One of the most beautiful and exciting vacation destinations is the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The “Garden Island” has lush forests, sandy beaches, and extraordinarily stunning vistas. The island also has both tourist-like activities and cities and more secluded, romantic areas. Kauai offers the kind of vacation people will remember and return to for years to come.

Kauai’s most dense city is Lihue, where the airport is located. If you enjoy nightlife and a larger city, this is the place for you. The southern part of the island, most notably Poipu, is a great place to relax on the beach, surf and snorkel in the Pacific, and enjoy fine dining with views of the ocean. Kilauea and Princeville on the northern side of the island are quieter and more secluded. There are also many places to surf in this area. No matter your location, if you are staying for more than a few days, there are many great condos for rent around the island.

Points of interest on Kauai are Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, and any of the forest and wilderness preserves. Waimea Canyon, on the southwestern edge of the island, offers a breath-taking panoramic vista of a large canyon that eventually opens to the ocean. This is a great place to drive up to (renting a car is the most efficient way to get around the island) and explore by hiking. Na Pali Coast, on Kauai’s northwestern side, is one of the most beautiful sites of converging slopes to the ocean. These tall, forested peaks often have dense fog, so do return if you don’t have a good view the first visit. It is even more magnificent by helicopter, and there are a few companies offering ride packages. The forest and wilderness preserves on the island are great for hiking and enjoying the forest’s many exotic animal and plant species.

Kauai, Hawaii is definitely where to go on vacation. The island offers a more “untouched” feeling than most of the other Hawaiian Islands, and is one of the best places on Earth to relax and enjoy.