There is no better place to relax and unwind. Although I had mixed feelings about visiting this place myself, I would surely dare to say that it was an amazing visit that I would never forget. Kauai promises fun filled activities for the entire family. Although the entire island is so huge and there are so many activities and places worth visiting, a drive around the island is a must.

Roughly circular in shape, Kauai is 550 square miles in area and 32 miles in diameter. With little public transportation, rental cars are recommended, but getting around on Kauai is easy. Kauai's roads almost encircle the entire coastline only to stop at the formidable Na Pali Coast where building roads would be impossible. The breathtaking steep green cliffs of Na Pali provide a natural barrier, limiting access to one of the world's most awe-inspiring and primeval places to those walking, on helicopter or traveling via boat. From mopeds to Harleys, VW convertibles to motor homes, you could rent all kinds of vehicles on the island.

The best means to explore the island would of course be in a grand luxurious Winnebago which is a recreational vehicle that comes complete with sleeping accommodations, kitchenette, bathroom, awnings, generator - all the comforts to make a adventurer's vacation come true. The Winnebago is excellent for all travelers needs as it has the comforts of a luxurious 5 star hotel minus the swimming pool and room service. Instead of paying for accommodation and transport, hire a motor home in Kauai and cruise the island on a luxurious 30 footer mobile hotel room. Park anywhere along the islands beautiful coastline and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on Kauai's spectacular beaches. With an RV, the possibilities are limitless.

Enjoy the carefree lifestyle for which Kauai is famous for! For the adventurous yuppie, why not grab a backpack and some camping gear, and spend the next week touring the majestic roads of Kauai on the back of a Harley. The island of Kauai has many motorbike rental companies. Cost range from $50-120 a day, depending on the model of bike and duration of rental. But lose the leather jacket because if the bike doesn't kill you, the humidity surely will!

If you think you don't have the stamina of Forest Gump, but can manage riding a bike around the island, many places on Kauai will rent you a pushbike. You can cruise through Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park. Ride from the rim of the famed Waimea Canyon (el. 3600') down 12 miles of smooth winding blacktop all the way to the shore of the blue Pacific. It's 100% downhill, and 100% fun! Cycle through the legendary estate of Grove Farm Sugar Plantation, a former 22,000-acre sugar plantation. George Norton Wilcox started Grove Farm in the 1860's. From humble beginnings as the son of missionary teachers, George Norton built a successful plantation. Grove Farm is no longer in the sugar business. In fact, due to the low price of sugar worldwide, sugar production has been declining throughout the State for years. Now, as diversified agriculture replaces sugar, Grove Farm leases its land to over 100 tenants raising a variety of crops and animals. Cycle through these lands that were once owned by Princess Ruth the sister of King Kalakaua, you can enjoy the scenic mountain views and many places seldom seen by locals or visitors. The view when passing through Kauai's only sugarcane tunnel, which separates the east side of the island from the south shore, is breathtaking. Identify native plants, birds and trees along the way. As well as having a fun ride in a beautiful place you'll learn about what makes Kauai special!

You can hop on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and go places more spectacular than you can ever imagine. Organized tours lasting up to three and a half hour adventure takes you deep into Kauai's interior to the base of Mount Wai'ale'ale.

Your journey begins with a familiarization and safety briefing, before you get acquainted with your vehicle and head out to the backcountry. Your guide will lead you through miles of old cane lands, tropical forests, and jungles rich with magnificent scenery.

Another adventure is the exhilarating Zipline, where you wear a harness that attaches to a cable and allows you to 'zip' across above the valley and forest below.

Here are some facts about Hawaii from the Kauai visitor information website.

- Kauai, Hawaii has more sandy beaches than most other Hawaiian islands, plus nearly 45% of its coastline is virtually deserted. It's a safe bet you will find your perfect and "private" beach for snorkeling or sunning. - Kauai is home to three of the top ten rated golf courses in Hawaii. Kauai has more great golf courses than you could possibly find time to play in a week, maybe two. - Kauai has huge areas of tropical forest, deserted coast and lush mountains suitable for hiking, including the awe-inspiring Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon -- known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." All of these areas have easily accessible hiking trails. - Kauai's bountiful coral reefs are teeming with multitudes of colorful fish. It is easy and delightful to snorkel the clear warm waters of Kauai's lagoons. - Kauai is home to numerous rare bird and plant species, which exist nowhere else in the world. Kauai is also home to a seabird sanctuary and two locations of the awe-inspiring and educational.

Steven Anderson is the Marketing Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, specialists in Hawaii and Kauai car rentals. He has personally researched and experienced many of the Hawaiian activities and as described above.

Kauai nightlife
by Steven Anderson

The majestic island of Kauai is only a short flight from the USA, Japan and Australia. From the spectacular views at Waimea Canyon to the verdant vistas along the Napali Coast, more and more people are coming to Kauai because they are attracted to its natural beauty and laidback atmosphere. Visitors are also drawn to Kauai for its gorgeous tropical rainforests, some of which can only be accessed by helicopter. These aerial tours take you into the heart of the island and offer spectacular scenic views that will remain with you long after your vacation ends. Kauai is lush, tropical and wild. With cascading waterfalls and towering green mountains, this island is what most people imagine Hawaii to be like. Kauai can truly take your breath away.

Driving down and around Kauai between Eleele and Kaumakani on the banks of the Koula River, visitors can visit Hanapepe. This town once flourished as one of Kauai's largest communities. Today it's an art colony tucked away in buildings that haven't changed a lot over the last century. Its historic buildings are so authentic looking that the town has become a choice location for filmmakers. Films such as "The Thornbirds" and "Flight of the Intruder" were set in this storybook town. Hanapepe lays claim to more fine art galleries than any other place on the island. There are at least seven galleries listed among the gift shops and restaurants that do business here.

Crusing along the majestic Na Pali Coast State Park, visitors from throughout the world will experience its rugged coastline and the otherworldly mystic of its natural beauty and haunting heritage. This is a place that time has barely brushed. The fluted sea cliffs, or pali, rise like sentries straight up from the green valleys and white sand beaches below. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in Na Pali Coast valleys and inhabitants practiced a self-sufficient lifestyle existing on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.

For shopping fans, no holiday can be complete without a drive to Lihue.This part of Kauai is the government and commercial center of the island. Nawiliwili Harbor is the island's major commercial shipping center and cruise ship port. Nearby Kalapaki Beach is the home of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club and the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.

Kinipopo Shopping Village offers a variety of fun shops and some eateries. It also has a water sports shop that carries everything you need to purchase or rent for water fun activities, and can also arrange for water skiing or kayak rental. Aloha shirts, vintage maps, fine art, and lovely jewelry are all available at this shopping village.

No shopping afficionados can have a fulfiling holiday without a trip to Wailua Shopping Plaza which houses several restaurants and an eclectic antique shop. The Coconut Marketplace is home to more than 70 shops in which you'll find precious Hawaiian mementos, fine artwork, antiques, jewelry, craft items, and so much more.

Koloa Town, in the heart of the South Shore resort area, was once the site of Hawaii's first successful sugar plantation. Though sugar has long been replaced by tourism as the community's economic mainstay, evidence of those colorful plantation days lives on in its restored buildings, its history center and its churches, one -- St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church -- dating back to 1841.

And after driving for hours and hours, no holiday can be complete without accommodation so that the traveler can have a well deserved rest. But don't settle for second rated motels. Search for Accommodations and Lodging from Condos, Homes, Cottages, Houses, Estates, and for the more discerning traveler, Villas by in Poipu Beach, Anahola, Princeville and Hanalei Bay, Hawaii. Remember to enjoy the convenience of staying close to several great sandy beaches. No need to drive, just walk out the front door. There are many hotels and guest houses outfitted with boogie boards, masks, snorkels, coolers, beach umbrellas & towels, complete kitchen, videos, games, DVD, VCR, CD, Kauai guide books, and lots more.

Steven Anderson is the Marketing Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, specialists in Hawaii and Kauai car rentals. He has personally researched and experienced many of the Hawaiian activities and as described above.