Kauai
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Positives
- Year round swells
- Hawaiian power and quality
- Super-scenic island
- Variety of coastline
- Hawaiian surf culture
Negatives
- Mostly "experts only" surf
- Protective locals
- High local prices
- Sharks
- Rainy and windy
Kauai surf travel guide
Known as the 'The Garden Island', Kauai is an ancient and deeply eroded extinct volcano, rising 5000m above the sea floor. Kauai regulations state that no building may exceed the height of a coconut tree, preventing development from scarring the breathtaking scenery. There are more sandy beaches than many other islands and nearly 45% of its coastline is virtually deserted. Despite having over 300 surf spots, underwater topography is, allegedly, not as ideal as Oahu. The North Shore high volcanic cliffs hold few spots and the inaccessibility of the Na Pali coast makes it very dangerous to find and ride the few spots that face the brunt of the winter swells.
Surf spots in Kauai
Research the 15 surf breaks in Kauai and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Kauai.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Kauai
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 10,400,000
- Population
- 1,416,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = $1 USD USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 808
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- English, Hawaiian, Pidgin
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Visitors visas have been waived for Australian, British, Canadian and most EU passport holders. However, you must be carrying a biometric passport (kids too), with at least 90 days before expiry, otherwise a visitor visa must be obtained before travel.
Getting There
Land in Honolulu, Oahu (HNL), connect to a 30min inter-island flight with Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air or Go! Airlines (no boards over 6ft). All charge for boards + $35 each way. Landing at Lihue, Kauai (LIH) is dramatic, sit on the left side.
Getting Around
Since the coastal road is not circular, location is crucial to avoid undesired driving. It takes 2h to drive from Lihue to Kekaha. Lihue to Kapaa gets rush hour traffic during the week and Kuhio Highway 560 is two lanes and bendy, with single lane bridges to negotiate. Weekends are really busy around Princeville and parking can be difficult and expensive ($10 at Tunnels). Buses run from Kekaha to Hanalei, but only bodyboards are allowed - no surfboards. All the major rental car companies are at Lihue Airport. Economy/compacts start around $460/wk with all the add-ons and under 25’s pay more.
Accommodation
First timers may prefer package deals. The Marriott at Kalapaki starts at $480/dble and the prestigious Princeville Resort in Hanalei also costs as much as a surfboard per night. On the North Shore, try Hale Ho'o Maha in Kalihiwai: from $220/dble. Sheraton in Poipu ($315/dbl) or rent the condos. Expect $30 for a meal. Princeville is reportedly the most expensive supermarket in the USA.
Activities
While the nightlife can't rival Honolulu's, the natural beauty is unbeatable. Visit Waimea Canyon or Kokee State Park, kayak along the Wailua River, take a Na Pali Cruise or walk the Kalalau trail, fly in a helicopter above Niihau or Na Pali cliffs.
Hazards & hassles
Any bad attitude in the surf will not be tolerated by the locals. Heavy, powerful sucky waves, regular big shark sightings and sharp reefs. Rains can be intense on the N-E sides, avoid river run-offs in the surf.
Handy Hints
Poipu hosts numerous surf schools like Kauai Surf School, or Margo Oberg's at the Nukumoi Surf Shop, at Brennecke's Beach. Check Hanalei Surf Company on the north shore. Cheap board rentals available. Shapers: Hamilton, Brewer, Wellman.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.