Brilliant sunsets, pristine beaches, aquamarine skies – Kaua’i has mastered seduction. But the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain doesn’t have to resort to over-the-top luxury or tourist traps to entice; instead, it appeals to a no-muss, no-fuss type of traveler. Resorts are no taller than a coconut tree (literally).You prefer rural to resplendent? Kaua’i’s your island – there are only two major highways, and some regions can only be explored on foot or via one of the best Kaua’i boat tours.
Some would say that you need little more than a good pair of hiking boots, an umbrella and an adventurous spirit to visit. But we should warn you: You might also need a little cash. Kaua’i has put a premium on its natural beauty and prized hiking trails, and room rates during the winter can exceed $500 a night. To get the most and save the most, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons.
Best of Kaua’i
Best Hotels in Kaua’i
- Ko’a Kea Resort On Po’ipu Beach
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
- Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
Best Things to Do in Kaua’i
- Napali Coast
- Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park
- Po’ipu Beach Park
Kaua’i Travel Tips
Best Months to Visit
The best times to visit Kaua’i are between August and October and from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and airfare and hotel rates drop. The rainy season that occurs from November to March doesn’t deter visitors looking for a winter getaway, but a word to the wise: You’ll face the highest markup on rooms and flights if you visit at this time (it’s peak travel season in Kaua’i). If you fancy whale watching, however, this is the time to go as the season generally lasts from January until spring. If winter is too pricey for your liking, consider the spring and fall months as a compromise: Kaua’i sees a slight dip in prices during these shoulder seasons. Vacationing in Kaua’i during the summer won’t yield the same high prices as winter, but they won’t be a whole lot lower either.
September-November
Once the summer crowds have gone, fall room rates dip at many hotels. You’ll also contend with fewer tourists as you explore. You can expect temperature highs to be in the mid- to low 80s and the lows to hang in the upper 60s.
December-March
Most people travel to Kaua’i during this time to escape chillier temperatures elsewhere, but this is when the island experiences the worst weather. Average precipitation is fairly high, especially in December. To avoid lots of moisture, vacation on the west and south coasts, which tend to be drier. But you shouldn’t fret too much about the rain ruining your plans. In Kaua’i, rain showers are generally brief and don’t last days, or even hours. Should you decide to visit during this time, be sure to book several weeks to months in advance, as it’s the island’s peak travel season.
April-June
Kaua’i weather is picture-perfect in spring (think highs in the high 70s and low 80s) and so are the hotel rates (this period is considered a low season). For the fewest crowds, book your vacation for early spring, before school lets out.
July-August
Kaua’i hotels spike their prices just in time for summer family vacations. Keep in mind that if you’re itching for a summer trip, you’ll need to book several months in advance and expect to pay about as much as a wintertime visit. It is hard to pass up this time of year; the weather is perfect for the beach, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-70s.
Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii
The Garden Island – as you may guess – is riddled with activities that embrace the outdoors. Consider:
Touring the Napali Coast
Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Padding through Wailua River State Park
Lounging on Kalapaki, Ke’e or Poipu beaches
Wandering through Allerton Garden
What are some things to do in Kaua’i when it’s raining?
If you visit Kaua’i from November through April, you’re likely to encounter a shower or two, as this is the island’s wet season. If you get stuck in the rain during your trip, try:
Tasting coffee at Kauai Coffee Company’s estate
Visiting the Kauai Museum to learn about the history of the island
Shopping for local goods at Warehouse 3450
Stopping by Kilohana Plantation for a meal, shopping or rum tasting
Checking the weather to see if another side of the island is sunny
Pampering yourself at a hotel spa.
What are some things to do in Kaua’i while pregnant?
If you visit Kaua’i while pregnant, know that companies operating some of the island’s famous activities like zip lining and boat tours (among other adventures) may not permit pregnant individuals to join due to safety concerns. Moms-to-be recommend driving up to Waimea Canyon, relaxing on the island’s sandy shores, snorkeling in Kaua’i’s pristine waters and taking light hikes, such as the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. Be sure to check with your doctor before you engage in any activities.
What are some things to do near Kauai?
O’ahu (63 miles away): The closest Hawaiian island to Kaua’i is O’ahu, which you can reach via a short flight. Top experiences in O’ahu include Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.
Maui (117 miles away): After Oahu, the next closest island you can fly to from Kaua’i is Maui, where once-in-a-lifetime experiences include helicopter tours.
Lodges in Kauai
- Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach
- Grand Hyatt kauai Resort and Spa
- Whalers Cove Ocean front Resort
- Hanalei Colony Resort
- Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu Autograph Collection
- Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy
- Sheraton Kauai Resort
- Waipouli beach Resort
- The Lodge at Kukui’ula
- The villas at Po’ipu Kai
What to Eat in Kaua’i
Classic Hawaiian dishes often come in the form of comfort food (don’t expect a whole lot of salads) and are typically a unique blend of the many different cultures that have immigrated to Hawaii. One of the best examples of this cultural immersion is reflected in a dish called saimin. What appears to be plain ramen is actually a combination of broth, noodles and green onions which can be topped with anything from sausage to kimchi to dumplings. It’s thought that the dish originated on plantations in the 1800s, when workers of all ethnicities would gather for meals and contribute what ingredients they had. Hamura Saimin in Lihue, situated in southeastern Kaua’i, is said to have some of the best saimin on the island.
Saimin is just the start of imports with a Hawaiian twist. There’s also Spam musubi, which resembles sushi, but instead of fish, you’ll be treated to a slice of flavored Spam. If that’s a little too unconventional for your liking, try manapua. Manapua resembles traditional Chinese pork buns and are packed with delicious fillings such as sweet potato, barbecue pork or curry chicken, to name a few. For something sweet, sink your teeth into a malasada. This dessert was brought over by Portuguese immigrants and is basically a hole-less doughnut coated with sugar and sometimes filled with a custard, chocolate or fruit filling.
Another tradition is the plate lunch, a robust dish that always consists of two scoops of rice and macaroni salad alongside a serving of meat that could range from kalua pork (the type of meat traditionally served at luaus) to mahi-mahi. Loco moco is another favorite, comprising a slab of teriyaki-flavored beef that sits on a bed of rice and topped with a fried egg and gravy. If that sounds a bit too heavy, try huli-huli chicken, a grilled chicken dish coated in a sweet teriyaki marinade.
You also can’t leave the island without trying poke, the Hawaiian classic has become increasingly common on the mainland. Traditionally, poke is marinated, cubed raw fish typically accompanied with rice, but it can also be made with shrimp, tofu or other ingredients. Whatever meals you decide to sample in Kaua’i, be sure to top it all off with flavored shave ice (not shaved ice), Hawaii’s delicious cold dessert.
Best Times To Visit Kaua’i
The best times to visit Kaua’i are between August and October and from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and airfare and hotel rates drop. The rainy season that occurs from November to March doesn’t deter visitors looking for a winter getaway, but a word to the wise: You’ll face the highest markup on rooms and flights if you visit at this time (it’s peak travel season in Kaua’i). If you fancy whale watching, however, this is the time to go as the season generally lasts from January until spring. If winter is too pricey for your liking, consider the spring and fall months as a compromise: Kaua’i sees a slight dip in prices during these shoulder seasons. Vacationing in Kaua’i during the summer won’t yield the same high prices as winter, but they won’t be a whole lot lower either.
Once the summer crowds have gone, fall room rates dip at many hotels. You’ll also contend with fewer tourists as you explore. You can expect temperature highs to be in the mid- to low 80s and the lows to hang in the upper 60s.
December-March
Most people travel to Kaua’i during this time to escape chillier temperatures elsewhere, but this is when the island experiences the worst weather. Average precipitation is fairly high, especially in December. To avoid lots of moisture, vacation on the west and south coasts, which tend to be drier. But you shouldn’t fret too much about the rain ruining your plans. In Kaua’i, rain showers are generally brief and don’t last days, or even hours. Should you decide to visit during this time, be sure to book several weeks to months in advance, as it’s the island’s peak travel season.
April-June
Kaua’i weather is picture-perfect in spring (think highs in the high 70s and low 80s) and so are the hotel rates (this period is considered a low season). For the fewest crowds, book your vacation for early spring, before school lets out.
July-August
Kaua’i hotels spike their prices just in time for summer family vacations. Keep in mind that if you’re itching for a summer trip, you’ll need to book several months in advance and expect to pay about as much as a wintertime visit. It is hard to pass up this time of year; the weather is perfect for the beach, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-70s.
Maui | A day at Maui beach is a day well-spent
How to Save Money in Kaua’i
- Rent wisely Car rentals are increasingly hard to come by on Kaua’i. Book early and plan to rent a compact car to save money. Also, car rental rates for vehicles of all types vary by time of year, which you may want to factor into your planning.
- Reread your car insurance policy Some car rental agencies will try to sell you insurance. Hawaii is a no-fault state, which means your existing personal insurance will cover accident-related expenses in most cases. Double-check before you book to ensure you don’t pay extra for unnecessary coverage.
- Stick to farmers markets if you want to buy groceries Because so much is imported in Hawaii, you’ll balk at the high prices of food at grocery stores. Do what the locals do and go to as many farmers markets (aka sunshine markets) as possible. Roadside stands and farm pickups are also option for buying locally grown produce.
Safety
Safety in Kaua’i isn’t so much about watching out for crime as it is watching out for Mother Nature. Weather is known to be fickle in Kaua’i, especially when it comes to rain. It’s not unusual for a bright, sunny day to suddenly experience unscheduled downpours. When hiking or going to the beach, it is highly advised to consult local resources about the conditions. Hawaiian state park officials recommend all hikers bring a hiking partner (hiking alone in Kaua’i is not safe), don proper hiking boots, and wear waterproof attire, sunscreen and a hat. You should also bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your hike. HIOceanSafety.com provides recommendations for beach safety as well as a list of lifeguarded beaches.
Another key feature on of trails and popular outdoor adventures on Kaua’i is crossing streams. Streams are subject to flash floods and have resulted in numerous deaths on the island. If you see a stream start to rise, or it has a high water level, do not cross it. Wait until it goes down. If you’re uncomfortable taking on the terrain by yourself, consider booking a tour with an experienced operator.
It’s equally important to be mindful of the weather conditions when at any of the island’s beaches. Generally, winter sees rougher conditions unsuitable for swimming, especially on the northern and western shores. It is advised to only swim at beaches where lifeguards are present. If you are going to a beach but not swimming, you’ll still want to be mindful of the ocean. High tide can quickly sweep in and take an unsuspecting beachgoer close to the shore out to sea.
Getting Around Kaua’i
The best way to get around Kaua’i is in a car. The bus system, though inexpensive, does not cater to tourists. Taxis are virtually nonexistent, though you will see them congregate at Lihue Airport (LIH), which is near the town of Lihue on the southeastern side of Kaua’i. Some hotels provide free shuttle service to and from the airport.
There are direct flights into the Lihue Airport from several North American destinations, but many travelers choose to fly through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). If you opt for the layover, try to get a seat on the left side of the plane as you island-hop: You’ll have an awesome view of Kaua’i as you approach the island.
Car
Kaua’i is meant to be explored; to do so, you’ll need a car. You’ll find that driving is easy, as there are really only two major highways on the island (Kaumualii and Kuhio highways). The most important thing to do is reserve your rental car before you depart. Since so many people choose this option for getting around Kaua’i, rental cars are in high demand, especially during winter and summer. If you travel during peak periods and don’t rent a car in advance, it is possible that there may be little to no cars available to rent. And if you are able to snag one last minute, the prices will most certainly be much higher.
Another tip: check your personal car insurance policy before you arrive. Hawaii is a no-fault state and rental agencies may try to sell you collision coverage. Your policy might already cover you when driving elsewhere. Also be aware that driving in Hawaii is much different than in the mainland. Like the culture of Hawaii, driving is laid back. Speed limits here range from 25 to 50 mph. Honking here as a means of telling someone to hurry up is frowned upon. Locals only honk if there is a hazard ahead or to say hello to someone they know.
Bus
There is an affordable bus system on Kaua’i, but it’s not convenient for tourists. Buses do stop near hotel-heavy areas, such as Poipu and Wailua, as well as the airport, but getting to top attractions, including anywhere near the Napali Coast, will be incredibly difficult. Another big drawback is that passengers are not allowed to bring suitcases or even large backpacks onboard, so if you are wanting to take the bus to your hotel or even plan a day at a faraway beach, you may not be able to board due to the luggage restrictions. Service hours vary by route but generally start between 5 and 6 a.m. and end between 9 and 11 p.m. Fares range from $1 to $2 per passenger. In addition to the public transportation system, there are a number of private shuttle services, some of which offer tours encompassing major attractions.
Taxi
Taxis are available in Kaua’i but are fewer and farther between in comparison to more populated islands, such as O’ahu. Still, you can find taxis on the island but you’re going to have to work harder to get to them by calling and scheduling in advance. Fares here are regulated by the Kaua’i government so no matter which taxi company you choose to use, all the prices are supposed to be the same. Fares are $3 for the first mile as well as for every mile thereafter. Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber, Lyft and locally owned Holoholo, are also available on Kaua’i.