Lawai, Kauai County, Hawaii
An idyllic tropical sanctuary for the beach lover, Lawai is set on an island surrounded by sugary white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greens. Many tourists add this spot to their destination plan when visiting Hawaii because of the enthralling experience that the place provides. Lawai offers numerous sightseeing adventures and entertaining activities for local and foreign visitors. Though not as large as other spots in Hawaii, Lawai guarantees to mesmerize and lull visitors into tranquil harmony with its simplistic beauty.
Located at the southern tip of Kauai county, this small island is among the famous tourist areas in Hawaii. It has an entire land area of 10.1 kilometer square. The land measures 9.8 kilometer square, and the .3 kilometer square is composed of pristine water.
Lawai, also known as the Garden Island, is a romantic getaway with abundant sun, sand, and surf. While some tourists might prefer to laze and bask in sunshine and serenity, the rich marine waters and surrounding fields provide a host of adventurous options from swimming and whale viewing, to snorkeling and fishing.
Just like other islands in Hawaii, Lawai is a home to multiracial and multilingual citizens who came from Southeast Asian and Western countries. The people of Lawai is a faithful representation of the place's diversified culture and colorful traditions. Considered as the census-designated place in the county, the total population of the place is 1,984, based on the 2000 census. But aside from its hospitable people, the mystical island is also a home to extinct marine species like the giant humpback whales and numerous botanical gardens.
Lawai's History
The history of Lawai is as colorful as the chronicles of the entire Kauai county. It was the Polynesians, particularly the Menehune tribe, who discovered the island. These first group of ancient Hawaiians grew sugar canes and kalo, or commonly known as taro in the valleys and shorelines of the county. Menehune people hold to the religious belief called Mana, which is the rarefied power of the deities and entities that shaped all components of life and became the essential part of Hawaii's culture.
Around the time the first Europeans discovered the island, the ancient Kauai was under the control of various chiefs who were fighting for the sovereignty of the area. James Cook, the legendary English explorer who discovered most of Hawaii, arrived in Kauai in 1778 and opened the gate for numerous British expeditions. After several years, whalers, missionaries, and traders found their way out of New England and settled in the place in 1835. In that same era, missionaries taught the already decreasing number of pure-blooded Hawaiians about Christianity.
Back in the powerful clutches of these missionaries, Kauai soon became the center for emerging corporations that eventually gained control of the county's commerce. Sugar trade was the first successful industry in the county, which prompted owners to recruit laborers from Western and Asian nations. These influx of outside dominance further altered the lifestyle, politics, and economy of the place. Almost all of the laborers decided to become residents of the beautiful place, which led to the prismatic concoction of different cultures, customs, and communities.
Lawai's Attractions
Embrace the diverse attractions that Lawai and its closest neighboring towns have to offer. The list of activities in this wontedly plush island getaway goes on and on -- fishing, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, sailing, surfing, and scuba diving just to name a few. It only takes a short wait to enjoy each tropical wonder that the island has to offer its avid guests.
Even though Lawai is located in the south of Kauai, you can conveniently see the rest of the island and its overwhelming splendor by land, air, or shallow seas. Savor the beauty of the Na Pali Coast with its ambrosial valleys, waterfalls, peaks, and seemingly untouched beaches. Once you embark on the trail, you get to experience the island like you've never had before. For some serious yet fun entertainment on the green, hit the Puakea Golf Course, one of Hawaii's highly sought after golfing destinations. Play the invigorating 18-hole course while you bask in the scenic views of the legendary Mt. Ha'upu, Pacific Ocean, and the rich landscape that was also used as the backdrop for the motion picture Jurassic Park. After observing the crystal clear waters from a safe distance, plunge in the coolness of Lawai Beach.
All doesn't end there because Lawai has much to offer so check out special tours and activities your hotel has arranged for you. Right before you leave the island, make sure to visit shopping centers and small novelty stores to buy a variety of island treasures and souvenirs so you could take Lawai wherever you may go.
Lawai's Economy
Lawai, which is known as the legendary house of fishing (Hale Lawai'a), is now a hub of culture, real estate, and commerce. At present, the economy heavily relies on tourism, fishing, papaya harvesting, and the coffee industry which it shares with the rest of the Kauaian south shore. Development is indeed bustling in Lawai -- from the construction of residential and commercial housing to beautification and tourism efforts of the local state government.
Even though some industries have been experiencing rough patches through the years such as the lack of affordable housing, others are definitely thriving while carefully preserving Lawai's unique natural beauty. Aside from tourism's strong economical impact to the town, various non-tourism services including real estate and construction have been pushing for growth and development, making the next few years promising for business. Construction is vastly growing in both the supplying and building end, much thanks to the county's relatively low interest rates. Foreign and local investments have also been climbing. People are buying more properties in and all around Lawai to open resort facilities or small businesses.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding the island because of celebrity exposure and notable tourism reviews. This only gives Lawai more reason to celebrate. Rich with hospitality, skilled locals, and an even brighter future ahead, Lawai truly deserves to be marked and hailed in the travel destination map. Clearly, the world hasn't had enough of Kauai County and Lawai will always be ready to welcome, entertain, and exceed global expectations.
Lawai Statistics:
Population: 1,984Households: 711
Median resident age: 39.3 years
Median household income: $55,662
Median house value: $219,900
Land area: 3.8 square miles
Elevation: 440 feet
Latitude: 21°55'N
Longitude: 159°30'W
Zip code:
County: Kauai
