Here finally is a readable, thoroughly researched, and generously illustrated history of the island of Kauai. Edward Joesting tells for the first time the story of one of the most intriguing and least known of the Hawaiian Islands. His account begins with the prehistoric origins of the island and concludes with the annexation of Hawaii in 1898. Kauai describes the early emergence of Kauai as an island separate and distinctive from the other islands of Hawaii. It recounts the coming of Western man, the failure of King Kamehameha to conquer the island, and the ultimate incorporation of the island into the Hawaiian kingdom. Joesting also includes in his story the destructive impact of the sandalwood and whaling trades, and the subsequent rise of an economy based on sugar cultivation. His story comes to an end with the demise of the Hawaiian monarchy and the quiet revolution that occurred when Hawaii became a territory of the United States. Historical documents not previously used bring new information and fresh perspectives to this book. The result is a level-headed, engaging look at Kauai. Kauai: The Separate Kingdom is certain to become the authoritative history of the island long regarded by many as the most beautiful in the Hawaiian archipelago.

Capt. James Cook stood on his ship gazing at the coastline of Kauai and the Hawaiian village of Waimea in 1778. Kauai was its own kingdom then, and King Kaumualii--the king of Kauai who challenged Kamehameha and managed to keep Kauai from being conquered by him--would not be born for two more years. The oldest and northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai did not see well-meaning missionaries until 1820. From the moment Cook put Kauai on the map, it has gathered admirers from all over the world who come to experience its exquisite beauty and wonder. Fortunately, many photographers have had their own love affairs with Kauai, leaving a vast amount of documentation.

From the green and fertile lands of Kauai Kuapapa (ancient Kauai) came the most beautiful chiefesses, the bravest heroes, the strongest warriors, and the fiercest giants. It was a land of dauntless raiders who boldly sailed out to sea while others crept cautiously from island to island. Gods and demi-gods participated in the everyday life of the people, and the places where they lived, fought, and loved were remembered and celebrated. Gathered here for the first time are the delightful stories behind the place-names of ancient Kauai. Over a period of almost two thousand years, each ridge, mountain, valley, and stream was named, as were unusual rocks, groves of trees - every corner of the island on which people lived and worked. The names tied people to the land and to places where mauli ola, the sacred essence of life, was to be found. Today these names serve as colorful windows on the past, telling of the rich and wondrous heritage of the people of Kauai Kuapapa.

A comprehensive guide to the "special" restaurants and dining spots on the island of Kauai covering all tastes and styles with priced menu items included for budgeting.

Praised as “the bible" for Kauai (Travel & Leisure) and “a must for visitors” (Honolulu Advertiser), the newest edition (the 19th) of Kauai Underground Guide remains the longtime favorite for finding Kauai’s best beaches, restaurants, tours, activities, adventures, and hidden beauty spots. With “everything you need to know” to discover Kauai (Hawaii Magazine), it's packed with adventure ideas and money-saving tips. Great for explorers — essential for families. * More than 250,000 books sold - the original guidebook to Kauai * Colorful maps for easy reference * ‘Don’t miss’ day plans for each island area, highlighting the most exciting adventures and activities * Easy-to-follow directions to the best beaches and hidden places * Handy charts for choosing restaurants, activities and adventures * Advice for navigating the island's micro-climates to find the best weather * Exclusive, free CD sampler by Hawaiian singing star Kealii Reichel — the perfect rental car companion * More detailed descriptions of where to go and what to see and do than any other guidebook * Recommendations for traveling with children * Not a franchise or part of a series, the authors write only about Kauai * Sales help non-profit agencies benefiting Kauai's children

Whether you want to take a helicopter tour over the Napali Coast, hike through Waimea Canyon, or relax on Poipu Beach, the local Fodor‘s travel experts in Hawaii are here to help! Fodor‘s Kauaiguidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Fodor‘s Kauai travel guide includes: AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time DETAILED MAPS and a FREE PULL-OUT MAP to help you navigate confidently COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust! HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, and more PHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Kauai's Best Beaches,” “Kauai's Natural Wonders,” “What to Eat and Drink in Hawaii,” and more TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography and more SPECIAL FEATURES on “Flora and Fauna in Hawaii,” “What to Read and Watch Before You Visit,” and “What to Buy in Hawaii” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: The Napali Coast, Hanalei Bay, the Waimea Canyon, Lihue, Kapaa, Wailua, Poipu Beach, Kee Beach, Koloa, the Kalalau Trail, Hawaiian resorts, snorkeling in Hawaii, helicopter tours, and more Planning on visiting other destinations in Hawaii? Check out Fodor‘s Big Island of Hawaii, Fodor's Oahu, and Fodor's Maui. *Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor‘s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!