Who / What
Kauaʻi is one of the main Hawaiian Islands and the fourth-largest island in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is a geographically defined landmass located in the central Pacific Ocean.
Background & History
Kauaʻi is geologically the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. It is located approximately 73 miles (117 km) northwest of Oʻahu, across the Kauaʻi Channel. The island has a long history of Polynesian settlement and later became part of the Kingdom of Hawaii before its annexation by the United States.
Why Notable
Kauaʻi is notable for being the 21st-largest island in the United States by area. Its distinct geography and relative isolation within the archipelago contribute to its unique ecological and cultural significance. The island is a major location for tourism, agriculture, and as a setting for film and television productions.
In the News
Kauaʻi is frequently in the news related to tourism, environmental conservation efforts, and its vulnerability to climate change impacts like sea-level rise and powerful storms. Development pressures and the preservation of its natural landscapes and Native Hawaiian cultural sites remain ongoing topics of local and regional importance.
