As the fourth largest and oldest major island of the Hawaiian island chain, the island of Kauai is an inherently special place to live, work, and play. For those people looking into Hawaii real estate on Kauai, the ability to enjoy scenic beauty, work, and comfortably reside in a well-appointed home on the island is a pleasure limited only to a lucky few. Because the island’s origins are volcanic, the wondrous island is mountainous and at times mysterious. The hanging cliffs and towering peaks add to the dynamic backdrop that Kauai has become known for.

Kawaikini, the highest peak on Kauai, stands at 5,148 feet while Mount Waialeale, the second highest peak, is 5,148 feet tall. As one of the wettest places on earth, Mount Waialeale sees an annual rainfall exceeding 460 inches. However, this rain does not bother residents or scare away prospective homeowners. The high annual rainfall has created deep valleys in the central Kauai mountains and dug canyons with rushing rivers and scenic waterfalls. The most notable one is Waimea River, part of Waimea Canyon State Park. Known to many as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea River is perfect for those looking for a leisurely kayak up the river. The forests are ripe for hunting, hiking, and exploring, too.