Kauaitravel Tips

Kauai Travel Tips

The “Garden Isle” of Kauai, though not as populated as some of the other Hawaiian Islands, is still a popular vacation destination. The scenery is spectacular, and the people are warm and friendly. If you are planning a trip to Kauai, it’s always good to start your vacation armed with a few hints that will help you become acclimated to this new environment a little faster. If you are a first-time visitor to Kauai, there are a few things that you should know that will help make your trip comfortable and fun. Here is some general information about traveling to and around Kauai.

Getting there and getting around

When you visit Kauai, you will most likely fly into the Lihue Airport. The airport services all of the major American carriers, and the major European ones as well. It also offers inter-island flights, if your trip involves visiting more than one island.

You can always rent a car for your stay, especially if you are going to be visiting a lot of areas around Kauai. All of the major car rental agencies provide service on Kauai. When it comes to driving on the island, the Hawaiian drivers are generally laid-back and considerate. No road rage in paradise!

Another option is to rent a scooter or a moped for getting around. They can’t be taken on the freeway, however. Another option is to rent a bicycle, which is a truly relaxing and beautiful way to take in the scenery on Kauai!

Communications

The state of Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian. That means that a lot of signs and names will be in Hawaiian. And many of the place names sounds similar to one another.

The locals are very friendly, and willing to give thorough directions to tourists. When you talk to a local, make sure you reiterate the names of streets and places, just so you don’t get confused if you see something else with a similar sounding name.

Miscellaneous facts and tips

Hawaii is a volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. That means that it is susceptible to just about every weather phenomenon there is, short of blizzards. This includes volcanic eruptions (though not likely on Kauai), hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

The weather in Kauai is quite pleasant all year round. The temperature varies very little from day to night. In the summer months, the daytime temperatures hit the mid 80’s and the nighttime temperatures hover around the low 70’s. In the winter months, the daytime temperatures usually hit mid to upper 70’s, and the nighttime temperatures get down into the low 60’s. Beautiful!

The water temperature around Kauai is always swimmable and pleasant, usually getting around 80 F in the summer, and around 72 F in the winter.

The South Shore is the sunniest part of Kauai, and sees the least amount of rain.

If you are coming from the continental United States or Canada, you will most definitely have jet lag. For at least the first few days of your trip, you will fall asleep early and wake up early. This is a good thing you will find, because you will be able to experience all of the outdoor activities early, and make the most of your daylight hours.

Save time and frustration by booking restaurant and activities reservations early, before you get there even, if you can. This is especially important if you want to attend luaus, charter a fishing boat, or participate in an eco tour. If you plan early, you will be guaranteed a spot for some of the island’s more popular pursuits and eateries, and you won’t spend your precious time on Oahu looking for things to do and places to go.

Don’t be afraid to speak Hawaiian! The locals will appreciate it, and it will enhance your island experience. Get a phrase book, or find some common words and phrases on the Internet before you leave for your journey to paradise!