The Hawaiian Islands may be your idea of “getting away from it all,” but that doesn’t have to mean getting away from modern conveniences. Since it became a part of the United States in 1959, Americans have been enjoying the comforts of home as well as the exotic feel of Hawaii.

More than 1.2 million tourists came through the island of Kauai last year, with an average of 95,000 to 250,000 visitors per month. Stand out from the rank-and-file crowd and reclaim lost time you could be spending on the sunny sand by downloading some useful travel apps onto your mobile phone.

Just remember, not every app is available on every phone. If you’ve got another mobile device like an Amazon Kindle or Apple iPad, you can get some overlap there, but chances are you won’t be able to access everything.

If you’ve got an iPhone, you can use an unlocker as an easy fix. This will allow you more access to these and other apps, as well as escaping from some roaming charges you may experience. For other mobile users, check for compatible or similar apps through network stores.

Before you start modifying your mobile device, however, let’s look at five great apps that will enhance your experience in Kauai and other parts of Hawaii.

1. FlightBoard

Before you even step onto the sand, you’ve got to make it onto your flight. The modern airport can be a mess, however, and most frequent flyers know that all departure times are relative.

With FlightBoard, you can view any airport’s arrivals and departures screen on a phone, while also receiving updates on your phone, Twitter, Facebook, or email account with real-time flight changes. If your flight is delayed or moved to a different gate, you’ll be the first to know.

This is a simple app, but it can prove to be invaluable if you’ve got somewhere you need to be.

Price: $3.99

2. Weather Channel

Once you arrive in Hawaii, you’ll be expecting sunny days and warm water, but it’s always nice to be sure before you get dressed in the morning.

With this weather app from the Weather Channel, you’ll get radar, cloud predictions, temperature, precipitation and UV indexes right on your phone. The Weather Channel uses your phone’s GPS signal to provide you with up-to-date and accurate information.

It also features an animated future radar, a video center, severe weather center, and beach conditions, which is great if you’re in Kauai.

Price: Free

3. Hawaiian Rainbow Music Radio

Get into the spirit of Kauai by downloading the Hawaiian Rainbow Music Radio. This station is based on the mainland and plays local music commercial free all day.

The music is traditional island music in the Hawaiian language, with changing, hula dancing music, and plenty of mythology. Hawaiian Rainbow also has a firm track record of excellence, broadcasting internet radio since 1999.

Price: Free

4. Photosynth

Most smartphones these days come with a built-in camera, and they’re often high quality as well. But they can always do more.

Photosynth makes the most of your camera phone by stitching together the photos you take to create 360-degree, panoramic images.

This way, you can send full synths of Kauai to your family and friends and share the experience with them.

Price: Free, with network subscription

5. Postagram

Postagram eliminates your need for the traditional paper postcard from Hawaii. With this app, you can take your own photo, personalize it, and send it to anyone in the world. You simply provide the mailing address of the recipient from your device, and your personalized postcard is sent through the mail.

Price: $0.99 per postcard

Have you always felt the happiest with your toes buried in the sand, the smell of saltwater in your hair, and tanlines on your skin? Do you passionately suggest taking a trip to Hawaii in every single vacation discussion you overhear?

Maybe you should consider more than just visiting Kauai, Hawaii; if you are such a beach person, you should think about moving there permanently!

You may not be familiar with the Kauai area, however, so here are some of places on the island that we feel would be great places to live.

North Shore, Kauai

First on the list is North Shore, Kauai, one of the most striking places in all of Hawaii. Kauai’s North Shore is famous for its beautiful cliffs, mountains, and beaches–in particular the 17 mile long Napali Coast. All along the Napali Coast are 3,000 foot tall cliffs featuring gorgeous, unbelievably green valleys and amazing waterfalls.

You can’t even reach the Napali Coast by car–in order to get there, you have to hike, boat, or fly!

One of the other best parts of Kauai’s North Shore is Hanalei Town, a quaint yet beautiful small town of which you would get to be a part if you move to Kauai. And who would not want to be considered a local in Hanalei Town?

Lihue, Kauai

Next on the list of great places to live in Kauai is Lihue, the commercial center of the entire island. Lihue is a very practical and convenient spot in which to live in Kauai because it is the location of the island’s main airport.

Even though Lihue is home to Kauai’s government and commercial centers, it still has its share of scenic beaches and natural wonders, like the Wailua Falls. In fact, Lihue’s beaches–Kalapaki Beach in particular–are famous destinations for people who love bodysurfing, swimming, and windsurfing.

Another one of Lihue’s beaches, Ninini Beach, is a popular place for tourists and history buffs since it features an automated lighthouse that has been in use since 1897.

Ninini Beach’s lighthouse is not responsible for all of Lihue’s historical sites, however; Lihue is also home to Alekoko, a thousand year old aquaculture reservoir, and to the Kauai Museum.

East Side, Kauai

Kauai’s East Side is another one of the best places to live in Kauai. Also called the Coconut Coast because of all the coconut palm groves growing there, East Side is the most heavily populated area in all of Kauai, but you should definitely not assume that that makes East Side the boring, suburban part of the island.

On the contrary, East Side boasts some of the most exciting physical features and fun activities on all of Kauai: for starters, you can kayak through the Wailua River or take a scenic boat ride up to the Fern Grotto.

East Side is also home to one of the most breathtaking–and most easily accessible–waterfalls in all of Hawaii: Opaekaa Falls. As you drive up Kuamoo Road, you will see many signs directing you towards a perfect view of Opaekaa Falls.

Move to Kauai!

Living in Kauai could be the best decision you will ever make! If interested in homes for rent, try RentalAds.com.

Right.

To help you with that we’ve compiled a list of a few places that you could stay in Kauai that literally puts you just moments from the beach and allows you to fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.

Trust us, you’ll love any of them.

Ashton Islander on the Beach

This Ashton Islander on the Beach Resort continues to be one of the most popular for tourists because it’s a large Resort that runs directly parallel to the beach and remains relatively inexpensive.

They offer five different kinds of rooms that either offer a full view of the ocean, a partial view of the ocean, or a complete oceanfront room that are all sure to meet your fancy.

Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas doesn’t quite sit as close to the beach as the Ashton Islander, but it’s still right on the beach and a Resort that offers three different kinds of rooms that is sure to give you at least a partial if not a full view of the beautiful ocean.

Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is known for being a family friendly resort where a good time is had whether it is on the beach, the pool, or one of the many activities for kids that they have.

Kauai Beach Resort

Also sitting just footsteps from the beautiful beach, the Kauai Beach Resort offers rooms that will give you a full ocean view and even packages that will include a wonderful breakfast in one of their restaurants.

A little more expensive than the Ashton Islander, but less expensive than the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, you’re sure to have an amazing trip to Hawaii when staying at the Kauai Beach Resort.

As a beautiful tropical island, Kauai has many attractions that your family is sure to enjoy, and better yet, you’ll be in Hawaii for vacation!

A Few Things To Put On Your List

The Beach!

Kauai is surrounded by 50 miles of beautiful white sand for you to enjoy. With many beaches and parks to choose from, there are plenty of options when deciding which beach to go to.

Some beaches are ideal for beginning snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving while others are best for swimming or just sun bathing. If you want to swim, make sure to choose a beach that has a lifeguard on duty.

Go To A Festival

Hawaii offers many year-round festivals that honor the culture of the islands. Kauai is no different and you can also join in on the fun.

If you’re going in July be sure to take in the Koloa Plantation Days where you can experience authentic food, entertainment and a parade.

Towards the end of the summer, September, you can be a part of the Kauai Mokihana Festival which features performances, cultural workshops and a hula competition.

Hula Lessons

Learn Hula from the best of the best while on vacation. At some Kauai shopping villages, hotels and resorts, visitors can get free lessons on how to Hula. And if you’re at a performance and feeling brave, you can show off your new found talent on stage.

See The Historical Side

Just like every other place on Earth, Kauai has a lot of history to it and a lot of culture. From museums, to fishponds, to even where Captain Cook arrived, Kauai has history that you must experience before you leave.

In fact, shopping can be a great alternative to inclement weather, bad sunburns or anything else that keeps you from being outside. So here is a list of some of the best shopping centers all over the island.

South Shore

If you’re on the south shore, you’ll find the best shopping concentration in the Po’ipu Shopping Village that is nearby Koloa town and amongst the resorts. With a 90,000 square foot mall in the Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center, you’re sure to find stores you have at home as well as ones that are brand new.

In addition, this shopping complex is part of a 1,500 unit housing and golf course project, meaning that it will not only provide great views, but you also might be able to let dad get a couple holes in while the girls go shopping.

East Side

Near Kapa’a you’ll find a visitor-friendly shopping center with over 60 restaurants and shops. This means that if you’re passing through on your way to somewhere else, feel free to drop in for some lunch and some browsing.

If you’re near Bambulei, you’ll find more small apparel and antiques boutiques in Wailua. These shops are a great place to find a unique souvenir for someone, as well as yourself!

Lihu’e

By far the largest shopping center of the island, Lihu’e is definitely worth spending a day in. Here, you’ll be able to find large retailers like Macy’s and Costco, but you’ll also find smaller shops at Anchor Cove Shopping Center and Harbor Mall.

To find the more obscure stores you can go to the shops of Kilohana which are on the north end of Lihu’e grounds on a 1930s plantation estate. Here you’ll find offer art and gift shops, as well as pleasant ambiance.

With the global economy in the deepest rut since the Great Depression, most families don’t feel like they can blow a lot of their hard-earned cash on vacations anymore.

But we’ve found some of the cheapest things you can do in Kauai to make your dream vacation worth every penny that you spend.

Snorkeling

With equipment on sale at almost any retailer, including Wal-Mart, you can usually get goggles, snorkel and fins for under $20.

If you go to a specialty store you’re going to feel like you have to spend hundreds of dollars on all of the top of the line gear, but when it comes down to it, the fish don’t care what you wear, neither should you.

As long as the goggles keep most of the water out and your snorkel doesn’t have any huge cracks in it, you’ll most likely be fine. You could even go second hand if you know of a good thrift store.

There are excellent snorkeling places on the north shore of Kauai, but almost any cove or reef will have great underwater views.

Hiking

Since most of us already own a good pair of hiking books, this activity should be almost free. Even if you don’t already have boots, any shoes you’re comfortable walking in will do for a more mild hike.

Although it is one of the most popular hikes, the Kalalau trail isn’t all that crowded because it is not exactly a walk in the park.

Even though it will have you huffing and puffing, this trail offers one of the most spectacular views of the Na Pali coast.

Be warned that this hike will inevitably turn your shoes red with volcanic mud. All the more reason to use your old sneakers!

Beach

Although it might sound redundant to recommend spending time at the beach when you’re in Hawaii, there are definitely some better beaches to take advantage of than the one just outside your hotel.

If you’re looking for a stretch that leaves you all by your lonesome, try the Polihale State Park that offers a two-mile long beach with very few tourists, or natives for that matter.

When you think of Kauai, it’s hard to imagine a trip without water. But most people don’t think about the opportunity to go tubing on this lush island.

However, one of the best kept secrets about Kauai is the tropical tube ride along the old waterways.

What It Is

This tube ride takes you for an epic ride along tropical waterways that are situated on private lands that aren’t usually open to the public. This gives you a view of the island that few tourists ever really see; allowing you to glimpse lands that are only open to the natives.

Who would think that it would be on a tube that you’d get to see the pristinely emerald green interior of the garden island?

Starting at the Old Lihue Sugar Plantation you’ll float through old waterways that wind through some of the most beautiful country the island has to offer.

With a headlamp, you’ll be equipped to glide through the island’s mysterious underworld. And at the end of your tubing adventure you’ll be able to enjoy a picnic right next to a natural swimming pool. This means that you can relax the whole ride, knowing that lunch is all provided for.

Can the Whole Family Go?

Absolutely. The ride features mostly slow moving water which allows you to float along in peace, soaking in the beautiful scenery.

This makes the ride not too scary for young children, but enough of a thrill to keep them entertained.

If you’re more of a history buff than a thrill-seeker you’ll enjoy knowing that these open ditches, tunnels and flumes which the waterway winds through were all painstakingly dug by hand way back in the 1870s.

You’ll want to book this trip early, though as spots fill up fast! So if you’re looking for a unique way to view Kauai look no further than the mountain tube ride!

In fact, Elvis Presley, King Kong and Indiana Jones all made a big-screen splash on the famous “Island of Discovery.”

Why Kauai?

Despite its remote location, Kauai has been the backdrop for many movies. This is mainly due to the fact of its unrivaled beauty.

Even among the other islands in the Hawaii chain that are renowned for their beauty, Kauai’s rugged splendor stands out from the crowd.

With bursting shades of green and unspoiled terrain, Kauai has become an ideal setting for many Hollywood filmmakers.

As many as 50 box office productions have been shot on the island of kauai in the past half century.

Even though they’re all very different movies with unique plots and settings “Blue Hawaii,” “King Kong,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Jurassic Park” have all been shot here.

History

Ever since 1933 when Lois Weber sailed to the island with Cecil B. DeMille to film “White Heat,” Kauai has been considered for all different types of movies.

“White Heat” was a smashing hit and catapulted Lois Weber into one of the industry’s most influential female directors.

The movie talked about miscegenation and racism on a sugar plantation and attracted intellectual interest as well as the aesthetic beauty of the island.

Needless to say, this made many more people excited to film there and made Kauai one of the most famous islands in the Pacific.

Tourism

Not only has this attracted directors, but many film buffs enjoy coming to Kauai to see with their own eyes the world that has been opened up in many of their favorite movies.

Kauai has specific tours that take people to sites from different movies and points out the memorable parts of the landscape. Just another thing to do on one of Hawaii’s most exciting island!

Hanalei Dolphin

As a north shore favorite for over 30 years, the Hanalei Dolphin is known for fresh seafood and pleasant ambiance. Whether it’s a peaceful lunch, a ritzy dinner or just a casual trip to the sushi lounge, this restaurant offers the best of Kauai’s eating opportunities.

Tahiti Nui

Although it might look humble on the outside, Tahiti Nui is truly a local hot spot on Kauai’s north shore. Not only does it offer a wide variety of seafood and Hawaiian cuisine, but there is also impressive live entertainment that ranges from hula to Hawaiian music.

The Bull Shed

The Bull Shed consistently wins the best steak award and it easily takes the ribbon this year. With many meaty menu options, The Bull Shed is an easy option for the hungry carnivore. Some of the most popular entrees include teriyaki top sirloin, garlic tenderloin, top sirloin and beef kabob.

Keoki’s Paradise

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, or a fun bar scene, look no further than Keoki’s Paradise on the south shore. Keoki’s Paradise combines the best of pacific cuisine with a pleasant atmosphere to make it a favorite.

Wrangler’s Steakhouse

Located on the West side of the island, Wrangler’s Steakhouse is a local favorite that has pulled regulars and tourists in from the beach. With specialties such as the sizzling steak and the pulehu steak, this is another carnivore’s haven.

Even though most people don’t travel to Kauai for the food alone, they’ll be happily pleased with this beautiful island’s eats if they know where to look.

This state park includes about 6,175 acres of the northwest part of Kauai’s coast.

Although this state park is inaccessible to vehicles, due to the steep and rugged Pali mountains, most people enjoy this state park by hiking, biking, kayaking, and even helicoptering through.

Nā Pali Coast State Park is one of the most popular attractions for tourists because it not only offers an opportunity to view nature around you, but you’re able to reach beautiful landings that look out over miles.

Because the trail rises steeply away from the beach, just twenty minutes of climbing will bring you to one of the most iconic viewpoints in Hawaii.

But make sure to bring an umbrella if you’re planning a picnic, because this area rains often and gets extremely muddy very quickly.

If you’re looking to access this park in a boat, make sure to eat a light breakfast as there can often be a lot of turbulence on the waves due to trade winds.

However, people say the bumps are worth it because the 5 hour roundtrip ride takes you to a point where you can truly enjoy the majesty of Kauai with the green mountains set against the blue ocean.

If you want to see the island from a different vantage but you don’t have five hours to kill, then the helicopter ride is for you. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers state of the art enclosed/air-conditioned helicopters to take you around the island.

From the chopper you’ll be able to see pristine beaches, beautiful cliffs, and the seemingly endless blue water that surrounds Hawaii’s oldest island.

You can reach this park by heading Northwest on Highway 56 until you reach West Side Kauai, 96714, just on the other side of Hanalei Bay.