Comprehensive Teen Guide to Kauai
We’re breaking down this comprehensive guide into nine parts:
- History and Geography of Kauai
- What Teens Do in Kauai
- The Weather in Kauai
- Plants and Wildlife in Kauai
- Food and Culture of Kauai
- Fun Facts About Kauai
History and Geography of Kauai
The History of Kauai
Kauai was initially inhabited roughly 1500 years ago by Polynesian adventurers and was, for the most part, secluded until European traders discovered the islands in the late 1700s when in 1778, James Cook found and called them the “Sandwich Islands.” Tensions were high between Hawaiians and Europeans, but trade in Hawaii started to grow.
Fast forward to 1898, when Hawaii was formally annexed into the United States to be used as a military base to fight the Spanish in Guam and the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. Then 61 years later, in 1959, Hawaii was admitted to the United States and became the 50th state.
Kauai’s current population is around 73,000 people. The most populated town on Kauai is Kapaa, which is located on the east side of the island. Kauai has an agriculturally dominated economy, with the main source of income being corn, guava, and coffee. Tourism is also another dominant source of income.
The Geography of Kauai
Geography of the Island
Kauai is a geographically diverse place with a coastline of 111 miles; Kauai has more accessible beaches than any other island. Kauai is also the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Kauai once rose more than 10,000 feet above sea level, but the Olokele Volcano has since eroded down to two main peaks — Waiʻaleʻale (5,148 feet) and Kawaikini (5,243 feet).
Although it’s the oldest, it is also Hawaii’s fourth-largest island. Kauai is actually quite small and is separated into distinct regions. North Shore, South Shore, East Side, and West Side. Like all of the Hawaiian islands, there are two sides: a leeward side and a windward side. The leeward side of the island is drier, and the windward side is wetter.
Things to Do in Kauai
For teens and all people, Kauai has something for everyone.
Kauai is the perfect spot for people who want to relax on the beach, people who want to hike and explore the outdoors, animal lovers, foodies, and anyone in between. There are so many things to do and see in Kauai, and it is a paradise for all.
For outdoors lovers, the list of activities is endless:
- Teens can go swimming in the ocean
- Teens can experience snorkeling and explore the coast
- Teens can hike on miles of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to more challenging
- Teens can learn how to surf
- Teens can explore the island via horseback
- Teens can see unique wild animals like birds, whales, dophins and even mountain goats
- Teens can experience a number of watersports, including paddleboarding, kayaking down a river or sea kayaking in open water!
Kauai is one of the best islands to enjoy surfing. There are plenty of beaches and bays that provide all kinds of conditions; anyone can surf here! For everyone, from total beginners to professionals, it is a great place to surf.
The Weather in Kauai
One of the main attractions of Kauai and the islands, in general, is the weather. The weather in Hawaii is unlike that of anywhere in the United States. Many places in the United States have four seasons, but In Hawaii, there are just two seasons: summer (kau) and winter (ho'oilo).
Summer usually runs from May to October, and winter lasts from November to April. The summer temperatures usually stay in the lower to mid-70s, but the winter temperatures usually stay in the 60s. Although the weather can change throughout the year, the ocean temperature is always between 75 to 80 degrees, year-round.
That means you can swim in January and in June! The only difference you’ll notice in the winter is the water tends to be rougher this time of year. But in the summer, the water is usually calm unless there is a storm.
You may need a rain jacket, but you can probably leave your winter coat at home when you visit Kauai.
Plants and Wildlife in Kauai
Plants in Kauai
If you love plants or gardening, Kauai is the perfect place for you! Kauai is home to some of the most exotic plant life in all of Hawaii. Just on Kauai alone, there are more than 1,360 native plant species! There are tons of native and non-native plant species that you can spot as soon as you arrive. There is a wide variety of fruit trees here, like banana, coconut, papaya, and more.
There are also lots of native plants in Kauai that can’t be found anywhere else, and the particular reason for this is that the island of Kauai is very isolated; birds don’t transport the plants’ seeds to other areas for these plants to start growing naturally.
Some of the plants you might get to see that are native to Kauai include:
- The Swamp Mahogany Tree
- Lobster-Claw Plants
- The Candlenut Tree
- The Garden Orchid
- And so much more!
Wildlife in Kauai
Of course, there is a wide variety of feral wildlife animals like cats, dogs, goats, pigs, chickens, and much more, but the wildlife in Kauai is some of the most beautifully diverse wildlife the United States has to offer.
One of the most majestic animals you could get to see is a whale. Kauai and some of the other Hawaiian islands are home to Blue whales, Killer whales, Sperm whales, Pilot whales, and of course, Bottlenose dolphins. Kauai also has a population of Striped dolphins!
Another animal that is native to Hawaii that you might get a chance to see is the Hawaiian Monk Seal. Although they were once common throughout the islands, their numbers have sadly declined throughout the years, and Kauai is now one of the few places where they can still be found.
Birds are also a huge part of Kauai’s wildlife. The Nene Goose is the state bird of Hawaii, and it can only be found on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Oahu, so if you’re lucky, you’ll get to spot one!
The Food and Culture of Kauai
Kauaian Culture
Kauai is a melting pot for many cultures! There is a good chance that you might hear Pidgin English, the local language, Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese! A common tradition in Kauai, and the rest of Hawaii, is Hula dancing and Luaus. Hula and Luaus usually go hand in hand.
A Luau is a celebration of food, music, and culture and is traditionally held to celebrate important milestones in life. If you’re lucky enough to go to a luau, you’ll get to experience some traditional Hawaiian food which usually involves Kalua Pork cooked in an imu (earth oven), coconut pudding, and poi, along with so many other amazing island delicacies.
Food in Kauai
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Kaui. It’s a great place to experience traditional Hawaiian food. Even the Mcdonald's in Hawaii has special menu items!
Some of the most popular foods you’ll find include:
- Lau Lau: fatty pork and salted butterfish wrapped in lu'au leaves and ti leaves
- Spam Musubi: grilled Spam in between or on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with seaweed
- Kalua Pork: pork butt roast and Hawaiian sea salt
- Malasadas: Portuguese fried dough
- Poi: a traditional dish made from taro root
- Chicken Long Rice: vermicelli noodles, chicken thighs, fresh ginger, and green onions
And, of course, everyone’s favorite: Shave Ice!
Fun Facts About Kauai
Here are thirteen additional fun facts about Kauai:
- Kauai’s Mt. Wai’ale’ale is the wettest spot on Earth, averaging 450 inches of rain per year.
- Over 90% of the land on Kauai is used for Conservation and Agriculture, and 70% of the island is inaccessible by foot.
- Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee plantation in the United States
- You cannot drive around the island. The Na Pali Cliffs and Waimea Canyon make it nearly impossible to build a road to connect west Kauai with the North Shore
- Population: 65,930 (2019)
- Kauai has more miles of beach and more hiking trails than any other island in the Hawaiian Islands.
- Kauai is nicknamed the ‘Garden Island’.
- Kauai has the only river in Hawaii that can be navigated.
- Kauai’s West Side Kekaha beach spans to Polihale and is the longest stretch of beach in the State of Hawaii.
- There are over 5,000 plants and animals that live on the reefs of Kauai
- Kauai has over one million visitors a year; ⅓ of the people on Kauai are tourists or visitors
- There have been over 60 movies filmed on the island with popular movies: Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Six Days Seven Nights, Fantasy Island, and Indiana Jones, to name a few!
- The capital city of Kauai is Lihue. The main airport is Lihue Airport (LIH).
It is no wonder teenagers want to experience Kauai. Created for Adventure makes it possible for teens to get to see all the best of what Hawaii has to offer!
Created for Adventure Kauai Adventure Camps
Here at Created for Adventure, we offer two different adventure camps that will allow your teen to explore the beautiful island of Kauai.
On these adventure camps, your teen can horseback ride along the shores of Kauai, and kayak or paddle board along the Hanalei River. Your teen will have fun learning to surf and enjoy beach days of swimming with their new best friends. And also, go on an epic hike and explore the Waimea Canyon! Both adventures offer opportunities to explore the island while hiking, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and more.
"I didn’t know anyone going in, but it ended up being a huge blessing. I made so many memories on the adventures we went on. My faith grew tremendously as I learned how great the presence of God really is!" -Rylie, Camper from Kauai Girls Adventure, 2021.
"My daughter attended the all girls trip in Kauai. I cannot say enough good things about Colleen and her team at Created for Adventure. Prior to the trip we had all the information needed for her to have a successful trip. I highly recommend this trip for your teens adventure!" -Jennifer, a parent from Hamden, CT.
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Kauai? Register your teenager today for our Kauai Hawaii Adventure Camp!