West Kauaʻi, Where Locals Preserve the Island’s Soul

West Kauaʻi, Where Locals Preserve the Island’s Soul

From homegrown artists to ʻāina stewardship, the leeward side is a showcase of the Garden Isle’s authentic rural identity even in the face of growing tourism and outside influences.Images by Jesse RecorRounding the southern bend westbound on Kaua‘i’s only highway, the rain-slicked hills of Kalaheo fall away to reveal an expanse of golden-brown fields and deep green valleys that stretch from ‘Ele‘ele, the unofficial gateway to the island’s leewar…