Are you thinking about visiting Kauai, Hawaii? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Kauai worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this island for 5-14 days because of the many great activities. During our first trip to Kauai in 2022, we fell in love with its spectacular beauty and laid back atmosphere. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. Kauai is a beautiful island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It's famously called "the Garden Isle" because of its tropical rainforest and lush green environment. The island is filled with dramatic mountain peaks and steep cliffs, that create iconic hikes. The island is a favorite for travelers because of its stunning beauty and idyllic atmosphere.
Kauai Coastline, Hawaii
Reasons to Visit Kauai
Resorts
You'll find major resorts of all forms and sizes. Most of the major hotel chains have resorts on the island, including the Marriott, the Sheraton, and Hyatt.
Beaches
The island is filled with scenic beaches and idyllic coastline. The water conditions can be highly variable, so you should check with a local before entering the water. But the island has about 50 miles of sandy coastline that will take your breath away. You'll also likely see Hawaiian monk seals or sea turtles on the beach.
Hiking
Kauai is a beautiful island with world famous hikes through the stunning mountains. The hiking trails take you through lush rainforests and along scenic coastlines. The mountains climb high and the trails range from easy to challenging. Popular hikes include the Awawawapuhi Nualolo Trail, the Cliff Trail to Waipoo Falls, and the Kalalau Trail.IL
Food
The food in Kauai combines the island's diverse cultures into a unique mix of flavors. There's fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and, of course, spam. You'll find common dishes like poke bowls and coconut shrimp, as well as more local dishes such as poi and lomi lomi.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There aren't as many snorkeling and diving options as there are on some of the other Hawaiian islands, but you'll still find plenty of places to enjoy the underwater world. Popular snorkeling spots around the island include Ke'e Beach, Haena Beach Park, and Anini Beach.
Museums
There are local museums that educate visitors on the island's history and culture. You can also visit sugar plantations and art galleries.
Nightlife
The island has more of a relaxed vibe than a party vibe, but there are plenty of places to listen to live music. There are also local dive bars as well as wine bars and upscale lounges where you can enjoy a drink. Many often have a dance floor as well.
Shopping
There's a mix of local shopping centers and larger retail malls.
Is Kauai worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Kauai, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (78°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, take a hike, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the luxurious resorts and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Kauai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.6 in) |
| August | 26°C (78°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| September | 26°C (78°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
Is Kauai worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Kauai. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 25°C (78°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the famous sights and museums, and the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Kauai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 25°C (78°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| November | 24°C (75°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| December | 22°C (72°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Kauai worth visiting in the Winter?
The warm weather in winter is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (79°F).
The low season for travel in Kauai is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Winter Weather in Kauai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 22°C (71°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| February | 22°C (71°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| March | 23°C (73°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Is Kauai worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Kauai. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.
Spring Weather in Kauai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 23°C (73°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 24°C (74°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| June | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Kauai
Lots of Tourists
Kauai sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Kauai might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Kauai here or see if Kauai is expensive here.
Related
What is Kauai most famous for?
Kauai is most famous for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. People visit this impressive island for its great resorts, beaches, and hiking. Also, it's known for food and scuba diving & snorkeling. Many people love the museums, nightlife, and shopping, too. It is often described as scenic, dramatic, and idyllic.
What is the most famous sight in Kauai?
The most popular sight in Kauai is Waimea Canyon. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Kauai on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Waimea Canyon and other attractions here.
How touristy is Kauai? Is it a popular island to visit?
Kauai is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 8 Line Zipline Tour: $160
- 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure in Kauai: $115
- FUV Self Guided Island Adventure Tour: $280
- North Shore Kauai Audio Driving Tour: $20
- 1 Tank Discover Scuba at Koloa Landing with No Experience needed: $162
- Kauai Poipu & Koloa Town Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
- 5 Hours Kauai Eastside small group tour. Short & sweet: $170
- Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight: $149
How long should I spend in Kauai?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Kauai is at least five or as many as onefour days. Since Kauai has a variety of activities such as resorts, beaches, and hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Kauai?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kauai?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Kauai?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.