Destinations / Hawaii / Kauai
Kauai Travel Guide
The greenest, slowest island. Come for the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Hanalei, and plan around the weather: the North Shore is wet in winter and Poʻipū is your sunny backup.
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Where I'm sending people now
Princeville or Hanalei for scenery (wetter in winter), Poʻipū for sun and calmer water, Kapaʻa to be central and get better value.
April to October for a calmer North Shore and Nā Pali boat season. From November to March, Poʻipū is the better base.
Luxury resorts run about $570 to $950+ a night off-season (Kōʻa Kea, Grand Hyatt, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay) and more at peak, plus about 18.7% tax.
As of October 2026, after Hurricane Lowell: Kōkeʻe Road, the Kalalau Trail past Hanakāpīʻai, all camping and the Secret Falls trail are closed. Hāʻena State Park and the Waimea Canyon Lookout have reopened. Check DLNR park notices before you go.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Fly into Lihue (LIH); there are nonstops from several West Coast cities, otherwise connect through Honolulu, which is about a 35-minute hop. Poipu is roughly 25 minutes from the airport and Princeville 45-60 minutes, more with Kapaa traffic.
Getting around
You need a rental car: there's one main road around the island and very little ride-share outside Lihue and Kapaa. Ha'ena State Park (the Ke'e Beach and Kalalau Trail access) requires a reservation in advance, and it sells out.
Money and tipping
US dollars and cards everywhere; tip 18-20% at restaurants and on boat or helicopter tours. Book Na Pali boat tours and helicopters for early in your trip so you have backup days if weather cancels.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Land, check in, sunset at Poipu Beach
Day 2 Na Pali Coast boat tour (summer) or a doors-off helicopter flight
Day 3 Waimea Canyon Lookout (Koke'e Road is closed for now), lunch in Hanapepe
Day 4 North Shore, Hanalei Bay, Ha'ena State Park with a reservation
Day 5 Kayak the Wailua River, easy last afternoon
Hotels I'd book in Kauai
Things to do in Kauai
Where to eat in Kauai
Merriman's Poʻipū
JO2
Duke's Kauaʻi
Brennecke's Beach Broiler
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Kauai FAQ
Do I need reservations on Kauai?
Yes for Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach (non-residents, up to 30 days ahead at gohaena.com) and Kīlauea Point (timed tickets up to 60 days ahead). Waimea Canyon has no reservation; non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 to park.
Can I hike the Kalalau Trail?
Right now only the first 2 miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Falls. Past that, and all camping, is closed after Hurricane Lowell. Normally the full trail needs an overnight camping permit.
Can I see the Nā Pali Coast by car?
No. A boat or helicopter is the best way to see it. Boat season is calmest from about April to October.
Is it safe to swim on the North Shore in winter?
Often not. Winter swells make the North Shore dangerous and the county issues no-swim advisories. Poʻipū on the South Shore is calmer from November to March.
Can the road to Hanalei close?
Yes. The one-lane Hanalei Bridge area floods and closes a few times a year, mostly in winter. Leave buffer time if you're staying on the North Shore with a flight to catch.
Should I still go to Kauai after Hurricane Lowell?
Yes. Most hotels, restaurants and tours are open. Reconfirm bookings, check DLNR park notices for closures, and stay out of damaged neighborhoods.
Do I need a car on Kauai?
Yes. There's no road around the whole island, and the buses don't reach most of the places you'll want to go.