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Climate
Average temperatures range from 70° near the coast in February and March to 77° in August and September. Cooler temperatures in the mountain areas offer a pleasant contrast. The world's wettest spot is at Mt. Waialeale, with an average annual rainfall of 450-475 inches. The rainfall record there is 665.5 inches in a single year. Elsewhere on Kauai, the east and north shores get 30-45 inches annually, while the south and west shores get only 5-20 inches.
Touring Kauai
Regardless of where you stay in Kauai, you'll have easy access to the rest of the island. Since it is relatively small, driving distances are short between areas and attractions.
Sugarcane and pineapples were its primary industries for generations, until the demise of pineapple cultivation in the 1960s and '70s. Sugar is still important in some areas of Kaua`i, while other crops like coffee, papaya and guava are expanding rapidly. Tourism became an important part of the island economy after statehood. Visitors found the "Garden Island" had beautiful tropical scenery and a friendly ambiance which made it a relaxing vacation spot. Over the past few years, Kaua`i has been in the movies and on TV, having provided scenic backdrops for a number of full-length features.
Getting There
Inter-island airlines provide numerous daily regularly scheduled flights between Honolulu, Kaua`i's Lihue Airport, Princeville Airport and other destinations within the islands.
- Aloha Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Island AirThis subsidiary of Aloha Airlines provides shuttle service between Honolulu and Princeville Airport in north Kaua`i.
- US Mainland & Kaua`i
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Island AirThis subsidiary of Aloha Airlines provides shuttle service between Honolulu and Princeville Airport in north Kaua`i.
- US Mainland & Kaua`i
- Island AirThis subsidiary of Aloha Airlines provides shuttle service between Honolulu and Princeville Airport in north Kaua`i.
- US Mainland & Kaua`i This subsidiary of Aloha Airlines provides shuttle service between Honolulu and Princeville Airport in north Kaua`i.
- US Mainland & Kaua`i
Presently, United Airlines is the only major air carrier providing flights to Kaua`i's Lihue Airport, with direct service from the US west coast via Honolulu.
The last few years have seen an increase in international cruise ships making port calls in the Hawaiian Islands. So, once again, it is possible to sail to the islands on a luxurious ocean liner. Several cruise lines now regularly route their ships into Honolulu on a seasonal basis, as well as to the neighbor islands of Kaua`i, Maui and the Big Island of Hawai`i at Kona and Hilo. Schedules vary as do itineraries. For details, it is recommended that you check with a travel agent or cruise tour reservation specialist.
Among the ships that have made Hawai`i port calls on regular sailings recently from North America and other points are: Princess Cruise Lines' Island Princess, Sea Princess and Golden Princess Royal Viking Lines' Sagafjord and Royal Viking Sun Holland America Lines' Statendam, Rotterdam and Maasdam Cunard Lines' Queen Elizabeth II Royal Caribbean Lines' Legend of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Lines' MS Tropicale .
In addition, within the Hawaiian Islands, American Hawai`i Cruises offers exclusive inter-island cruises between Honolulu and the neighbor islands aboard the SS Independence. There are three-day and week-long packages. The ship spends a day in each port at Kaua`i, Maui and the Big Island's Kona and Hilo. There are shore excursions and tours available from dockside at each port. For details and information, contact your travel agent or: American Hawai`i Cruises
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Getting Around
You can drive almost the entire way around Kaua`i except where the road is blocked by the rugged and beautiful Na Pali Coast area on the northwest side of the island. The road extends from Polihale Beach State Park on the west side to Ke`e Beach at Ha`ena State Park on the north end. From one end to the other is a distance of roughly 75-80 miles.
Lihue, the main town and airport, is on the southeast side of the island. The Kuhio Highway #56 follows the east coast to the north through the old plantation towns of Wailua and Kapa`a to Anahola, Kilauea, Princeville Resort and Hanalei on the North Shore, a distance of about 31 miles. The road winds along the coast for another nine miles past Hanalei, where it terminates at Ha`ena State Park. This portion of the road is quite narrow, winding and hilly.
Southwest out of Lihue, the Kaumualii Highway #50 follows overland through sugar plantation country to the turnoff to Koloa and the Poipu Beach resort area. The road continues west to Kalaheo, Hanapepe, Waimea and the west coast, where it terminates at Polihale Beach State Park, a distance of about 40 miles. At Waimea, there are turnoffs onto Koke`e Road and Waimea Canyon Road, which connect and follow up the spectacular Waimea Canyon to Koke`e and Kalalau Valley Lookout, where the road terminates. This is a distance of 20 miles one way.
Essentially, there is one main highway around the island. And there are few branch roads off the main highway, so you shouldn't get lost, or at least if you do, it shouldn't be for long. Keep in mind that even though Kaua`i is small and there are few roads, there is a lot of traffic. Also, heavy trucks and tour buses use the same highway around the island, so be aware of traffic ahead and behind at all times.
Just remember when driving around Kaua`i, always lock your car when you park and never leave valuables inside unattended.
- Car rental agencies will provide a detailed map of Kaua`i. Available in Kaua`i bookstores and many other shops is the latest edition of the excellent full color topographic Map of Kaua`i, by James Bier and published by the University of Hawai`i Press.
- Bus/Taxi Service
- Bus/Taxi Service
There are some local tour bus and taxi operators that provide airport/hotel transportation and general island tours. Call them in advance for reservations and information.
- Akiko's Taxi, 5258 Laipo Road, Kapa`a, 808/822-7588.
- North Shore Cab Company, PO Box 1369, Kilauea, 808/639-7829 or 808/826-4118.
- Poipu Taxi, PO Box 173, Kaumakani, 808/639-2044, 639-2042.
- South Shore Taxi & Tour, Poipu Beach, 808/742-1525.
- City Cab, Lihue, 808/245-3227.
- Al's VIP Limo Taxi, Poipu Road in Poipu, 808/742-1390.
- Scotty Taxi, three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
5258 Laipo Road, Kapa`a, 808/822-7588.
- North Shore Cab Company, PO Box 1369, Kilauea, 808/639-7829 or 808/826-4118.
- Poipu Taxi, PO Box 173, Kaumakani, 808/639-2044, 639-2042.
- South Shore Taxi & Tour, Poipu Beach, 808/742-1525.
- City Cab, Lihue, 808/245-3227.
- Al's VIP Limo Taxi, Poipu Road in Poipu, 808/742-1390.
- Scotty Taxi, three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
PO Box 1369, Kilauea, 808/639-7829 or 808/826-4118.
- Poipu Taxi, PO Box 173, Kaumakani, 808/639-2044, 639-2042.
- South Shore Taxi & Tour, Poipu Beach, 808/742-1525.
- City Cab, Lihue, 808/245-3227.
- Al's VIP Limo Taxi, Poipu Road in Poipu, 808/742-1390.
- Scotty Taxi, three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
PO Box 173, Kaumakani, 808/639-2044, 639-2042.
- South Shore Taxi & Tour, Poipu Beach, 808/742-1525.
- City Cab, Lihue, 808/245-3227.
- Al's VIP Limo Taxi, Poipu Road in Poipu, 808/742-1390.
- Scotty Taxi, three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
Poipu Beach, 808/742-1525.
- City Cab, Lihue, 808/245-3227.
- Al's VIP Limo Taxi, Poipu Road in Poipu, 808/742-1390.
- Scotty Taxi, three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
Lihue, 808/245-3227.
- Al's VIP Limo Taxi, Poipu Road in Poipu, 808/742-1390.
- Scotty Taxi, three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
Poipu Road in Poipu, 808/742-1390.
- Scotty Taxi, three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
three-3400 Kuhio Highway, Lihue, 808/245-7888.
- Roberts Hawai`i Tours, % 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
% 800/831-5541, on Kaua`i 808/245-9101.
- Trans Hawaiian Kaua`i, 3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
3601 Ahukini Road, Kaua`i, 808/245-5108.
- Limousine Service
If you want to go first-class with airport/hotel transportation or even a customized island tour or special excursion, you might consider hiring a private luxury stretch limousine. If you're so inclined, we can contact any of the following:
- Kaua`i North Shore Limousine
- Rocky's Limousine Service
- Custom Limousine
- Kaua`i Limousine
- Car & Truck Rentals
- Rocky's Limousine Service
- Custom Limousine
- Kaua`i Limousine
- Car & Truck Rentals
- Custom Limousine
- Kaua`i Limousine
- Car & Truck Rentals
- Kaua`i Limousine
- Car & Truck Rentals
- Car & Truck Rentals
Click here for inclusive vacation, including air, hotels, car and activities
Since Kaua`i is relatively small and has essentially one highway following the coast around the island, a rental car is probably your best value in ground transportation. Having your own car gives you flexibility in arranging your own adventures and planning your own schedule.
There are several national car rental agencies on Kaua`i and most are located at Lihue Airport. Some of the agencies have rental desks in hotels and shopping centers.
- AA Aloha Cars-R-Us
- AA Paradise Network
- Alamo Rent a Car
- Avis Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Hertz Rent a Car
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- AA Paradise Network
- Alamo Rent a Car
- Avis Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Hertz Rent a Car
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Alamo Rent a Car
- Avis Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Hertz Rent a Car
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Avis Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Hertz Rent a Car
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Budget Rent a Car
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Hertz Rent a Car
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Hertz Rent a Car
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Hertz Rent a Car
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Ho`okipa Haven Vacation Service
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- National Car Rental
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Westside U-Drive
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
- Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
Click here for inclusive vacation, including air, hotels, car and activities
There is only one operator renting motorcycles and scooters on Kaua`i.
- Ray's Motorcycle Rentals Open seven days a week with daily or weekly rentals of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- Bicycle Rentals
Open seven days a week with daily or weekly rentals of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- Bicycle Rentals
Kaua`i has only a couple of operators renting bicycles and related equipment.
- Kaua`i Cycle and Tour
- Outfitters Kaua`i
- Outfitters Kaua`i
Touring Kaua`i
Regardless of where you stay in Kaua`i, you'll have easy access to the rest of the island. Since it is relatively small, driving distances are short between areas and attractions.
Lihue is the government and commercial center for all of Kaua`i. County of Kaua`i and State of Hawai`i government office complexes are located in town. One of Lihue's noteworthy features is the large Kaua`i Marriott Hotel at Kalapaki Beach. Adjacent to the hotel complex are the Kiele Golf Club and Lagoon Golf Club, both championship courses. The hotel beach area fronts on Nawiliwili Bay and Harbor. The Hule`ia River flows into Nawiliwili Bay and upstream is the national wildlife refuge and the Menehune Fishpond, which can be seen from a lookout off Hulemalu Road leading up from the harbor. Lihue has several older shops and restaurants in the downtown area as well as newer shopping complexes around town. With its central location on the southeast side of the island, Lihue is within easy reach of all areas of Kaua`i.
From Lihue, if you're heading north on Kuhio Highway 56, the Wailua River area has a number of river activities including cruises to the famous Fern Grotto. There are also kayak and hiking excursions along the river plus the Keahua Arboretum on Kuamo`o Road behind Wailua. Wailua Falls and Opaeka`a Falls in this area are both worth seeing. There are several nice beaches in the Wailua and Kapa`a areas, known as the Coconut Coast.
The Sleeping Giant
Near Kapa`a is a mountain profile view of the sleeping giant. According to local legend, a giant named Puni lay down to rest near the banks of the Wailua River. Villagers from the area, frightened by the giant, tried to wake Puni and scare him away by throwing rocks at him. The rocks landed in his mouth and choked him to death. He still lies there today.
Further up the coast at Kilauea, be sure to stop at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. There are lots of seabirds nesting on this high seacliff area near the old lighthouse. The drive onward to Princeville and Hanalei passes through cattle ranches and rolling hill country as you get near the North Shore area. Hanalei has beautiful tropical mountain and coastal scenery with lovely white and golden sand beaches all along the coast. Princeville and Hanalei have several resorts and vacation condos throughout the area. Over the years, this area has been used for several movies and TV shows as background scenery. Distances between the sights and attractions are short. The views at Hanalei Bay are beautiful, with rugged tropical mountain peaks serving as a backdrop to a lovely crescent beach and bay. The Hanalei River flows through the Hanalei Valley and the view from the Princeville lookout is spectacular. Hanalei town is a funky beach town with colorful shops and restaurants worth exploring. Your drive ends at Haena State Park and before you is the rugged Na Pali Coast. You can hike the Kalalau Trail along the coast either as a day-trip or overnight.
Leading southwest out of Lihue is the Kaumualii Highway 50. South of the highway and across the Hule`ia River valley is a profile of Queen Victoria in the Hoary Head mountain range, visible as you're leaving town. The south coast is noted for the famous Poipu Beach area, with its classy hotels, condos and golf courses and historic old Koloa town, where the sugar industry on Kaua`i got its start. There is much history in this area plus such attractions as the spouting horn blowhole. The famous National Tropical Botanical Garden is at Lawai and the Olu Pua Botanical Garden is also nearby at Kalaheo.
Further along the coast is the old plantation town of Hanapepe, now something of an artists' colony with several interesting art shops and galleries. Waimea is the gateway to the scenic Waimea Canyon and all the hiking, biking, nature walks and camping that it offers - plus the spectacular Kalalau Valley lookout. The mouth of Waimea Bay is recognized as the first landing place of Captain James Cook in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778. There is a monument to Captain Cook in town and many of Waimea's buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. It's an interesting town to explore. Also on a bluff overlooking Waimea Bay are the ruins of a Russian Fort dating back to 1817 when, for a brief time, Kaua`i was a Russian protectorate. On the west coast near the end of the road is the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands (so called for the curious sound made by the sand when rubbed between the hands - caused by cavities in the sand pebbles). Polihale Beach State Park is a beautiful wild area at the end of the road on the west coast. This is a broad expanse of golden sand and rugged surf. Like the route to the North Shore, the south and west sights and attractions are relatively close to one another.
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