Kauai, island, northwestern Hawaii, situated northwest of Oahu, from which it is separated by the Kauai Channel, and east of Niihau, from which it is separated by the Kaulakahi Channel. The state's fourth largest island, it was formed by volcanic action and is covered with mountains, the highest being Kawaikini Peak, rising to 5,243 ft above sea level. Kauai, the wettest and greenest of the islands, is often called the Garden Isle. Perhaps the most scenic island of Hawaii, it is an area of luxuriant vegetation, and numerous streams and waterfalls. Through the centuries the erosive action of torrential streams has produced steep canyons, such as Waimea Canyon. The island’s most popular scenic attraction, this great canyon is 10 mi in length and has multicolored walls more than 2,600 ft high. On the northwest coast the land drops in a series of huge craggy cliffs called Na Pali. Much of the soil, especially in the north, is fertile, and sugarcane and tropical fruits are raised. The main population centers are Lihue and Kapaa. Kauai has served as the backdrop for a number of movies, including King Kong (1976), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and Jurassic Park (1993).

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