Kauais

Kauais is a plural term that may be used to refer collectively to the people, places, and cultural artifacts associated with the Hawaiian island of Kauai. In standard usage, the residents are typically called Kauaians and the island is administered as Kauai County; Kauais appears mainly in informal, historical, or encyclopedic contexts.

Geographically, Kauai lies in the northwesternmost part of the Hawaiian Islands and is the oldest of the main islands, formed by volcanic activity about five million years ago. The island is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Na Pali Coast, the deep Waimea Canyon, and lush tropical rainforests. It has a tropical climate with substantial rainfall on the windward (east) side and a drier leeward (west) side, contributing to diverse ecosystems and scenic vistas.

Historically, Kauai was settled by Polynesians long before European contact. It played a significant role in the pre-contact and early contact periods of Hawaiian history. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, sugarcane and other plantation crops drove the island’s economy, followed by diversification toward tourism, hospitality, and conservation. Since Hawaii’s statehood in 1959, Kauai has developed a tourism-based economy while maintaining agricultural and preservation initiatives.

Demographically, Kauai County (which includes the island and small surrounding areas) has a population of about 70,000–75,000, with a cultural mix rooted in Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western influences. The economy centers on tourism, agriculture, and film production, with ongoing investments in conservation and sustainable development. Notable features include Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, and Limahuli Garden and Preserve.