Island in Hawaii, United States
Kauai
Hawaii's quietest main island for Na Pali hikes, waterfalls, beaches and slow days. Very expensive, rainy on the north shore in winter, and you need a rental car; nightlife is minimal.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$5,000–7,500Comfortable, one person · $5,000–7,500Details
- Value for money3/100Better value than 2% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Sep, 27°CDetails
- Air quality3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Meets the WHO guidelineDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$180–320Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Kauai
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Poipu | Sunny south shore: beaches, snorkeling and resorts |
| Princeville and Hanalei | Lush north shore: dramatic scenery and surf, wetter in winter |
| Kapaa and Wailua | East side: central, cheaper food and a bike path |
| Lihue | Airport town: practical, cheaper stays, central for day trips |
Apps that work in Kauai
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DoorDash | Limited to Lihue, Kapaa and Poipu |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Rideshare and taxis are sparse and pricey. Rent a car; some resorts run shuttles.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards almost everywhere. Carry a few dollars for farmers markets, shave ice stands and some beach parking.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in United States
- New York CityCity
- Las VegasCity
- Los AngelesCity
- OrlandoCity
- MiamiCity
- San FranciscoCity
- HonoluluCity
- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to Kauai solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kauai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Lihue Airport (Hawaii Department of Transportation)
- Kauai Visitors Bureau
- Haena State Park reservations
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.