NOTEBOOK

GET TO KNOW THE ISLAND: Kaua’i is green for a reason. Mount Wai’ale’ale in the hinterland is the wettest place on earth, averaging 1232 centimetres of rain per year. When choosing accommodation, bear in mind that the northern part of the island (including the towns of Princeville and Hanalei) is the rainiest area. There are 80 kilometres of white-sand coastline, much of it patrolled due to dangerous currents and rips. Getting around: A rental car is essential. There are highways three- quarters of the way around the 1380-square-kilometre island, with roads ending at Nā Pali Coast State Park on the western side, which is only accessible via hiking trail or helicopter. MUST-DOS: The Nā Pali coast is best seen from a helicopter. Jack Harter Helicopters is one of only two operators to offer the thrilling doors- off experience. helicopterskauai.com Prefer to stay on the ground? There are several multi- day hiking tracks through the Nā Pali State Park, but permits are required. Alternatively, it’s an easy drive to the Waimea Canyon in the south. WHERE TO EAT: Try the local produce, especially the juicy white-flesh pineapples worth sampling at one of the many farmers’ markets. Locals say the Kaua’i Community College Market in Lihue has the best range; Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant and Bar in Kapa’a, where ahi poke nachos and wild boar sausage share plates, samsoceanview. com; Java Kai in Kapa’a which roasts its own coffee beans grown on the island, javakai. com; a coffee is best drunk and dunked with a coconut crisp biscuit from Ko Bakery, kobakery.com BUY LOCAL: Kaua’i is famous for its salt. Visit the Salty Wahine factory near the Hanapēpē Salt Ponds, saltywahine. com; also in Hanapēpē is the Talk Story Bookstore, a second-hand shop filled with unusual treasures, and the owners will ship to New Zealand, talkstorybookstore.com; Hanalei Strings n Things sells colourful ukuleles that are as cute as a button, hanaleistrings.com