Kauai in a nutshell
Most visitors arrive at Līhuʻe Airport (LIH) in the southeast. State tourism information names five resort areas: Princeville on the North Shore, the Coconut Coast on the East Side, Līhuʻe and Kalapakī, Poʻipū on the South Shore, and Waimea on the West Side. The main roads reach the north and the west by way of Līhuʻe, and no road runs through the Na Pali Coast. You see that coast by boat, from the air or on foot.
This is an independent guide. It is not run by the state, a county, a park agency or a tour company. Prices are in US dollars, as listed in 2026, and they change.
What to know in October 2026
Storm damage still limits several places. Read the latest DLNR park notices before you set out, because the status can change.
Hāʻena is open again
Hāʻena State Park reopened on 15 October 2026, daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Day hikes to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Falls are allowed again. Visitors from outside Hawaii need a reservation.
Haena State Park →Kalalau Trail: only the first 2 miles
The trail is closed beyond the 2-mile point, and overnight camping is closed as well. A permit does not override a closure.
Kalalau Trail →Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe are closed
Both state parks and Kōkeʻe Road were closed on 19 October 2026, with no reopening date listed.
Waimea Canyon →Wailua is partly open
The river and the landing area have been accessible since 21 September 2026. Hiking beyond the trailhead and Secret Falls stay closed, and individual kayakers cannot reach Fern Grotto.
Wailua →What this guide covers
This site stays on Kauai: the Na Pali Coast by boat, by helicopter and on the Kalalau Trail, plus Haena, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei, Poipu, Wailua, luaus, weather, the airport and where to stay. The other islands have their own independent guides: Maui and Oahu. If you fly in from another island, flights reach Līhuʻe directly or with a change in Honolulu, and the Honolulu airport guide helps with the connection.
Our picks: Kauai helicopter flights
A private waterfall flight, a 65-minute island air tour and a waterfall safari.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private helicopter flight over waterfalls and canyons
A private doors-off or doors-on flight over waterfalls, valleys, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, including the Wai'ale'ale crater. No surcharge for passengers over 240 lb.
Check availability →
Waterfall safari by helicopter
A one-hour helicopter tour with pilot and guide. Tips are not included.
Check availability →
65-minute air tour of Na Pali and the whole island
Commentary through a two-way headset, with landing fee, fuel surcharge and local taxes included. Tips are not included.
Check availability →Kauai tours and day trips
Na Pali boat tours, helicopter flights, kayak trips and more, with live prices and availability.
Plan your Kauai trip
Start with the list of things to do, then open the pages you need.
Things to do in Kauai
Fifteen experiences, from Na Pali boats to waterfalls and a luau.
Kauai tours compared
Boat, helicopter and kayak: price examples, duration and what is included.
Helicopter tours
Doors-off flights, the Jurassic Falls landing, age and weight rules.
The Na Pali Coast
Ways to see the coast and the rules that protect it.
Na Pali boat tours
Catamarans and rafts, harbors, seasons and 2026 prices.
Kalalau Trail
Hanakapiai Falls, permits, current closures and safety.
Haena State Park
Reservations, the shuttle, parking and Ke'e Beach.
Waimea Canyon
Lookouts, Kōkeʻe and the current closure.
Hanalei
The bay, the pier, the town and Princeville.
Poipu
Beach park, monk seals and Spouting Horn.
Wailua
Falls, river, Fern Grotto and new park fees.
Luaus on Kauai
Four shows with prices, times and what to expect.
Weather and best time
Monthly rain and temperatures, and why the North Shore is wetter.
Kauai Airport
Rental cars, shuttles, taxis and drive times from Līhuʻe.
Where to stay
Poipu, Princeville, Kapaa or Lihue: which area fits your plans.
Good to know
- Haena prices differ by source. The state lists $10 for parking per car. The reservation operator, Go Hāʻena, lists $20 per car and time slot, plus $5 entry per person. The operator's shuttle is $45 for adults (16 and older) and $25 for ages 4–15, so do not plan with a flat $40. Check both pages when you book.
- The hotel tax is a percentage. Since 1 January 2026 the state rate is 11 %, not 10.25 %. It applies to the room and is not a separate entry fee for the island.
- Camping reservations moved. For stays from 1 February 2026, the state points to Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi. Old camping links are not enough.
- The bus charges fares again. The free storm service ended on 30 September 2026. A mainline ride costs $2, a local shuttle ride $0.50 and a day pass $5. Sunday service is listed as suspended until further notice.
- A helicopter price is not a confirmed flight. One operator lists its AStar flight under an upgrade notice until November 2026.
More independent Hawaii island guides
Separate guides from the same team, one for each island.
Kauai: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Kauai and around the island?
Most visitors land at Līhuʻe Airport (LIH). From there, Wailua is about 15 minutes away, Kōloa 25 minutes, Poʻipū about 30 minutes and Princeville about 1 hour. The rental car counters are across the street from baggage claim. See the airport page.
When is the best time to visit Kauai?
At the Līhuʻe weather station, July is the driest month on average (44.4 mm, 1.7 in) and March the wettest (142.5 mm, 5.6 in). The North Shore gets more rain than the south. Operators at Haena expect rougher seas from October to April. See the weather page.
Is Haena State Park open?
Yes, since 15 October 2026, daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Visitors from outside Hawaii need a reservation and pay $5 entry per person. Read the Haena State Park page for parking and the shuttle.
Can I hike the Kalalau Trail right now?
Only the first 2 miles (3.2 km). That is enough for a day hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and the side trail to the falls. Beyond the 2-mile point and for camping, the trail is closed. See the Kalalau Trail page.
How can I see the Na Pali Coast without hiking?
By boat or by helicopter. Boat tours leave from the west side of the island, and helicopter flights start in Līhuʻe. Compare them on the boat tours page and the helicopter page.
Is visitkauaiisland.com an official tourism site?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the state, the counties, Hawaii State Parks, a visitors bureau or any tour operator.