E ssentials

Flights

Non-stop U.S. & Canada flights to Līhu‘e Airport (LIH) are available from: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet (seasonal), from the following gateways: • Phoenix, AZ • Los Angeles, CA • Oakland, CA • San Diego, CA • San Francisco, CA • San Jose, CA • Denver, CO • Las Vegas, NV • Portland, OR • Seattle, WA • Vancouver, Canada (seasonal).

In addition, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines and WestJet serve Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

From there, it’s a quick 25-minute “island hop” via jet on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The USDA enforces strict rules regarding the importation of uninspected plants and animals that can severely change our fragile environment. Before landing in Hawai‘i, you’ll be asked to declare any such items. Department of Agriculture agents will inspect and likely confiscate them before allowing you to continue on your way. For more information, visit the Dept. of Agriculture website at hdoa.hawaii.gov

Climate

Kaua‘i has seven distinct microclimates, from the desert-like West Side to the tropical rainforest interior. Weather can vary from one part of the island to another. Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, at the heart of Kaua‘i’s interior, is a quintessential rainforest with over 400 inches of rain per year. While it’s raining here, however, you’ll be able to find warm breezes and sunny skies elsewhere on Kaua‘i. Areas around the interior Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale are generally not affected by the rain that falls at the mountain’s peak, and the coastal parts of the island get far less rain than the central spots (as little as 18 inches a year on the West Side). When you do see rain, it’s usually followed by glorious rainbows. Kaua‘i’s trade winds are another reason for such great weather on the island. The winds are generally light and help blow away humidity.

Dress Code

Dress for comfort. Think “light” in terms of color and fabrics. Temperatures are cooler in the evening, and a sweater or windbreaker/ jacket is recommended for those planning to venture into cool upland regions such as Kōke‘e. Attire is “resort wear” even at Kaua‘i’s finest resorts and restaurants.

Transportation

On Kaua‘i, ground transportation includes rental cars, shuttles, taxis and rideshare. Several companies provide guided tours aboard motor coaches, mini-busses, vans and limousines. Since the point of Kaua‘i is to get around, most visitors rent cars, and reservations should be made in advance. All the major rental car companies are represented. (Please note, rental companies prohibit vehicles on unpaved roads such as Polihale.) getaroundkauai.com