Kauai Travel Expenses: What To Expect When Visiting

Kauai, Hawaii, is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, and rainforests. The cost of travelling to Kauai depends on a range of factors, such as the type of accommodation, food, transportation, and activities chosen. On average, travellers spend around $231 per day, with budget travellers spending around $83-$101, mid-range travellers spending around $190-$231, and luxury travellers spending around $361-$437.

Accommodation prices vary depending on the location and amenities, with an average nightly cost of around $545 for a hotel room. Food costs can also vary, but travellers typically spend around $96 per day on meals. Transportation costs can be minimised by using public transit or renting a car, with the average traveller spending $34 per day on local transportation.

While Kauai offers a range of activities, from free hikes and beach visits to paid tours and attractions, the cost of activities depends on the type, length, and location. Overall, Kauai is considered a moderately priced destination compared to other places in North America.

Budget-friendly accommodation

Kauai, Hawaii, is an idyllic island known for its waterfalls, canyons, and diverse rainforests. It is a moderately priced destination, with a daily average travel cost of $231.

Hostels

There are a couple of hostels in Kauai, including the Kauai Beach House Hostel, which offers dorm beds for $38 per night, and private rooms for $78 per night. The hostel has a quiet and respectful atmosphere, with a large deck overlooking the ocean, a well-equipped kitchen, free WiFi, and hot showers.

Camping

Camping in Kauai is a very budget-friendly option, with state parks charging as little as $3 per night. You can rent camping gear from Kauai Camper Rental for about $185 per week.

Budget Hotels

There are several budget-friendly hotels in Kauai, including:

• Hotel Lani, which offers rooms for $50 per night
• Hotel Coral Reef, with rooms from $182 per night
• Kauai Palms Hotel, with rooms from $182 per night
• Aston Islander On The Beach, with rooms from $226 per night
• Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, with rooms from $246 per night
• Kauai Shores Hotel, with rooms from $368 per night
• Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, with rooms from $387 per night

Other Options

If you're looking for an alternative to hotels and hostels, you might consider:

• Kumu Camp, which offers yurts with a double and single bed for $65 per night
• Airbnb or VRBO, which often offer better prices than hotels, especially if you book directly with the owner

Transport options

Kauai's public transport options are limited. The island has a bus service, but buses run sporadically and can involve long waiting times. A single bus journey costs $2. Bikes can be taken on the bus, and there is an 18-mile-long Kauai Bike Path on the east side, from Lihue north.

Hitchhiking is still practised on Kauai, and it's likely that you'll get a ride if you choose this option, but it does carry inherent risks.

The best way to get around the island is by rental car. The usual companies are located at the airport, and charge standard prices.

If you're flying into Kauai, you can rent a car from companies like Turo, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, American, United, or Delta.

Food costs

There are a variety of dining options in Kauai to suit different budgets. At the higher end, there are high-end corporate-owned hotels and luxury vacation rentals, where meals can cost upwards of $150. However, there are also plenty of good, filling restaurants where a tasty meal costs less than $12. Local favourites include the Tip Top Café, Sushi Katsu, Hamura Saimin, the Garden Island Barbeque in Lihue, Pho Kauai, and Wrangler’s Steak House in Waimea.

For budget-conscious travellers, there are some strategies to keep food costs down. Eating at less expensive restaurants, trying street food, or cooking your own meals can help save money. Kauai also has a food truck scene, with plenty of tasty and reasonably priced treats like shave ice and plate lunches with poke and pork lau lau. Kauai also has many roadside fruit stands and locally caught fish and shrimp sold by fishermen.

For those who want to experience the local cuisine, taking a food tour or cooking class is a great option. Some popular food-related activities include the Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail, the Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting, and the Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show.

Additionally, Kauai offers a variety of free attractions and activities that can help offset food costs. The island's natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, valleys, forests, dunes, cliffs, and high-altitude swamps, can be enjoyed without spending a fortune. Most of Kauai's breathtaking beaches are free and open to the public, although some, like Ke'e Beach, are part of state parks that charge nominal entry fees. Kauai also has several farmers' markets where visitors can sample local fruits, vegetables, and other treats.

Activities and sightseeing

Kauai is known for its natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and abundance of outdoor activities. Here are some suggestions for things to do and see while visiting Kauai:

Beaches

Kauai has some of the most breathtaking beaches in Hawaii, and most of them are free and open to the public. From Poipu Beach in Koloa to Anini Beach on the North Shore, each beach offers unique treasures, such as great snorkelling, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand. Keep in mind that a few beaches, like Ke'e Beach, are part of state parks and charge nominal entry fees.

Hiking

Kauai is a hiker's paradise, offering a range of trails for all levels of experience. The Kalalau Trail in Ha'ena State Park is one of the most famous hikes, leading to the iconic Na Pali Coast. Other popular hikes include the Awawapuhi Nualolo Trail, the Cliff Trail to Waipoo Falls, and the extensive network of trails in Waimea Canyon. The state parks charge a $5 per person entrance fee and a $10 parking fee for non-residents, while Hawaii residents enter for free with their state ID. There are also free hiking trails outside of the state parks, such as the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail.

Water Activities

With 111 miles of coastline, Kauai is a great place for water activities such as snorkelling, boogie boarding, surfing, diving, fishing, and kite surfing. Popular snorkelling spots include Ke'e Beach, Haena Beach Park, and Anini Beach. Scuba diving is also a popular activity, with options like the Premium Afternoon SCUBA Tour and the Kauai Exclusive Morning SCUBA Charter for Experienced Divers.

Sightseeing Flights and Boat Tours

For a different perspective, you can take a sightseeing flight or boat tour to admire the Na Pali Coast and other scenic spots from above or by sea. Options include the Napali Coast Boat Tours and Snorkelling, the Kauai Deluxe Sightseeing Flight, and the Na Pali Boat Tour on the Amelia K.

Gardens and Botanical Wonders

Kauai is known as the Garden Island, and nature lovers will enjoy exploring its tropical flora and botanical gardens. The National Tropical Botanical Garden has three locations on the island: The McBryde Garden, the Allerton Garden, and the Limahuli Garden. Self-guided tours at the McBryde and Limahuli Gardens are $30 per person. There is also a free garden in Poipu called the Pa‘u a Laka Cactus Garden, commonly known as Moir Garden.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

To learn about Kauai's history and culture, visit the Kauai Museum in Lihue, which charges $15 for adult admission and offers discounted entry for older children and seniors. You can also explore local landmarks like the Pa'ula'ula State Historical Site and Makauwahi Cave, both of which are free to enter, although donations are welcome for the cave's daily tours.

Farmers Markets and Local Food

Kauai has a vibrant food scene, and you can find fresh local produce and dishes at the various farmers markets and night markets around the island. There are also plenty of food trucks and roadside stands selling tasty treats like shave ice and poke bowls. For coffee lovers, Kauai Coffee offers free self-guided tours and samples of their 100% Hawaiian coffee at their estate in Kalaheo. Koloa Rum also offers free rum tastings at Kilohana Plantation in Lihue.

Saving tips

Kauai is a moderately priced destination, but there are still ways to save money on your trip. Here are some tips to help you stick to your budget:

Accommodation

• Opt for budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, or couch surfing.
• Book inexpensive but comfortable accommodations such as Kauai Palms Hotel or Hale Kua Bed and Breakfast.
• Consider motels, cabins, or camping for cheaper alternatives.
• Look for vacation rentals with kitchens to save on dining out.
• Book early or travel during the off-season to find better deals.

Transportation

• Use public transportation or carpool options like buses or ride-sharing services.
• Rent a car through apps like Turo for affordable rental options.
• Take advantage of the Kauai Bike Path on the east side for a cheap and scenic way to get around.

Food

• Eat at inexpensive restaurants like Tip Top Café, Sushi Katsu, Hamura Saimin, Garden Island Barbeque, Pho Kauai, or Wrangler's Steak House.
• Try local favourites such as oxtail soup, macadamia-nut pancakes, and Chinese-style ramen.
• Visit Kauai's farmers' markets and food trucks for tasty and reasonably priced treats.
• Cook your own meals or eat at less expensive restaurants to save money.

Activities

• Explore Kauai's free attractions, such as its stunning beaches, hiking trails, and state parks.
• Visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge to see seabirds, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales.
• Catch a free hula show or enjoy community yoga at the Hanalei Farmers Market.
• Take advantage of free tours and tastings at the Kauai Coffee estate and Koloa Rum.
• Check out the Kauai Museum, Pa'ula'ula State Historical Site, and Makauwahi Cave for low-cost or free cultural experiences.
• Look for free or low-cost festivals, craft fairs, and other events on the Kauai Festivals and Events page.

Frequently asked questions