Island in Hawaii, United States
Kauai for solo travelers
Is Kauai good for solo travel?
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.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. The main concerns are remote trails, dark roads and car break-ins; tell someone before hiking alone. |
How to meet people in Kauai
Surf and snorkel lessons, group hikes, yoga classes, Hanalei farmers market and guided Na Pali boat tours. Nightlife is mellow.
Good things to do alone
- Hike the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach
- Take a catamaran along the Na Pali Coast
- Watch sunrise at Lydgate or Poipu Beach
- Kayak the Wailua River
- Drive to Waimea Canyon lookouts
Where to stay in Kauai
| 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 |
Solo travel across United States
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Nashville | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Austin | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Las Vegas | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Los Angeles | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Miami | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Francisco | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Honolulu | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Washington, D.C. | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Chicago | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Boston | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| New Orleans | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Diego | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Seattle | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Miami Beach | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Key West | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Denver | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Philadelphia | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Portland | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Atlanta | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Charleston | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Savannah | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Fort Lauderdale | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Kauai | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Big Island | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Sedona | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Orlando | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Maui | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Antonio | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Scottsdale | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
Quick answers
Is Kauai good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Hawaii's quietest main island for Na Pali hikes, waterfalls, beaches and slow days.
How do you meet people in Kauai?
Surf and snorkel lessons, group hikes, yoga classes, Hanalei farmers market and guided Na Pali boat tours. Nightlife is mellow. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Kauai?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is Kauai safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. The main concerns are remote trails, dark roads and car break-ins; tell someone before hiking alone.
More about Kauai
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
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.