Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Kauai Island

Kauai Island

3.7
An island in Hawaii northwest of Oahu with green mountains and beaches
  • proper noun
  • /kaʊˈaɪ/
translation icon : isla Kauai
  • Kauai Island is often called the 'Garden Island' due to its lush vegetation.

Examples

  • Hikers travel to Kauai Island for the famous Na Pali Coast trails.

  • We spent our honeymoon exploring the beautiful beaches of Kauai Island.

  • I love Kauai Island.

  • Don't miss Kauai Island!

  • Kauai Island is often called the 'Garden Island' due to its lush vegetation.

  • Hikers travel to Kauai Island for the famous Na Pali Coast trails.

  • We spent our honeymoon exploring the beautiful beaches of Kauai Island.

Synonyms

Kauai
vsKauai Island
16 4.2

An island in northwest Hawaii with green mountains and sandy beaches

gives the same location but omits the size ranking

Surface Forms

Kauai Island main

Morphology

Kauai + island

The phrase is fully compositional: 'Kauai' names the place and 'island' denotes a landmass surrounded by water, so the meaning 'the island named Kauai' is directly derivable from the constituents. This is not idiomatic or metaphorical and the same name+type pattern is common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it.

Etymology

Kauai Island may come from an old Hawaiian chief named Kaʻu or from a local word about food and plenty. Because the island is very green and full of life, people call it the 'Garden Island', so the name reminds us of its rich, lush land.