]] at the junction of Rice Street in Līhu{{okina}}e to the junction of Hawai{{okina}}i Route 560 in Princeville.
*[[Hawaii Route 560]] passes {{cvt|10|mi|km}} from the junction of Route 56 in Princeville and dead ends at Ke{{okina}}e Beach in [[Ha{{okina}}ena State Park]].

Other major highways that link other parts of the Island to the main highways of Kaua{{okina}}i are:
*[[Hawaii Route 55]] covers {{cvt|7.6|mi|km}} from the junction of Route 50 in [[Kekaha, Hawaii|Kekaha]] to meet with [[Hawaii Route 550]] south of Koke{{okina}}e State Park in the Waimea Canyon.
*[[Hawaii Route 550]] spans {{cvt|15|mi|km}} from [[Hawaii Route 50|Route 50]] in [[Waimea, Kauai County, Hawaii|Waimea]] to [[Koke'e State Park|Kōke{{okina}}e State Park]].
*[[Hawaii Route 540]] goes {{cvt|4|mi|km}} from Route 50 in Kalaheo to Route 50 in Ele{{okina}}ele. The road is mainly an access to residential areas and Kaua{{okina}}i Coffee. It also functions as a bypass between [[Kalaheo]] and [[{{okina}}Ele{{okina}}ele]].
*[[Hawaii Route 530]], also called Kōloa Road, stretches {{cvt|3.4|mi|km}} from Route 50 between Kalaheo and Lawai to Route 520 in Koloa. The road is mainly an alternative to Route 520 for travel from the west side to Po{{okina}}ipū.
*[[Hawaii Route 520]] runs {{cvt|5|mi|km}} from the "Tunnel of Trees" at Route 50 to Po{{okina}}ipū on the south shore.
*[[Hawaii Route 570]] covers {{cvt|1|mi|km}} from Route 56 in Līhu{{okina}}e to Līhu{{okina}}e Airport.
*[[Hawaii Route 580]] spans {{cvt|5|mi|km}} from Route 56 in Wailua to where the road is no longer serviced just south of the Wailua Reservoir.
*[[Hawaii Route 581]] passes {{cvt|5|mi|km}} from Route 580 in the Wailua Homesteads to a roundabout just west of Kapa{{okina}}a Town.
*[[Hawaii Route 583]], also known as Maalo Road, stretches {{cvt|3.9|mi|km}} from Route 56 just north of Līhu{{okina}}e to dead-end at [[Wailua Falls]] Overlook in the interior.

===Hawaii Scenic Byway===
*[[Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway]], this state designated scenic byway runs over {{cvt|19|mi}} and connects many of Kaua{{okina}}i's most historical and cultural sights such as the Maluhia Road (Tree Tunnel), Puhi (Spouting Horn), The National Tropical Botanical Gardens, and the Salt Beds.

===Mass transit===
[[The Kauai Bus|The Kaua{{okina}}i Bus]] is the [[public transportation]] service of the County of Kaua{{okina}}i.

==Places of interest==
<!--[[File:Wild Hens.jpg|thumb|right|Some of Kaua{{okina}}i's feral chickens at Lydgate Beach Park]]-->
[[File:Iraivan Temple.jpg|thumb|[[Saiva Siddhanta Church|Kaua{{okina}}i Hindu monastery]].]]
[[File:spouting horn.mh.jpg|upright|thumb|right|The [[Spouting Horn]]: located on the southern coast of Kaua{{okina}}i]]

<!--Kaua{{okina}}i is home to thousands of ''moa'' (feral [[chicken]]s) who have few natural predators, as the [[mongoose]] was never introduced in Kaua{{okina}}i as it has been on other Hawaiian islands.<ref name=NYT4615>{{cite news |author1=Kenneth Chang |title=In Hawaii, Chickens Gone Wild |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/07/science/in-hawaii-chickens-gone-wild.html |access-date=April 7, 2015 |work=The New York Times |date=April 6, 2015 |quote=Dr. Gering speculated that until recent decades, the Kaua{{okina}}i chickens were largely like the ones that the Polynesians brought long ago, living in small parts of the island and modest in number. Then they began mating with the escaped farm chickens or their descendants, with greater fecundity and a wider range of habitats. |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407200356/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/07/science/in-hawaii-chickens-gone-wild.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Gering>{{cite journal |author1=E. Gering |author2=M. Johnsson |author3=P. Willis |author4=T. Getty |author5=D. Wright |title=Mixed ancestry and admixture in Kaua{{okina}}i's feral chickens: invasion of domestic genes into ancient Red Junglefowl reservoirs |journal=Molecular Ecology |date=March 6, 2015 |doi=10.1111/mec.13096 |quote=our data support the hypotheses that (i) Kaua{{okina}}i's feral ''G. gallus'' descend from recent invasion(s) of domestic chickens into an ancient Red Junglefowl reservoir and (ii) feral chickens exhibit greater phenotypic diversity than candidate source populations. |volume=24 |issue=9 |pages=2112–2124 |pmid=25655399|doi-access=free}} |access-date=April 7, 2015</ref> Kaua{{okina}}i's chickens originated from the original [[Polynesia]]n settlers, who brought them as a food source. They have since bred with European chickens that got free from farms and [[cockfight]]ing breeders, sometimes escaping during hurricanes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kauai's Feral Chickens – Where Did They Come From? {{!}} Hawaii Life Vacations |url=https://vacations.hawaiilife.com/blog/kauai/kauais-feral-chickens-where-did-they-come |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=vacations.hawaiilife.com}}</ref>-->
The Kaua{{okina}}i Heritage Center of Hawai{{okina}}ian Culture and the Arts was founded in 1998. Its mission is to nurture appreciation and respect for Hawaiian culture. It offers classes in Hawaiian language, [[hula]], [[lei (garland)|lei]] and cordage making, the lunar calendar, chanting, and trips to cultural sites.
<!--Kaua{{okina}}i is home to many [[shave ice]] shops, a tradition in the islands.-->

*[[Alaka{{okina}}i Wilderness Area]]
*[[Allerton Garden]]
*[[Camp Naue YMCA]]
*[[Fern Grotto]]
*[[Hā{{okina}}ena State Park]]
*[[Hanalei Bay]]
*[[Ho{{okina}}opi{{okina}}i Falls]]
*[[Honopū Valley]]
*[[Kōke{{okina}}e State Park]]
*[[Limahuli Garden and Preserve]]
*[[Makaleha Mountains]]
*[[Makauwahi Cave|Makauwahi Cave Reserve]]
*[[McBryde Garden]]
*[[Moir Gardens]]
*[[Moloa{{okina}}a Bay]]
*[[Na {{okina}}Āina Kai Botanical Gardens]]
*[[Nā Pali Coast State Park]]
*[[{{okina}}Ōpaeka{{okina}}a Falls]]
*[[Pao{{okina}}a Point]]
*[[Po{{okina}}ipū Beach Park]]
*[[Polihale State Park]]
*[[Queen's Bath]]
*[[Sleeping Giant (Kauai)|Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)]]
*[[Spouting Horn]]
*[[Wailuā River]]
*[[Waimea Canyon State Park]]

===Panorama gallery===
{{wide image|Hanalei Valley from the Hanalei Lookout in Hanalei, Hawaii.jpg|1000px|A view of the [[Hanalei, Hawaii|Hanalei]] Valley in Northern Kaua{{okina}}i. The [[Hanalei River]] runs through the valley and 60% of Hawai{{okina}}i's [[taro]] is grown in its fields. |alt=A view of the Hanalei Valley in Northern Kaua{{okina}}i. The Hanalei River runs through the valley and 60% of Hawai{{okina}}i's taro is grown in its fields.}}
{{wide image|Real Kaui Panorama1.jpg|1000px|A view of the Nā Pali coastline from the ocean. It is part of the [[Nā Pali Coast State Park]] which encompasses {{cvt|6175|acre|km2|-1}} of land and is located on the northwest side of Kaua{{okina}}i. |alt=view of the Nā Pali coastline from the ocean. It is part of the Nā Pali Coast State Park which encompasses {{cvt|6175|acre|km2|-1}} of land and is located on the northwest side of Kaua{{okina}}ii.}}
{{wide image|Kalalau lookout.jpg|1000px|A view of the [[Kalalau Valley]] on Kaua{{okina}}i's Nā Pali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout |alt=A view of the Kalalau Valley on Kaua{{okina}}i's Nā Pali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout}}

==Popular culture==
[[File:Manawaiopuna ("Jurassic") Falls.jpg|thumb|right|[[Manawaiopuna Falls]] known as "Jurassic Falls" featured in 1993 [[Steven Spielberg]] film [[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]]]

Kaua{{okina}}i has been featured in more than 70 Hollywood movies and TV shows, including the musical ''[[South Pacific (1958 film)|South Pacific]]'' and [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney's]] 2002 [[List of animated feature films|animated feature film]] ''[[Lilo & Stitch]]'' along with [[Lilo & Stitch (franchise)|its franchise's]] three sequel films (2003's ''[[Stitch! The Movie]]'', 2005's ''[[Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch]]'', and 2006's ''[[Leroy & Stitch]]'') and first [[Television program#series|television series]] (''[[Lilo & Stitch: The Series]]''). Scenes from ''South Pacific'' were filmed in the vicinity of [[Hanalei, Hawaii|Hanalei]]. Waimea Canyon was used in the filming of the 1993 [[film]] ''[[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'' and its 2015 [[sequel]] ''[[Jurassic World]]'' was shot in Kaua{{okina}}i. Scenes by a waterfall in ''[[Mighty Joe Young (1998 film)|Mighty Joe Young]]'' were shot in Kaua{{okina}}i. Parts of the island were used for the opening scenes of the film ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]''. Other movies filmed here include ''[[Six Days Seven Nights]]'', the 1976 ''[[King Kong (1976 film)|King Kong]],''<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074751/locations "King Kong (1976) Filming Locations"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319221744/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074751/locations |date=2017-03-19}} imdb.com</ref> and [[John Ford]]'s 1963 film ''[[Donovan's Reef]]''. Recent films include ''[[Tropic Thunder]]'' and a biopic of [[Bethany Hamilton]], ''[[Soul Surfer (film)|Soul Surfer]]''. A scene in the opening credits of popular TV show ''[[M*A*S*H (TV series)|M*A*S*H]]'' was filmed in Kaua{{okina}}i (helicopter flying over mountain top). Some scenes from ''[[Just Go with It]]'', ''[[George of the Jungle (film)|George of the Jungle]]'', and ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides]]'' were also filmed in Kaua{{okina}}i.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/guidebook/topics/kauai-film-locations/ |title=Kauai Film Locations {{!}} GoHawaii.com |website=www.gohawaii.com|date=14 February 2017|language=en-us |access-date=2017-08-03 |archive-date=2017-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803213907/https://www.gohawaii.com/kauai/guidebook/topics/kauai-film-locations/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[A Perfect Getaway]]'' is set in Kaua{{okina}}i.

Parts of the 2002 film ''[[Dragonfly (2002 film)|Dragonfly]]'' were filmed in 2001 in Kaua{{okina}}i,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Feature Films Made Partially or Entirely in Hawaii |url=https://filmoffice.hawaii.gov/feature-films-made-partially-or-entirely-in-hawaii/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=filmoffice.hawaii.gov |language=en}}</ref> but the people and the land were presented as South American.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

Major acts of two Elvis Presley films, 1961's ''[[Blue Hawaii]]'' and 1966's ''[[Paradise, Hawaiian Style]]'', were filmed on Kaua{{okina}}i. Both have scenes shot at the [[Coco Palms Resort|Coco Palms resort]].

''[[The Descendants]]'', a 2011 film, has major parts shot in Kaua{{okina}}i, where the main character and his cousins own ancestral lands they are considering selling.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=Kauai 'Cane Fire' Documentary Will Blow Lid Off Hawaii Tourism |url=https://beatofhawaii.com/kauai-cane-fire-documentary-will-blow-lid-off-hawaii-tourism/ |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=Beat of Hawaii |language=en-US}}</ref> The film is based on the 2007 [[The Descendants (novel)|novel]] by Hawaiian writer [[Kaui Hart Hemmings]].

==See also==
{{Portal|Hawaii|Volcanoes|Islands}}
<!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order & add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
{{div col|colwidth=50em}}
*[[List of beaches in Kauai|Beaches of Kaua{{okina}}i]] 
*[[Kaua{{okina}}i cave wolf spider]] 
*[[National Register of Historic Places listings in Hawaii#Kauai|National Register of Historic Places on Kaua{{okina}}i ]] 
*[[:Category:Headlands of Kauai]]
*[[:Category:People from Kauai County, Hawaii]]
{{div col end}}
<!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->

==Explanatory notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last=Cook |first=Chris |others=Landscape photography by David Boynton |title=The Kaua{{okina}}i Movie Book |year=1996 |publisher=Mutual Publishing |location=Honolulu |isbn=1-56647-141-9}}
*{{cite book |first=Edward |last=Joesting |title=Kauai: The Separate Kingdom |url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=GfWj0Pt3cwoC}}|date=1 February 1988|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|isbn=978-0-8248-1162-4}}
*{{cite book |first1=Jerry |last1=Sprout |first2=Janine |last2=Sprout |title=Kauai Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Bike, Paddle, Surf |url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=ipJNDQEACAAJ&dq=kauai+trailblazer&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwis0sztydTVAhUR5GMKHR7VAaEQ6AEIKDAA}}|date=22 November 2016|publisher=Diamond Valley Company|isbn=978-0-9913690-6-5}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|voy=Kauai|Kauai}}
*[http://www.kauai.com/ Kauai Community and Visitor Information]
*[http://www.kauaichamber.org/ Kaua{{okina}}i Chamber of Commerce]
*[http://www.hawaiiscenicbyways.org/ Hawaii Scenic Byways]
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{{Hawaii}}
{{Kauai County, Hawaii}}
{{Hawaiian volcanism}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kauai| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:Islands of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Volcanoes of Hawaii|Kaua{{okina}}i]]
[[Category:Calderas of Hawaii]]
[[Category:Volcanic islands]]
[[Category:Extinct volcanoes of the United States]]
[[Category:Pliocene shield volcanoes]]
[[Category:Pleistocene shield volcanoes]]
[[Category:Neogene Oceania]]
[[Category:Cenozoic Hawaii]]