Kauai Travel Guide
Best Time to Travel to Kauai
Kauai sees more rainfall than any other Hawaiian island, which is why it’s known as “The Garden Isle.” The rainy season runs from November through April, bringing plenty of cloud cover, frequent rains, and the occasional downpour. That’s why May through September is your best bet for warm, sunny days—though you can still expect some rain, just not as much.
On the flip side, summer is also peak travel season, bringing more visitors, higher prices for flights and lodging, and larger crowds. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of great weather and fewer crowds, aim for May or September—when the beaches and hiking trails are quieter, and the weather is more favorable.
How Expensive is Kauai?
Kauai is one of the pricier destinations in the U.S., with airfare, food, and lodging quickly adding up. But don’t worry—traveling to Kauai on a budget is absolutely possible. Here are some tips:
- Flying during the off-season can save you a substantial amount on airfare. Keep in mind that you may be gambling with the weather; however, don’t underestimate the beauty of a rainy day in Kauai. After living in Hawaii for a few years, I can tell you firsthand—some of the most breathtaking sights are when the clouds settle over Kauai’s majestic, emerald-green peaks.
- Consider shopping for groceries in larger towns like Lihue and try to lodge in a place with a small kitchen so you can prepare some of your own meals.
- Finally, lodging can be pricey, but you can still find affordable options through Airbnb or budget-friendly hotels if you book wisely. Also, if you will be roughing it on Kauai’s hiking trails, you can save by booking a campsite for a night or two!
Hotel: $160-300+
Book a hotel >>>
Looking for lodging recommendations for any budget? See our Kauai lodging guide!
Car Rental: $65-125
Kauai has a public bus that can take you to (or near) most major destinations, but renting a car will give you the more flexibility and save time. Be sure to read our tips on renting a car in Hawaii.
Budget Travelers: $20-30/day – Preparing your own meals, food trucks, and local markets
Typical: $40-75/day – occasional eating out, groceries, and food trucks.
Tip: Try making your own breakfast and aim to prepare at least half of your lunches or dinners. This simple habit can reduce your food budget by 30% or more!
Best Places to Visit in Kauai
Na Pali Coast
If there’s one place you absolutely must see in Kauai, it’s the Nā Pali Coast! This breathtaking 17-mile stretch along the island’s north shore is a paradise of towering emerald cliffs, secluded beaches, and cascading waterfalls. Keep in mind—Nā Pali is not accessible by car. The only ways to experience its beauty are by helicopter, boat, or hiking. If you’re up for the trek, check out our Hanakāpī‘ai Falls hiking guide along the Kalalau Trail. Prefer a scenic boat tour? Explore our list of 5 incredible boat tour options for a more relaxing journey!
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” spans 14 miles and was formed by the erosion of the Waimea River and the collapse of a volcanic crater. Visually, it is one of the most unique places on earth with reddish brown rock contrasted by deep green vegetation growth. Be sure to check the weather before going as the canyon is subject to a lot of rainfall and cloud cover.
Ke’e Beach
Ke’e Beach is where the Na Pali Coast begins with rocky coastline views stretching as far as the eye can see beyond the beach. During the summer its like a calm lagoon, protected by a reef, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Be sure to stick around long enough for the golden light hours and sunset! It’s truly magical! One thing to note is that due to the increased popularity of Ke’e Beach, visitors now need a permit which we recommend obtaining well in advance. Permits can be obtained here.
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking and challenging hikes. Stretching 11 miles from Ke‘e Beach to Kalalau Beach, it follows the rugged coastline nearly the entire way. We hiked about half of the trail before detouring inland to Hanakapi‘ai Falls. Those looking to complete the full trek will need an overnight camping permit.
Read more about our hike to the 300 ft. Hanakapiai Falls along the Kalalau Trail!
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is a sweeping and crescent-shaped bay on Kauai’s north shore, known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and lush mountain backdrop. It’s a paradise for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding, with gentle waves in summer and powerful swells in winter. The Hanalei Pier offers a perfect spot for sunset views.
Is Kauai Safe to Travel?
Kauai is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low violent crime rates. In fact, Kauai County is in the 1% percentile of the safest counties in the U.S. Most incidents involve petty theft, such as car break-ins at popular tourist spots such as beaches and trailheads. Visitors should take standard precautions—lock vehicles, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and stay aware at night. Natural hazards, like strong ocean currents and remote hiking trails, pose greater risks than crime.
See All Our Kauai Travel Guides!
Kauai Scuba Diving: 5 Amazing Dives
5 Best Kauai Boat Tours on the Na Pali Coast
Where to Stay on Kauai: A Lodging Guide
Renting a Car in Hawaii: 9 Tips You Should Know
Hanakapiai Falls Hike in Kauai
