Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is the Garden Isle, known for Waimea Canyon, the remote Nā Pali Coast and beaches on the North Shore.
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Kauaʻi is one of the main Hawaiian Islands, in the US state of Hawaii, about 105 miles (170 km) northwest of Oʻahu across the Kauaʻi Channel. It is the fourth largest of the main islands and the oldest, roughly five million years old. Go for Waimea Canyon, which is about 3,000 feet deep, and for the Nā Pali Coast, a remote stretch of cliffs you can explore by kayak or on the coastal trail.
Lihue Airport, on the southeastern side, is the only commercial airport, with direct flights to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, the US mainland and Vancouver. Rainfall depends on the side of the island, from about 50 inches a year on the northeastern windward shore to under 20 inches on the southwestern leeward side. In Līhuʻe, average temperatures run from 78°F in February to 85°F in August and September. Kōkeʻe State Park, at 3,200 to 4,200 feet, is much cooler, with average daytime highs from 45°F in January to 68°F in July.
Kauaʻi in five
- Reserve Hāʻena State Park firstNon-Hawaii residents need an advance reservation at gohaena.com, with day-use slots opening 30 days ahead. It covers Kēʻē Beach and the Kalalau Trail start; a shuttle runs from Hanalei and Princeville.Kauaʻi in 5 days
- Choose a coast to sleep onThe south around Poipū is sunnier and drier; the north around Princeville and Hanalei is greener and wetter, with winter surf. Lodging near the airport and on the east coast sits in between.Where to stay in Kauaʻi
- Rent a car and plan the long drivesNo road circles the island because the Nā Pali Coast blocks it. Līhuʻe to Hāʻena is about 1.5 hours, and Poipū to Waimea Canyon about 1 hour, so base on one side per few days.Getting around the USA
- See Waimea Canyon in the morningClouds often build later in the day, hiding the view. Non-residents pay a state park fee, and the road up can close, so check the state parks page before you drive.Kauaʻi in 5 days
- Avoid North Shore beaches in winter surfLarge swells hit the north coast in winter and can make beaches dangerous. Check lifeguard and surf forecasts, and swim on the south side when the north is rough.Best time to visit Kauaʻi
Things to do in Kauaʻi
See all attractions in Kauaʻi
Need to know
- Airport
- Līhuʻe (LIH), on the east side near the center
- Getting there
- Nonstop from some West Coast cities; inter-island from Honolulu
- Getting around
- A rental car; no road circles the island
- Best base
- Poipū for sun, Princeville or Hanalei for the north
- Time needed
- 5–7 days
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Best
- Good
- JanuaryRain15 rainy daysHigh24°Low21°Wet north, whalesJanuaryRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 98 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet north, whales
- FebruaryRain18 rainy daysHigh24°Low20°Wet north, whalesFebruaryRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 20°
- Precipitation
- 116 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet north, whales
- MarchRain22 rainy daysHigh24°Low21°Mild, showersMarchRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 163 mm
- Rainy days
- 22
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, showers
- AprilRain25 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Warm, calmAprilRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 161 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, calm
- MayRain27 rainy daysHigh25°Low22°Warm, dryMayRain
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 140 mm
- Rainy days
- 27
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, dry
- JuneRain28 rainy daysHigh26°Low23°Warm, dryJuneRain
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 152 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, dry
- JulyRain28 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Warm, busyJulyRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 147 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, busy
- AugustRain27 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Warm, busyAugustRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 142 mm
- Rainy days
- 27
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, busy
- SeptemberRain26 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Warm, calmSeptemberRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 129 mm
- Rainy days
- 26
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, calm
- OctoberRain25 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Warm, calmOctoberRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 137 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, calm
- NovemberRain23 rainy daysHigh25°Low23°ShowersNovemberRain
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 115 mm
- Rainy days
- 23
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Showers
- DecemberRain21 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Wet north, holidaysDecemberRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 138 mm
- Rainy days
- 21
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet north, holidays
Average daily high and low in Līhuʻe, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Kauaʻi
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 23°
- Humidity
- 66%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Kauaʻi
12:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today19°15°100%Monday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue19°15°98%Tuesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Wed18°15°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 18°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu22°16°90%Thursday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Fri21°15°84%Friday: Rain. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Sat20°15°60%Saturday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 60%.
- Sun19°15°78%Sunday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 78%.
Updated 12:28 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Hanalei and the North Shoreabout 1 hour by car from LīhuʻeHanalei Bay, valley views and Hāʻena State Park with a reservation.Read the guide
- Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻeabout 1–1.5 hours by carCanyon lookouts and ridge trails. Go in the morning, and check road status.
- Nā Pali Coast by boatboat trips from the west and north shoresA sea view of the cliffs; many trips cancel in winter surf. Book flexible.
Before you go to Kauaʻi
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Rules for Kauaʻi, checked
- Non-Hawaii residents need an advance Hāʻena State Park reservation (entry or parking); day-use reservations are available 30 days ahead on gohaena.com.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
- Beyond Hanakāpīʻai the Kalalau Trail needs a Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park camping permit; day-use covers only the 8-mile round trip.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
- Waimea Canyon State Park charges non-residents $5 per person or $10 per vehicle; check the page for road closures before you drive up.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
Kauaʻi FAQ
How many days do you need in Kauaʻi?
Five days lets you see the North Shore, Waimea Canyon and the south coast without constant driving. Seven days adds a boat trip or a longer hike.
Do you need a reservation for Hāʻena State Park?
Yes, non-Hawaii residents must reserve in advance at gohaena.com. Day-use reservations open 30 days ahead, and you cannot rely on gate sales. A shuttle runs from Hanalei and Princeville.
Where is the best place to stay on Kauaʻi?
Poipū for sun and calm beaches, Princeville or Hanalei for the North Shore and Hāʻena, and Kapaa for a central, lower-priced base. Do not try to cover both ends from one hotel.
When is the best time to visit Kauaʻi?
April to June and September to October have good weather and fewer crowds. Winter is wetter on the north side with big surf, but good for whales and the sunny south shore.
Can you drive all the way around Kauaʻi?
No. The Nā Pali Coast blocks the road between the west and north shores, so you drive to each end and return. Plan for long days when you cross the island.