In an archipelago where dramatic scenery is the norm, Kauai still manages to stand out. Formed from a single volcano that rose out of the Pacific, the island's interior proves one the rainiest places on earth. Fortunately for beach-goers, things dry out considerably as you reach the spectacular coastline. Kauai presents a natural playground, offering everything from hiking in the rain forest to snorkeling in crystal-blue waters. Or, if these activities sound much too athletic, you can easily spend days driving from one majestic overlook to another.

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is considered to be the most rugged and mountainous of all the Hawaiian islands, with the least amount of developable acreage. The island encompasses roughly 550 square miles and is the oldest and most northerly of the main Hawaiian Islands. It has 43 white sand beaches and more beaches per mile of coastline than any other Hawaiian island.

A popular destination for active visitors, Kauai has all of the natural elements including an abundance of rainforests, sea cliffs, mysterious peaks, and emerald valleys. Because of its natural beauty, Kauai has played a feature role in more than 40 Hollywood productions including South Pacific, Jurassic Park, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Kauai is not heavily developed, and its resort areas are concentrated in only a few locations around the island. There is an ordinance on Kauai that no building structure can be higher than a coconut tree, or the equivalent of four stories. Local laws prevent the island from looking like Miami's South Beach or Oahu's Waikiki.

Kauai's weather is usually localized meaning that you're likely to see scattered rain showers and sunshine in the same day - especially as you move around the island. Generally there is more rainfall on the north shores of Kauai than on the south. As a result the vegetation on the north is much more green and lush while some areas on the south shore are arid. Kauai's temperature is mild and pleasant throughout the year with only a small temperature difference between night and day.  There is no "rainy season" in Kauai. Although there is generally more rainfall during the winter, there is not a season when you can expect prolonged periods of rain. Generally, when it's raining in one area, you can drive 10 minutes and find sunshine somewhere else.  Water temperatures tend to average around 80 degrees in the summer and 73 degrees in the winter.