well 2 on I %um we the I Centuries ago, an island emerged in the blue Pacific that blooms today in immense tropical beauty. Stretches of beautiful beaches, jagged mountain ranges with deep green garden-like valleys, and everywhere, cascading waterfalls. This is Kaua'i, the Garden Island of Hau'a'i. Kaua'i, 95 miles northeast of Oahu, is the fourth largest and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. Direct flights and inter-island flights arrive regularly at Kaua'i's modern Lihui Airport. Flight times to Kaua'i are about 5 hours from Los Angeles, 11 hours from New York, 7 hours from Tokyo, and 9 hours from Sydney, Australia. A few miles southwest from Lihui, cruise ship passengers are warmly welcomed at Nauiliwili Harbor. Several distinct areas of Kaua'i excite the interest. The coconut grove east coast between Lihui and Kapaa. The windswept rainforests along the north coast near Princeville and Hanalei. The sunny south coast near Poipu Beach and the breathtaking Napali Coast to the west. Visitors delight in the spectacular Waimea Canyon and Mount Waialiali. Kaua'i is a place that beckons to be explored. Come to rent a car and spend at least a couple of days touring the island. An adventurous traveler finds no better way to see the majestic beauty of Kaua'i than by helicopter tour. On this memorable flight, breathtaking vistas of inaccessible lush green valleys and splendid hidden waterfalls come into view, for other tourists with a taste for adventure, a ride in a sailplane gives a feeling of soaring through the sky, gliding high above this tropical paradise. Most visitors begin their trip to Kaua'i at Lihui, one of the oldest plantation towns in Hawaii. Lihui, Kaua'i's business and commercial center, maintains a 19th century small coastal town atmosphere. A good starting point to understand Kaua'i and its history is here, at the Kaua'i Museum. Exhibits illustrate the island's geology, flora and volcanic origins 60 million years ago. Fascinating rare artifacts from ancient Hawaii and furnishings from the homes of missionaries capture the imagination. A tour of Kaua'i may be launched from Lihui to explore both the east and the west sides of the Garden Island. Visitors may take the main highway north to the end of the road at Hiena, or south around the island to the end of the road at Polihale Beach. In either direction, the journey takes less than two hours. Travel north from Lihui on Highway 56, the landscape grows steadily greener, nourished by the Wailua River, which flows from Mount Waialiali. This mountain, several miles inland, towering 5,000 feet above the island, traps the moisture that feeds Kaua'i's spectacular waterfalls and rivers. Continuing north from Lihui, visitors familiar with the TV series, Fantasy Island, may recognize Wailua Falls from the opening segment of the show. In Wailua River State Park, visitors will find much of interest, including historic sites. Popular recreation is a boat ride up the Wailua River, the largest navigable river in Hawaii. Leaving the marina, visitors cruise through the river's lush tropical scenery. Most boats feature Hawaiian musicians and dancers and a storyteller who entertains with legends of Kaua'i. The boat stops at the Fern Grotto, a picturesque cave framed by giant ferns nourished by an 80-foot waterfall. The Fern Grotto remains one of the most romantic natural chapels on the island for weddings. Near the Wailua marina, land once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, the visitor discovers Smith's Tropical Paradise. Exotic birds inhabit this 30-acre garden, where a vast variety of native plants, rare flowers and fruit trees flourish. Heading west from Wailua on Highway 580 is Paliahu Heiau, a hilltop site offering panoramic views of the river and sea. Further, many visitors stop for a look at gorgeous Opaika'a Falls. North on Highway 56, Hawaii's largest coconut groves, bearing the nickname the Coconut Coast, was discovered by Hollywood. Near the Coco Palms Hotel, Elvis Presley once sang and danced for the film Blue Hawaii. Other movies were filmed in this area as well. Nearby, visitors see the sleeping giant. In Kapaa, visitors find a quaint, charming town reminiscent of 19th-century Kauai. The streets are lined with wooden buildings that have balconied living quarters on the second floor. The north shore, pocketed with beaches, farmlands and small island communities, reveal awesome beauty from the Kilauea Lighthouse. Built in 1913, the lighthouse once housed the largest lens of its kind in the world. Today, it looms above a bird sanctuary, where endangered birds fly free. A few miles farther on is Princeville, Kauai's largest resort area, overlooking the picturesque Hanalei Bay and Valley. Princeville is a community of luxurious vacation homes, condominiums, shops, restaurants and hotels. In this spectacular setting, golfers play on the 45-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Just beyond Princeville, visitors have a stunning vista of the beautiful Hanalei Valley, a patchwork of tarot fields, glistening waterfalls and steep cliffs rising above the winding Hanalei River. This is a photographer's paradise. Below the tarot fields lies a National Wildlife Reserve. Many Hollywood stars have discovered the peace and serenity of the island of Kauai. Actress singer Charo fell in love with this northern part of the island and built a home and a seaside restaurant here. Beyond the Hanalei Valley, visitors pass rural farmland before arriving at Lumahai Beach. This picturesque shore where the waves rush up the sand was the setting for the nurses' beach in the motion picture South Pacific. In this lush tropical forest with holla trees, black lava rock and yellow sand, visitors enjoy romantic picnics and relaxing days by the sea. All along the north coast, spectacular beaches, often uncrowded, provide a true island experience. The road ends at Ke'ei Beach, near the beginning of the Nepali Coast, an area still inaccessible by car. Nepali means the cliffs in Hawaiian, a fitting description of this magnificent wilderness area. The Kalalau Hiking Trail, edging the cliffs as high as 3,000 feet above the ocean's crashing surf, remains one of Hawaii's most challenging trails. The 11-mile path meanders through waterfalls, rushing streams, and a forest of fruit trees. From the air, tourists have a spectacular aerial view of the Nepali Coast, soaring past jagged cliffs and verdant valleys. On water, zodiac rafting expeditions offer exhilarating rides alongside Nepali's sensational valleys, sea cliffs, waterfalls, and caves. Visitors delight in the opportunity to land at secluded spots otherwise inaccessible for snorkeling and picnicking. On luxury cruise ships touring the coast, the pace is relaxed and leisurely, allowing visitors to appreciate the imposing beauty of the magnificent scenery. Returning to Lihui and heading west, the plantation estate of Kilohana invites visitors to step back into the golden age of the 1930s and explore this grand estate. Painstakingly restored with original antiques and art, select retail shops and a fine courtyard restaurant now occupy the ground floors. Guides drive turn-of-the-century Clydesdale-drawn carriages in leisurely, informative tours of the plantation grounds. Near the coast is one of Kauai's newest tourist attractions, Kauai Lagoons, a fantasy resort playground that features more than 30 acres of picturesque gardens, waterways, marble statues, and green islands where exotic wildlife flourishes. Visitors tour Kauai Lagoons by three distinctly different kinds of transportation, a 19th century-style horse-drawn carriage, a custom-made mahogany Venetian lodge, or an authentic Hawaiian outrigger canoe. Either way, sightseers get a glimpse of one of the world's finest natural-setting zoos inhabited by rare animals, including Chilean flamingos and thumbless long-haired Columbus monkeys. At Kauai Lagoons, golfers discover two championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, complete with challenging fairways, imported marble par markers, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. South of Lihue, off Highway 50, the tree tunnel, lined with eucalyptus trees, remains one of Kauai's loveliest stretches of road. Further, old Koloa Town was Kauai's original plantation town. Today, Koloa still retains the atmosphere of earlier times. Poipu is the South Shore's main resort. Set on an exquisite sandy shoreline, Poipu is renowned for sunny weather and ideal windsurfing conditions. Past Poipu, the spouting horn moans and groans as seawater rushes through a lava tube, creating eerie sounds and spectacular sea sprays. Heading west, colors of the landscape begin to change from earth tones to brilliant greens and fiery reds. From the Hanapepe Canyon lookout, the valley reveals taro terraces and lava formations trapped under the tropical overgrowth. Hanapepe, another colorful 19th century place, was transformed into an Australian outback town in the television mini-series, The Thorn Birds. Further west, in historic Waimea Town, is where Captain Cook first came ashore in Hawaii in 1778. A monument to the explorer stands in the center of town. At the mouth of the Waimea River, the Russians constructed Fort Elizabeth in 1817 as part of their plans to colonize the island. The legendary Menuhunis may have built the Menuhuni Ditch, a carefully engineered aqueduct up the Waimea River. Waimea is the gateway to the spectacular Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. One mile wide, 10 miles long, and 3,400 feet deep, the canyon presents a kaleidoscope of colors in constant motion. As the earth turns, the sun changes the delicate shades of blue, iris and green, to fiery reds, litigos and coppers in the late afternoon. Waterfalls cascade to the floor basin, churning the reddish water in the Waimea River. All inspiring are the views from Pu'u Kapele and Pu'uhina, or from above. The road ends inland in Koki State Park, a 4,300 acre wilderness area with 45 miles of hiking trails, acres of camping grounds, log cabins, and a small museum chronicling the park's history. A few miles inside the park is Kalalau Lookout, overlooking a magnificent mysterious valley. This valley served as the opening scene for the motion picture, King Kong. On the far west coast, the tourist comes to the end of the road, and one of the most impressive expanses of beaches anywhere in the world, Polihali. From here, we have superb views of the coast of Kauai, and the opposite side of the Napali Eclipse, it's never hard to find that perfect beach in your Kauai adventure. Nowhere else in the world are there more beaches for solitude, privacy, and true character. Whether for excitement or serenity, the beautiful beaches of Kauai beckon you to endless enjoyment. Below the surface of Kauai's waters thrives a tremendous world of adventure. Because Kauai has been in existence longer than any other Hawaiian island, the reefs have had a longer time to develop. In Kauai's many snorkeling and dive sites, an underwater fantasy land is alive with unique coral reefs and stunning colorful fish. If you are in Kauai during the winter months, the migratory humpback whales may be seen frolicking offshore from November to April. These whales present an unforgettable pageant of nature. Kayaks have become increasingly popular on Kauai. This one-man water sport takes the rider gliding on the Kalmhanalei in Wailua Rivers past lush greenery inhabited by tropical birds. The windsurfing conditions around the island make this sport a favorite activity. Water skiers find glassy smooth water conditions along the Wailua River in scenery, picturesque enough for your own home video. Swimming may be enjoyed year-round as Kauai's warm water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Toward dusk, one of Kauai's time-honored activities is enjoying a beautiful Kauai sunset with dazzling colors spread across the sky. The great variety of sports on Kauai can build an appetite. Dining on the island promises a delicious adventure centering around fresh seafood. Visitors discover many restaurants, everything from fast food to gourmet dining. With your meal, you can enjoy a sensational scenic view. What about nightlife on Kauai? Here's something charming and exciting. Most hotels feature live Hawaiian entertainment and Polynesian reviews. No trip to Hawaii would be complete without experiencing an authentic Hawaiian luau. Dancers wearing colorful costumes perform nightly. Tourists may learn to ahula or dance the night away. Kauai hosts a variety of nightclubs and discos. And what better way to end the day than a moonlight stroll on a quiet beach? This is Kauai, a destination so stunning that its beauty has been a favorite of moviemakers. Blessed by a warm, tropical climate, Kauai beckons travelers with spectacular coastal vistas, colorful canyons and verdant valleys. Come, enjoy Kauai, your special island. Relax in the peace of this tropical garden paradise. Now, Travel View International presents our video reference guide to hotels, shopping and other activities in Kauai. Make Kauai yours with a suite or spacious guest room at the new Aston Kauai Resort. The resort's 10-acre site overlooks two of Kauai's best swimming and snorkeling areas. The style of service and casual atmosphere is pure Hawaiian, and the resort is rich with the symbols of old Hawaii. From the traditional gardens and fish ponds to the unique historic sites nearby, Aston Kauai Resort offers a full range of resort activities, two swimming pools, tennis and right next door, golf at the championship Wailua course. Make a night of it in the new Pacific Restaurant and Lounge. Aston Kauai Resort, a Kauai tradition and an excellent value. On Kauai, Aston also offers you several condominium resorts where every room is a spacious condominium suite with a complete kitchen. You'll appreciate the daily maid service and hotel amenities at all Aston condominium suite resorts. At Aston, you're always assured the best location, outstanding accommodations and Hawaiian hospitality. Aston also offers a special package for Travel View customers. See your travel agent or call Aston and ask for the Hawaii on Wheels package. It includes a free budget rental car with each day of your stay. So remember, don't just go Kauai, make Kauai yours with Aston. In a lush tropical oceanfront setting, the Kauai Beach Boy welcomes travelers to a seaside world of relaxation and recreation. Newly renovated, this multi-million dollar contemporary hotel has spacious guest rooms with double beds. Sliding doors open to private balconies overlooking the ocean and the coconut plantation. Enjoy the ocean side swimming pool with adjacent snack bar. The ocean beckons for excellent snorkeling in Scuba. Just always find something to do at the Kauai Beach Boy. Choose from shuffleboard, tennis or golf. At the nearby Coconut Grove Shopping Center, shoppers find treasures at more than 70 shops. Cultural activities and the genuine hospitality of the hotel staff makes visitors feel right at home on the Garden Island. In Perry's Smorgie Restaurant, you'll find a fabulous all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch or dinner at a price unmatched on the entire island. The moderately priced Kauai Beach Boy is home to guests who know where to find Kauai's best value. If you've ever dreamed of the ultimate resort, your dream will come true at the Western Kauai at Kauai Lagoons, a tropical world unto itself. After a stretch limousine whisks you from the airport, you'll be greeted at the hotel with a traditional Hawaiian welcome. At the Western Kauai's Palace Court, seven charging horses carved in marble seem to leap from the two-acre reflecting pond inhabited by lovely swans. The Western Kauai features one of the most spectacular swimming pools in the world. Five luxurious jacuzzis set amidst marble waterfalls surrounding the pool invite guests to lie back and relax. When the beach beckons, try sailing, snorkeling and windsurfing or bask in the Kauai sunshine. Guests may also enjoy the well-equipped health center, tennis courts and two spectacular championship golf courses. For romantic adventure, ride along the scenic trails on horse-drawn carriages, explore picturesque lagoons on mahogany launches or in an outrigger canoe. Choose among 12 distinctive restaurants of royal ambiance, each serving dishes of culinary excellence. Fresh seafood is a specialty of the house at the Inn on the Cliffs. Savor authentic Kyoto-style cuisine in the Japanese tempura garden. Underdark, the Paddling Club is one of the liveliest night clubs in Kauai, or end your day with a nightcap at the Colonnade Bar. Western Kauai at Kauai Lagoons, a world unto itself. For those who enjoy vacationing in the lap of luxury, Whaler's Cove puts you at home on Kauai with the privacy and convenience of your own two-bedroom oceanfront condominium. Each spacious suite features all the necessities for elegant living, including gourmet kitchens and private lanias. Guests can enjoy all the activity and excitement of Kauai's sunny southern shore. Whaler's Cove, your home on Kauai. When you're hungry for good food and good times, Brennecke's Beach Boiler is the place. Located Oceanside, Brennecke's offers a menu fit to please with fresh seafood and steak specialties. Come enjoy a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Brennecke's, right on the beach, right on the price. Experience the untamed scenery of Hawaii on the wings of a butterfly. Papillon Hawaiian Helicopters will escort you on an aerial adventure in the largest fleet of deluxe jet-powered helicopters in the islands. Don't miss the excitement of Papillon's Hawaii. Papillon Hawaiian Helicopters, departing from our convenient heliports on all four major islands. Call now to make your reservations for the experience of a lifetime on the wings of a butterfly. Discover the beauty of the remote Nepali coast of Kauai with Captain Zodiac. Ride past verdant valleys, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and through caves carved by the ocean, expeditions include stops at ancient ruins and secluded sites for snorkeling and picnicking. Captain Zodiac Rafting Expeditions. Cruise Kauai's picturesque Nepali coast aboard the luxury tour ship, the Nepali Queen. Spend a day aboard this 130-foot vessel, exploring the spectacular beauty of the Nepali wilderness. An experienced staff narrates the scenic sights, ensuring a pleasurable voyage. A leisurely day is yours to enjoy, cruising in style past gorgeous peaks, cascading waterfalls and sea caves, delight in the acrobatics of playful dolphins, watch for the spout of frolicking whales, take a refreshing plunge off the ship to snorkel or swim, or lay back and soak up the sun on the large observation deck. The day's excursion includes a delicious lunch and a choice of refreshing beverages from the ship's bar. So unwind, relax, and enjoy the ultimate cruise experience aboard the Nepali Queen. One of Kauai's most unique man-made attractions is Kauai Lagoons, a fantastic world of 800 acres of tropical paradise. Unique 19th-century horse-drawn carriages meander along miles of scenic trails. These carriages take visitors to the lagoons, spotted with seven islands on 40 acres of man-made lakes, glide along the waters in a luxurious Venetian mahogany launch, or in an outrigger canoe. Exotic rare animals inhabit these islands, marble statues enhance the scenic landscape. Not to be missed is the beautiful Chapel by the Sea and the lagoons new shopping center. Another world of activity at the Kauai Lagoons Golf and Racquet Club beckons the sports enthusiast. The well-equipped European Spa, offering facials and other services, contributes to complete relaxation. The crown jewels of this fantasy world are two 18-hole championship golf courses with sensational ocean vistas. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, these courses attract the most enthusiastic golfers. Come to exotic Kauai Lagoons at the Western Kauai. Come, discover the fantasy. Aloha, and welcome to Kukui Grove Shopping Center, a modern-day mall with a Hawaiian flair. From the latest in fashions and gifts, to groceries and drugstores, Kukui Grove is where all of Kauai shops. Enjoy specialty bakeries, imported merchandise, contemporary fashions, even a fitness facility. Where all of Kauai shops at Kukui Grove Center. Kauai may be your special island. If so, Kauai Magazine will appeal to you. Through this quarterly publication, you'll discover Kauai's history, scenic beauty, and old Hawaiian charm. Kauai Magazine highlights Kauai and brings our special island to your home. For travelers interested in learning more about the Garden Island, subscribe to Kauai Magazine. Discover Kauai at your own pace with Dollar Rent-A-Car. As one of the largest agencies in Hawaii, Dollar Rent-A-Car provides selection, value, and service. With more than 30 locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Dollar Rent-A-Car is always nearby. Rental offices are located on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Dollar offers an extensive fleet of late-model vehicles with rates to fit every budget. All cars are maintained in top condition, ensuring safe, worry-free travel. When you drive away in a Dollar Rent-A-Car, you haven't left the company behind. Representatives are on call 24 hours a day should you need information, maps, or assistance. Dollar Rent-A-Car, wherever you're going in Hawaii, we've got you covered. Fly American Airlines to the Hawaiian Islands. There are daily flights from more than 90 departure cities across the United States. Hawaiian's flyaway vacations offer a wide variety of destination packages to choose from, all flexible enough to suit anyone's vacation needs. In addition to special round-trip airfares, these value-packed vacations can include your choice of hotels, ground transfers, dining, and entertainment bargains. A complete vacation for one all-inclusive price, all backed by American Airlines' exclusive vacation warranty. For more information and reservations, call your travel agent or American Airlines at 1-800-321-2121. American Airlines flyaway vacations, something special in the air to Hawaii. Civil View International is pleased to present Travel Tips by Berlitz. Berlitz, the world's leading publisher of print travel guides. To get to Kauai, you'll probably have to change planes in Honolulu, which is five hours or more from the West Coast. The main airport on Kauai, just outside the capital, Lihue, has an unusually pleasant terminal to get you into a holiday mood. There's a smaller airport at Princeville on the North Coast, which is also the base for helicopter sightseeing. For total flexibility in sightseeing, you're likely to want to rent a car. Various companies compete for your business, so it's worth comparing prices and conditions. American citizens need only a valid driver's license, but others have to produce an international driving license. Generally, the drivers here are polite and law-abiding, and they don't sound their horns except in case of real danger. The speed limits are marked. On some roads, they may be down to 30 or 35 miles an hour, which is only prudent considering the conditions. It's always warm, of course. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the history of Lihue Airport was 50 degrees Fahrenheit, that's 10 Celsius, so you can leave your overcoat at home. At the other extreme, it's relatively mild as well. The hottest ever recorded at Lihue is 90 degrees, 32 degrees Celsius. Most of the time, it's likely to be in the delightful 70s. As for the rain, the Garden Island gets its share, but most heavily in winter. Of course, it all depends what part of the island you're on. Up the mountain, they get nearly 40 feet of rain per year. It's tempting to make the most of the mid-Pacific sun, but be careful. Try to avoid the powerful midday rays and use a sunscreen lotion and sunglasses. Casual clothes are the order of the day and night, just about everywhere on Kauai. You can fill in any gaps in your wardrobe with some resort fashions from the local shops, but don't lose your head. Those exotic tropical colors and patterns can look a bit less perfect out of the Hawaiian context when you get home. Although it's not as sophisticated as the more heavily-touristed islands, Kauai offers some good dining experiences. Take advantage of the chance to sample the fresh local fish like mahi-mahi, translated as dolphin fish, but it's no relation to the lovable dolphin mammal. And try opaka-paka, pink snapper. If you have trouble getting your teeth around opaka-paka, the word, not the fish, don't despair. English will get you everywhere on Kauai, but soon you'll be saying at least a few Hawaiian words, for instance, aloha, meaning hello and love, and the next most frequently heard word, mahalo, that's to say, thank you. Put Kauai in your pocket with Burlitz, the world's leading travel guide. More than a hundred destinations on six continents, plus Burlitz phrase books and pocket dictionaries. For the joy of travel, go Burlitz. For more information about Travel View's video library of more than 60 destinations from around the world, contact your local travel agency or video rental store, or call us at 800-325-3108. Travel View International, we bring you the world in video. The Travel View International crew flew Hawaiian Airlines' inner island in Hawaii. Warm smiles, a convenient schedule, our caring attitude, it's what keeps us first in the Hawaiian skies. The Travel View International crew flew Hawaiian Airlines' inner island in Hawaii. The Travel View International crew flew Hawaiian Airlines' inner island in Hawaii. The Travel View International crew flew Hawaiian Airlines' inner island in Hawaii. The Travel View International crew flew Hawaiian Airlines' inner island in Hawaii. The Travel View International crew flew Hawaiian Airlines' inner island in Hawaii. The Travel View International crew flew Hawaiian Airlines' inner island in Hawaii.