Kauai Travel Guide

Famous for its stunning natural beauty and beautiful beaches, the island of Kauai in Hawaii promises a relaxing atmosphere and is an attractive destination for honeymooners, weddings and romantic getaways. It’s also a popular destination for hiking, nature activities and adventure tours, home to lush tropical rainforests and beautiful waterfalls. You’ll find a handful of sleepy towns scattered around the island and you’ll find that most of this area of Hawaii is un-commercialized and serves as a natural escape than anything else. Whether you’re in the mood for an outdoor adventure or want to relax on the sparkling white sand beaches, Kauai offers a variety of unique places to explore.

From the beautiful Napali coast to the white sands of Poipu Beach, you’ll find that the island of Kauai offers an experience like no other. Spend your days exploring the historic towns of Koloa and Hanapepe, enjoy an afternoon of sailing around Hanalei Bay, or hike around the Waimea Canyon to enjoy some amazing vistas and sites. This island has been nicknamed “Hawaii’s Island of Discovery” or the “Garden Isle” because there are so many places to explore and it boasts a lush, garden-like setting. You’ll never be at a loss for interesting activities and if it’s your first time visiting the island, you can take a guided tour of the area to see several natural attractions and sites within a few hours.

The island of Kauai encompasses about 550 square miles and is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. It sits at the top of the chain of the islands and boasts a lush tropical setting like no other. Whether you want to spend your days surfing around the white sandy beaches, golfing on some of the islands’ most challenging golf courses, to take a horseback riding tour of the area, you’ll find a wealth of activities to enjoy over the course of your trip.

Kauai Weather and Best Time to Visit

The island of Kauai boasts a tropical climate year round, so you can expect it to get very sticky and hot during the peak summer months. The most comfortable times of year to visit the island are during the early spring and late Fall months when temperatures cool down but it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and take a dip in the ocean. Hurricane season on the island runs from June through November, so you may need to watch for flight delays or cancellations when traveling during this time. Rainy season runs from November through December, and in late March to April.

This tourist-friendly island does attract more visitors during the winter season when people head to Hawaii to escape from the snow and colder climates. The peak tourist season on Kauai is from the middle of December to Easter, and from the middle of June to Labor Day. It is also fairly crowded during the Christmas and New Year’s season. You can expect increased prices on hotel and resort rates, flights and car rentals during this time, and it’s usually a good idea to plan your trip several months in advance when you want to secure a trip for certain dates. Working with a travel agent to book your Kauai vacation can help you find the best deal on packages based on your budget. If you travel during the off-season, you’ll find that the hiking trails, beaches and major attractions are far less-crowded and you can enjoy a quieter and more peaceful trip.

Average temperatures in Kauai stay at around 78 degrees, with a variance of just about 5 to 6 degrees between the hottest and coldest months. This part of Hawaii really doesn’t experience all four seasons.

Experience Kauai

You’ll find that the main attractions on Kauai are located on the south shore near many of the hotels and resorts. From botanical gardens to lava rock landscapes, it’s no wonder that the island of Kauai has become a picture-perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts and those who are looking for an outdoor excursion in paradise. Since Kauai doesn’t really have a major tourist hub or tourist district, you’re free to roam and enjoy the coastal views, explore the lush rainforest or take a Jeep tour through some of the natural sites.

Kauai does cater to tourists who are looking for a luxury getaway in paradise, and is home to several luxury resorts and oceanfront hotels. Whether you’re here on your honeymoon or are enjoying a peaceful escape with a solo trip, the island offers plenty of options in accommodations for all tastes and budgets. You’ll find that many hotels and resorts are actually quite affordable when you book a flight and hotel package.

You’ll find numerous scenic trails around the coast and can take a guided trip around the Hanalei Valley, Haupu Valley and the Waimea Canyon which has been nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Local hiking and adventure groups are more than willing to take tourists along for a guided hike or tour of some of the area’s best trails, so don’t be afraid to ask your hotel for information on local groups and guides. If you’re looking for water activities, head to any of the beach parks for a day of surfing, wakeboarding, sailing and other watersports.

Unlike some of the other Hawaiian islands, the island of Kauai is home to several cultural sites and museums that tell the story of the island’s heritage and culture. From the Kokee Museum on the west side to Old Kapaa Town on the Coconut Coast, you’ll find a number of interesting sites that showcase area legends, the island’s rich history and cultural traditions.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the island of Kauai or you’re heading here on a return Hawaiian vacation, you’ll find a number of interesting sites to explore and unique experiences to enjoy throughout your visit. From the scenic sites on the Coconut Coast on the eastern side of the island, to the attractions and natural venues on the South Shore, you’ll find a variety of things to do and experience on Hawaii’s Island of Discovery on any given day.