Things to do in Kauai if it is raining
 

We are leaving for the south side of Kauai this week, and while the weather looks like it will be fine, we have heard from others that have gone recently that it has been hit-or-miss. Our plan is to pretty much be at the pool all days with the kids, plus a couple of excursion. But, in the case that it is raining for a few of the days, does anyone have ideas for things that are enjoyable to do while it is raining rather than just hanging out in the hotel room?

Thanks in advance!

Keep doing whatever you're doing because it will probably stop raining in a few minutes. :)

That has been my experience in the past, but unfortunately it sounds like that it wasn't the case for our friends that visited recently :). I am sure it will be just fine, but hoping to prepare for the just-in-case.

We just were four days on Kauai and the 7 days on Big Island and it rained all the time. On Kauai, if waves are calm enough, snorkeling is always a great activity for a rainy day cause the fish don't care. We also did a bit more shopping and driving than usual, just a bit less sitting at the beach and relaxing. The waterfalls are more spectacular for sure during rainy times, though hikes can be a bit more difficult if ground is slippery.

Thanks! Sorry to hear that it rained during a good portion of your trip.

Doing some hikes to see waterfalls would be a good idea. Being from Portland, the rain on a hike isn't too much of a deterrent for us. Although, the kids might not much care for it!

I hope you'll hike the north shore, then. There's a famous trail up there - if you're really outdoorsy, that trail extends to a multi-day camp/hike. You'll see some spectacular views, but as someone mentioned, it can get a bit slippery when wet.

Great - thanks. We won't be able to do a multi-day hike... but we will definitely get up there to do some day stuff.

The hike on the north shore that was referred to is the Kalalau Trail. You can do the first two miles without a permit and the views are spectacular. I would say the difficulty is moderate and we saw people of all ages and fitness levels when we went last time. Probably not worth it if it's very cloudy. Also it can get slippery if there has been a lot of rain.

Sounds great! It looks like you need to come from the east to get to the trail head? So doing this and Waimea Canyon in the same day is likely not possible without a large amount of driving?

Those are on completely different sides of the island. Probably not the best idea to try to do both on the same day. If its going to rain its more likely to be on the north side. South side like Poipu area is usually the sunniest. Just check the beach cams Here is a good example right now. Looks like north side had cloudy wet and south side nice and sunny. Also note that it was bad quite a bit in Feb and March but that is part of the rainy season, April is not considered the rainy season.

Princeville (North side)
Princeville Resorts | See Hawaii Live - The St. Regis Princeville Resort | Resorts in Hawaii
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...afed48c1f0.jpg


Poipu (South side)
Kauai Resorts | See Hawaii Live - Sheraton Kauai Resort | Hawaii Vacations
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...475fa509f5.jpg

A small warning to give along with this advice; locals are taught never to swim or surf during or right after heavy rains when the waters are murky with runoff. This is especially true where rivers and streams empty into the ocean, as sharks are known to feed on food that's been washed out to sea.

Our first trip to Kaua'i was many years ago and we splurged and rented a convertible. We were staying near Prince Kuhio Park (Poipu area) and figured we'd have nice weather "most" of the week. Well, it rained 5 of the 7 days we were there. :) Plenty to do even if it rains. Kids are less picky than adults.

Rain is forecast for the next 10 days. Hiking is dangerous when the trails are wet. Be careful. https://www.wunderground.com/forecas...=localwx_10day

Good to know, thank you!

Well, you (and Kauai and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands) can get too much rain (as well as even more is expected...):

Honolulu Star Advertiser: Kauai recovery and rescue efforts continue after devastating floods

Hawaii News Now: Amid major clean-up effort, Kauai braces for more wet weather

USA Today: Hawaii flood: Here's what travelers should know before visiting Kauai

David

Most times I visit Kauai from Oahu, weather has been good or doesn't get too rainy (I only try to visit when weather is nice).

Is there some extended weather forecast people use that's good and longer range? Am paying for a catamaran to the Na Pali Coast this time so am trying the avoid the rain much more than usual...