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Kauai, known as the Garden Island, is the oldest of Hawaii's major islands. The north westernmost island is called the Garden Island because of it's abundance of tropical plants that are visually stunning in contrast to the island's famous white sandy beaches. Poipu Beach, located on the South Shore, is often ranked as one of the world's top beaches by travel surveys. The island is home to more white sandy beaches than any of the other Hawaiian islands, making it the favorite destination for many vacationers. The beaches offer great snorkeling, surfing, swimming and sunning. Scuba gear can be rented and there are boat dives, night dives and other tours for those wishing to discover tropical fish and coral reefs, dolphins, and sea turtles. During the winter and early spring months expect to see the whales from the beach. For those inclined to spend time away from the beaches, the natural wonders Kauai offers include Wailua Falls, a double waterfall that was once the site of cliff diving. Vacationers can rent a Jeep for the day and drive to Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" which is located near the Koke'e State Park, which offers camping and hiking. The Huleia National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to photograph native birds and animals, as well as the lush fauna Kauai is known for. Kilauea Point Lighthouse has the largest lens of its kind and was built to guide ships between North America and Asia until its light was replaced by a beacon in 1970. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge offers a peak into a nesting ground for a diverse collection of seabirds and it's free for children to visit. On the east side of the island lies the small, tourist-friendly town of Kapa'a. This picturesque town offers a movie theater, an Internet cafe, a variety of restaurants and shops. If an escape from such amenities is on your vacation agenda then Kauai will not disappoint.
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