Trip Profile
Budget Category UPSCALE $400-600/person
Perfect For
Honeymoon Adventure Nature Relaxation Couples Beach
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
9.5/10
Adventure
9.5/10
Party Scene
3.0/10
Relaxation
9.5/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
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Best Months to Visit
April-June, September-November
Hurricane Season
June-November (rare)
Peak: December-March, July-August | Shoulder: April-June, September-November
Airport
Lihue Airport (LIH)
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar (USD)
English, Hawaiian
Explore the Destination

Get familiar with Kauai, Hawaii before you go. Browse hand-picked hotels, restaurants, beaches, and things to do, plus local tips, insider suggestions, and the small details that make a trip easier. Use the menu below for golf, spas, hikes, nightlife, and the rest.

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When to visit Kauai

Best months
April-June, September-November
Peak season
December-March, July-August
Shoulder season
April-June, September-November
Hurricane season
June-November (rare)

Weather & climate in Kauai

Average monthly high and low temperatures (Fahrenheit).

Month High Low Rain (in)
January 78°F 65°F 3.2
February 78°F 65°F 2.8
March 79°F 66°F 3.8
April 80°F 68°F 2.1
May 82°F 70°F 1.8
June 84°F 72°F 0.8
July 85°F 73°F 0.9
August 86°F 74°F 1.1
September 86°F 73°F 1.4
October 84°F 72°F 2.4
November 81°F 69°F 3.1
December 79°F 66°F 3.8

Kauai quick facts

Main airport
Lihue Airport (LIH)
Language
English, Hawaiian
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Typical daily cost
$400-600/person
Budget category
Upscale

Getting around Kauai

Public transit

The Kauai Bus provides island-wide public transportation service with routes connecting major towns and attractions.

Towns & neighborhoods in Kauai

The main areas travelers stay and explore.

Poipu

South Shore

Kauai's sunniest resort area with family-friendly beaches, sea turtle sightings, and upscale resorts. The most developed tourist area on the Garden Isle.

Princeville

North Shore

Upscale resort community on dramatic cliffs overlooking Hanalei Bay. Gateway to the lush North Shore with waterfalls and beaches.

Hanalei & North Shore Beaches

North Shore

Charming beach town with crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay, one-lane bridge entrance, mountains backdrop, and access to Na Pali Coast beaches. The Garden Isle at its most lush.

Kapaa & Coconut Coast

East Shore

Kauai's largest town with oceanfront bike path, farmers markets, local restaurants, and convenient base for exploring. More affordable and less resort-focused.

Lihue

Southeast - Capital

Kauai's capital and commercial center with Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, shops, and the airport. Gateway to the Garden Isle.

Waimea & West Side

West Kauai

Historic Waimea town, gateway to Waimea Canyon ('Grand Canyon of the Pacific') and Koke'e State Park. Drier, sunnier west side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Kauai

The best time to visit Kauai is April-June, September-November. Peak season runs December-March, July-August, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-June, September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November (rare).

A typical daily cost in Kauai is $400-600/person per person. Kauai is generally considered a upscale destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Kauai, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Kauai is Lihue Airport (LIH). The primary language spoken is English, Hawaiian. The currency used is US Dollar (USD).

Kauai offers 28 accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. Popular choices include St. Regis Princeville Resort, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

There are 40 activities and experiences to enjoy in Kauai. Top activities include Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast), Awaawapuhi Trail, Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls.