The Ultimate Guide to Kauai

Some Key Things to Know About Kauai

There is so much that would be helpful to know about Kauai that one simple guide could not possibly do it justice. But there are a few key tidbits that do seem to rise to the top. Those are included below. 

• The scenery is always changing – You will never get bored with the landscape, no matter where you happen to be on the island. You can gaze upon rainforests, beautiful shorelines at the beach, fully functional ranches, and so much more. This is a diverse island with so much to offer its visitors. 
• This is the oldest major island in Hawaii – You should find it interesting to know that Kauai is the oldest of all islands in Hawaii. It is also the fourth largest, complete with more than 100 miles of distinct shoreline to enjoy. 
• There are eight state parks to enjoy on the island – There is so much more to Kauai than the beach. In fact, you will find that there are eight different state parks to enjoy on the interior of the island. With only 10 percent of the island being devoted to roads, there is a lot of scenery to explore on foot or in the air. 
• Hiking trails are quite popular – Make sure you pack your hiking shoes when planning a Kauai trip. You will find many trails to enjoy. The Kalalau Trail and the trails of Kokee State Park are perhaps the most well know. 
• There are plenty of golf courses to enjoy – There are a few golf courses around the island that are highly rated. You will not believe the views as you tee off at each hole. 

Three National Tropical Botanical Gardens await you on Kauai – Get ready to see some of the world’s most exotic tropical flowers in one location. There are three National Tropical Botanical Gardens to wow you on Kauai. Two are located on the south shore, with the one being on the north shore. 

This should whet your appetite to learn even more about Kauai. We do not want to disappoint you, so continue reading and enjoy our ultimate guide to this tropical paradise. 

Elevation and Climate Information

Kauai is ideal from a climate perspective. You will also be able to enjoy changing elevations by car and on foot. While the highest point on Kauai is 5,000 feet, you will only be able to make it to about the 4,000 foot level by car. Be prepared to hike the rest of the way if you want to get to the top. 

• There is a good range of elevation on the island – You can go from sea level to over 5,000 feet at the highest point on the island at Kawaikini. The best part is that you will not be too cold, even at the highest point on the Kauai. 
• Kauai gets a lot of rain – If there is one thing for certain when you visit Kauai, it is that you will get wet. The island receives more than 40 feet of rain every year, which adds to the ambiance, complete with an elaborate network of rivers and streams. 
• The climate is semi-tropical – You are going to love the weather on the island. The lowest temperature gets down to the 50s within Kokee State Park. Go to the South Shore and you will still only get up to the high 80s. 

Things to Do in Kauai

Once you land in Kauai, it will not take you long to discover that there is so much to see and do. You can stay as active as you want to be, or just enjoy relaxing at one of the many resorts and beaches that dot the island. As they say, the choice is up to you. Here are a few of the more popular activities you can engage in while on Hawaii’s fourth-largest island. 

Visit Waimea Canyon

If you have always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon but have never had your chance, here is an opportunity to see a spectacular canyon in Hawaii’s own right. You will enjoy gazing upon depths that reach 3,600 feet. The overlooking views that dot this attraction are nothing short of amazing. 

Check Out These Three Beaches

No trip anywhere in Hawaii would be complete without a visit to the beach. In Kauai, the north shore alone is home to Kee Beach, Haena Beach, and Tunnels Beach. Each of them has spectacular views and pristine coastlines. 

Get on a Helicopter and Take a Tour

There are times when you just need to get above it all to see the island. That can be done in Kauai when you take a helicopter tour. This is a great way to see the island’s many waterfalls and valleys. 

Poipu and Lawai Should be on Your Must-See List

When you are on the southern part of the island, these are the two areas that will give you the best weather all year long. There is also a lava rock here called the Spouting Horn that you simply must see. You will love watching water shoot up more than 65 feet in the air when it is high tide. You will also want to visit Shipwreck’s Beach while you are here. 

Check Out the Kilauea Lighthouse

This lighthouse is on the northeastern shore of the island. It is a great location to go bird watching as well. You will love the collection of sea birds that call this part of the island home. 

Take a Hike

If you are looking to get out and exercise, visit the Kokee Hiking Trails. All of these trails, especially the Kalalau Trail, will bring you breathtaking views of canyons and valleys. Difficulty levels range from beginner to advanced, so there is something for everyone on Kauai. 

When Should You Visit Kauai?

To be fair, it would seem that there is never a bad time to visit Hawaii. But there are certain times of the year that are more appealing to others when it comes to spending time on the island of Kauai. 

From a weather perspective, Kauai is relatively stable the entire year. Even in the winter, you will find high temperatures averaging in the 70s. This is quite appealing to someone traveling from an area of the country where it is snowing more than it is sunny. 

Even the summer months are appealing, with highs in the mid-80s. Keep in mind that this time of the year also brings on more rain than normal but does not usually prohibit someone from having a great time on the island. Rain showers are typically sporadic and do not last very long. 

If you are concerned about getting wet, the southern tip of the island near Poipu tends to be the driest, followed west by Waimea and Kekaha. As mentioned, a storm rarely brings prolonged periods of rain to the island before the sun returns in all of its glory. 

You may be worried about visiting Kauai during hurricane season. Keep in mind that these events are quite rare on the island, but it is always best to be prepared. Remember that the season runs from June to November. Just monitor conditions on the island to be aware of approaching storms if you travel to this region during those months

What About Deals on Accommodation?

If you are looking for the best deals on the island, that would generally be around April to May and September to the first part of December. The holiday seasons will be the busiest times in Kauai, and accommodation rates will tend to reflect that. 

There are fewer crowds on the island in the spring and fall months. This will reduce demand for hotel rooms and drive the prices down. If you are flexible with your schedule and are looking for a great deal, then these are the times that you will want to travel. It will also decrease the number of people competing with you for all of the island's spectacular views. 

This is Why You Should Visit Kauai During the Winter

This might be the wettest time of the year in Kauai, but you will enjoy relatively cool temperatures the entire time. You will also benefit from fewer crowds and there several celebrations and festivals that you can attend. 

• Town Celebration in Waimea – This is the largest festival in all of Kauai. It is also the oldest. Lasting for nine days during February, it is meant to celebrate the unique components of Hawaiian culture. 
• Celebration of Prince Kuhio Day – This is a celebration that happens every March, and visitors really enjoy being a part of it. You will get to listen to live music, participate in hula dances, and so much more. It is held at Anahola Beach Park. 

This is Why You Should Visit Kauai During the Spring

April and May are considered by many to be the best time of the year to visit Kauai, so that should give you reason enough to plan your trip in spring. The weather is great, and rates for accommodation tend to be at their lowest. 

You will also be able to enjoy the Taste of Hawaii event in June. This is a food and wine tasting celebration that also has live music and a silent auction component to it as well. You will not want to miss this if you are fortunate to visit Kauai in the spring. 

This is Why You Should Visit Kauai During the Summer

Kauai in the summer is also quite a happening time. In fact, you will find July to be one of the busiest months on the island. August and September might be one of the most expensive months on Kauai from an accommodation perspective, but there is a lot to do as well. Here are a few ideas to help jumpstart the planning process. 

• Plantation Days in Koloa – This is a unique festival whose purpose is to celebrate Kauai's sugar industry. It takes place in July and includes such attractions as a parade, marching band, and other fun activities. 
• The Kauai Marathon – If you enjoy running, you should consider a visit to Kauai in September and take part in either the full or half marathon. You will not find many more scenic runs in all of America. You will run all along the Kauai coastline. 
• The Kauai Mokihana Festival – This is a festival that lasts for a full week every September. It takes place in Kapaa and is complete with a hula competition, plenty of Hawaiian music, and a number of cultural activities. 

This is Why You Should Visit Kauai During the Fall

The fall can be a bit wet compared to other seasons, but there is still plenty to do. You will notice fewer people and lower prices, so this is appealing to many people. Keep in mind that the temperatures are also a bit cooler as well. Here are two major events that may coincide with a trip to Kauai from October to December. 

• The Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival – This happens every October. You will find out everything you ever wanted to know about coffee and chocolate on the island. 
• The Holiday Craft Fair – Every December, this is the place to buy all of your holiday arts and crafts to take back home. There are also a number of entertainment venues set up during the fair.

Where Should You Stay on Kauai?

Kauai is an island that receives more than one million visitors every year, so choosing where you stay is very important. It really comes down to what you want out of the trip, as there is a lot of land on Kauai to accommodate this amount of people. You will find secluded beaches and crowded valleys. It all depends on what you are looking for. 

Staying on the North Shore

This is the part of Kauai that has an incredible mixture of mountains and secluded beaches. You will also find plenty of shopping and dining venues to keep you and your family entertained no matter how long you plan to stay on the island.

This part of the island does tend to get a lot of rain during the winter months, but that does not discount its value as a place to stay. You will want to schedule a visit to Hanalei Bay during your stay on the northern shore. The beaches here are among the most highly rated in all of Hawaii. 

Staying on the South Shore

Many people prefer to stay on the South Shore of Kauai because of its sunny weather, even during the wettest time of the year. This is also where Poipu and Lawai are. There are many different types of accommodation available in these two locations. You will also find plenty of fine dining and shopping opportunities to keep yourself occupied. 

Not far away is the east coast of the island. There are many affordable condos to rent here, along with ample shopping available. If you have the luxury of spending a month or more on the island, this might be the place you want to consider.

A Little Information About the Airport

Even the airport on Kauai is worth talking about. You will fly into the island while looking out your window to see green spaces all over the island combined with plentiful waterfalls and breathtaking cliffs. 

The Lihue Airport is located just over a mile from the town center of the same name. It is on the southeastern coast of Kauai and has consistently garnered high passenger ratings for how efficient and clean the facility is. In typical Hawaiian style, you will be welcomed to your stay with friendly greetings. 

The airport is almost entirely outside, built with an open-air design in mind. It is so unique and creative that it may become your favorite airport destination anywhere in the world. It also makes Kauai easily accessible from other points in Hawaii, so this is a way to add time to your vacation to the nation’s 50th state in a convenient and accessible way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kauai

As you consider a trip to Kauai, there are some essential questions that you might want to know the answers to. Here are several of the more commonly asked questions, complete with helpful information that can help you plan your trip. 

What is the Reason Behind Named Kauai the Garden Isle?

Indeed, Kauai is commonly referred to as the Garden Isle. This is largely because the entire island seems to be exploding with life. Everywhere you look, you will see green valleys, gardens, and jungles. Many of these can be explored at your leisure, making it a wonderful island if you are an outdoor enthusiast. 

Kauai is also where you will find Mt. Waialeale. This is the wettest location in the world, receiving more than 400 inches of rain annually. You will also be able to visit three National Tropical Botanical Gardens on the island. This is significant because there are only five such gardens in the entire country. 

Why Do I Feel Like I’ve Seen Kauai Before?

Many people have this feeling once they land on the island. Part of it is because of its lush jungle. The other part is that ‘Jurassic Park’ was actually filmed on site in Kauai. That alone might give you feelings of déjà vu as you visit the island. 

An interesting bit of information is that you can still see parts of the gate from the movie on the island. You can even take a walking tour of the location. Also, scenes from several other popular modern movies have been filmed on Kauai, including ‘Mighty Joe Young.’ 

Why Do Some Claim the Grand Canyon is on Kauai?

While it may be true that there is only one Grand Canyon in the world, Waimea Canyon comes close in terms of its beauty and splendor. There is a reason why many dub this location the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It is filled with color and vibrancy, along with a rugged landscape that is intoxicating. 

Waimea Canyon almost seems out of place on such a tropical island. It is only miles long, but it packs a powerful punch in that short distance. You will also be able to enjoy many hiking trails, where exotic plants and animals will greet you all across your path. 

Does Kauai Have any Volcanoes to See?

This is a common question for anyone visiting Hawaii. You may find it interesting to know that Kauai is the oldest of all the state's major islands. This puts its age at an estimated 5.1 million years. The natural erosion process that the earth undergoes means that all of the volcanoes have long ago become extinct or are now non-existent. 

If you want to see volcanoes, you can visit the Big Island. This is where one of the most active volcanoes in the world still exists. 

What Can My Family and I Do on Kauai?

The easier question to answer would probably be what you can’t do on the island. There is so much that it is hard to know where to begin. Naturally, water sports are the most popular. You can even go kayaking on the island since it has the only navigable river in the entire state. Just go to the Waimea River and let the fun begin. Snorkeling and relaxing are other popular activities. 

Is It Possible to Hike to Kalalau Beach?

The simple answer is yes, it is possible, but it is not for the faint of heart. The Kalalau Trail is rated 9 out 10 in terms of difficulty. This is an 11-mile journey that will put you eye to eye with the most breathtaking scenery and coastal regions the world has to offer. Keep in mind that this is not a trip that can be completed in one day, so you will need to plan accordingly.

How to Drive Around on Kauai

With so much to explore on Kauai, many people find the best way to move from one place to another is to drive. There are some spectacular drives to be had around the island, so rent a car and let the adventure begin. 

Here are some of the most popular drives that you can take, each one starting from a particular location on the island. Rush hour traffic will add about an hour to each of the listed times. 

Driving to Waimea Canyon

Driving to this canyon will have you traveling over Highway 550. It is about 36 miles, depending on your starting position. It also contains an elevation shift of more than 4,000 feet, so ensure that you have a full tank of gas before you begin. Make sure to stop at the scenic lookouts along the way. 

Driving to Haena Beach Park

This is also where you will find Kee and Tunnels Beach. You will find it on Highway 560 right around mile marker 9. Avoid parking on the street, as this is not allowed and is a sure way to get you an unwelcome traffic citation. You are looking at a journey of roughly two hours from the East Coast. 

Driving to Po’ipu

You will love driving to this part of Kauai as it is where you find the sunniest beaches on the island. This includes Po’ipu and Shipwreck Beach. You will also find a blowhole and two of Kauai’s National Tropical Botanical Gardens. It will take you just over an hour to drive here from either the North Shore or the East Coast. 

Driving to Wailua Falls

You will want to drive to Wailua Falls to see a double-tiered waterfall. It is absolutely amazing. If you have ever seen the television show ‘Fantasy Island,’ you will likely recognize the opening scenes' location. It will take you about an hour and a half to get here from either the North Shore or East Coast.

Wrap Up

This ultimate guide to Kauai should have you ready to plan your upcoming trip already. You certainly cannot go wrong with this destination. Remember to take your camera, an umbrella, and an attitude ready for adventure. You will love your time on the island and will likely be talking about it for years to come.