Book for a month, you’ll need it. Kauai is a miniature world, with a stunning array of features you won’t see anywhere else on Earth. The island is crowned by a big complex of mountain and ridges which spread like a flower across the inland, and in the west, reaches the Pacific. There are five regions in Kauai which are all different, all beautiful, and all fascinating.

This is the sort of place you really have to explore and enjoy:

1. Natural Kauai

You can almost feel the desperation of the photographers and artists, trying to do Kauai justice. The place is a riot of color, constantly evolving every day into new, spectacular visions. Even the vegetation produces a few rainbows of its own. Kauai, like Hawaii, has its own unique wildlife and plants. If you’re not surrounded by birds of paradise, you’re surrounded by flowers. On foot, on bike, car or by helicopter, it’s incredible.

2. Kauai beaches

Kauai has 50 miles of beaches, all dazzling. These are the real white sand beaches, and they come with some of the Pacific’s most magical waters, a true array of beauty and secret places. These beaches are one of the reasons visitors don’t want to leave Kauai, and it will take you about a quarter of a second to figure out why. Swim, snorkel, scuba, gossip with the dolphins, and have a ball.

Important: These are real surf beaches, sometimes with monster waves. Kauai tries hard to make sure its guests stay safe, and these giants are definitely better appreciated from a safe distance.

3. Kauai culture

If you’re not familiar with the various different types of Polynesian culture, this culture goes a long way beyond the tourist image. A very rough parallel would be Native American culture, with a huge range of oral traditions and tales Aesop would have appreciated. Look and learn, because this is very much a living culture, with a lot to give.

4. Kauai food

One of the great joys of Kauai is the food. No amount of description really expresses the quality of this food. This is real tropical food, it’s healthy, it’s natural, and it’s delicious. The combination of luxury, beauty and fabulous food may make you want to stay for an extra decade or so, but that’s normal.

5. Kauai shopping

Equally addictive as the island itself, the shopping is a good mix of fun and fascination. They do things well on Kauai, and the shopping is no exception. If you actually need a Wal-Mart, they’ve got one, but the shopping on Kauai is also regional, and you’ll instantly see the difference between real Hawaiian and the imitations. It’s no contest. From eco-shoes to mind-blowing glassware, the best is on offer.

There are numerous locations on the Garden Isle you can take surf lessons. From Hanalei Bay on the North shore to Poipu Beach on the South shore. The best spots for beginning surfers are the areas of the beach with a sand bottom and no coral reef. Most of the surf schools utilize “soft top” surfboards for beginners. Points to look for when searching for a surf school. Make sure the instructors are CPR and first aid trained, and lifeguard certified.

Hanalei Bay Surfers

The Hanalei Bay area on the north shore of Kauai has some great surf schools to experience. One of the best is the Hawaiian School of Surfing, which is owned and operated by Titus Kinimaka. Small group or private lessons are available. Lessons are taught in Hanalei Bay with a wide variety of beginner friendly surf spots. The locations are sand bottom breaks not coral. Beginner lessons last around 90 minutes. After your lesson is over they let use their equipment for the entire day at no extra cost to you. Telephone (808) 821-1003.

Kauai Surf School is located in Poipu on the South shore of the island. They offer both group and private lessons to the beginning or intermediate surfer. Kauai Surf School offers all the necessary equipment, including beginner surfboard, reef shoes, rash guard. Children ages 9 and up are welcome. Group lessons last for 90 minutes with 30 minutes of free surfing after your lesson. Reservations must be made in advance at 808-651-6032.

Surf n Sol Kauai offers all inclusive surf trip packages. Packages include meals, transportation to and from the airport, surf lessons, yoga, massage. And a day trip to the Napali Coast, and another north shore beach. Check them out at www.surfnsol.com.

In the winter months surfing the north shore of Kauai is only recommended for advanced skill level surfers. Rip currents and large waves can be dangerous for beginners.

A little know fact is that Kauai grows sixty percent of the state of Hawaii’s coffee. Since the 1800s Kauai was the first of the Hawaiian islands to produce coffee commercially. Kauai coffee is a 100% U.S. product, and estate coffee workers are some of the highest paid in the world. Most coffees found on Kauai are usually organically grown, and use hydroelectric generators to power all operations. Harvest time on Kauai is usually October through December. Coffee plantations in Kauai cultivate upwards of 3,400 acres.

Several varieties of coffee are grown on Kauai. Seed types include Catuai, Typica, Blue Mountain,and Mundo Novo. Tours are usually offered at most of Kauai’s coffee plantations along with free samples. Many of these are self guided walking tours. Nothing taste like a fresh cup of Kauai coffee, from coffee beans grown perfectly in rich volcanic soil.

The Koa Plantation offers private tours which can be arranged by contact the Koa Planation directly at 866-562-5282. The plantation is located in the town of Captain Cook on the south side of the island.

The Kauai Coffee company is another coffee plantation that offers tours. You can take a self guided walking tour through the different varieties of coffee trees. Signs display the five coffee types, and the process. Learn about the history of the coffee grown on the estate. The process of coffee from blossom, to harvesting, and then to processing and roasting.

At the Kauai Coffee company visitors center you can sample their entire line of coffees grown on the estate. Every bean is grown right at the plantation, no imported beans are used.

Located around 17 miles from the Lihue airport, on Kauai’s southwest side. Just off highway 50 which is the main highway on the way to Waimea.

Go to the beach! Kauai has more than 50 miles of gorgeous white sand beaches to choose from – more beach per mile than any other island in Hawaii! Altogether, 43 white sand beaches beckon to wile away the day. Kauai’s beaches are destinations to be explored and  discovered.

Historical Kauai – There are many places to visit, from Grove Farm in Lihue.  The Grove Farm is one of Hawaii’s earliest sugar plantations, and offers a museum display of Kauai’s heritage.

Waioli Mission in Hanalei is where the Wilcox family, one of Kauai’s most influential families, moved to the island in the 1800s. This historic New England-style home was shipped in pieces from Boston around Cape Horn and today stands as a showcase of koa wood furniture and other artifacts from that era.

Garden Isle Waterfalls. Kauai’s waterfalls are a year-round display of nature’s ability to keep the Garden Isle green and vibrant. In Lihue, one can drive right up to picturesque Wailua Falls. Other falls include Hanakapi’ai Falls, Kalihiwai Falls, Kapa’a Stream Falls, Kipu Falls, ‘Opeaka’a Falls and there are many more.

Kayak – Rent a kayak and leisurely paddle along one of the gentle rivers bordered by lush, tropical foliage. Or, journey by riverboat up the Wailua River to the famous Fern Grotto. In this beautiful, jungle-like setting, a natural amphitheater has been formed creating remarkable acoustics.

Explore the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Waimea Canyon is a sightseer’s paradise – a mile wide, 10 miles long and more than 3,500-feet deep. Take in the stunning views from the lookouts or hike into the crater. The Kalalau Lookout is especially memorable with an unforgettable view of the once cultivated valley that descends 4,000-feet to the Pacific blue. After sightseeing, enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of the crater in Kokee State Park.

Take a Kauai Helicopter Tour. Fly above the vast scenic terrain of Kauai’s lush valleys and mountains. These helicopters have floor to ceiling windows to provide the best views.  Air-conditioned cabins, 2-way intercom system with the pilot, and noise canceling headsets. Some of the sights you will see on a Kauai helicopter tour include. Kipu Kai and the Tunnel of Trees, Hanapepe Valley and Manawaiopuna Falls, Olokele Canyon,  Waimea Canyon (known as  the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), Napali Coast seaside cliffs and valleys, sandy beaches, Hanalei Valley, Mt. Waialeale (the wettest place on earth) and Wailua Falls.  Some of the tours even include flying into the center of the dormant crater with 5000 ft. walls and waterfalls surrounding you. A once in a lifetime adventure.