About Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is the oldest and greenest of the main Hawaiian islands: waterfalls, sea cliffs, sleepy towns, and no building taller than a coconut tree. Here's what's good to know before you arrive.
Weather and seasons
Warm all year, usually in the 70s and 80s. Trade winds keep things comfortable, and passing showers are common, especially at night and on the north shore.
- Summer (May to September): drier, with calm water on the north shore.
- Winter (October to April): more rain and big surf on the north shore. Whale season peaks from about December to March.
- The east side, where C203 is, gets a mix of sun and short showers. Poʻipū on the south shore is usually the sunniest spot.
Ocean safety
Kauaʻi's ocean is beautiful and powerful. A few habits keep everyone safe.
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards, and ask them about conditions.
- If you're not sure, don't go out. Big waves and strong currents can appear on calm-looking days.
- Never turn your back on the ocean, even when you're just on the rocks or the sand.
- If a current pulls you out, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to shore before heading in.
- Calm, protected spots for kids: Lydgate Beach Park's ponds near the resort, and Poʻipū Beach Park's wading area.
Respect the island
- Give wildlife space. Stay at least 10 feet from sea turtles and 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals (150 feet from a mother and pup). Never touch or feed them.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the reefs. Mineral sunscreens are a safe bet.
- Stay on marked trails and out of private land and closed areas. Trails get muddy and slippery fast after rain.
- Leave nothing behind, and don't take rocks or sand home.
- Drive with aloha. Roads are mostly two lanes. Let people merge, wave thanks, and take turns at one-lane bridges on the north shore.
- The chickens are everywhere. They're part of the island's charm, roosters at dawn included.
A few Hawaiian words
- AlohaHello, goodbye, and love. A way of treating people.
- MahaloThank you.
- ʻOhanaFamily.
- Mauka and makaiToward the mountains, and toward the ocean. Locals give directions this way.
- PauFinished, done.
- KeikiChildren.
Before you fly
- Book your rental car as soon as you book your flights.
- Reserve Hāʻena State Park and any boat or helicopter tours early.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket, water shoes, and a layer for Kōkeʻe, where it can be chilly.
- Snorkel gear, boogie boards, beach chairs, and an umbrella are already at C203.