A terraced hillside of taro on Kauai; Hawaii Tourist Authority
Kauai, Hawaii
Island Facts
Official Language: English
Currency: American Dollar
Time Zone: Hawaii Time Zone (2 hours after Pacific Time)
Est. Population: 73,000
Kauai Travel Tips
Passports are NOT required for U.S. citizens.
Kauai is the 4th largest Hawaiian island. It has an intensely verdant mountain range surrounding Waimea Canyon nicknamed “Grant Canyon of the Pacific.”
Kauai is 73 miles across the Kauaʻi Channel northwest of Oahu Island.
Polynesian inhabitants settled on the island hundreds as early as 200 to 600 AD.
The English Captain James Cook arrived at Waimea Bay in 1778.
It is the site of Waimea Canyon State Park and the Na Pali Coast State Park. Waimea River is 22 miles long to the ocean.
Na Pali Coast is called “Napali” by most Americans.
The island’s highest peak is Kawaikini at 5,243 feet. The second-highest peak is Mount Waialeale at 5,148 feet.
Kauai (properly spelled as Kaua’i) was known until recently for its distinct dialect of the Hawaiian language.
From 1830s through 1950s sugarcane plantations were the largest industry. Most land is now used for ranching. The sole remaining sugarcane operation plans to convert to processing sugarcane ethanol.
The most populous town in Kauai is Kapaʻa at 11,000. Over a dozen more have between 1000-8000 residents.
The state of Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time because mornings are equally important as evenings. When you visit, you’ll understand the wisdom of their decision.
During the reign of King Kamehameha, Kauai and Niihau were the last Hawaiian Islands to join his Kingdom of Hawaii.
The mountainous area averages nearly 400 inches of rain per year. Average temperatures range from 78°F in February to 85°F in August and September.
Since there is very little industry, no freeways, and frequent rain air quality features near-perfect 15-25 Ratings on your smartphone Weather app.
The magnificent Poipu Beach on Kauai; credit Hawaii Tourist Bureau
Islands waterfalls are named Halii Falls, Hanakapiai Falls, Hinalele Falls, Kalihiwai Falls, Kilauea Falls, Manawaiopuna Falls, Opaekaa Falls, Waialae Falls, Wailua Falls, and Waipoo Falls.
Kauai rarely experiences a hurricane. The last one was Hurricane Iniki in summer 1992 when Jurassic Park was being filmed here.
Tsunami warning sirens are tested on the first Monday of each month at Noon. Only be alarmed if the sirens go off at some other time!
Banks are open from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. ATMs are located at the local banks and some stores.
Most stores are open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday.
You should drink bottled water when available. Bring sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sunscreen lotion since Kauai is located near the equator.
Hawaii electricity standard is the same as mainland USA.
The crime rate here is low, but visitors should use common sense by not carrying valuables to the beach. In the resort areas, you can walk alone at night.
Whale Watching Season is late November through March.
The major holidays are New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter, Independence Day, Hawaii Admission Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
