Kauai, the oldest and northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands, is a tropical paradise that is surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Nicknamed the Garden Isle, visitors can lose themselves in the radiant flora and lush rainforests that abound around every corner of the island. Come to Kauai for the sheer beauty of the beaches, the lavish tropical setting, and the numerous attractions, and you may never want to step foot off this heavenly island again.

No matter which part of the island you decide to stay on, there is bound to be a local beach that can satisfy your desire for sun and sand. The two main areas that most individuals choose to visit are the South Shore and North Shore, with the North Shore maintaining the reputation of the slightly quieter of the two. If you prefer the action of the South Shore, there are numerous excellent beaches for sunning, swimming, and snorkeling, but Poipu Beach is the premier destination for white sand, clear blue water, and colorful marine life. For surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, and more active pursuits, head over to Shipwreck Beach in the summer to take advantage of the excellent wave conditions.

Although some consider the North Shore a less bustling region, this is where beachcombers head for some of the best beaches in the country. Hanalei Bay is one of the more popular beaches since it can accommodate a wide range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, and canoeing. This is also a great location for scenic walks as the sparkling gold sand beaches extend for two miles along the bay and are surrounded by towering, lush green mountains on one side. Tunnels Beach, named for the reef tunnels that are popular with scuba divers, is another great option if you prefer to dive to the depths of the ocean and explore the various marine life.

When you are ready to pick your towel up off the sand, make your way to one of the eight golf courses that are sprinkled throughout the Garden Isle. Three of the top five courses in Hawaii are found in Kauai, so why not test your accuracy and nerves on a challenging and scenically breathtaking course. Poipu Bay Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design, brings the ocean winds into play to make for a difficult test of skill while also highlighting any weaknesses in your game. Kauai Lagoons, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is another excellent option whose dramatic cliffs, expansive ravines, and acres of tropical lagoons are designed to throw off the game of even the most experienced players.

The beauty of Kauai was not only meant to be admired, it was also meant to be explored by visitors of the island. There are hiking trails interspersed throughout the island so visitors can venture into the ninety percent of the island that is not accessible by road. One of the first trails any first time visitor should explore is the five-mile Kukui Trail that takes visitors to the bottom of the Waimea Canyon via the shortest route. Beginning off the Iliau Loop Trail, hikers are rewarded with a spectacular swimming hole at the bottom and breathtaking views of the canyon throughout the journey. Kuilau Ridge Trail offers a more encompassing view of Kauai's allure by taking hikers on a four mile trip past glistening waterfalls and an abundance of flora.

Kauai has a wealth of beauty and a variety of exciting activities to offer to its guests, so make the most of this stunning area by choosing Kauai vacation rentals for your lodging needs. Surround yourself with gorgeous flora, panoramic views of the ocean, and pristine white sand beaches as you enjoy all the conveniences and amenities of home. You really can experience the Kauai vacation of your dreams when you stay in a vacation home rental that has everything you need for a relaxing and fulfilling trip.