- From a Hawaii local, here's what you should know if you're planning a trip to Kauai.
- Kauai is one of the wettest places on the planet, so be prepared for rain with a jacket and umbrella
For your safety and comfort, there are a few things you should know before heading to Kauai. From being aware of flash-flood warnings to using reef-safe sunscreen, here are my tips as a Hawaii local to make sure you're prepared for your getaway.
COVID-19 advisories
As of March 2022, there are no longer any COVID-19 restrictions in place on Kauai. Proof of vaccination isn't required to visit the island, and masks are optional.
Weather advisories
The Garden Isle is one of the wettest places on the planet, so rain and the resulting mud are not uncommon.
Flash floods
Kauai is one of the rainiest places on earth, which means flash-flood warnings are common — and flash floods can be more dangerous than people expect.
If you're indoors, you're likely safe. If you're outdoors, get indoors; if that's not possible (say, you're in the middle of a hike), stay away from water and try to reach higher ground.
Tropical storms or hurricanes
Sometimes flash floods may come as a result of a tropical storm or hurricane. Though rare, these typically happen between June and November.
If a tropical-storm or hurricane warning pops up during your trip, keep an eye on the news and take steps as advised.
What to pack (and what to leave at home)
First, before you even get to the islands, you'll want to pack a pen in your carry-on. This is necessary to fill out a Hawaii agricultural form on your flight.
Once you land, there are a few must-haves. Many of Kauai's rainy days are less of a drizzle and more of a downpour, so you may need a rain jacket or umbrella. On sunny days, reef-safe sunscreen (as opposed to chemical sunscreen) is important. These zinc-oxide-heavy sunscreens will protect your skin and keep chemicals harmful to marine life out of the water.
Don't bring plants, seeds, or fresh produce into Hawaii. If a new species is introduced to Hawaii's environment, it could threaten local species already in danger. Similarly, don't bring your pets on a Hawaii vacation — they'd have to spend a couple weeks in quarantine, so they wouldn't get to enjoy the islands at all.
Etiquette
Like in most other places in the US, tipping is common in Kauai. At restaurants, a 15% to 20% tip is standard. At hotels, it's not uncommon to tip bellhops, doormen, and even concierges a dollar or two. And on tours, tip your guide $10 to $20, depending on the length of your excursion and the number of people in your group, especially if your guide made your experience extra special. Tour companies take the bulk of your excursion payment, so your lovely guides are probably paid significantly less than you expect.
And respect the local environment. There are a lot of small ways to protect nature during your visit, like picking up trash on beaches and hikes, using a reusable water bottle, and giving wild animals their space. Keep in mind how your actions will affect Hawaii's natural beauty.