Kauai

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, known as the Garden Island, it was formed by volcanic action and is covered with mountains, the highest being Kawaikini Peak, rising to 1,598 km (5,243 ft) above sea level. Much of the soil, especially in the north, is fertile, and sugarcane and tropical fruits are raised. Kauai is seamed with canyons, the deepest of which, Waimea, is 16 km (10 mi) long and more than 0.8 km (more than 0.5 mi) deep. The main population centers are Lihue and Kapaa. Area, 1,430 sq km (552 sq mi); population (2000) 58,303.