Kilauea, Kauai County, Hawaii
Kilauea is a Hawaiian town most noted for its active volcanoes and guava plantations. In fact, the town has been dubbed the "Guava Capital of the World". Tourists from all over the world come to visit the crystal water beaches, the wildlife state parks, the Lighthouse, and the historic Mt. Kilauea. It is a haven for divers, snorkelers, kayakers, surfers, beachcombers, as well as nature-lovers and volcanologists.
Kilauea can be found on the northern coast of Kauia. Even at the coast, Kilauea boasts its famous attractions such as the Kilauea Lighthouse and Kilauea Point. According to the state census, there are 2,248 people in this town, with majority of them being Caucasians and Asians. The average population growth rate in Kilauea is 5.93%. This quaint Hawaiian town has a very high living cost: 67% greater than the other American states. The quality of life is also very high since the government spends $5,927 on every student while keeping up with the high state income capita tax. Unemployment rates are very low compared to other American states.
The Kilauean climate is typical of the Hawaiian tropics -- often what determines it is the location. Since Kilauea is in the northern coast, it is always rainy, with sunny skies, but is rarely affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. Because of this, the vegetation is lush and the gentle weather is very suitable for year-round summer activities. Kilauea is touted for its vast tropical rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, green mountains, and wild terrains.
Kilauea's History
Tourists would always remember Kilauea for its historically eruptive volcano. It is a continually active volcano and an eruption may switch from effusive to explosive. Legend tells us that Pele, the ancient volcano goddess of Hawaii, lived in Kilauea. This town was born from volcanic activity -- like all the islands in Hawaii -- and still keeps on growing. Kilauea volcano was formed some 300,000 to 600,000 years ago. Centuries later, the Kilauea island was born. The volcanic eruptions have shaped the ancient minds of the Hawaiians and thought that the lava formations were symbols of the goddess Pele's wrath and anguish. Thus, they named the volcanic formations as Pele's Tears, the solidified teardrop-shaped lava formations; and Pele's Hair, the thin strands of volcanic glass formations.
These eruptions have also caused the rifts on the east zone of the fragile island. Kilauea rests beside Mount Loa, another highly active volcano in the Big Island. As it erupts (most notably in January 1983), it forms new hectares of lands. However, it destroys communities and buries ancient temples in the process. The Kilauea eruption ruined the "Waha'ula heiau", a 7-century old Hawaiian temple, as well as a National Park center. The volcano is still very active until today. The Hawaiians, although living in the modern world with modern views, still respect the volcano and the island that sprung from it. The old concepts of gods and goddesses are gone, but the historical eruptions will always remind them of the fragility of their existence in the island.
Kilauea's Attractions
Kilauea is where tourists find a rich collection of tropical products matched with a friendly topography. A popular attraction is the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge which could be seen from the Lighthouse Point. Tourists find various species of seabirds and other sea creatures using their binoculars. This refuge also maintains a generous collection of plant life indigenous to Kilauea. If you're into wildlife, you can also check out the National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the Honopu Valley, and the Hanalei Bay.
Beaches are also a favorite tourist hangout in Kelauea. Some of the top recommended beaches include the Anini, Lumahai, and Kalihiwai Bay. Families frequent these areas in the summer when the waves are less dangerous. Activities in these beaches include snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, and windsurfing. In fact, near the Kalihiwai Bay, tourists can enroll themselves in a windsurfing school or join the Kauai Polo Club.
The Volcano Art Center is a famous cultural hotspot in Kilauea. It is established right next to the Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea Visitor Center. This is the center where artists convene for the promotion of Hawaii's heritage and culture. It is housed within the Volcano Village, along with other areas that set up workshops, classes, gallery exhibits, and other special events. However if you feel like taking a quick shot at Kilauea volcano and Mauna Loa, you can hike up the trail of the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park. The Kilauea Visitor Center is the place to go to if you wish to learn more about the geology and history of these world-famous volcanoes.
Guavas are characteristic tropical fruits whose products include guava jelly, guava juice, and other concoctions made of guava. These fruits have been introduced to Hawaii in 1790. Guava replaced sugar as the prime plantation product -- as evident in the Guava Kai Plantation. Tourists who visit the guava plantations can get freebies of fruit goodies they can take home. The Guava Kai Plantation is the symbol of Kilauea and the entire Hawaii, among other things. For this reason it is called the "Guava Capital of the World."
Kilauea's Economy
Kilauea relishes the status of economic progress in the present. However, it still sees a very bright future in tourism. This is evident in the fact that more and more people are getting jobs in a future employment rate of 16.04%. Living in Kilauea can be costly, especially if one is planning to buy a home or rent an apartment. Unemployment rate is far lower than elsewhere in the mainland US (2.90% versus 5.00% respectively). The government pays a high state income capita tax of 10%, roughly twice as high as in the mainland US.
The home appreciation rate is 28.54% and the cost of apartment rents are a third higher than in the US. Property Tax Rate does not exist in the mainland US, but in Kilauea, owners pay $4.68 for their properties. In this little town of Kauai, there are more work-at-home jobs and carpoolers. It takes less time to travel because there are less cars. The government spends $5,927 on every student and there are approximately 17 students for every teacher. According to Superfund Sites surveys, there are 100% cleaner places in Kilauea than elsewhere in the US. There is less pollution and there are far more physicians, too.
Kilauea is a town whose future rests on its culture, tourism, and tropical products. Therefore, the townspeople are doing their best to promote their history, arts, and tourist attractions to boost their revenues. Kilauea is a fragile town whose fate is sometimes shaped by intense volcanic activity. Kilauea's pride is its natural resources and rich heritage, and the government is doing its best to promote them as a means to increase the town's revenues.
Kilauea Statistics:
Population: 2,092Households:
Median resident age: 36.3 years
Median household income: $41,312
Median house value: $212,900
Land area: 1.5 square miles
Elevation:
Latitude: 19°45'N
Longitude: 155°29'W
Zip code: 96754
County: Kauai
