The majestic island of Kauai is only a short flight from the USA, Japan and Australia. From the spectacular views at Waimea Canyon to the verdant vistas along the Napali Coast, more and more people are coming to Kauai because they are attracted to 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. These aerial tours take you into the heart of the island and offer spectacular scenic views that will remain with you long after your vacation ends. Kauai is lush, tropical and wild. With cascading waterfalls and towering green mountains, this island is what most people imagine Hawaii to be like. Kauai can truly take your breath away.

Driving down and around Kauai between Eleele and Kaumakani on the banks of the Koula River, visitors can visit Hanapepe. This town once flourished as one of Kauai's largest communities. Today it's an art colony tucked away in buildings that haven't changed a lot over the last century. Its historic buildings are so authentic looking that the town has become a choice location for filmmakers. Films such as "The Thornbirds" and "Flight of the Intruder" were set in this storybook town. Hanapepe lays claim to more fine art galleries than any other place on the island. There are at least seven galleries listed among the gift shops and restaurants that do business here.

Crusing along the majestic Na Pali Coast State Park, visitors from throughout the world will experience its rugged coastline and the otherworldly mystic of its natural beauty and haunting heritage. This is a place that time has barely brushed. The fluted sea cliffs, or pali, rise like sentries straight up from the green valleys and white sand beaches below. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in Na Pali Coast valleys and inhabitants practiced a self-sufficient lifestyle existing on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.

For shopping fans, no holiday can be complete without a drive to Lihue.This part of Kauai is the government and commercial

Kinipopo Shopping Village offers a variety of fun shops and some eateries. It also has a water sports shop that carries everything you need to purchase or rent for water fun activities, and can also arrange for water skiing or kayak rental. Aloha shirts, vintage maps, fine art, and lovely jewelry are all available at this shopping village.

No shopping afficionados can have a fulfiling holiday without a trip to Wailua Shopping Plaza which houses several restaurants and an eclectic antique shop. The Coconut Marketplace is home to more than 70 shops in which you'll find precious Hawaiian mementos, fine artwork, antiques, jewelry, craft items, and so much more.

Koloa Town, in the heart of the South Shore resort area, was once the site of Hawaii's first successful sugar plantation. Though sugar has long been replaced by tourism as the community's economic mainstay, evidence of those colorful plantation days lives on in its restored buildings, its history center and its churches, one -- St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church -- dating back to 1841.

And after driving for hours and hours, no holiday can be complete without accommodation so that the traveler can have a well deserved rest. But don't settle for second rated motels. Search for Accommodations and Lodging from Condos, Homes, Cottages, Houses, Estates, and for the more discerning traveler, Villas by in Poipu Beach, Anahola, Princeville and Hanalei Bay, Hawaii. Remember to enjoy the convenience of staying close to several great sandy beaches. No need to drive, just walk out the front door. There are many hotels and guest houses outfitted with boogie boards, masks, snorkels, coolers, beach umbrellas & towels, complete kitchen, videos, games, DVD, VCR, CD, Kauai guide books, and lots more.

Steven Anderson is the Marketing Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, specialists in Hawaii and Kauai car rentals. He has personally researched and experienced many of the Hawaiian activities and as described above.

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