7 Vital Things To Know Before You Travel Around Kauai
It is well known around the globe that one of the best spots for vacations, destination weddings, and generally exploring nature is Hawaii. As a part of the United States, Hawaii is made up of 137 islands total, making it a vast area to cover. If you’ve been looking to travel to Hawaii for a while, you’ve likely centered your research around the state’s 8 largest islands. Each offers incredibly unique experiences and landmarks, but if it’s a rugged adventure you’re looking for, you might want to consider flying directly into Kauai. Known as the “Garden Isle,” it is jam-packed with flora and fauna of all kinds, making it a perfect destination for wilderness enthusiasts. Want to know more? Already planning a trip to Kauai? Here are 7 vital things you should know before you go.
1. Wilderness Weather
Much less touristy than some of its peers, Kauai offers breathtaking views, fresh air, and more species of animals and birds than you’ll be able to count. That being said, it’s seen as a more adventurous island for a reason. You’ll want to plan your trip according to what the weather will be like during your stay. Typically, Kauai is the rainiest of the large Hawaiian islands. Though this creates the perfect environment for lush greenery and rare species of all kinds, it’s best to come prepared. Make sure to bring rain gear, proper footwear, and water-resistant bags if you want to stay dry while exploring.
2. Covid Restrictions
Planning any travel in a pandemic-stricken world can be tough, so a good thing to be aware of is the island’s policy on travelers and isolation periods. Thankfully, if you’re a US citizen and you’re Covid negative, the island’s Covid policies are pretty explorer-friendly. Similarly, if you hail from Canada, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, you’ll be able to avoid a 10-day quarantine completely as long as you test negative before travel. Are you coming from another country? You may or may not be able to enter Hawaii at the current time, so make sure to keep up with CDC guidelines to ensure you’ll be permitted entrance. In some cases, a 10-day mandatory quarantine might be enforced.
3. Transportation Matters
If you’re looking to travel around Kauai by car, you may want to reconsider your plan. One of the reasons the island gets lower volumes of tourist traffic is its limited car accessibility. Aside from some major highways, you’ll want to hike, kayak, and explore by boat to see what the island has to offer. Booking in advance is a must if you’re looking to rent transportation, as it’s highly sought after by travelers to the area. If you want to cruise down the highway, make sure you pursue car rentals as well as adventure craft rentals well before you set out for the island.
4. Natural Wonders
One of the main draws of Kauai is the ample natural wonders it has to explore- so make sure you’re taking full advantage of everything the island offers. So, be sure to read this if you’re looking for a comprehensive list of the best beaches, waterfalls, trails, and parks. Kauai is home to some of the best coastlines, picturesque canyons, and movie-worthy waterfalls that you’ll find in Hawaii, so it’s a good idea to compile a list of the top spots you’d like to discover before you depart.
5. Protected Land
A little-known fact about Kauai is how much of the island is officially protected land. A respite for animals and native land to some rare species, 97% of the land is now protected by the government. This means that there are rules in place about respecting the natural equilibrium and beauty of the island. Always look into guidelines for areas that you plan to visit, and make sure not to inadvertently trespass on private property.
6. Surfing Galore
If you are an avid surfer, Kauai is definitely where you want to be! That being said, there aren’t as many accommodations on the island, especially in comparison to some of its more populous counterparts. If you’re looking for coastline accommodation, make sure you book well ahead and prepare to spend a little more on surf gear rentals. If you have your own gear and aren’t afraid of ruffing it, make sure to look into park stays or camping.
7. Amazing Food
Though far from a bustling metropolis, Kauai is a rich landscape where fresh and exotic food is available in abundance. Because of this, it boasts some of the best food around. If you’re a fan of fish, make sure to take note of the island’s poke hotspots. Not a meat-eater? Delicacies like shaved ice and fresh fruit bowls are island favorites. Do your research to find the most beloved treat shacks and you’ll be eating like a local in no time.
Regardless of what you’re looking for in a trip, Kauai can likely offer it and so much more. From wild and protected land that makes animal-watching a snap to succulent fresh food, Kauai truly is an amazing island to travel to. If you were unsure as to why Kauai stands out as a destination or was finding it difficult to brainstorm activities, hopefully, these tips will help you plan your trip. The more you travel around Kauai the more you will love it. So pack your best running shoes, some strong sunscreen, a big appetite, and prepare to have the time of your life on one of Hawaii’s most stunning islands.
