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.