Island of Kauai Real Estate Listings of Houses and Homes for Sale in Kauai County, Hawaii


	Island of Kauai Houses for Sale

Island of Kauai

More than 10 million years ago, the Olokele Volcano erupted, creating the Island of Kauai. It has since eroded down to two main peaks – Wai’ale’ale, which means "rippling or overflowing water,” and Kawaikini. The rest of the mountain sank to form the Alaka’I Swamp, the largest high-elevation swamp in the world and the origin of the Waimea River. Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” was formed by the erosive forces of the volcano.

Kauai was first settled around A.D. 750 by Marquesan seafarers. Kauai was also the first Hawaiian Island to be discovered by English explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. He landed at Waimea, on the island’s southwest coast. Today, Kauai is a visitor’s – and resident’s – paradise, offering spectacular resorts on miles of sandy beaches and numerous recreational diversions from golf to hiking to kayaking on one of the island’s navigable rivers. Sugar is the largest agricultural product and the government is the largest employer.

The rural island of Kauai is a mere 20 minutes by plane from Honolulu and offers its own unique attractions. Residents and visitors alike enjoy a number of recreational activities on the Garden Isle. Kauai is the only inhabited Hawaiian island with navigable rivers. Wailua River State Park is a launching area for boat tours and a popular site for water skiing, canoe paddling, fishing and kayaking. The Hanalei River Valley overlook on the north shore provides unforgettable vistas of lofty mountains, silvery waterfalls and patches of shimmering green flora.

Kauai also offers a number of educational and cultural sites and events. Kilauea Point is home to a historic lighthouse and federal wildlife reserve. The island is known for its nature preserves, botanical gardens, carefully restored historical sites and some of the most secluded, pristine beaches in Hawaii. Kauai also hosts several major annual events, such as the Waimea Town Celebration, the Prince Albert Music Festival, the Kauai Mokihana Festival and Koke’e Museum’s Emalani Festival.

Students on Kauai are served by the Kauai Unified School District. This school district offers quality, diversity, dedicated teachers and small classes in safe, family-oriented environments. Costs are considerably lower than comparable independent schools on the mainland and parents can choose a curriculum, from one with demanding academic standards to one offering special programs for students with learning disabilities.