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From Kauaidiscovery.com:
Kauai's heritage is one of fascinating folklore steeped in rich history. Fire that had erupted deep in the heart of the Pacific Ocean ravaged high above to create many atolls (fringing coral reef) and islands, among them, Kauai. It is believed that from destruction comes serenity and beauty, and Kauai's birth is a true example.
Kauai's first settlers appeared on the scene in approximately fourth or fifth century A.D. to be among the privileged few to set eyes on the earliest of the Hawaiian islands in its most untouched form. The adventurous settlers brought basic food items, among them taro, which is used to make poi and is today considered a highlight at Hawaiian luaus.
Centuries passed before Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska. He first landed in Waimea and even visited the private island, Niihau, which is part of Kauai County. Kauai's proud history continues as it was the only island not conquered by force by King Kamehameha I, who conquered all the other Hawaiian islands. Eventually, Kauai's King Kaumualii peacefully offered Kauai to Kamehameha to avoid more bloodshed.
One of Kauai's most enthralling legends is that of the Menehune, a mythical race of small people talented in construction and engineering who created incredible structures, such as aqueducts and fishponds, often in a single night. They were believed to have lived in the woods and were shunned by the Hawaiians. Today, the Menehune are blamed when things go awry (misplaced keys and so forth) and the cherished myth of the Menehune continues to live in Kauai.
Geography of Kauai
Kauai is the shape of an almost perfect circle, with a magnificent beauty emanating from each one of its 552 square miles. The island's location is a strategic and fortunate one for visitors because the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean keep the island at perfect temperature year-round.
Kauai's beaches make up almost half of its shoreline, which is an obvious perk for visitors. Kauai, Hawaii's fourth largest island, also shares its mountains with its guests. A hike along the Kalalau Trail, or a helicopter ride past 5,148-ft Mount Waialeale, the center of Kauai rewards visitors with amazing memories and photographs. The deeply weathered mountainous region tells a story as does Kauai's Waimea Canyon, fondly dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific by Mark Twain. Waimea Canyon offers extravagant views and hiking trails throughout its 4,000-foot elevation.
A nonstop drive around the island of Kauai is almost achievable, but not quite. Visitors can travel in a variety of directions to experience Kauai uniquely at each turn; a car will take you to Kee Beach, the furthest possible on the north shore, while Polihale Beach State Park or the top of Waimea Canyon Road is as far as you can get on the west side.
Kauai's Napali Coast, which rivals any in the world for the grandest coastline, can only be seen via the sea, or the air, or by hiking (you have an excellent view of the whole coast from Kee Beach). The Napali Coast's 17-mile coastline took its sweet time to form -- millions of years of wind and water erosion -- but the result was worth the wait to enjoy the 4,000-foot cliffs, complete with lush green valleys, free-flowing waterfalls, and secret sea caves.
Demographics of Kauai
As of the 2000 US Census, there were 58,463 people, 20,183 households, and 14,572 families residing in the county. The population density was 36/km² (94/mi²). There were 25,331 housing units at an average density of 16/km² (41/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 29.51% White, 0.30% Black or African American, 0.36% Native American, 35.99% Asian, 9.12% Pacific Islander, 0.86% from other races, and 23.84% from two or more races. 8.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 20,183 households out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.90% were married couples living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 21.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.34.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.40% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 100.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.50 males.
Kauai's heritage is one of fascinating folklore steeped in rich history. Fire that had erupted deep in the heart of the Pacific Ocean ravaged high above to create many atolls (fringing coral reef) and islands, among them, Kauai. It is believed that from destruction comes serenity and beauty, and Kauai's birth is a true example.
Kauai's first settlers appeared on the scene in approximately fourth or fifth century A.D. to be among the privileged few to set eyes on the earliest of the Hawaiian islands in its most untouched form. The adventurous settlers brought basic food items, among them taro, which is used to make poi and is today considered a highlight at Hawaiian luaus.
Centuries passed before Captain James Cook found Kauai on his voyage to Alaska. He first landed in Waimea and even visited the private island, Niihau, which is part of Kauai County. Kauai's proud history continues as it was the only island not conquered by force by King Kamehameha I, who conquered all the other Hawaiian islands. Eventually, Kauai's King Kaumualii peacefully offered Kauai to Kamehameha to avoid more bloodshed.
One of Kauai's most enthralling legends is that of the Menehune, a mythical race of small people talented in construction and engineering who created incredible structures, such as aqueducts and fishponds, often in a single night. They were believed to have lived in the woods and were shunned by the Hawaiians. Today, the Menehune are blamed when things go awry (misplaced keys and so forth) and the cherished myth of the Menehune continues to live in Kauai.
Geography of Kauai
Kauai is the shape of an almost perfect circle, with a magnificent beauty emanating from each one of its 552 square miles. The island's location is a strategic and fortunate one for visitors because the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean keep the island at perfect temperature year-round.
Kauai's beaches make up almost half of its shoreline, which is an obvious perk for visitors. Kauai, Hawaii's fourth largest island, also shares its mountains with its guests. A hike along the Kalalau Trail, or a helicopter ride past 5,148-ft Mount Waialeale, the center of Kauai rewards visitors with amazing memories and photographs. The deeply weathered mountainous region tells a story as does Kauai's Waimea Canyon, fondly dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific by Mark Twain. Waimea Canyon offers extravagant views and hiking trails throughout its 4,000-foot elevation.
A nonstop drive around the island of Kauai is almost achievable, but not quite. Visitors can travel in a variety of directions to experience Kauai uniquely at each turn; a car will take you to Kee Beach, the furthest possible on the north shore, while Polihale Beach State Park or the top of Waimea Canyon Road is as far as you can get on the west side.
Kauai's Napali Coast, which rivals any in the world for the grandest coastline, can only be seen via the sea, or the air, or by hiking (you have an excellent view of the whole coast from Kee Beach). The Napali Coast's 17-mile coastline took its sweet time to form -- millions of years of wind and water erosion -- but the result was worth the wait to enjoy the 4,000-foot cliffs, complete with lush green valleys, free-flowing waterfalls, and secret sea caves.
Demographics of Kauai
As of the 2000 US Census, there were 58,463 people, 20,183 households, and 14,572 families residing in the county. The population density was 36/km² (94/mi²). There were 25,331 housing units at an average density of 16/km² (41/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 29.51% White, 0.30% Black or African American, 0.36% Native American, 35.99% Asian, 9.12% Pacific Islander, 0.86% from other races, and 23.84% from two or more races. 8.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 20,183 households out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.90% were married couples living together, 12.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 21.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.34.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.40% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 25.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 100.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.50 males.
