by Lisa Rayne

Created on: May 07, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Kauai is the westernmost island in the Hawaiian archepelago which is inhabitable by tourists. Because of it's lush terrain and vast hiking country, the Garden Island (as it is referred to in Hawaii) receives many tourists in search of action and relaxation. The almost circular island is divided into quarters, the north side, east side,south side, and west side. Three of these sides, the north, east, and south, are populated and explorable by car. The west side, known in Kauai as the Na Pali Coast, is made up of jagged coastline only reachable by hiking, helicopter, or boat. Determining where to stay in Kauai will mostly depend on a traveler's activity plans, but the island is so small that, fortunately, driving from one end of the road to the other should not usually take more than 2 hours.

The south side is arguably the most popular place for tourists. On the south side is the scenic and adventuresome Po'ipu, where ample resorts give tourists an amazing selection of luxurious residential and hotel stays. Here, the Sheraton, Waiohai, and Grand Hyatt just name a few of the hotel options for tourists looking for a relaxing beach front which hosts a multitude of attractions such as surf schools, snorkeling beaches, a baby beach, and gorgeous sunsets. Here, grassy knolls boasting palms which rustle in the light trade winds, the scenery is just about paradise. Near Po'ipu is also such tourist destinations as Shipwreck's Beach, Spouting Horn, Kipu Falls, and access to the nearby beaches on the island's West and East sides. With so much available to visitors in such a small area, Po'ipu is arguably the best area to stay when visiting Kauai.

Just up Highway 50 from the south side lies Kauai's capital and the entry to the island's East side, Lihue. In Lihue, traveler's can find any shopping to fill tourist needs from luxury stores to Kmart and Costco. Kauai's main airport is located in Lihue, although it is a quite small airport so plane noise is rare in the surrounding area. For travelers looking to remain central to most areas of the island, the Marriot at Kalapaki Beach in Nawiliwili Harbor will likely impress. Kalapaki Beach is nestled into a calm cove surrounded by green hills, a lighthouse, palm trees, and a relaxing stroll down to Duke's Restaurant. The Marriott pool and Jacuzzis overlook Kalapaki beach, where surfers, volleyballers, and beach relaxers alike can hang out and enjoy a marvelous sunset. Also along Highway 50 is Lydgate Park just

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