A traveler's guide to Kauai
Pick a shore and stay loyal to it. Driving around Kauai is a half-day, not an errand.
Kauai is the Hawaii trip that is not Waikiki. The north shore is Hanalei and a tunnel of trees. The Na Pali coast is a boat, a hike, or a view from a helicopter you will talk about later. Rain is part of the green.
When to go
Winter surf owns the north. Summer is kinder to Hanalei and harder on the south. Shoulder months are the compromise.
The beach
Hanalei is the famous crescent. Poipu is the reliable south-shore swim. Tunnels and Ke'e are beautiful and not always open to a casual swim. Read the posted warnings.
In the water
The Na Pali coast trip is the one to book early, and to cancel without arguing if the captain does. Snorkeling is a calm-day sport here. Reef shoes help on the lava entries.
If you only remember this
- One rental car. The ring road is not a loop you finish before dinner.
- North-shore groceries thin out. Stock up in Lihue or Kapa'a.
- Helicopter seats sell out in the season you want them.
- Rain on the mountains can mean sun on the beach twenty minutes later.