Kauai, Hawaii is an amazing vacation spot. It is such a unique island destination and so different than the other islands of Hawaii. It ranks just behind Maui and Oahu in popularity with travelers but I wouldn't want to change that for the world. By accident, our first trip was 15 years ago. By chance we were given the opportunity to hop on over to Kauai from Maui. It wasn't part of the plan since we were visiting Oahu and Maui and there was so much to do and see. I'm sure glad we did. So many memories have been created over the years vacationing there on a timeshare exchange.

Kauai is the most rural of the Hawaiian Islands - that means it has lots of trees and undeveloped land for you to enjoy. You'll recognize the background from the movie "Jurassic Park" right away. The lush green and beautiful mountains are fantastic. Local government has development restrictions on the island so that should keep it rural for years to come. There certainly is a completely different feel from the other islands. A local told me this is what Maui looked like 25 or so years ago. I'll share with you the tips we have picked up.

Best Time to Go to Kauai I'd prefer not to go when it is too crowded. I'm not a big fan of lines so I avoid Christmas weeks and then August. From March to June is the best time. The weather is great and there are no crowds. The winter can be rainy (December to March). But it is hard to find a bad week to go. The temp is usually about 78 degrees and varies only 5-10 degrees at most. I like to get into the ocean and it is certainly warm enough to jump right in.

What to Pack for Kauai The 3 basic (read:"don't forget") items are sun protection, a camera, and light clothing.

* Sun lotion - Don't be that person that shows up at dinner with that awful burn. The sun is deceptively mild because of the cool ocean breeze so bring your sunblock. Same thing with sunglasses. You don't want to be squinting the entire week. Go for the polarized lenses, you'll be glad you did.

* Photography - I suggest bringing 2 cameras if you can; One for the high quality shots (some of the scenery is just stunning) and one smaller one that you can stick in your pocket or purse when going out and about. When we go to the beach, I prefer not to bring the better camera. But if we are going to see the waterfalls, I'm bringing the higher end camera to do my best to capture the beauty.

* Cool & Comfortable Clothes - I mean pack lots of shorts and t-shirts. You can go almost 95% of the island in shorts and t-shirts. It's a casual dress place. And if you get active you'll want to be in lighter clothing.

Going out and about (those of you that plan to leave the beach Buy a map of Kauai. Be sure to outline the roads and highways that you will be traveling on as well as what activities you will be doing and where they are. Bring water with you when you are hiking and site seeing. Kauai isn't as developed commercially as Maui and Oahu so your opportunities to just buy water for $5 are not there. Pick up a case at the local store and keep it cold in the room. Going without water in such a warm climate you risk getting heatstroke. I didn't think they had a bug problem but out on hikes keep in mind that you are in a tropical rain forest. There are all kinds of insect buzzing around. And I suggest wearing light slacks when hiking so you avoid scrapes from plants/bushes and mosquitos nipping at you the entire time.

Attire tips: Bring a hat or shade for your head. One that you don't mind getting a little worn and sweaty. If you plan to get out and about, bring a pair of low-cut hiking boots. You will thank me. Don't get caught in sandals on a hike. You also want comfy shoes/sneakers for just general walking around. Bring the older pair of sneakers that you won't mind getting stained from the red dirt around the island. A great idea is pack some water shoes - you can get a pair inexpensively at Walmart. Lastly, have a pair of sandals. This is Hawaii, right? That is perfectly acceptable attire to wear out to restaurants.

Shopping tips: You'll be buying island jewelry and souvenirs for sure so make sure you bring a little shopping bag. I also suggest bringing bubble wrap to pack items in luggage for the trip home.

Kauai is a special place for us. We feel fortunate that we were able to exchange a timeshare to get over there. Whether you use RCI Directory or another exchange service, it doesn't matter. We have many great memories with our family whether it be out on hikes gazing at waterfalls or playing on the beach or having dinner outside in the beautiful air, Kauai is fantastic. I hope these tips were helpful. With so much to see and do, I know you'll become a fan of Kauai too (did I just rhyme?).

Mahalo!