Kauai Map

Description: This map shows roads, airport, county seat, cities, towns, villages, beaches, parks, peaks, points of interest, and tourist attractions on Kauai Island.

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Other Maps of Kauai

Google Map of Kauai
OpenStreetMap
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USGS National Map

Kauai is the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian islands. Located at the northern end of the Hawaiian archipelago, it spans 562.3 square miles (1,456 km²) and is geologically the oldest of the major Hawaiian islands, having formed approximately 5.1 million years ago through volcanic activity. The island is nicknamed "the Garden Isle" due to its lush, tropical rainforests that cover much of its surface.

The island's topography is dominated by Mount Waialeale, which rises to 5,148 feet (1,569 meters) and is one of the wettest spots on Earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of 450 inches (11,430 mm). This abundant rainfall creates numerous streams and rivers that have carved deep valleys and canyons over millions of years. The most notable is Waimea Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," which stretches 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep.

Lihue serves as the county seat and primary commercial center of Kauai. Other significant towns include Kapaa, the largest community on the island; Princeville, an upscale resort community on the north shore; Hanalei, known for its picturesque bay and historic pier; Waimea, located near the canyon of the same name; and Koloa, site of Hawaii's first successful sugar plantation.

The island's coastline features numerous beaches and natural attractions. Poipu Beach on the south shore is consistently ranked among America's best beaches, while Hanalei Bay offers a two-mile crescent of white sand backed by mountains. Na Pali Coast, a 17-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest, features towering sea cliffs rising up to 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, accessible only by hiking trail, boat, or helicopter. Tunnels Beach (Makua) is renowned for its excellent snorkeling conditions, while Polihale Beach, the longest stretch of sand in Hawaii at nearly 7 miles, sits at the western end of the island.

Kauai's economy historically relied on agriculture, particularly sugar cane and pineapple cultivation. Today, tourism dominates the local economy, with over 1.3 million visitors annually. The island has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including "Jurassic Park," "South Pacific," "King Kong," and "Pirates of the Caribbean." According to the 2020 census, Kauai County has a population of approximately 73,298 residents.

The island experiences a tropical climate with temperatures typically ranging from 69°F to 84°F (21°C to 29°C) year-round. Rainfall varies dramatically by location, with the mountainous interior receiving substantially more precipitation than coastal areas, particularly those on the western and southern shores.

The Facts:

State:	Hawaii
Largest settlement:	Kapaʻa
County:	Kauai
Population (2020):	73,298[1]
Density:	118/sq mi (45.6/sq km)
Area:	562.3 sq mi (1,456 sq km)
Coordinates:	22°04′12″N 159°29′51″W
Highest elevation:	Kawaikini - 5,243 ft (1598.1 m)

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List of Cities, Towns and Villages on Kauai

20 Best Beaches on Kauai

Main sights on Kauai

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How to get to Kauai

By Air:

The primary gateway to Kauai is through Lihue Airport (LIH), located on the southeastern coast of the island.

Direct flights are available from:

• Mainland U.S. cities including:
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
  • San Francisco (SFO)
  • Seattle (SEA)
  • Oakland (OAK)
  • Denver (DEN)
• Inter-island flights from:
  • Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
  • Kahului, Maui (OGG)
  • Kona (KOA)

Airlines Serving Kauai:

• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Alaska Airlines

By Sea:

• Norwegian Cruise Line and other cruise ships dock at Nawiliwili Harbor
• Private boats can use various marinas around the island

Getting Around Kauai:

• Rental cars (highly recommended)
  • Available at Lihue Airport
  • Major rental companies present
• Shuttle services
  • Hotel shuttles
  • Private shuttle companies
• Public transportation
  • Kauai Bus system
  • Operates daily except holidays
• Taxis and ride-sharing services

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References

1. ^ "QuickFacts Kauai County, Hawaii. U.S. Census Bureau.

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Google Map of Kauai