A Postcard From Kauai, Hawaii
Today I found myself lost in this garden paradise. Since we bought our second home on Kauai everyday has been an experience to remember. Our home is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean; I can feel the breeze on my face as I write this. The sun is shining down upon us, what a gorgeous day!

About Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle" and for good reason. This island is the oldest and most northern of all of the Hawaiian Islands. Taking up about 550 square miles, Kauai is also the most fertile of the islands. There are two amazing gardens on Kauai. The McBryde Gardens focus is preserving rare Hawaiian plants. The expansive Allerton Gardens is a dense garden that is located on the grounds that were once those of the Hawaiian Queen Emma. Both of these gardens are open year round and are accessible to the public. If your passion includes living amid wondrous rain forests and beautiful gardens then a second home on Kauai is the thing for you.

From the magnificent views at Waimea Canyon to the grassy vistas along the Napali Coast, Kauai is a magical place. Many people love Kauai because of its natural beauty and laidback atmosphere. Visitors are also drawn to Kauai for its gorgeous tropical rainforests, some of which can only be accessed by helicopter. Among the most breath taking sites on Kauai is The Waimea Canyon. Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by author Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon is one of Kauai's natural wonders with canyons eroded by water, wind and rain. Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific measuring 10 miles long, 2 mile wide and over 3,500 feet deep. Other areas of interest are Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay and Poipu Beach. Owning a second home on Kauai can put all of these great areas at your doorstep.

The climate on Kauai is very consistent, with only minor changes in temperature throughout the year. The average daytime summer temperature is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C). Kauai includes a pleasant collection of many diverse microenvironments, each with its own unique weather, plants and animals. As a result of the shielding effect of volcanic mountains and the differences in weather found at various elevations, there are as many different climate zones here as exist along the entire coast stretching from Alaska to Costa Rica.

An Average Lifestyle on Kauai
Kauai's main attraction is its natural beauty and the unassuming lifestyle of the people. Pace yourself, and let the local culture sink in wherever you go. This approach is one that you can take pleasure in while living on Kauai. The island holds many secrets and time is on your side as you experience them. Whether spending time on the beach or dining at one of many delicious restaurants, relaxation is a defining characteristic of a lifestyle on the island.

Housing
Kauai is a impressive area containing many different settings for homes. A three-bedroom "plantation style" home on 1/3 acre of land in Kapaa went for $425,000. Many traditional homes can be found in the 300k range. One advantage in living on Kauai is that it does not experience the tourism peaks that some of the other islands go through. This makes real estate more reasonable for the second home buyer interested in staying somewhere off the beaten path. 

Things to Do on Kauai
Helicopter Rides
Luaus
Snorkel Cruises
Sailing
All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's)
Four Wheeling into Waimea Canyon
Sunset Sails with Pupus & Mai Tais
Bicycle Down Waimea Canyon
Horseback Ride to a Waterfall
Scuba Diving
Wind Surfing
Hiking

Near-By Excursions
Niihau
Ohau (Honolulu)
Hulopoe

Cultural Activities on Kauai
Kauai Community Players
Kauai Concert Association
Kauai Historical Society
Kauai Museum
Kauai Pow-Wow Council
Kauai Society of Artists

Distance to Other Islands
About 20 minutes by air from Honolulu

Getting to Kauai, Hawaii
Lihue Airport
Kauai Airport

Weather on Kauai
Classic Hawaiian two-season climate. The average daytime summer temperature is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C).

Population
Population 58,303, Area 552 sq. miles
Median resident age: 34.9 years

Economics
Median household income: $44,112

Higher Education
Kauai Community College, one of seven community colleges in the University of Hawaii system of higher education. Also included in the system are the University of Hawaii, Manoa, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and West Oahu College. Other community colleges include one on Hawaii, one on Maui, and four on Oahu.