Even from a distance, Kauai's emerald mountains elevate high above the ocean, giving you a glimpse of why this island is called the "Garden Isle" of the Pacific. It is believed Kauai was first discovered by the Marquesans around 400-600 AD, where they found fresh water from high waterfalls and fertile lands to plant all kinds of food, making it the perfect spot to live. It was called The Royal Coconut Coast. Eventually Westerners began to arrive, the first being Captain James Cook, who landed on Kauai's Waimea beach in January 1778. Still to this day, 70% of the island is inaccessible by foot, yet holds 5.8 million years of natural beauty along with the most beaches, rivers and waterfalls of the Hawaiian Islands.