The Beautiful Island of Kauai

We had an amazing week in Kauai! If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it. Here are some fun facts about Kauai:

1. It is the 4th largest and northernmost island of Hawaii (and this lighthouse is the most northern point on the island and has the world's largest clam shell lens).

2. It is known as the "Garden Island," and I can totally see why. It is a lush green tropical paradise. As we walked through the Botanical Gardens, I felt like I was in the Garden of Eden (except I don't think the mosquitoes bit Eve).

3. The center of the island is called Mount Wai'ale'ale, meaning "rippling waters," and is the rainiest spot on the planet with an average of 440" of rain per year. The rest of the island, however, gets much less, and it just rained a little bit one night while we were there.
4. Jurassic Park, Six Days/Seven Nights and South Pacific were all filmed here, among many others. Do you recognize this waterfall from Jurassic Park?

5. The water is warm and clear with lots of coral reefs - perfect for snorkeling!

6. Waimea Canyon was named "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain; it's one mile wide, 3,600 feet deep and 10 miles long.

7. Wild chickens are everywhere! According to the lu'au we went to, they were brought there by the Filipinos, although online I read they were brought by the Polynesians and Europeans also.

8. Seventy percent of the land is inaccessible by foot, but we were able to see it on the helicopter tour. This is the breathtaking Na Pali coast.
9. There are more waterfalls than you can count.
10. Temperatures range from mid-70's to mid-80's year-round. It pretty much felt perfect the whole time, day and night.