Kauai is the perfect island
for great pictures of Hawaii.

You can take wonderful pictures of Hawaii on any of the five main Hawaiian islands, but Kauai (which is known as the Garden Island) offers some extra special photographic opportunities. It is the greenest of all the Hawaiian islands and is the home of Mount Waialeale. This peak is located in the center of the island and is the wettest spot on earth with an average rainfall of 440 inches per year. And all that rain makes for a large variety of plant life in the interior reaches of the island.

Beautiful Hanalei Bay on the north side of Kauai.

The outer regions of Kauai do not get anywhere near as much rain as the center portion of the island does. Rainfall averages anywhere from about 19 inches per year in the town of Waimea to 85 inches per year in Princeville (on the north side of Kauai). This makes for a wide variety of different photographic tropical landscapes.

Colorful ocean vista taken on the east side of Kauai. You can find numerous locations on this island in which to take great ocean pictures of Hawaii.

When you think about taking pictures of Hawaii, you automatically think of beautiful Hawaii beaches, and Kauai definitely does not disappoint in this area. From Poipu Beach on the island's southern tip to Tunnels Beach and Ke'e Beach on the north shore, there are dozens of beautiful Hawaiian beaches to visit and photograph. Perhaps the most picturesque of all is Lumahai Beach. Another great spot is the beach along the graceful curved shoreline of Hanalei Bay.

Secluded and spectacular Lumahai Beach on the north shore.

Tunnels Beach - one of the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai. In fact, you can take some great underwater pictures of Hawaii sea life right here.

A portion of the rugged Na Pali coastline can be seen from Ke'e Beach.

On the west side of the island, you will find the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Gorgeous Waimea Canyon looks like a scaled-down version of Arizona's Grand Canyon - only with lots of greenery. There are dozens of hiking trails and pathways to explore in the canyon area if you desire to see more stunning scenery than one can see from the lookout points alone. Driving beyond the canyon on Waimea Canyon Road will bring you to the spectacular Kalalau Valley lookout.

View of beautiful Waimea Canyon looking south.

At the end of Waimea Canyon Drive is the spectacular Kalalau lookout.

Because of the heavy rainfall at the island interior, there are numerous rivers and creeks flowing year-round on Kauai. The largest of these is the Wailua River. It is the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. You can take a boat trip up the Wailua River to see the beautiful Fern Grotto. Many couples choose to get married at this scenic location.

View of the famous Fern Grotto which is located near the Wailua River.

Kauai, Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls to be found in the tropics. Many of these can only be seen by helicopter or by taking an extended and difficult hiking trip into the interior of the island. In fact, one of the most dramatic waterfalls can only be seen by air and was featured in the movie "Jurassic park". However, there are a few which can be easily accessed. Of these, Wailua Falls is easily the most famous. This twin waterfall was featured in the 1970's TV series "Fantasy Island". It is located near the town of Lihue, not far from the Kauai Airport.

Wailua Falls, Kauai - featured in the TV series "Fantasy Island".

When taking pictures of Hawaii , you will no doubt want to include shots of the many beautiful Hawaiian flowers. Kauai, as the Garden Island, takes a back seat to no one in this regard. It is a wonderful place to visit. In fact, you will probably never want to leave.

Close-up view of Kauai Plumeria flowers.







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