Kauai is a beautiful and popular destination for Hawaii locals and visitors. Like the other islands, it has a fascinating history that led to its formation. If you’re planning a visit or scenic tour of the Garden Isle, learn about its history before the excursion so that you can fully appreciate the oldest island in the Hawaii archipelago.

The History of Kauai

How It Was Formed

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the most remote archipelago in the world. The island of Kauai was formed over 5 million years ago. Under Hawaii sits the Pacific Plate, which is a floating section of the Earth’s crust. Long ago, magma was released from a molten area beneath the water and hardened when it reached the ocean’s surface, creating Kauai. As the plate moved, the other Hawaiian Islands were formed.

Once the land was established, plant life began, and a new species arrived every 10,000 to 100,000 years. Greenery was brought to Kauai on the wings of birds or by rafting on floating vegetation. Today, there are about 270 colonizing plants on the island.

How to See the Island

Take a scenic tour in a helicopter to explore Kauai. From above, you can appreciate the island’s beauty and its formation. When you soar over the Olokele and Waimea Canyons, pay attention to the intricate striations on the walls that depict the story of how a river carved the rock. If your scenic tour includes Mount Waialeale, remember that its height erupted from beneath the Pacific Plate, and marvel at its age. When you fly over the Na Pali Coast, spot the many sea caves that were sculpted by years of waves hitting the shore.

If you’re traveling to Kauai and want a learn more about the island’s history and formation, take a scenic tour with Jack Harter Helicopters in Lihue, HI. Their skilled pilots will take you into the sky for a bird’s-eye view of Kauai’s most popular geographical features, and they’ll share their intimate knowledge of the land, answering all of your questions during the flight. Learn more about their charters online, or call (808) 245-3774 to book your reservation. Read customer reviews on Yelp, and connect with the team on Facebook for the latest news and updates.