the city of lihue, on the island's southeast side, is the seat of kauai county. it has a population of around 6,500, and is the main city on the island. waimea, which is located on the island's southwest side and the first capital of kauai, was the first place visited by englishexplorer captain james cook in 1778. it was also the first capital of kauai. the city is at the head of one of the most beautiful canyons in the world, waimea canyon, whose gorge is 900 meters (3,000 feet) deep.