Kauai

Best time to visit Kauai

The best time to visit Kauai is generally considered to be during the shoulder seasons due to weather, crowds, and prices. Here's a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:

Winter (December to March) is the wettest season, although rain often comes in localized showers and doesn't necessarily ruin entire days. March tends to be particularly rainy. Temperatures are slightly cooler, with highs in the mid-20s. Expect higher prices and more crowds, especially around the holidays (Christmas and New Year).

In spring (April to May) the weather is generally warm and dry, making it ideal for various activities. You'll encounter fewer tourists compared to the summer and winter peak seasons meaning accommodation rates are typically lower.

Summer (June to August) is the hottest and driest period, with average highs hitting 28-30°C. It's a peak tourist season due to school holidays, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for flights and accommodations.

As for autumn (September to November) September remains warm, with decreasing tourist numbers after the summer rush. October and November can see an increase in rainfall as the wet season approaches. You can often find good deals on accommodations and flights, except around Thanksgiving (end of November).

Ultimately, the best time to visit Kauai depends on your priorities, whether it's the weather, specific activities, budget, or crowd levels.

Discover Kauai

The verdant island of Kauai is the oldest of all the Hawaiian Islands where spectacular natural attractions and nature are in abundance. So much so that its lush, tropical vegetation has earned it the nickname of ‘The Garden Isle’. The lure of Kauai’s breath-taking scenery has seen popular movies such as Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Blue Hawaii filmed here.

The rugged grandeur of Waimea Canyon is not too be missed, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. A vast canyon with dramatic cliffs and vibrant orange and green coloured rocks and flora, the views here are simply incredible. The resort of Poipu Beach in the south is the island’s main resort where you’ll find long sandy beaches and turquoise waters which are home to tropical fish and even turtles and seals.

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and even zip-lining available and some phenomenal hikes, particularly along the North Shore and the rugged coastline of Napali.

Things to do on Kauai

Napali Coast

Boasting one of the islands most dramatic and scenic landscapes, the word Napali translates to the word ‘cliffs’ in Hawaiian and its easy to see why. Napali’s coastline is dominated by towering sea cliffs, some of the highest in the world, scenic waterfalls such as the famous Hanakapiai Falls, and remote, scenic beaches. Visitors can get views of the coast by water on a boat cruise taking some time to snorkel and kayak and spot dolphins and even whales. Or explore some of the hidden gems of the coast, only accessible by foot on a choice of hiking trails, including the famous and challenging Kalalau Trail. Due to its spectacular beauty many blockbuster movies including Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean and King Kong were shot at the Napali Coast.

Waimea Canyon

Overlooking the breath-taking scenery of Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ and was created by an earthquake that nearly split Kauai into two islands.  This massive canyon stands at one mile wide and 14 miles long and is approximately 3,600 feet deep. The best ways to explore the park is by car, driving along Waimea Canyon Drive which leads to both the lower lookout point and the spectacular Waimea Canyon Overlook which offers incredible panoramic views of the reddish-brown canyon, cascading waterfalls and lush green valleys. There are various hiking trails that get into the heart of the park and that offer magical views including the Canyon Trail and the Kuilau Ridge Trail.