Red Rock Ocean Reef, Kauai
© Matteo Colombo/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Kauai from on high
Though bounded by sandy saltwater scenes like this, Kauai's inland is green and fertile, giving rise to the nickname 'Garden Isle.' Centered on the extinct volcano Mount Wai'ale'ale—one of the rainiest places on the planet—Kauai is flush with rich volcanic soil that gets plenty of moisture even in the stereotypically sunny state of Hawaii. Kauaian farmers cultivate crops not often seen on the mainland, from guava to kava, and also supply staples like sugarcane and coffee.
Coastal rock formations, turquoise ocean water
Blue Green Swirling Seas
Streaks of sargassum in turquoise water
Kayaker in Clear Blue Water over Rocky Seabed
Abstract Watercolor River Delta
Blue Orange Geothermal Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Boat floating, clear turquoise water, coral reef
Green trees, blue seas, rocky coast