What is the Best Time to Visit Kauaʻi?

If you’re dreaming of going to Kauaʻi, you might also be wondering when to go. Is summer the best time, or should you plan to escape the cold and snow during winter? Does the time of year make a difference in Hawaiʻi, and are there any perks to one particular season?

While personal schedules will play a large role in your trip planning, gaining an understanding of what the islands are like throughout the year can help influence your decision.

Why visit Kauaʻi?

With just 75,000 residents, Kauaʻi is a small-town island, dominated by spacious ranches, nature preserves, and plantation history. Nicknamed “The Garden Island,” its main attractions are spectacular wilderness areas, such as Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific) and the Nāpali Coast, the latter known for its tall, jagged peaks and untouched jungle.

Those looking to visit small communities and surround themselves with scenic beauty will enjoy a trip to Kauaʻi.

Air Tours are a great way to explore the Kauaʻi coastline. Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

What is the best time to visit Kauaʻi?

Though seasons are not as dramatically different as on the mainland, Hawaiʻi does experience seasonal fluctuations that impact the mood, energy, and opportunities on island. This is especially true on Kauaʻi. Its northern-most position in the island chain means that it is on the front line of storms moving south through the Pacific.

The answer to the question “What’s the best time of year to go to Kauaʻi?” depends on what you want to do. Some activities are not overly impacted by the seasons – though it is the rainy season, you can still have a great beach day during the winter months, for example.

But other experiences, such as exploring the Nāpali Coast, are easier to access certain times of year due to changing ocean conditions. The cost of your vacation, specifically the rates of hotel rooms, will also vary with the seasons.

Here, we go through some more specific scenarios:

• What is the best time to visit Kauaʻi to see the North Shore and Nāpali coast
• What is the best time to visit Kauaʻi to see whales
• What is the best time to visit Kauaʻi for snorkeling
• What is the best time to visit Kauaʻi “on the cheap?”
• When to visit Kauaʻi if you want to skip the crowds?
• How to Avoid Rain During the Rainy Winter Season

The best time to visit Kauaʻi to see the North Shore and Nāpali coast:

The north shore of Kauaʻi is one of the areas most impacted by winter rains in all of Hawaiʻi. Not only does it see regular rain, but it also has a tendency to flood in big storms, impacting travel along its small, two-lane road. Helicopter flights and boat trips will be canceled more frequently due to unstable weather and rough ocean conditions, and hiking the Kalalau Trail is considerably tougher because of landslides, flash floods, and mud (and sometimes has to close down as a result).

Summarizing: If exploring the Nāpali Coast is your highest priority, you should consider visiting in the spring, summer, or fall when conditions are typically better.

Spring and summar are the best time to see the Nāpali coast from the water. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim

Visiting the Kauaʻi North Shore and Nāpali coast during wintertime

That said, don’t be discouraged if you find yourself on Kauaʻi in the winter. Storms are more frequent, but sunny days are also common. A boat ride, helicopter ride, or hike along the Nāpali coast can be magnificent this time of year because the land is very green and the waterfalls are flowing at their highest capacities. Just be prepared for the possibility of inclement weather and cancellations.

If visiting during the winter months we recommend scheduling Nāpali Coast activities towards the beginning of your trip so you have the chance to reschedule should you hit some foul weather.

The best time to visit Kauaʻi to see whales

Winter! The humpback whales are only in Hawaiʻi for a short time, from November(ish) through March(ish), so if you want to see them, these are months you need to be on island.

Humpback whale breaching off the west Maui coast. Photo by Steve Wrzeszczynski (website) on Unsplash

The whales travel from Alaska, where they spend the summer, to Hawaiʻi to reproduce. December, January, and February are the most active months for whale activity.

Summarizing: the best time to visit Kauaʻi if you want to see whales are the months of December, January, and February.

The following 7(!) hour cruise by Holo Holo charters is the best price/quality cruise on Kauaʻi that doubles as whale watching tour during winter months:

The best time to visit Kauaʻi for snorkeling

Let’s open with the caveat that you can snorkel any time of year in Hawaiʻi. It’s just that the possibility of encountering rough seas and strong currents is more likely in the winter months. This doesn’t mean you can’t snorkel in winter; it just means that conditions, like currents and visibility, could impact your ability to get in the water.

For the casual snorkeler who is just looking to give it a try, there’s no reason to worry. You could be extremely unlucky and get a week of rotten weather, but most likely, you’ll find sunny days to sneak in a snorkel somewhere, regardless of the season.

“Serious” snorkelers – aka, people who feel their trip would not be complete without several engaging sessions – should err on the side of caution and visit during the late spring, summer, or early fall, when conditions are most likely to cooperate.

Keʻe beach in Haena State Park. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

As is the case for other ocean activities, like surfing, knowing where to go can make all the difference. For example, north and eastern shores tend to be rougher in the winter, while the southern shores are usually more sheltered this time of year. The reverse is true during the summer. When on Kauaʻi, speak with locals to find out where you might find calm, sheltered waters based upon the time of year and current weather patterns.

Summarizing: snorkeling conditions are best during late spring, summer, or early fall. See also our favorite Kauaʻi snorkeling spots.

The best time to visit Kauaʻi “on the cheap”

Like many destinations, Kauaʻi is usually the most expensive during the summer months, when kids are out of school and demand for travel is at its peak.

The cost of a meal or an organized tour won’t change too much with the seasons, but hotel rates certainly will, so if you’re looking for a deal, try the spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October, November) shoulder seasons.

The holidays usually bring about another spike in rates, so look to the front or back end of those dates, when demand is usually much less. For example, there may be a significant drop in rates the week after New Years, or the week before Thanksgiving.

Summarizing: spring and fall as the best months to save on accommodation costs when visiting Kauaʻi.

This comparison of the monthly average daily rate hotels on Kauaʻi shows that the shoulder seasons are the best time to find an affordable hotel room. Note how the COVID-related travel restrictions in 2020 and the beginning of 2021 distorted the hotel rates.

When to visit Kauaʻi if you want to skip the crowds?

To avoid crowds, you’ll certainly want to avoid the heart of summer, when demand for family travel soars. Shoulder seasons like spring (except March) and fall offer more tranquil times. The daily visitor arrivals to Kauaʻi below show that September, October, and February are the quietest months, while summertime, March, and December are the most crowded.

Summarizing: travel to Kauaʻi in fall or winter (except December) to skip the crowds.

Kauaʻi visitor arrivals per months for the period from 2017 up to 2022. We omitted 2020 because the severe COVID travel restrictions heavily skew the numbers for that year. September, October, and February are the quietest months, while summertime, March, and December are the most crowded.

How to Avoid Rain During the Winter Season in Kauaʻi

Winter is a time when there is more rain in the forecast and ocean conditions bring bigger waves, but it’s far from being a doom-and-gloom scenario. Winter brings a lot of good things – like the arrival of the whales, big-wave surfing, cooler temperatures, and pumping waterfalls, just to name a few.

There are positives to a rainy day on Kauaʻi – waterfalls are bigger, tropical rain can feel warm and soothing, and rain is the ideal excuse to get off the beach and go find some fun rainy day activities. Photo by Hannah Tims on Unsplash

Will storms and ocean conditions impact your trip? They could, yes. But, understanding how weather patterns work in Hawaiʻi can help you skirt around inclement weather.

For example: The windward (eastern) sides of the islands receive the most rainfall, while the leeward (western) coasts tend to be drier. Hilo (east side of Big Island) receives more than 100 inches of rain per year, while parts of Kona (west side of Big Island) receive only about 20-30 inches per year.

The differences around the islands are not always that extreme, but they often are, and we use it to point out that just because it’s raining or choppy in one area doesn’t mean that is the case everywhere on island. If it’s rainy on the North Shore of Kauaʻi, it could very well be sunny and calm on the southern shores down in Poʻipū or Waimea.

Summarizing: If you’re visiting Kauaʻi in the winter and want to avoid rain as much as possible, it’s smart to position yourself on the southwest side of the island, where rain is less frequent.

A Month-by-Month Breakdown of Kauaʻi Weather

Wondering what to expect? Here’s a seasonal breakdown of weather on Kauaʻi:

Spring – Late March through May

Some hangover showers from the winter rain, but mostly a pleasant season, with average temperatures in the high 70s. Ocean conditions along northern and east-facing shores could still see rough activity, though the worst of it will be mellowing out this time of year. Waterfalls will be flowing intensely after months of winter rain.

Summer – June through Early September

If you’re looking for the best beach days, summer brings the clearest skies and the hottest temperatures, with averages in the mid 80s. Tropical showers will pass through, but it’s unlikely to experience day after day of rain. Ocean conditions are predictable this time of year. Outside of a storm or big swell, beaches around the islands are pleasant and swimmable most days.

Fall – Late September Through Early November

Crowds and temperatures will both drop in the fall, with the average temperature sneaking back down to the high 70s or low 80s. The first half of fall tends to be quite nice and predictable weather-wise, but late fall brings a greater chance of inclement water. In October and November, the whales begin to arrive in Hawaiʻi.

Winter – Late November Through Early March

Winter is the rainy season in Hawaiʻi, with all islands receiving a majority of their precipitation this time of year. Temperatures are easy-going, usually in the mid to low 70s, with locals “getting chilly” at night. Bright, sunny days are still common, but turbulent weather is more likely and rainfall will be more intense during these months. Outdoor activities, while still possible, tend to be more impacted by the weather, with slippery/muddy hiking trails and bumpy ocean swells.