When Is the Best Time
Kauai called the Garden Isle; mother nature at its best full of vibrant colours. Kauai is famous for the breathtaking Kalalau Trail, the Napali Coast, and more fascinating hikes.
The island of Kauai is one of the wettest places on earth, the reason for the stunning lush vegetation. The best time for hiking on Kauai, especially the Kalalau trail is the drier season between May and October; showers frequently occur throughout the year. It is very slippery and muddy on many trails and narrow footpaths. Our best solution was a pair of mini-crampons to stay safe on the tracks.
Weather Overview for Kauai
There is always a place where it is sunny and where it rains. I just want to give you an idea of the tropical climate in Kauai. Regarding the temperatures, Kauai is an excellent destination throughout the year. Kauai is wetter than the other Hawaiian Islands, therefore, called "The Garden Island". It frequently rains on Kauai throughout the year. But the amount of rain also depends on the location on Kauai.
The drier season starts in April and lasts until mid-October. Also, in the drier season, showers occur, but the south and the east, like Lihue, are much drier. It is often sunny or partly clouded with pleasant temperatures ranging from 80-89°F/26-29°C in Lihue and in the night in the high 60s°F/above 20°C. In comparison, in higher elevations like Kokee temps range from mid to high 60s°F/17-20°C and nights are cold in the 50s°F/around 10°C.
The so-called rainy season starts in November and lasts until March. The north and west coast gets twice the amount of rain as the south and east. Mostly showers are short, often in the night, and the sun returns quickly. The wettest place on Kauai is Mount Kawaikini and Mount Waialeale, the highest points; inactive shield volcanos in Kauai's centre. During the rainy season, the weather is less predictable. Infrequent thunderstorms can cause flash floods. Temperatures are in the mid to high 70s°F/23-25°C at the coast and in the Kokee State Park in the mid 60s°F/ below 20°C. Night temperatures range from 15-17°C at sea level and around 50°F/10°C in Kokee on higher elevations.
Crowds
With far more than one million visitors annually, Kauai is usually busy. Shoulder season with fewer crowds in spring from mid-April to mid-June except for Memorial Day and week in May, and fall in September after Labour Day to October. Crowded during summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Independence Day when the sky is the limit for hotel rates.
Most of Kauai can only be seen on foot, boat cruise or air, the reason you have to hike to get a glimpse of the Napali coast and this stunning island. Kauai has eight beautiful State Parks to get explored by you.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips

Kauai is the fourth biggest and oldest island of the volcanic Hawaiian archipelago. This raw beauty is a hotspot for Hollywood film producers like the Waimea Canyon in Jurrasic Park. Kauai is truly magical, one of the most beautiful islands on our planet.
If I get asked how long would you stay on Kauai, definitely at least an entire week. If you are into hiking, Kauai will not disappoint. Read my detailed Kauai Hiking Guide, including trails off the beaten path for an exceptional vacation on one of the most beautiful islands on earth.
7 Outstanding Hikes on Kauai
If hiking on the Hawaiian Islands, extreme caution is essential for some of the hikes. The paths are often muddy and slippery; the reason I recommend hiking poles and crampons. What is new in 2022? Most parks require an entrance fee plus an additional parking fee for non-residents. This affects Haena State Park, Waimea Canyon, and Kokee State Park which means some of the mentioned hikes.
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Kalalau Trail
This picture was taken by Byron, a fantastic free diver who gave us some lessons on Big Island.
Napali Coast and Kalalau Beach
Permit and Parking ReservationA flight to the Napali Coast and Kalalau is an unforgettable experience - Picture by Byron Kay
Hiking without a permit can cause big trouble with a show up at court! Overnight parking at Ha'ena State Park is finally allowed again but also here, a reservation is necessary. You can purchase the reservation up to 30 days in advance. A shuttle bus reservation is needed for the Kalalau Trail as well. However, we already applied twice, and when we arrived, the Kalalau Trail was closed due to flooding. There is no guarantee, and safety is always first! The area has still not fully recovered yet from the massive flooding in 2018. Link for Haena State Park plus parking reservation
Permits for the Kalalau trail are more likely to get for the winter season. Hiking this trail in the wetter is always a risk. Be prepared for the elements; always check the weather forecast before! Safety first!
Our permit got cancelled twice, and we were seeking alternatives - Nualolo Trail offers stunning views
Do you look for alternatives to explore the Napali Coast? Check out my other hiking recommendations. Waimea Canyon; often called the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. The Canyon is more than 14 miles long, one mile wide, and 3600 feet deep. Free admission.
Waimea Canyon and Waterfall famous from Jurassic Park -
Kalepa Ridge Trail
View to Kalalau Beach from the Kalepa Ridge Trail
Officially this track is closed. If you wish to get these unique views a good prep is essential. I don't encourage you to hike the Kalepa Ridge Trail. I am not responsible for any injury, death, or consequences of any actions taken based on the information provided here. This is just my experience! Updated February 20, 2022.
We hiked the short but very steep trail for one of the most stunning views ever. The track is not well maintained, muddy, slippery, and poorly signed. Both of us used one hiking pole and with the other hand, we grabbed roots and trees. It is one of the most spectacular and difficult hikes on the Hawaiian Islands. Although a short hike it is also tricky and not easily done. The views are breathtaking along the whole hike. It is an exposed trail - safety first! If you have any fear of heights, don't go! If it was rainy before the trail is even more dangerous and slippery.
The first spectacular view after the strenuous decent
Trailhead Entrance to Kalepa Ridge Trail -
Nu’alolo Trail
View from Nualolo to the amazing Napali Coast
The trailhead is located next to Kokee Lodge. This trail is easier to hike, leading through the forest. After almost 2 hours, we reached the viewpoint of the coastline. We enjoyed our picnic and the breathtaking scenery for more than an hour with the constant change due to clouds and sunshine. From time-to-time helicopters pass by, bringing passengers close to the sea cliffs. I assume the view from the helicopter was spectacular, but we felt sorry for the people who just saw all of it in a rush.
This trail is another hiking jewel on Kauai and can be combined with the Awa'awapuhi Trail. The fantastic cliff trail to Awa'awapuhi is occasionally closed due to erosion and landslides. Hiking duration 4 hours - gaining elevation 1.480 feet/450 m. Trailhead GoogleMaps location -
Kukui Hike
5 miles/8km 3.30 hours
Our last hike in the Waimea Canyon State Park took us down the Waimea Canyon. Very similar, looking like the Grand Canyon but deep and much smaller in size. Two-thirds of the hike was great, and we stopped on a plateau for lunch. Then the trail approached a forest full of mosquitos. Therefore, carry insect repellent in your backpack. The trail continues until the Wiliwili campground on the floor of the canyon. Hiking duration 4 hours - gaining elevation 2.460 feet/750 m. Trailhead Google Maps location -
Wailua Waterfall
Short waterfall hike close to Lihu’e - A Must-Do
The view from the street, which ends shortly after the fall, was good, but we were looking for more. We found a way to descend the very steep slope down to the water after the lookout. There is a sign indicating that this is not a track. Luckily, many roots and some ropes saved us at the steepest and muddiest part. Hiking Poles or, even better, crampons are helpful for the muddy and slippery track. Limited Parking, busy during the day and weekends. No through road.
The very steep and muddy track -
Sleeping giant – Nounou East
3.5 miles/6.2 km 3-4 hours
Hiking to the top of the sleeping giant is easy from the trailhead on the eastern side located near Kapaʻa. It is a zigzagging moderate hike. The descent to the top takes roughly 1.5-2 hours, gaining an elevation of roughly 250 m. This hike is much longer than the access from the western side.
Sleeping giant – Nounou West
1.8 miles/3.0km 1.5 hours
This trail starts close to Wailua. In the beginning, the track is leading through a grove of Cook pine trees. Follow the trail to the left when the track branches in the grove. Watch the tangled roots on the track. After roughly half an hour, the western trail meets the eastern track.
The eastern and western branches are merging on top for the last 0,4 miles/ 600m or so. In the end, some rock climbing is required. You get a spectacular 360° view from the top. The official track stops shortly before you reach the head and nose of the sleeping giant. However, many people ignore the sign and climb to the very end.
Very limited parking at both trailheads and some roadside spaces; therefore, come either early morning or late afternoon. Local people told me the sunrise is breathtaking from the top, but honestly, I am not an early riser. TrailheadEnjoy the breathtaking view from here before you continue. -
Okolehao Trail
This is the view from the first bench.
Before I go into detail, this first part of the hike is a Must-Do. The hike can be split into three parts. The first is an easy to moderate hike of 1.3 miles/2 km taking 2 hours until reaching a bench and the final outlook. If you like to continue until you get to two benches, add another mile which takes more than an hour. Climbing the last part until Kauka'opua on 388 m elevations is recommended for experienced and well-prepared hikers only. Kauai is a hikers dream, and when reaching the summit, a new trail comes up called Hihimanu Trail to two more peaks. We hadn't hiked the last part; too dangerous IMO. Depending only on ropes is nothing I recommend.
One of the muddiest trails of all
View to the top to Kauka'opua on 388 m elevation and two more peaks
7 Packing List Tips
- Wear proper hiking boots; most of the trails are slippery and muddy.
- Hiking poles are helpful at most of the steep trails, which are usually slippery from the mud.
- We even bought crampons which became a lifesaver on some of our tracks most adventurous tracks.
- It is frequently muggy, especially during the day. Hiking is strenuous, and plenty of water is necessary.
- I also recommend energy food in the backpack.
- Out of question, sun protection is essential.
- Adventurous trails are less maintained and often overgrown. To protect our legs from scratches I recommend light tracking trousers.
Tip for Parking
When we visited Kauai, we saw a couple of rental cars with a broken side window and glass on the ground, respectively, especially at Waimea Canyon. Don’t leave anything in the car and check out if it is closed properly before leaving.
Kauai Chickens
We discovered on Kauai our enemy right away. Frequently one of the many roosters woke us up before 5 am, especially while camping. We asked ourselves why a Hawaiian Island does have so many chickens and roosters? We counted on the Kokee campground more than 30 individuals. The reason was even on display in our motel where we spent a couple of nights afterwards:
“Kauai chickens have always been part of the island, but not as much since after Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The story goes that the hurricane blew out all of the chicken crops throughout the island, leaving the chickens to run wild.”
As they robbed us of our needed sleep from time to time, they became our personal enemy. This actually was the opposite of what the Kauai people do. They protect the chickens and even stop their vehicle in the middle of the road to let them pass.
More information about the Kalalau Trail can be found here.
Haena State Park Map and Parking