Kauai, referred to as the “Garden Isle” of Hawaii, is a tropical paradise where lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and golden beaches offer travelers a thrilling adventure. Whether you are visiting the island to relax and go or you plan to hike the towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast there is something for everyone to enjoy on Kauai.
Located in the Central Pacific, Kauai is Hawaiʻi’s fourth largest island. In this guide, we explore everything you need to know before you visit the beautiful island of Kauai.
Good things to know about Kauai:
- Lihue Airport is the only airport on the island, located on the east side.
- The currency used in Kauai is the U.S. dollar.
- The official language spoken in Kauai is English, however, the native Hawaiian language is used by locals.
- Phrases such as “Aloha”, meaning hello and goodbye, and “Mahalo” (pronounced mah-hah-loh), can be used by travelers while visiting Kauai.
When to visit Kauai
- The hottest months to visit are between June and August.
- The shoulder seasons (April – May, and September – November) are the best time to visit as there are fewer crowds and prices are cheaper.
- Avoid visiting Kauai during national holidays such as Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and New Year, as Kauai is at its busiest during these times.
Things to do in Kauai
- If you enjoy hiking, Kauai has some excellent trails. Waimea Canyon offers a 14-mile trek with stunning views, whereas the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail features the Makauwahi Cave, Hawaii’s largest limestone cave.
- Do not miss the Nāpali coastline of Kauai, best seen by boat. Speedboat or catamaran tours are available around the south coast of the island.
- Kauai has some stunning waterfalls, such as the Wailua Falls, a beautiful double waterfall, viewable from the Waimea Canyon Lookout.
- Kayak on the Wailua River! Join a tour that will take you down the Wailua River winding through the beautiful Kauai rainforest.
Public transport in Kauai
- Kauai’s public bus route serves the main areas of the island, with an all-day bus pass costing $5.
- The most popular and best way to get around is by hiring a car. Jeeps are a popular choice on Kauai and will give you an unforgettable experience.
- Check out Get Around Kauai for information on transport on Kauai, including shuttle services to and from the airport.
Eating out in Kauai
- Kauai’s local restaurants are the best place to find authentic Hawaiian cuisine, such as poke bowls, kalua pig, and loco moco, often featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- Look out for independent home-style diners, roadside stands, and food trucks serving dishes, such as plate lunches, huli-huli chicken, and banana lumpia.
- Kauai has amazing seafood including ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, and ono, often grilled or traditionally served as poke or sashimi.
- Cool down with popular treats such as shaved ice and don’t miss trying some Kauai haupia pie (a coconut custard dessert).
Final tips for visiting Kauai:
- Kauaʻi’s Sunshine Markets offers fresh local produce and supports local farmers.
- It rains a lot on the island, even during summer so take a light rain jacket.
- Kauai has a slow, island style of living so be respectful of this and go with the flow.
- Avoid visiting overcrowded areas, don’t litter, shop, and eat at local businesses, and respect the local fauna and flora. Ensure that you leave Kauai as beautiful as you found it.
Becki Chu
Freelance Travel Writer
Becki currently lives in London, UK with her family, and has traveled across the world, including Japan, Hong Kong and throughout Europe.