Kauai
Country: USA · Region: Hawaii · Currency: US Dollar
Kauai, the 4th largest Hawaiian island, is known as the Garden Island for its lush tropical landscape and natural wonders. As a cruise port at Nawiliwili, it offers beaches, scenic attractions, and a more laid-back experience than other Hawaiian islands.
Top sights
Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Kilauea Point Lighthouse, National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Wailua Falls
Things to do
- Kilauea Point Lighthouse
- Built in 1913 with the largest lens of its kind, this lighthouse is now located within a national wildlife refuge serving as a nesting ground for diverse seabirds.
- Wailua Falls
- An elegant triple waterfall near Lihue that appears as a double waterfall from the viewing area and was once a site for cliff diving.
- Opaekaa Falls
- A scenic waterfall with a vista point and parking on Route 580, offering views of Wailua River with a $10 per vehicle entry fee.
- National Tropical Botanical Gardens
- Three separate gardens (McBride, Allerton, and Limahuli) on the north and south shores containing native Hawaiian plants, endangered species, and ancient taro terraces.
Beaches
- Poipu Beach
- A sunny south-shore beach featuring white sand, snorkeling with rock formations, swimming, surfing, and opportunities to see sea turtles and monk seals.
- Hanalei Bay
- A crescent-shaped bay on the north shore famous for its white sandy beaches and world-class surf.
Where to eat
- Kong Lung Center
- A small shopping and dining center in Kilauea village offering unique stores and restaurants.
- Banana Joe's
- A large fruit stand located north of Kilauea on the mountain side of the highway.
Forecast for Kauai
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Weather in Kauai by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 72°F | 59°F | 5.3 in | 15 |
| February | 71°F | 58°F | 6.0 in | 18 |
| March | 71°F | 59°F | 7.9 in | 21 |
| April | 73°F | 61°F | 7.0 in | 23 |
| May | 74°F | 62°F | 6.6 in | 26 |
| June | 76°F | 64°F | 5.6 in | 23 |
| July | 77°F | 66°F | 5.5 in | 25 |
| August | 78°F | 66°F | 5.3 in | 25 |
| September | 78°F | 66°F | 4.9 in | 25 |
| October | 77°F | 65°F | 5.6 in | 24 |
| November | 74°F | 63°F | 5.2 in | 22 |
| December | 72°F | 61°F | 6.9 in | 20 |
Getting around
Rent a car at Lihue Airport or take taxis, buses, or tour companies; the island's main attractions are concentrated along two highways from Lihue.
What to eat
Visit local restaurants and nook-in-the-wall bistros in towns like Hanalei, Hanapepe, and Kilauea; check out Banana Joe's fruit stand north of Kilauea.
Tips
Allow extra time for driving between Lihue and Kapaʻa due to traffic, and note that roads do not circle the island due to Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast.
Best for
Beaches, snorkeling, scenic hikes, natural wonders