Favorite Vacation - Kauai the garden isle

Kauai is the Northern most island in Hawaii, with a coastline of 90 miles.

Known as the "Garden Isle" Kauai is the home of the wettest place on Earth, Wai'ale'ale with 451 inches of rain a year.

Kauai is a relatively small island. With the longest spot from North to South being about 25 miles and the widest spot from East to West being about 33 miles.

The major airport on Kauai is in Lihue, located on the west side of Kauai. There are a number of other small airports located around the island that are use mostly for the helicopter tours. There can be a bit of traffic in Lihue as well as several of the other cities, so be sure to plan enough time to get there so you don't miss you plane.

Looking for some more ideas for other great beach vacations? This site on Oahu Vacations might help!

Dominican Republic
Another great island location you might think about is in the Caribbean! The Dominican Republic has some great breaches and great places to stay. Often you can get an "All Inclusive" hotel at the same price you can get a lodging only motel in Hawaii. All inclusive include a private beach, all food and drinks (including alcohol) at one low price, some deals even include airfare. For more information on whether a DR vacation is right for you check out Dominican Republic Vacations

1- Explore the North Shore

Encompassing all areas that lie north of Kapa'a on Kauai's Coconut Coast, there's plenty of adventure on the North Shore. Take a day trip and go past Hanalei town and the famous Hanalei Lookout, the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse and the resort area of Princeville. Spend some time on some of the most picturesque beaches in the world or take a hike along the northern part of the Kalalau Trail at Ke'e Beach. Go ziplining in Princeville.

2- Spend the day at Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Park

Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", Waimea Canyon is two miles wide, ten miles long, 3,600 feet deep and is a stunning sight of deep reds, browns and greens created by the many volcanic flow over the centuries. With 45 hiking trails and spread over more than 4,000 acres the majestic Koke'es State Park, bordering Waimea Canyon is a hiker's delight.

3- Enjoy the Limahuli Garden and Preserve

Covering more than1,000 acres in a luxuriant tropical valley, the magnificent Limahuli Garden and Preserve extends over three distinct ecological zones on the wet north shore in Haena.

4- Take a Boat or Zodiac Raft tour of the Na Pali Coast

The 22-mile stretch of volcanic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast State Park offers a breathtaking sight and plenty of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

5- Go on a Helicopter Ride

Get a bird's eye-view of Kauai from a helicopter. The precipitous sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls and Mountain Waialeale itself offer a feast for the eyes from high above.

6- Bask in the sunshine on Kauai's South Shore

Famous around the world for its sunny days, breathtaking sunsets and fabulous beaches, the Poipu area of South Kauai is not to be missed. If you can tear yourself away from the beach for a while, take a short drive to Spouting Horn and see one of the most famous blowholes in Hawaii.

7- Take a tour of a Working Sugar plantation

Take a tour of the Gay & Robinson sugar plantation and get a glimpse into the industry that has sustained the Hawaiian economy for almost 165 years.

8- Explore the Wailua River Valley

Sail up the Wailua River Valley by kayak or boat and check out the locales of all time great movies such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Outbreak.

9- Spend time on the Greens

Designed by course experts such as Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, the golf courses in Kauai are among the best in the world.

10- Take a Movie Tour of Kauai

Kauai's Movie Tours takes you to places made famous by some of the most popular motion pictures and television series including Blue Hawaii, Jurassic Park, Gilligan's Island, South Pacific and Fantasy Island. You have a choice of taking a 4x4 tour, a bus tour or a helicopter tour.

Even if you're planning a simple wedding it's best not to leave anything to chance. Take some time and find out what's available before you get there.

Often, hiring a wedding planner is the best way to go. They know all the best places and can often get you better deals for the items you will need.

Of course a local planner is the best, we've heard some great things about Alohana Weddings. You can also find more information on our Kauai Wedding Lens.