Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle,” because of its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
Fun Fact: Only 20% of Kauai is accessible by car, and most of the coastline can’t be seen from any road, which means this is the perfect island for a boat and helicopter tour!
This is the third most-visited island in Hawaii, so Kauai is significantly less crowded than Oahu and Maui.
Add to
Details
When To Go
The peak travel season for Kauai is December-March, when prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest everywhere on the island. So book your accommodation, rental cars, and tours in advance to save some money and ensure availability. These months have the highest rainfall, so choose accommodation on the west or south coast, which are usually drier.
Kauai is one of the wettest places on Earth, so there’s always a chance of rain year-round, especially at the higher altitudes. But rain showers on Kauai are usually brief, and, often, they can cool you off.
July-August is only slightly less crowded and expensive than December-March. The weather is perfect during these months – sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s.
The year-round warm weather means Kauai doesn’t have an off-season. But April-June and September – November are shoulder seasons when you can score some great (by Hawaii standards) accommodation and airfare deals.
The current along the Nā Pali Coast is calmer in the summer than in the Fall, Winter, or Spring. So if you’re here when the surf is calmer, I recommend a Zodiac boat tour that will take you as close as you can get to the Nā Pali Coast, including into some of the most spectacular caves in the world. But if you’re here when the water is too choppy for a Zodiac tour, you can take a catamaran cruise.
This coastal trail (3.8 miles out-and-back) gives you clifftop views and access to some of the island's best beaches. You can access this trail from several pull-offs, so you can hike any portion of it that you want.
Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park. My favorite stops are the Waimea Canyon Lookout, the Waipo’o Falls Lookout, and the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout on the Waimea Canyon Trail.
Add to
Details
-See a luau.
-Take a Zodiac or catamaran cruise along the Nā Pali Coast that includes snorkeling.
-Do a helicopter ride (my favorite is a no-doors helicopter).
-Spend some time relaxing at a beach and the pool at your hotel or rental home.
This waterfall requires you to paddle 3 miles (round-trip) and hike 2.5 miles (round trip) in the mud through the jungle and over several stream crossings. Secret Falls is absolutely stunning and well worth the effort to get here, but I only recommend this hike if you are in good physical condition and want an adventure where you’ll get wet and dirty.
When you drive through this state park, make sure you go all the way to the Pu’u o Kila Lookout. The earlier in the day you visit this state park, the better because there’s a higher chance of fog and rain in the afternoon.
Add to
Details
Getting Around
A car is essential on Kauai. Many tour companies provide transportation to and from guided tours, and taxis and rideshares can be arranged by your hotel. But these can be expensive.
So if you’re going to leave your hotel more than a couple of times (which I highly recommend!), then a rental car can save you money. Plus, a rental car gives you flexibility over your itinerary and room to store and transport your belongings.
I spent four days on Kauai with a rental car and drove all over the island. But because the island is so small, I only had to fill up my tank once.
This hotel is ideally located on Hawaii’s world-famous Poipu Beach – a golden sand beach sprinkled with the island’s iconic volcanic rocks. There are three on-site restaurants, multiple pools, and every room has a garden or ocean view.
You’ll love this beachfront resort with its standard room and villa options, multiple pools, hot tubs, and fitness center. Because this hotel is a Marriott, it’s the perfect place to earn or redeem hotel points.
If you want to stay in the island’s most exclusive resort community, then The Lodge at Kukui’ula is for you. This resort has stand-alone villas with private pools and stunning views. Plus, you’ll have access to The Club at Kukui’ula.
This 5-Star hotel has one of the largest pools in Hawaii. You’ll love the beachfront location, on-site restaurants, spa, and 18-hole Jack Nicklaus championship golf course. Plus, every room has spectacular views.
Located on Kauai’s sunny south shore, this luxury resort combines classic Hawaiian architecture with open courtyards and lush gardens. This hotel is known for its “water wonderland” because it has so many pools, including an adults-only pool, lava-rock river pool, waterslide, and saltwater lagoon. There’s also a championship golf course, six restaurants, and a spa.
This upscale, boutique, oceanfront property is perfect for a romantic getaway or a girls’ trip. You’ll love how close to the beach you are. Plus, this hotel is near many of the island’s best sites and attractions.
This hotel is ideally located on Hawaii’s world-famous Poipu Beach – a golden sand beach sprinkled with the island’s iconic volcanic rocks. There are three on-site restaurants, multiple pools, and every room has a garden or ocean view.
Add to
Details
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
If you want to enjoy some of the best pools in Hawaii, this hotel is for you. There’s a 350,000-gallon signature pool complete with a swim and walk-through grotto, water slides, poolside cabanas, a 6,100 sq ft family lagoon pool, and a 2,000 sq ft waterfall adult pool. Plus, this resort has a spa, on-site restaurant, fitness center, soccer field, volleyball court, and putting green.
Chicago-based Travel Blogger and Creator specializing in adventure and boutique travel.
My page offers straightforward, comprehensive travel itineraries and guides you can easily follow or customize.
I also offer services to design and customize trips just for you.
Contact me via Instagram (@lucyonlocale) or email me (info@lucyonlocale) to learn more about my personalized travel planning services and bespoke small-group trips.
