Kauai, Hawaii
Background Sound: Beyond The Reef
Kaua'i (Hawaiian IPA pron.: [kaua.i]; usually spelled Kauai outside the
Hawaiian Islands and pronounced [kə'w'.i]) is the oldest and fourth
largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, having an area of 1,430.43 km²
(552.29 sq mi).
Known also as the "Garden Isle", a'i lies 105 miles
(170 kilometers) across the Kaua'i Channel, northwest of O'ahu. Of
volcanic origin, the highest peak on this mountainous island is
Kawaikini at 1,598 m (5,243 ft). The second highest peak is Mount
Wai'ale'ale near the center of the island, 1,570 m (5,148 ft) above sea
level. One of the wettest spots on Earth, with an annual average
rainfall of 460 inches (11,700 millimeters), is located on the east side
of Mount Wai'ale'ale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys
in the central mountain, carving out canyons with many scenic
waterfalls.
There is no known meaning behind the name of Kaua'i. Native Hawaiian
tradition indicates the name's origin in the legend of Hawai'iloa — the
Polynesian navigator attributed with discovery of the Hawaiian Islands.
The story relates how he named the island of Kaua'i after a favorite
son; therefore a possible translation of Kaua'i is "place around the
neck", meaning how a father would carry a favorite child. In South
Africa, a health food and drink franchise is named after the island.
We Docked At Lihue
In ancient times, Līhu'e was a minor village. The name is of recent
origin and means "goose flesh", referring to the cold winds that blew
across the land. The ancient name of the area was Ka-la'-i-a-mea,
meaning calm reddish brown place. Līhu'e is located in the ancient
district of Puna.
With the emergence of the sugar industry in the
1800's, Līhu'e became the central city of the island with the
construction of a large sugar mill. Many Germans emigrated to Līhu'e,
even building in 1881 the first Lutheran church in Hawaii that stands to
this day. Services were delivered in German well into the 1960s. George
Wilcox was one of the largest sugar plantation owners. The family home,
Kilohana, can be visited by tourists. Līhu'e also houses the Kaua'i
Museum, which details the rich history of Kaua'i.
Kauai Lagoons Golf Club - Mokihana Course - Lihue, Hawaii
It's said that when Jack Nicklaus created the Kiele Course, the
terrain lent itself so well to his vision that he made but a single
change to his original design. So it's no surprise that this
incredible 7,070-yard resort course is hailed as one of the finest
golf gems in the Pacific.
The Kiele has a sense of style uniquely its own. Fairways weave
along imposing ocean cliffs, over promontories high above Nawiliwili
Harbor, and among some 40-acres of fresh water lagoons. Lush groves
of exotic foliage thrive amongst the holes. A solitary rotunda sits
on the water off the 17th tee: an exquisite wedding chapel.
Every hole is marked by a white marble statue of an animal or
mystical being: Happy Buddha, Elephant, Swan, Dragon, and of course,
The Golden Bear, in tribute to the master golfer who master-minded
the course.
Kauai Lagoons Golf Club - Kiele Course
3551 Hoolaulea Way
Lihue, HI 96766