The lushest of Hawaii's islands, Kauai is in a class of its own. Nature is the big draw to the so-called "Garden Isle," and many of the best things to do in Kauai involve getting outside and exploring. Hikers can spend time at the Waimea Canyon, the island chain's answer to the Grand Canyon, or challenge themselves to a backpacking trip along Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast. There’s also plenty for those who want to take it easy, from visiting coffee farms to wandering through gorgeous botanical gardens.
Kauai is a year-round destination, but you might want to avoid the rainy season, which runs from April to October. You can expect crowds during the summer vacation months and again between late November and early January when mainland travelers visit for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. January and February are ideal for beating the post-holiday crowds and offer warm weather without too much rain.
The best way to get around the island is by car, and you can rent a vehicle for your trip right at Lihue Airport. There is also bus service on the island, but it’s limited, so ride-hailing apps are usually a better option for non-drivers. Joining guided tours is another great way to get around and can be ideal if you want to cover a lot of ground in a limited amount of time.
Don’t leave the island before visiting one of the branches of Kauai Juice Co., where you can sample cold-pressed juices, salads, and health “elixirs” made from fruits and herbs produced right on the Garden Isle. The shop also offers a fantastic range of chili pepper sauces and finishing salts that make ideal gifts for culinarily inclined friends back home.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone HST (UTC -10) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 35 | Tours 176 | Reviews 33,412 |
Kauai is known for its dramatic natural beauty and is often called “The Garden Island” due to its verdant landscapes. The island is studded with lush, emerald-colored valleys, jagged mountain spires, cascading waterfalls, and tropical rainforest. Kauai’s most famous natural attractions are the tall sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.
...MoreAny time of year is a great time to visit Kauai but, considering such factors as crowds, rainfall, and temperature, the ideal months are April, May, June, September, October, and November. September may just be the best time to visit Kauai as you’ll avoid crowds and heavy rain, and have the opportunity to attend the Kauai Mokihana Festival.
...MoreMaui. While it depends on your family’s preferences, Maui has more family-friendly resorts, accessible attractions, and beaches that are suitable for swimming. That said, Kauai offers more adventurous options, such as paddling and hiking, and children will likely love exploring the locations where Jurassic Park was filmed.
...MoreFive days on Kauai should be enough time to see the most important attractions, but longer is better to truly get a feel for the island. With five days you could split your time between the North Shore and the South Shore in Poipu to thoroughly explore each side of the island.
...MoreMuch of the island can only be seen from the air, so take a helicopter tour. Drive to Waimea Canyon on the south side of Kauai and along the North Shore to the Hanalei Valley Overlook. Take a surf lesson at Hanalei Bay and a snorkeling cruise along the Na Pali Coast. Finally visit Allerton Garden to see where Jurassic Park was filmed.
...MorePublic transportation on Kauai is of limited use to tourists so the best way to get around is by renting a car. If you don’t want to drive, book a few guided tours with hotel pickup. Some of Kauai’s top sights cannot be reached by road, so you’ll need to book a boat or helicopter tour.
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