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A first-time guide to Kauaʻi
From budgeting money and time to what to do and how to get there, this guide has everything you need to know about coming to Kauaʻi for the first time.
The stratified walls of Waimea Canyon, the carved cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the serene waters of Hanalei Bay are sure to be among the top attractions for any visit to Kaua‘i. While the natural beauty of the Garden Isle is an undisputed draw, it's worth carving out pockets in your itinerary to discover more of this sleepy, slow-paced island. So either before, after or while exploring the stunning landscape, try finding a specialty food truck, take a farm tour or visit ancient Hawaiian sites.
From budgeting both money and time to deciding where to go, how to get there and what to do, we've got everything you need to know about coming to Kauaʻi for the first time.
When should I go to Kauaʻi?
Despite being the rainiest of all of the islands in Hawaii, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Kauaʻi. After all, the abundance of rain brings a whole lot of greenery! That said, winter is the rainiest season of all, and storms can put a damper on morning hikes and afternoon beach visits. Instead, visit during the shoulder seasons – March to May and October to November – for smaller crowds, lower prices and (more) sunny skies.
How much time should I spend in Kauaʻi?
Even though Kauaʻi isn’t all that large, it’s jam-packed with things to do. You’ll need at least three days just to check out the highlights, including Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke‘e State Park, the Na Pali Coast and Old Town Kapa‘a.
Ideally, you’ll have time to stick around for a week or longer and explore beyond the must-sees. Hike along the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, take a chocolate tour at Lydgate Farms, try taro-based doughnuts from Holey Grail and laze on the shores of Hanalei Bay, for a start.
Is it easy to get in and around Kauaʻi?
There is only one commercial airport in Kauaʻi: Lihue Airport (LIH). While there are some direct domestic and international flights, odds are you’ll have to connect through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu before flying to the Garden Isle.
In Kauaʻi, you’ll likely need a rental car for most, if not all, of your stay. There are public bus routes, but the buses can be quite slow and don’t travel to several main attractions like Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke‘e State Park and Hāʻena State Park (the Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Trail entry point).
Top things to do in Kauaʻi
Drive through the Waimea Canyon and Koke‘e parks
Essentially one park split into two, both Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke‘e State Park can’t be missed. Drive along the scenic Waimea Canyon Drive until you hit Waimea Canyon, where the incredible Waimea Canyon Lookout and 2-mile Waipo'o Falls trail await.
Soon enough, Waimea Canyon Drive merges with Koke‘e Road, taking you to Koke‘e State Park. There, make stops at the Kalalau Lookout and Pu‘u o Kila Lookout for jaw-dropping views. If the weather conditions are right, tackle the gorgeous trail to Awa‘awapuhi Lookout to get your blood pumping.
Take in the Na Pali Coast
Pristine and hauntingly beautiful, the Na Pali Coast is a 16-mile-long stretch of soaring green-clad cliffs, white sand beaches, turquoise coves and thundering waterfalls. Explore it by boat, in a helicopter or on foot via the 22-mile Kalalau Trail.
Eat your way through Kapa‘a
Start with the long-standing eateries of the Old Town, like Pono Market, and end with tasty, trendy food trucks, like Musubi Truck and Smash Time Grinds. Take an even more in-depth look at where your food comes from with a trip to Lydgate Farms, where you can sample tropical fruits and island-made chocolate.
Lounge in Hanalei
Hanalei isn't far from the northern end of the Na Pali Coast, which is why many of its main attractions revolve around basking in the beauty of this nearby cliffside. Spend your morning lounging on the golden shores of Hanalei Bay – with the Na Pali Coast in the background – and your afternoon admiring the rare plants of the coastline at Limahuli Garden.
My favorite thing to do in Kauaʻi
Hidden in Koloa, you’ll find the Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail. This easy 3.8-mile hike is filled with natural delights around every corner. You might see spouting whales in the distance, golden ‘ilima (a yellow flowering ground cover) interspersed between the rocks and kolea (Pacific golden plover) wandering along the path with you. There are even a couple of ancient Hawaiian sites along the way, including the Waiopili Heiau and the Waiopili Petroglyphs.
How much money do I need for Kauaʻi?
Like the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauaʻi is an expensive destination to visit. Accommodations and transportation will take up the vast majority of your budget, though there are workarounds with camping and public buses. On the bright side, many of Kauaʻi’s activities, including its beaches and hikes, are completely free.
- Night at a luxury hotel: from $500
- Car rental per day: $60-$110
- Bus ticket: $2
- State park entry: $5
- Snorkel gear weekly rental: $30
- Surf lesson: From $75 for group / $275 for private
- Lūʻau: $150
Learn the difference between “Hawaiian” and “local”
The term “Hawaiian” only applies to people who are Native Hawaiian – meaning the Indigenous people of Hawai‘i – along with their culture, language and history. In Hawaiian, the term is kanaka maoli. “Local,” on the other hand, is used to indicate someone who is from Hawai‘i but not necessarily Native Hawaiian. Given that Native Hawaiian history is already filled with erasure, it’s important to not further that deletion and to ensure that the term “Hawaiian” only applies to people, places and things that are truly Native Hawaiian.
Give the animals their space
It’s not uncommon to encounter dolphins, boar, monk seals and sea turtles while hiking or snorkeling in Kauaʻi. But it’s important to give the animals their space. They are wild and can behave unpredictably, especially when provoked. Instead, stay safe and try to keep at least 10ft away from these amazing creatures.
Be aware that both monk seals and green sea turtles are endangered species. As such, there are laws in place to help protect them, and you can be charged with a hefty fine for getting too close.
Keep an eye on the ocean
One of the biggest draws to Kauaʻi is the ocean. Swimming, snorkeling and surfing are often at the top of visitors' bucket lists – and for good reason. That said, remember that the ocean is a powerful, potentially dangerous force. For your safety, educate yourself on each beach’s conditions before diving into the water.
One of the best ways to do this is by chatting with the local lifeguard. They’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know – from wave size and rip currents to the best spots for snorkeling and surfing.
Watch out for flash flooding
With 400 inches of rain every year, Kauaʻi is subject to flash flooding. If you find yourself in an area with a flash flood warning, head inside and stay there until the issue has been resolved. In the meantime, keep an eye on local news for updates and further instructions.
