Kauai Travel Tips: 9 Things to Know Before You Go

Things you NEED to know BEFORE you travel to Kauai Hawaii. Kauai is the oldest and smallest of the four main the Hawaiian Islands. It has a population of just 70,000 people. Elevation ranges from sea level to just over 5,000 feet. Kauai is home to the world's wettest location, Waialeale, which receives over 450 inches of rain annually - that's almost 40 feet! All that rain means lots of waterfalls
Only three percent of Kauai has been developed. It’s called the “Garden Isle” but it’s very country. You won’t find big cities or a lot of people on Kauai. You’ll find plenty of lush jungly wilderness to be explored though (we’re talking scenes straight out of Jurassic Park).
Lots of microclimates: You can go from the wettest place on Earth to a near-desert in 20 minutes
And a TON of chickens. There are more wild chickens on Kauai than any other Hawaiian Island largely thanks to “Iniki,” a category 5 hurricane, which hit the island in 1992.
The north shore is the lushest and prettiest of the island. It’s also the rainiest. (Princeville)
South side is the sunniest with good swimmable beaches, (Poipu)
East Shore has the Airport (Lihue)
West Shore relatively Un Developed (Na Pali Coast)
2 - Weather:
Temperatures range from the lower 50's in Kokee State Park to the upper 80's along the South shore. Kauai is considered to be semi-tropical and is home to a variety of micro-climates depending on your location around the island. In some places you'll need a light jacket, while in others a bathing suit is more than enough. It is also very common to be in rain one minute on Kauai, and in full sun the next.
Quite Windy -- 15-25 MPH Winds
3- Beaches:
Many of Kauai’s beaches aren’t swimmable.
dangerous currents, rip tides, and hammering surf.
conditions everywhere will be calmer in the summer months
On the north shore, big surf in winter but is calm in summer
Hanalei Bay -- 2 mile crescent bay (good in summer)
On the east coast, there’s a nice lagoon at Lydgate beach.
Kalapaki beach in Lihue - nice local beach
South Shore swimming is good at Poipu beach
South Shore gets its waves in summer
4- Hotels:
Everything is more expensive in the resort areas.
St Regis Princeville (swankiest resort area)
Grand Hyatt and Sheraton in Poipu
Marriott by the Airport in Lihue
5- Transportation:
Get a rental car -- it’ll probably be banged up
You’ll find the cheapest gas in Lihue/Kapa’a.
It can take forever to get around.
One road around the island (almost)
2-3 hours from one end to the other
Be aware of driving times when planning outings.
congestion around Lihue and Kapa’a during morning and evening commute times.
One lane bridge (North Shore): The local custom is to let 5-7 cars go at a time.
6- Shopping:
Costco in Lihue near the airport as well as a Safeway grocery store chain.
And if you need a pharmacy/drug store, that would be Longs
4 ABC Stores
7- Food:
Casual Attire is OK pretty much anywhere. Shorts and flip-flips are where it’s at. If you want to be really dressy, an Aloha shirt and Khakis.
Lots of places are just “take out” -- eat picnic style
Many places are breakfast and lunch only and close at 1:30 or 3pm.
The big resorts have fancy restaurants, and prices to go along with it
Duke’s restaurant at Kalapaki -- get the famous Hula Pie!
Eat where the locals eat, plate lunches, Asian Food
8- Big Attractions
9 - Hiking:
Pack water shoes for hiking. Many of the trails on Kauai are muddy or will require you to cross streams. It’s much easier if you do not have to worry about keeping your hiking boots clean and dry. Bring a map.
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[@papastreets]

I don't know why I bother looking at any other channel's travel videos. Yours are always the best!

[@YellowProductions]

Awww. Thanks Papa streets!

[@shannonbutwill]

Great video! Just what I was looking for.

[@JeffCrowell11]

Lots of great info. Thank you.

[@GustheStruggleBus]

Thank you so much for the travel tips! Will be sure to remember them on our next travels!!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Meredith and Paco. My pleasure!

[@syoung3868]

This is a Very informative Video , Thank you So Much !!! Great Job

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks S Young!

[@soccerrayray9]

Super good videos! Thanks for your Kauai info !!!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks soccerrayray!

[@kihelheim7831]

Can't wait for my KAUAI 2019!! Thanks man

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kihel! Enjoy Kauai!

[@DianaInCanada1]

ya I'm waiting for mine too!

[@gloriaricchio2132]

How can you say that the beaches are NOT fabulous ???!!! They are absolutely fabulous !!!!!

[@allyalldone2064]

Kauai beaches are awesome you obviously never been to blackpot or anini poipu for snorkeling

[@jimhart9556]

We were there in June and NO problems with mosquitos. And I don't think he mentioned Bed & Breakfasts. We stayed at two wonderful B&Bs: Marjorie's Kauai Inn and Hale Kua. I Highly recommend both. Aching to return....

[@akken2112]

Thanks for your informative videos about the islands in paradise.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks AK!

[@TheAustralianHealthShow]

your best video i have seen so far well done

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Australian helth show!

[@lornatodeschini2546]

Cannot wait for our first visit in April! Thanks for the informative video.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Lorna! Enjoy Kauai!

[@Yahnellie]

im also going in April!! so excited!

[@cdez8486]

Is there uber now and is there restaurant’s or places to eat close to the grand hyatt property? Your videos are extremely helpful, thanks.

[@jamesblair5971]

Thanks for the tips!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks James!

[@suehofkamp8594]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Sue!

[@lsdillow3]

Just returned from a Kauai trip. I agree with much of this video but he should mention protecting valuables, especially for hikers/backpackers. We had all of our valuables stolen out of our rental car despite having them all in the trunk while backpacking in Waimea Canyon (as did the car parked next to us), which the police told me had happened three times over the past week. This put quite a damper on what would have otherwise been a wonderful trip.

[@YellowProductions]

That's a bummer Liam!

[@santadog9]

So sorry that happened. I know that feeling all too well. This is true for any of the islands. Here's some tips for others heading out there: 1. Don't leave anything in your car ever anywhere. I learned that lesson trying to camp O'ahu alone and having all my things in my vehicle instead of keeping them at lodging to save money. Can't just leave stuff in the tent. Camping at the State PARk beaches was useless because of that. Luckily, I have friends who live in Honolulu where I was able to stow my stuff and leave the car empty. 2. Have your stuff ready to exit the vehicle before you leave for your destination. That way you get out of the car, and walk away. Rummaging around for things draws attention to you and your stuff. 3. I pop open the glove box, remove the trunk cover so if someone were to peer into the vehicle it's obvious the car is empty. 4. Convertibles.. leave the top down if it's a soft top. Soft tops are slashed to get to things inside. Leaving it down shows obviously that the car is empty. 5. Rent a privately owned car thru an app service. I've been told rental cars attract more thieves for the sheer connection that your car is probably full of stuff. 6. Get a "dry bag". This is a bag that is waterproof, and can be easily taken with you into the water. What size is up to you. As small as to only to have keys, money, and a phone, or larger to hold other stuff. 7. If you are at the beach and have a lot of things with you, and you have another person with you, take turns going in the water so someone is always with your things.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Just returned from Kauia, and found a TON of sketchy folks running around. As we were driving down from Waimea Canyon we saw 3 PILES OF BROKEN GLASS on the side of the road under and around a group of parked cars. NEVER leave ANYTHING in your car in Kauai. There are thieves everywhere.

[@normandea]

Public transportation isn't the greatest. But Uber is now available on Kaua'i! A great convenience!

[@YellowProductions]

That's nice! Hopefully there is more than 1 Uber driver on the island! :)

[@normandea]

What is that theme music you use?

[@alieninbellingam]

Uber and lyft - For airport pick up walk 200 feet to the Post office Yellow gate and call there or just take the Enterprise shuttle

[@DennisMocheniat]

Flying in from Los Angeles (September) Should I reserve a rental car before arrival?

[@TheAustralianHealthShow]

busses can go from top to bottom for a few dollars and it was fine if staying near Luhio

[@rimasmeleshyus6545]

Great video,many thanks to you my Dear friend. I like it your video very much

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Rimas

[@thetravelvideoawards2520]

We’re hosting The Travel Video Awards in Las Vegas on April 11th, awarding the best travel videos of 2017 from filmmakers and brands alike. Submit your travel videos before the deadline on February 25th at 11:59pm PST, for the chance to win awards and cash prizes!

[@afulper]

Thanks so much for the info. What is the weather like at the end of April in Kauai? Going in 2019 with kids.

[@YellowProductions]

April is one of the more pleasant months. Average high of 79 and low of 69

[@baztheman]

Nice video. Should I buy car insurance in any US travels? Hawaii and vegas? I heard it is a sucker deal and the credit card such as american express and chase (some) will cover the rental car insurance. However, I think the rental companies came up something like "cost of car not being service that is not cover by cc insurance". Can you give advise? Thank you. B

[@DOCTORJAN714]

You spend considerably more time talking about the roosters than the beaches, which you glancingly say "aren't fabulous?" I've never EVER heard that opinion of the beaches on Kaua'i before. The beaches there/here are STELLAR!!! From kid-friendly to world-class surfing to small and romantic, the beaches on Kaua'i rival any other in the world.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

It's a mixed bag. Polihale is easily one of the nicest beaches I've ever seen in my life, but it's a LONG drive out there and you have to drive that nasty dirt road (Lower Saki Mana Rd) which beats the shit out of your car and your back as you bounce along. The beaches in the populated areas are not as nice as the ones on Maui and Big Island.

[@tribequest9]

He actually has a whole video explaining this or did you miss that part because you were too distracted by the rooster?

[@kaseonline1091]

I can't wait to go there this summer

[@YellowProductions]

Enjoy Kauai!

[@nestleambrosian4931]

I’m going as well. Week in Kauai and week in Maui!

[@scottman895]

Thank you for the tips! Kauai sounds awesome especially due to all the hiking opportunities. I definitely need to check out all the main islands to see which one I like the best!

[@YellowProductions]

If you like hiking Kauai is definitely the place!

[@arnieknepper8866]

Scottman895 Travel bp

[@basuanasuya]

Scottman895 Travel .

[@Joe-mz6dc]

afaic the hikes are probably the ONLY reason to visit Kauai as opposed to the other islands.

[@lionelterese2922]

Thanks a lot for your info / I have to go there in january for 3 months, please can you tell a bit about the vog? is Kauai often concerned by the vog?

[@YellowProductions]

Hmm.. I didn't experience any when I was there. Not sure about now though

[@lionelterese2922]

ok, it seems not be be very often the case...thank you for your reply,)

[@chrisr9971]

I found the driving tips helpful as i'll be renting a camper van for my short stay. I've heard a ton of different opinions on Kauai and I'm excited to not be doing a touristy vacation

[@YellowProductions]

Nice!

[@williamhoffman7009]

There are great beaches on Kauai. You just have to know where they are.

[@BillHaynal]

I was on Kauai twenty years ago, wondered where all the chickens came from.

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Great informative video. We were considering Kawaii but switched to Maui and we are glad we did.

[@odettehope7702]

Hello Do you think that November is a bad month to visit kauai i saw that there are like 19 days of rain and I´m just have 4 days here so I´m not sure if I should change the days and visit oahu

[@YellowProductions]

It's never a bad month to visit Hawaii :)

[@sharruthegreat4974]

Are the wild chickens and roosters legal to hunt????? Bcuz i really need 2 know

[@dianalolguin5789]

There's public transportation in Kauai, I've been there and that's all I used. It might take you longer to get to your destination but it's posible.

[@YellowProductions]

Hi Diana,. That's impressive! Thanks for the report that the public transportation is functional.. I assume it requires a fair bit of patience as I didn't see a whole lot busses when I was driving around. But maybe I wasn't looking for them so I didn't notice them.

[@jackiet1716]

What time of year did you visit? I may not have caught that in the video if you said....

[@YellowProductions]

This was shot in December

[@laniemccann4142]

Give me some info. Where is the cheapest island I can buy pieces of land?

[@alohatraveler]

The beaches aren't fabulous? Did you leave your hotel bro?

[@madvtecyoboostin4870]

Not the best beaches?!? Poipu beach was voted best beach in the country a few years back..... and if u haven’t seen polihale state beach park on the west side of kauai, I’d say it’s the best beach in the state, it’s beautiful.

[@landscaperben]

Chris, those mosquitos are winning mate....

[@YellowProductions]

I will not be defeated by something so small!!!

[@landscaperben]

Haha. You were all over the shop dude. Those mosquitos had a field day on you!!!!!!!!!!

[@YellowProductions]

Ok.. maybe.. but I will not ADMIT defeat! :)

[@pressrepeat2000]

I’m planning a Hawaii trip as I’ve never been, but it seems so extremely expensive to be there (vs Asia or whatnot). Accommodations seems meh for 2-3x the price compared to anywhere else. Kinda indecisive if it’s worth it. I mean it’s a unique experience but I’m on the fence if it’s worth the $$$. I don’t want to lay on the beach, I want to experience new things.

[@Gemmarose9012]

pressrepeat2000 it’s worth it! There is plenty to explore and do other than the beaches!

[@alexascia2543]

Rented a beautiful house in Princeville slept 8 w/a separate wing for the kiwi's in 2017. Had fruit trees, a great pool, big kitchen, house was off the golf course, near Queens bath. Had the best 20 days ever. Found many beaches safe for the kiwi's & surfing. If we didn't cook outside we had tons of local restaurants to go to. Do your research before you go and please follow the rules. Have fun, stay safe, get into the culture. We plan to go back in 2018. ALOHA...🌊🌊🌊

[@YellowProductions]

Aloha! That's a big house! 20 days.. nice!

[@alexascia2543]

Yellow Productions ...... Yes big house rented thru local real estate agent.... owner left a "comments" book out and that's where we read a lot of local things to do & see... our time was magical..... house was incredible...!!!

[@alexascia2543]

We loved it..... hope all is well there...Aloha...

[@Islandgirl58]

You will see roosters everywhere due to a person that was raising the roosters got loose when iniki hit Kauai. Now those roosters are making babies after babies lol.

[@YellowProductions]

Lots of rooster babies for sure! :)

[@darrellm9717]

It's hilarious that he said the beaches aren't very good on Kauai! Hahaha!!

[@richardmccarley177]

Chris does the Mosquito Dance!

[@YellowProductions]

Hah! For sure! I hate mosquitos...but they seem to really like me!

[@gunnervallatini6593]

one thing you should know about kauai is that the locals hate tourists lol

[@noahal1770]

KAUAI HAS THE BEST BEACHES!!!!! HANALI BAY?????

[@alfred805123]

What kind of cell phone coverage over there ?

[@YellowProductions]

In the populated areas their is cell phone coverage. At places like waterfalls and canyons not so much

[@sharruthegreat4974]

What wild animals are legal to hunt

[@sharruthegreat4974]

@K Dizz u got me fucked up i promise you im hunting all the wild roosters chickens goats deer and fish on Kauai.... End of discussion 😎 😎

[@domnutz1798]

Kauai has a lot beautiful beaches...this video is not true at all...seems like this guy had a bad vacation on kauai

[@YellowProductions]

I enjoyed my vacation on Kauai . But for me, I think the beaches on Maui are better, and easier to access.. for example the beaches in Wailea... Kauai has no equivalent to Wailea

[@Joe-mz6dc]

The beaches on Maui and the Big Island are nicer overall.

[@adamabofarraj4314]

You look and sound like Gale boettacher

[@daysonnobriga3782]

If you know how to swim you can go to any beach

[@jonnieinbangkok]

First!

[@GustheStruggleBus]

Jonnie Bangkok second! :)

[@jonnieinbangkok]

MEREDITHandPACO Maybe next time 😉

[@GustheStruggleBus]

Jonnie Bangkok hahaha maybe!! :)

[@YellowProductions]

Well done! :)

[@LifeWithKolu]

It’s not Hanu It’s HONU

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the correction

[@2Baked808]

Honu not hanu

[@jeanconnolly6072]

You should learn to pronounce the words before you make a youtube - plus seeing the area would be better than looking at you for the whole video!

[@Fushigi_TV]

So harsh lol, so true !

[@lunefee]

“Ha-nu” 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@stitchforaye235]

#nocomekauai

[@Link25888]

Kauai has the worst beaches in the world

[@DK-zn3zf]

Too much yammering with that long intro....

[@alexanderhenriques1582]

I live in Kauai and I know that you mispronounced most of the towns. Lol

[@YellowProductions]

I bet I did! I have a hard time with Hawiaan pronunciation!

[@alexanderhenriques1582]

@@YellowProductions also, in the summer months, you will wish it would rain. It is hot and humid over in Kauai.

[@KauaiMTB]

Do not go!!!