Ahhhh the island of Kauai, where lush green landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and captivating waterfalls await. Nestled in the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, pristine beaches, and luxurious accommodations. Hunter and I made the trip to Kauai back in 2019 and loved our time there. For two people who love the outdoors- this vacation with 10+ hours a day spent under the sun was right up our alley.
In this blog post, we'll explore the best time to visit, top hikes for adventurers, must-visit beaches, recommendations on where to stay, and our top unforgettable experiences.
In This Kauai Itinerary
Getting to Kauai
Reaching this paradise is easier than you might think. Here are some popular ways to get to Kauai:
By Air: The most convenient way to reach Kauai is by flying into the Lihue Airport (LIH). Many major airlines offer direct flights to Kauai from the mainland United States, as well as connecting flights from international destinations. Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily rent a car or take rideshare to your hotel.
Inter-island Flights: If you're already in Hawaii, you have the option of taking an inter-island flight to Kauai. Multiple airlines operate frequent flights between the islands, providing a seamless and efficient travel experience. These flights typically depart from major airports like Honolulu on Oahu.
It's important to plan your transportation on the island as well. Renting a car is a popular choice, as it allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace. We opted to rent a car and loved the flexibility it offered. However, if you prefer not to drive, public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services are available.
Top Hikes in Kauai
Kalalau Trail: Located along the Na Pali Coast, this challenging 22-mile roundtrip hike is a bucket-list adventure. We loved the lush landscape all around us on this hike- and it felt as if we were the only people on the trail! This is definitely worth adding to your Kauai itinerary. Note that a permit is required for overnight stays.
Waimea Canyon: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," this awe-inspiring natural wonder offers various hiking trails for all levels. Don't miss the panoramic views from the Waimea Canyon Lookout or embark on the challenging but rewarding Awaawapuhi Trail.
Top Beaches to Visit in Kauai
Hanalei Bay: This picturesque bay on the North Shore is a paradise for beach lovers. With its golden sands, turquoise waters, and majestic mountains as a backdrop, it's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. We had a blast swimming off of the dock that extends out into the bay and enjoying a little picnic watching the water!
Poipu Beach: Located on the sunny South Shore, Poipu Beach is renowned for its pristine beauty and diverse marine life. Snorkel in the clear waters, spot sea turtles, or relax under the shade of swaying palm trees. The sunset over this beach was stunning!
Hideaway (Pali Ke Kua) Beach: This beach was truly out of a fairytale. The walk down to it was a steep muddy mess- but it was worth the journey. The alcove made for calm waveless ocean water that was clear and warm. The black rocks were the perfect spot to sit and read and take in the beauty. Bring snorkel gear to check out the marine life in the reefs!
Helicopter Tour over Kauai
This experience was so incredible it gets its own section. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime, otherworldly experience, then the doors-off helicopter tour is 100000% worth it. Hunter surprised me on our trip to Kauai with this tour through Jack Harter Helicopter Tours and I was over the moon.
The helicopter offers a stunning vantage point of the island's most breathtaking sites like the Na Pali coast, Waimea Canyon, and the untamed beauty of the coastline.
Boat Tour Kauai
Our boat tour gave us the chance to see the Na Pali coast from the sea after seeing it from the sky! We opted for the sunset sail with Capt. Andy's and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed seeing dolphins off the bow of the ship, rainbows forming along the horizon after some afternoon misting, a gorgeous sunset, and - of course- awe-inspiring views of the Na Pali coast.
Note that if you take a catamaran tour, you're likely to get wet from the splashes of the waves. Dress accordingly!
Where to Stay in Kauai
Princeville: Situated on the North Shore, Princeville offers stunning ocean views and access to renowned beaches. It's a perfect base for exploring the lush Hanalei Valley and the Na Pali Coast. We stayed on this end of the island and MUCH preferred it to the southern end (Poipu). It felt less touristy and was closer to most of the beaches and hikes we wanted to explore. Full disclosure: at the time we visited Kauai we were ~broke~ young and in love kiddos, and so my mom was kind enough to let us use points from her timeshare to stay (thanks Lori!) We had an adorable condo in Princeville that was perfect- and if we go back to Kauai we would stay in this area of the island again.
Some popular hotels on this side of the island are 1 Hanalei Bay and The Westin Princeville.
Poipu: For a sun-soaked getaway, Poipu on the South Shore provides a range of accommodations, offering mostly upscale resorts. Some popular hotels in Poipu are the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and the Koloa Landing Resort. Those staying on this end enjoy easy access to Poipu Beach and nearby attractions like Spouting Horn.
What and Where to Eat in Kauai
During our time on the island, we took full advantage of outdoor eats! Unlike some of our other travels where the particular restaurants were scoped out ahead of time, we opted for a 'stop on the side of the street and get what looks good' approach here. You really can't go wrong with the shaved ice, any fresh produce grown on the island, fruit bowls, and more.
One restaurant we did stop into that is worth mentioning is AMA on the north shore. Come for the unobstructed views of the mountains and inviting patio/outdoor seating area and stay for the ramen. We love ramen any time, anywhere, and this ramen was to die for.
Best Time to Visit Kauai
Kauai's warm tropical climate makes it an ideal destination year-round. However, the months of April to June and September to November are considered the best times to visit. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation options.
The average temperature in Kauai remains relatively consistent throughout the year due to its tropical climate. The island enjoys warm temperatures with slight variations between seasons. On average, the temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-29 degrees Celsius). It's important to note that specific areas of the island, such as the mountains or coastal regions, may experience slightly different temperatures and microclimates. Additionally, Kauai's weather can be influenced by trade winds, which bring refreshing breezes and help regulate the temperature.
We did have some days with rain showers during our visit (late April) but it was a warm rain with the sun still shining!
What Else to Know Before Visiting Kauai
Before visiting Kauai, it's helpful to be aware of a few important things to make the most of your trip.
It's $$$: Expect the cost of things like food and drink out to be higher on the island compared to the mainland, as many goods are imported. Budget accordingly and plan for average expenses that include accommodation, meals, and activities.
Basic phrases: It's always the polite thing to do to embrace the local culture by learning some basic phrases and greetings, such as "Aloha" (hello/goodbye) and "Mahalo" (thank you).
Leave No Trace: Respect the environment and follow the "Leave No Trace" principles to preserve the island's natural beauty. Be mindful of the delicate ecosystems and wildlife—always observe from a distance and avoid disturbing native species.
Is it Worth it to Visit Kauai?
With its natural beauty and adventure-filled landscapes, Kauai is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and beachgoers. We were truly captivated by this enchanting island and would love to go back! Reach out an let us know what else to include for the next Kauai itinerary.