Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle,” and it’s the third most-visited island in Hawaii, so Kauai is much quieter and less commercialized than Oahu or Maui. This is one of my favorite islands I’ve ever visited, so I created this Kauai solo female travel guide.

How To Plan a Multi-Island Hawaii Trip

Fun Fact: Only 20% of Kauai is accessible by car, and most of the coastline can’t be seen from any road, which means this is the perfect island for boat and helicopter tours.

Here’s the ultimate Kauai solo female travel guide!

When To Go

The peak travel season for Kauai is December-March, when prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest everywhere on the island. So book your accommodation, rental cars, and tours in advance to save some money and ensure availability. These months have the highest rainfall, so choose accommodation on the west or south coast, which are usually drier.

Kauai is one of the wettest places on Earth, so there’s always a chance of rain year-round, especially at the higher altitudes. But rain showers on Kauai are usually brief, and, often, they can cool you off.

July-August is only slightly less crowded and expensive than December-March. The weather is perfect during these months – sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s.

The year-round warm weather means Kauai doesn’t have an off-season. But April-June and September – November are shoulder seasons when you can score some great (by Hawaii standards) accommodation and airfare deals.

The current along the Nā Pali Coast is calmer in the summer than in the Fall, Winter, or Spring. So if you’re here when the surf is calmer, I recommend a Zodiac boat tour that will take you as close as you can get to the Nā Pali Coast, including into some of the most spectacular caves in the world. But if you’re here when the water is too choppy for a Zodiac tour, you can take a catamaran cruise.

Getting Around

A car is essential on Kauai. Many tour companies provide transportation to and from guided tours, and taxis and rideshares can be arranged by your hotel. But these can be expensive.

So if you’re going to leave your hotel more than a couple of times (which I highly recommend!), then a rental car can save you money. Plus, a rental car gives you flexibility over your itinerary and room to store and transport your belongings.

I spent four days on Kauai with a rental car, and I drove all over the island. But because the island is so small, I only had to fill up my tank once.

What To Do

Visit the Wailua Falls Overlook.

Hike a portion of the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.

Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park. My favorite stops are the Waimea Canyon Lookout, the Waipo’o Falls Lookout, and the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout on the Waimea Canyon Trail.

See a luau.

Visit the Opaeka‘a Falls Overlook.

Take a Zodiac or catamaran cruise along the Nā Pali Coast that includes snorkeling.

Do a helicopter ride (my favorite is a no-doors helicopter).

Visit Secret Falls. This waterfall requires you to paddle 3 miles (round-trip) and hike 2.5 miles (round trip) in the mud through the jungle and over several stream crossings. Secret Falls is absolutely stunning and well worth the effort to get here, but I only recommend this hike if you are in good physical condition and want an adventure where you’ll get wet and dirty.

Spend some time relaxing at a beach and the pool at your hotel or rental home.

Visit Kōkeʻe State Park, and make sure you go all the way to the Pu’u o Kila Lookout. The earlier in the day you visit this state park, the better because there’s a higher chance of fog and rain in the afternoon.

Where To Stay

Kauai has some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. My favorite part of the island to stay in is Po’ipu. So from oceanfront resorts to hotels where you can earn and use points, I’ve rounded up the best hotels on Kauai.

This island also has some incredible vacation homes!

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive on the island early enough that you can pick up your rental car and visit the Wailua and Opaeka’a Falls Overlooks and hike a portion of the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail before checking into your hotel in the later afternoon or early evening.

Day 2: Go on a Zodiac or catamaran cruise along the Nā Pali Coast that includes snorkeling. You want to book this tour early in your trip so that if there’s bad weather and your tour is canceled, you have time to re-book. These tours usually leave early in the morning and are back mid-afternoon.

Day 3: Paddle and hike to Secret Falls. This will take half a day, and as I mentioned above, I only recommend this hike if you are in good physical condition and want an adventure. If this activity is out of your comfort level, you can do a motorized riverboat trip and a more leisurely hike.

Day 4: Sleep in, then do a helicopter tour. Then spend the rest of your day laying out on a beach or lounging by your hotel or vacation home’s pool.

Day 5: Do the scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōkeʻe State Park. Plan to spend at least half a day at these parks. There’s a restaurant at the visitor center, or you can bring a pack-out lunch.

Day 6: Fly home or to another Hawaiian Island.

Where To Eat

My Favorites: Keoki’s Paradise (American, $$), Bull Shed Restaurant (Steakhouse, $$$), JO2 Restaurant (Fusion, $$$).

Fine Dining: Tidepools (Seafood, $$$$), Rum Fire (American, $$$$), The Plantation House by Gaylord’s (Seafood, $$$$).

Seafood: Merriman’s ($$$), The Dolphin Poipu ($$), Lemongrass Grill ($$).

Hawaiian: Red Salt at Koa Kea ($$$), Beach House ($$$), Luau Makaiwa (Luau).

Cheap Eats: Kalaheo Coffee Company (Cafe, $$), Tiki Tacos ($$), the food trucks in Po’ipu.

Asian: Dim ‘N’ Den Sum (Food Truck, $$), Big Monster Sushi & Thai ($$), Eating House 1849 Koloa ($$$).

The Best Foods To Try in Hawaii

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What would you add to this Kauai solo female travel guide? Share with us in the comments!

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This Kauai solo female travel guide trip is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Kauai solo female travel guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.