Travel Team Home > Destination Information > Kauai, Hawaii

Kaua’i, referred to as the Garden State, is the fourth largest and oldest known island in the Hawaiian Islands. At it’s second highest point of 5148 feet, Mount Wai’ale’ale receives more rainfall in a year than most other places on earth with an annual average of 460 inches. Kaua’i is known for its lush, tropical environment on the North shore, amazing natural canyons bursting with waterfalls, and the relaxed pace of “island life”. Kaua’i is an outdoor-lover’s paradise: hiking, snorkeling, surfing, boogie boarding, helicopter rides, kayaking, river paddles, botanical gardens and camping are just a few of the highlights.

Tourism makes up most of its economic structure catering to visitors on many levels. There is not a bustling town or large center to speak of, which provides for a true escape from the mainland. Visitors can find peace and quiet as they explore the island’s abundant waterfalls and public beaches.

Weather

The average temperatures of Kaua’i range from a high of 78° in January to a high of 85° in early September, making it pleasant year-round. While it may be raining on Mount Wai’ale’ale, the rest of the island is sunny and warm thanks to a nice, comfortable breeze that helps keep bugs and humidity at bay, perfect for easy outdoor lifestyles. When there is an occasional shower on the rest of Kaua’i it is usually short-lived and followed by magnificent rainbows and flush waterfalls. Tropical forests are plentiful on the North shore and East coast while the South and West coasts have a more dry and arid environment where it can easily be 3° warmer.

Water Temperature

Playing in the water on Kaua’i is one of its best attributes. The water temperature ranges from the low 70s in winter to low 80s in the summer. Most islanders are comfortable wearing a swimsuit or board shorts while frolicking in the waters but it can get a bit chilly waiting to catch a wave for surfing or boogie boarding. Adding a rash guard shirt or light wetsuit shirt should help ward off goose bumps.

Water Safety

The public service announcement for Kaua’i is, “When in doubt, don’t go out.” Kaua’i is one of the only islands not protected by large reefs so the ocean comes crashing right onto shore which creates extremely strong currents and rip-tides that all visitors need to be very aware of as you can get swept out into the ocean within a matter of minutes. Awareness and knowledge of the strong surf, currents, rock location, etc… is one of your best safety defenses. It’s always best to swim where there is a lifeguard on duty and although the locals make it look easy in the water, remember they’ve had a whole lifetime to study and live in the waters and therefore possess a unique understanding that non-locals do not. All-too-common, visitors in Kaua’i view the ocean as one big playground and end up getting really hurt or in the worse case, end up drowning. On the contrary, this isn’t to say the water cannot be enjoyed safely. Here are some tips:

1. Swim at beaches with lifeguards ONLY – ask lifeguards for safety and swimming tips.
2. Lifeguards post warning signs – Do not ignore them - read them and heed them!
3. Conditions constantly change – daily and seasonal changes must be monitored closely.
4. Waves come in sets – it can look calm for up to 20 minutes between dangerous sets of huge waves.
5. Hazards can exist in ANY coastal area - not just in the water. Be careful on wet sand and rocks.
6. Do not fight a rip current – if caught in a current keep calm, float, breathe, don’t panic, and wave for help. Go WITH the current and conserve energy.
7. Use the buddy system – never swim alone & know your limits.
8. When in doubt – don't go out!

Sun

Don’t let the constant breeze on Kaua’i fool you into thinking the sun isn’t strong; quite the opposite is true. The sun shines more directly on the Kaua’i than anywhere else on the mainland. Wear at least 30SPF sunscreen on exposed skin to avoid a gnarly burn that could potentially ruin your vacation. Sunscreen helps prevent your skin against the sun’s harmful rays, not preventing them from being affecting altogether. You will still arrive home with an envious tan and lots of Vitamin D. Furthermore, you’ll have great stories to share because you weren’t laid up in the hotel room with a bad sunburn.

Getting There

Fun Fact: Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. with Interstate Highways that don't connect to another state.   

By plane

Lihue (LIH) Airport is the only main airport on Kaua’i with most flights coming in from a stop-over in Honolulu. Alaska Airlines is one of the few airlines that offers direct flights out of Seattle into Lihue.

Car

Getting from the airport to your destination is mainly by car. 90% of visitors to the island rent a car. Most car rental companies are sold out during Christmas and New Years so it is advised to plan well in advance. If a car rental is in your budget, it is highly recommended to get one in order to make the best of your experience and to be able to access everything the island has to offer.

Shuttle

Speedishuttle is available to/from the airport and needs to be booked in advance. Rates depend on arrival day and time, as well as your final destination.

Car Safety

Car theft isn’t much of an issue on the island because there is no place to go once it’s stolen! But window-smashing can be common in areas where you leave your car and go for a hike. Never leave valuables in your car. Locals will advise you to leave your doors unlocked and the windows rolled down a bit to prevent vandalism. Talk with your car rental agency upon arrival for more information. The top speed limit on the island is 50mph. Most roads are only two lanes and some areas have only one-lane bridges so traffic can be quite heavy. Take your time, wear your seatbelt (it’s the law!), and allow enough time to safely arrive at your destination.

Getting Around

Navigating

Kaua’i is much easier to navigate than some of the other islands as there aren’t too many roads to get lost on.

Several state highways serve Kaua’i County:

• Hawaii Route 50, also known as Kaumuali’i Highway, is a 33-mile road that stretches from Hawaii Route 56 at the junction of Rice Street in Lihu’e to a point approximately 1/5th mile north of the northernmost entrance of the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the far Western shore.
• Hawaii Route 58 is a 2-mile road that stretches from Route 50 in Lihu’e to the junction of Wapaa Road with Hawaii 51 near Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai.
• Hawaii Route 56, also known as Kuhio Highway, is a 28-mile route stretching from Hawaii Route 50 at the junction of Rice Street in Lihu’e to the junction of Hawaii Route 560 in Princeville.
• Hawaii Route 560 is a 10-mile road that stretches from the junction of Route 56 in Princeville to a dead-end road at Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park.

Other major highways that link other parts of the Island to the main highways of Kaua’i are:

• Hawaii Route 55 is a 7.6-mile road that stretches from the junction of Route 50 in Kekaha to meet with Hawaii Route 550 south of Koke’e State Park in the Waimea Canyon.
• Hawaii Route 550 is a 14-mile (21 km) road stretching from Route 50 in Waimea to Koke’e State Park.
• Hawaii Route 540 is a 4-mile (6 km) road that stretches from Route 50 in Kalaheo to Route 50 in Ele’ele. The road is mainly an access to residential areas and Kaua’i Coffee.
• Hawaii Route 530, also called Koloa Road, is a 3.4-mile road that stretches from Route 50 between Kalaheo and Lawai to Route 520 in Koloa. The road is mainly an alternative to Route 520 for travel from the west side to Po’ipu.
• Hawaii Route 520 is a 5-mile road that stretches from the "Tunnel of Trees" at Route 50 to Po’ipu on the South shore.
• Hawaii Route 570 is a 1-mile (1.6 km) road that stretches from Route 56 in Lihu’e to Lihu’e Airport.
• Hawaii Route 580 is a 5-mile (8 km) road that stretches from Route 56 in Wailua to where the road is no longer serviced just south of the Wailua Reservoir.
• Hawaii Route 581 is a 5-mile (8 km) road that stretches from Route 580 in the Wailua Homesteads to a roundabout just west of Kapa’a Town.
• Hawaii Route 583, also known as Maalo Road, is a 3.9-mile road that stretches from Route 56 just north of Lihu’e to dead-end at Wailua Falls Overlook in the interior.

By Bus

Kaua’I’s bus service is conveniently called the “Kaua’i Bus” and is $2 per person per ride. There are no transfers. If the bus will be your main transportation method during your visit and you plan to stay at least a couple weeks, consider buying a monthly bus pass for $20 which can be easily picked up at the Civic Center building in Lihue next to Big Save grocery store. The bus runs along the main route from Hanalei on the North shore all the way to Kekaha on the West coast with a variety of routes heading into the hills. There are several stops along the way but some are few and far between. Do your research and make sure that you are able to access your desired destination by using the bus, otherwise you could end up doing some substantial hiking.

What to See and Do

Beaches

Kaua’i beaches are not only magnificent but all are 100% public. With 50 miles of beach ranging from small protected bays great for snorkeling to large expansive sandy beaches, there is a beach for everyone.  Please note the water safety section above for precautions.

The following beaches have lifeguards on duty:

• Hanalei Beach Park, Waioli and Black Pot: This two-mile long beach located on the North shore in Hanalei can be a great place for boogie boarding, surfing and lounging on the sand. It can also be a bit rough in the winter with high surf warnings and strong currents. Talk to a lifeguard for more safety information.
• Anahola: Located one mile off the main highway, this beach is great for swimming year-round. Graced with long sandy beaches and a protective reef offshore, swimming is safest on the right near Kahala Point.
• Wailua: This beach is a great spot for a morning or afternoon stroll. It is frequented by locals and conveniently located right next to the main road.
• Lydgate State Park: Two lagoon rock walls create a protected swimming area ideal for snorkeling and safe ocean play. Located at the mouth of the Wailua River, this family-friendly park is great for sunbathing, strolling or picnics.
• Poipu: Located on the popular South shore of Kaua’i, Poipu beach was voted among the top ten best beaches by the Travel Channel and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, surfing and sunbathing.
• Salt Pond: Blessed with a natural “kiddy” pool area, this beach is quite popular with local families. The snorkeling is terrific with its clear waters and tide pools aplenty for a day of exploration. Salt Pond is located in Hanapepe in west Kaua’i.
• Kealia: Just north of the popular town of Kapa’a, Kealia is a wonderful place to swim, boogie board and surf. In the evenings, the night will be filled with the colors of bonfire as the locals wind down their day at the beach. This beach is easily accessed by a relatively new bike path connecting the town to the beach and beyond.
• Kekaha: One of the best beaches for sunsets, this long sandy stretch is a great place for an evening stroll but not for swimming due to strong currents, high surf, and a dangerous shore break.

There are over 60 beaches on Kaua’i to visit. The above list is just a start, so refer to the internet or your guidebook for further information on all of the island’s beaches.

Hiking

Some of the most dramatic landscape can be found on the island of Kaua’i and abundant hiking opportunities exist for hikers of all levels.

·         Secret Falls: This five-hour adventure hike begins with a kayak excursion in the Wailua River for several miles through a tropical jungle. After paddling ashore and securing your kayak, the hike begins through a tropical rainforest, passing by smaller beautiful hidden falls ending at the amazing 100-foot Secret Falls waterfall that you can swim beneath. You can rent a kayak and do this trip without a guide, although it is probably easier to make this part of a guided hike/trip as your kayak will be safe and you may learn more about the area than if you were to go on your own. 

·         Kukui Trail: This trail starts off of the Iliau Loop Trail and drops 2,000 feet into Waimea Canyon. A large swimming hole lies at the end of the trail along with an amazing view of several waterfalls across the canyon. 

·         Kalalau Trail: This 11-mile trail begins at the end of Highway 56 north of the town of Hanalei and heads deep into the Kalalua Valley. Hikers usually take around five days to hike in and out on this trail which provides views of the Na Pali Coast and Key Beach. For those wanting a shorter hike, a strenuous day trip is possible four miles in to Hanakapiai Falls. This trail, even the short version to Hanakapiai Falls is extremely difficult, can be dangerously slippery in the rainy season (winter), and is for experienced hikers only. Wear proper footwear, carry lots of water, and pack out your trash.

·         Kuilau Ridge Trail: This two-mile trail (one-way) starts from the Keahua Forestry Arboretum and provides a great distant view of Mount Wai'ale'ale covered in rain clouds.

Gardens

Known as the Garden State, Kaua’i provides some of the best botanical gardens in the nation.

• Na ‘Aina Kai­: Ensuring its future sustainability through investment in forestry, Na ‘Aina Kai (meaning “Lands by the Sea” in Hawaiian) is a non-profit organization boasting 240 acres of diverse tropical gardens, hardwood plantation, 90+ bronze sculptures, and a pristine secluded beach for its visitors. A variety of tours are offered ranging from 1.5 to 5 hours in length Tuesday through Friday. Tours can be booked in advance to ensure availability. These gardens are located on the North shore of the island in Kilauea just 6.5 miles south of Princeville off Wailapa Road. 
• National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG): A non-profit organization consisting of McBryde Garden, Allerton Garden, Limahuli Garden and Preserve on the island of Kaua’i, NTBG is dedicated to discovering, saving and studying the world’s tropical plants and to educate visitors. McBryde Garden is a 252-acre paradise set in the Lawa`i Valley boasting one the largest collections of native, tropical Hawaiian flora. Allerton Garden is a 100-acre magical space with swaying bamboo, tropical fruit trees, and rainforest trees towering overhead. Both gardens are located on the South shore. The Limahuli Garden and Preserve is located on the North shore of the island overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Makana Mountain as its backdrop. This garden is full of native and endangered plants that were important for early inhabitants to the island including taro. Tours are available at all three gardens.

Learn to Surf

Surfing lessons are available at several of the beaches around the island. When the ocean is calm, Kaua’i can be one of the best surf areas in all the islands to learn. Lessons include dry land and in-the-water instruction. Instructors teach paddling, timing and balance skills. No reservations required, just stop by and be ready to learn!

Shopping

• ABC Stores are found on in almost every Kaua’i town. They are the larger equivalent of 7-Eleven, selling items such as food, sundries, and tourist-related merchandise. This level of convenience does come at higher prices, however.
• Hanalei Surf Board Swap Meet: Open the first Saturday of every month from 9am-12pm on the grass in front of Hanalei Center.

Kaua’i is a great destination for honeymoons, family vacations, weddings, weekend escape or adventure travel experience. Lifetime memories will be created here and you may just find yourself wanting to come back. Aloha!

Some of the above data is courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauai, last modified on 1 January 2010. Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0.  If you would like to view the original page or edit its content, feel free to visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauai.