Be prepared to be wowed by Kauai! Whether you’re looking to tour jaw-dropping waterfalls, hit some of Hawaii’s best hiking trails, or snorkel and spot fascinating marine life, the Garden Isle is the place to be for outdoor adventure.
Those with more cerebral interests will love stopping by artsy Hanapepe town or touring the Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum in Lihue- a treasure trove of Kauai history. And how could we forget the NaPali Coast, one of Earth’s true gems? That’s a lot of exploring, so get ready to relax on a soft swath of sand… did we mention Kauai has some of the world’s best beaches?
Browse our handpicked Kauai attractions; whether by land, by sea, or by air, we know you’ll find your perfect adventure!
Top Attractions on Kauai
Our Kauai Guides
Ready to hit some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii? How about snorkeling or lounging on some of the world's best beaches? Or maybe you'd rather tour some quaint little towns and hit the art galleries. Kauai has something for everyone... check out some of what makes the Garden Isle so special.
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Showers are ending Saturday, with trade winds picking up through the weekend. A high surf advisory covers north and northwest-facing shores until 6 PM today. A medium swell arrives late Saturday into Sunday and could bring surf back to advisory levels early Sunday morning. Rough seas and choppy conditions will persist through Sunday, so hold off on water sports and exposed beaches. Saturday afternoon onward is best for outdoor activities once showers clear and the swell eases.
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Showers are heavy this morning on Maui's windward side and mountains—some spots picked up 2 to 5 inches overnight. Expect rain to continue through Saturday morning, then gradually clear out.
Trade winds are strengthening through the weekend with rough seas in all channels. A High Surf Advisory is in effect until 6 PM today on north and west-facing shores—conditions are dangerous right now. Surf should ease below warning levels by evening, but a medium swell arrives late Saturday into Sunday and could push surf back to advisory levels early Sunday. A tropical disturbance tracking far south of the islands will keep trade winds elevated through early next week but won't bring rain to Maui.
Wait until Saturday afternoon to plan your beach time and water activities—that's when showers end and conditions start to settle.
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Heavy showers are hitting the Big Island's windward slopes this morning, with some areas getting 2 to 5 inches overnight. Rain continues through Saturday morning, especially on mountains and windward exposures, then gradually clears. A few isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon on the windward side if clouds break midday.
North and northwest-facing shores have dangerous high surf today under advisory until 6 PM—it eases by evening but a medium swell arrives late Saturday into Sunday, potentially bringing advisory-level conditions again early Sunday. Trade winds stay gusty through the weekend with rough seas and choppy conditions in the channels. Better conditions arrive Saturday afternoon and hold through Wednesday.
Plan water activities for Saturday afternoon onward once the rain clears and surf settles. Avoid water sports and exposed beaches through Sunday.
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Showers are moving through this morning, with heavier rain on windward Big Island and Maui through Saturday morning. Trade winds are strong across the islands through the weekend, and a high surf advisory is in effect until 6 PM today on north and northwest facing shores—dangerous conditions if you're planning to get in the water. By Saturday afternoon, showers taper off and conditions settle into typical dry trade wind weather, though a medium swell could bring surf back to advisory levels early Sunday morning. Beach time is best Saturday afternoon onward; avoid water sports and exposed shores through Sunday due to high surf and rough seas.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
