Respect Kaua'i
Sacred Sites
Whether in the form of petroglyphs, temples, or rock walls, sacred sites are everywhere in Hawai'i. Some might be designated by signs that say Kapu, which is Hawaiian for forbidden and sacred. Anytime you see these signs, it means no trespassing/keep out. If not marked, do not touch, please speak and walk quietly by, and be mindful of your children. What may seem to be a pile of rocks to you might be a very sacred area to the Hawaiians.
Respect Nature
Leave no trace and no trash. Stay on designated trails as going off trail can degrade fragile ecosystems and damage native plants. Take only photos; leave only footprints. Do not take sand or rock from the beach or lava rock from volcanoes. It is not only illegal to take lava rock from the island, but is also considered bad luck. Malama 'Āina is a phrase that means to care for, honor, respect the land and this concept is at the heart of Hawaiian values. Keep close watch of your children and your impact on the land around you. If you are interested in helping more, please check out different volunteer opportunities under activities.
Be Aware of Your Driving
The maximum speed limit on Kaua'i is 50mph for good reason. It is never safe to speed and always allow yourself plenty of time as traffic and congestion are a daily (almost hourly) occurance.
North shore is very windy and narrow; exercise caution. That being said, locals may know the roads well. If you are unsure on roads and driving slower, pull over and let others pass. To access Hanalei from the south, you must drive over two connected one-lane bridges. Keep in mind that in times of high rain and flood, these bridges can close. If you drive north of Hanalei, you will encounter many more one-lane bridges. The rule of thumb is five to seven vehicles may proceed at one time. Be respectful of this number.
Do not honk your horn unless it is an emergency, it is considered impolite. Be mindful of those waiting to turn onto a busy street and give a shaka or wave to those that allow you in. Some roads are only for local residents. Please respect these areas and stay out.
Kaua'i uses a contra flow system to help alleviate early morning traffic on the east side. Between Kapa'a and Lihue Airport, traffic cones are utilized to allow two lanes of traffic to go southbound. At 11am(ish), the road crew picks up the cones to allow northbound traffic the two lanes. Be mindful and respectful of the road crew.
Park Only in Designated Areas or Pullouts
Parking along roadside shoulders is dangerous and disrespectful to other people and the surrounding environment. Koke'e State Park and the Northshore are known for their windy and narrow roads. If a designated parking lot is full, do not park on the shoulder; find another viewpoint and come back later. Always look both ways when crossing the street and be aware of your surroundings and mindful of oncoming traffic. Do not stop in the middle of the road or impede traffic to take a picture.
Do Not Tag or Name Secret or Dangerous Places on Social Media
What starts as an innocent Instagram post detailing your trip in paradise can potentially have serious and disastrous repercussions. Physical harm and environmental degregation are major concerns on Kaua'i and are the two biggest reasons why treasured areas become off limits and closed.
Do Not Feed Wildlife (Birds, Chickens, Feral Cats, Fish)
Animals can get sick from eating processed foods made for humans and pets. Also, feeding wildlife can result in animals learning to approach people, increasing the risk of dependency and injury. Know that it is illegal to feed wildlife, even if your intentions are good.
Wear Earbuds When Listening to Music
People tend to choose to spend time on Kaua'i because they are looking to get away from the chaos of big cities and loud noise. Also, not everyone has the same taste in music. Be respectful of those around you while in tranquil and quiet spaces.
Respect the Kupuna (Elders)
Traditionally, Hawaiian people have and show a great respect for their kupuna. Let older people go in front of you, hold doors open for them, and offer them your seat when appropriate.
Use the Right Words
Locals are people who reside in the islands. Hawaiians are people of Hawaiian descent. The rest of the United States is "the mainland," not "the states."
Utilize Boot Brush Stations
Invasive species destroy native plant habitat and are often brought in unknowingly through clothing and shoes. If you see a boot brush station at a trailhead, use it before you set out on a hike. They don't just clean mud off your shoes, they help minimize the spread of disease and invasive species.
Be On Time and Tip Well
If you have a reservation or excursion, be mindful and be on time. You are on vacation, however, tours run on a schedule and five minutes on one end can mean a half hour on the other. Other guests may have booked another excursion after or have a flight out.
Many of the people who live on Kaua'i rely on tips to make ends meet. 20% is common for good service from servers, bartenders, drivers and tour guides; of course, more is always appreciated.
Do Not Sit on Top of Picnic Tables
As they are used for eating, it is considered unclean to sit on top of picnic tables.
Take Your Shoes Off When Entering a Home
When entering a private home or anyplace else you see shoes out front, take yours off. It's respectful, and helps keep sand and dirt out.
Listen to Advice
Lifeguards, guides, hotel staff, and locals in general know the area and are looking out for your safety and Kauai's best interests.
Respect Lei
If someone gives you a lei, etiquette says to accept it and wear it as long as you are in the presence of the giver. Do not play with the lei, take it off or put it on your head or around your wrist like a bracelet. If someone is pregnant (hapai) do not offer them a lei as it is considered bad luck. If pregnant and offered one, you can refuse it.
Biggest advice from a Local?
Slow down and relax. Always give yourself plenty of time; no need to be aggressive or in a hurry. You don't need to blast music or always be updating your socials. Stop and smell the flowers. Watch the sunset without your camera in hand. Rather than getting impatient while waiting in line, talk with your neighbors and observe instead of looking at your phone. Be in the moment.
Behave at the Beach
Know Before You Go
Always check ocean conditions before you head for the beach, obey all posted signs, and talk to the lifeguard before going in the water. If you do not see anyone else in the water, do not go in. Check out Hawaii Ocean Safety for more advice on how to stay safe. Hawai'i lifeguards endure harsh conditions to make sure you stay safe. Consider making a donation to help support their work and the Kaua'i Junior Lifeguard Program.
Be Aware of Seasonal Changes
During Kauai's summer (May-September), the North and East Shores are generally calm and safe for swimming and snorkeling, while the South and West Shores can experience large, strong south swells. In the winter it switches: the north and west can experience dangerous, large waves while the south sees more calm waters.
Use Reef Safe Sunscreen
Look for zinc or titanium oxide as the active ingredient; avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate. The Nut recommends the Hawaii Peeps line of skin care and protection products, Wahine-owned and made in small batches right here on Kaua'i. If using aerosol spray, make sure to spray it into your hand first so it does not coat plant and marine life with harsh chemicals.
Do Not Stand on Coral or Reef
Corals are colonies of very small animals which may take hundreds of years to form. Do not touch, walk or stand on coral/reef, as this can kill the living coral polyps that are the builders of the reef structure.
Do Not Feed the Fish
It desrupts their normal feeding habit, and you may be injured.
Give Marine Life Plenty of Space
Oftentimes, marine animals decide to head to the beach to rest and sleep. Although it's nice to get close for pictures, it is important to always keep a safe and respectful distance. If around, lifeguards and volunteers (docents) will set up cones and/or rope to designate these safe distances. Be mindful and respect these measures. If lifeguards or volunteers are not around, please follow the guidelines below.
Sea turtle: When honu haul out of the ocean, they are looking for a safe place to rest and recover their energy. If people approach too closely, even with good intentions, it can cause stress and may prevent them from getting the rest they need. That's why turtle docents set up cones and ask everyone to keep a respectful distance of at least 25 feet. At this distance, the turtles do not sense us as a threat, allowing them to relax and continue their natural behavior. By giving them space, you're actively helping to ensure their health and survival. (From Michelle Meridith-Rath, honu docent at Poipu beach and friend of the Nut and marine life everywhere. Thanks, Michelle!).
Monk seal: come to shore and call the NOAA Fisheries Marine Wildlife Hotline at 808-651-7668. On shore, follow advice from docents. If no docent is around, give them at least 50 feet, 150 feet for moms with pups.
Dolphins and whales: chances are good you won't encounter these outside of a boat charter, but if you do, stay well back. 50 yards for dolphins, 100 for whales.
Do Not Take Flash Photos of Sea Turtles or Seals While Beached
Turtles cannot contract their pupils like people can. Shining a bright light or using flash photography can damage their eyes and cause them to leave the beach, especially at night. Keep in mind that the fine for harassing a turtle can be as high as ten thousand dollars!
General Advice on Staying Safe in the Ocean
Always swim with a buddy. Understand rip currents and know how to identify them. If snorkeling, stay aware of your location. Be mindful of rocks at the shoreline and even a sandy beach break can lead to injury from unsuspectingly strong waves. Do not swim in brown or dirty water or around rivers/streams after rain and flood as both bacteria and sharks like these conditions. You can access the results of Kauai's most recent water quality tests through Surfriders: Blue Water Task Force.
Jellyfish?
Box jellyfish are no joke. They are a relative of the Portuguese man-o'-war and their tentacles are lined with stinging cells that can deliver a painful and serious sting. They aren't a common occurrence, however, be aware when swimming on the South Side, (Pō'ipu and Salt Pond Beach Park) from eight to ten days after a full moon. Obey warning signs; talk to the lifeguard; be smart! Want more info? Waikiki Aquarium Box Fish Calendar.
Did you get stung? Experts recommend making sure the stinger is out, rinse with salt water before rinsing with vinegar, (oftentimes lifeguards will have vinegar on hand), and an ice pack can ease inflammation.
Did You Find a Net?
Please contact the Surfrider Foundation at 808-635-2593 and they'll come collect it.
Camping, Hiking, and State Parks
General Information on Camping
Camping is permitted only in state and county parks, designated beach parks, and private campgrounds. Reservations are required and they fill up fast. Also, keep in mind that sleeping in or on top of vehicles in the parking lots is not allowed.
Kaua'i has four county beach campsites: Anahola, Anini, Salt Pond and Lydgate. For information, permits, and booking information, go to County Beach Parks.
Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks
The road up Waimea Canyon and through Koke'e State Park is eleven miles long and climbs over 4,000ft. Therefore, it is a slow and windy drive. Use caution and if going slower than other vehicles, pull over and allow them to pass. Parking passes are not required before you enter. Be prepared for drastic changes in weather conditions and temperature as you climb the canyon.
Check out Kōkeʻe State Park to find updates, description, camping permits, as well as other information and rules and regulations.
Polihale State Park
The dirt road that accesses the beautiful beaches of Polihale is five miles long, VERY bumpy with huge potholes, and rain can make it impassable. Because of the harsh conditions, few (if any) rental companies will allow their vehicles on this road. If you choose to venture this way, go to Polihale State Park to find updates, description, and camping permit information.
Hiking the Napali Coast State Park and the Kalalau Trail
Planning to visit the world famous Napali Coast? To get there you must enter through Hā'ena State Park. Parking is strictly regulated and reservations are required for non-residents. It is important to know and understand all rules and check current ocean and weather conditions before going. Stay safe!
Hā'ena State Park Information and Reservations can be found at Hāʻena & Nāpali Coast Access Information
The Kalalau trail, even just to Hanakapi'ai Falls, is challenging. Do proper research and make sure that all the people in your party are physically capable of muddy, slippery, rocky, and steep terrain. Many parts of the trail are fully exposed to the sun. At least a liter of water per person and snacks are a must, as well as sturdy shoes, sunscreen (reef-safe), and bug spray. Expect to lose reception once you are north of Hanalei so it's a good idea to put your phone on airplane mode to conserve power. If you plan on hiking into the late afternoon, take a headlamp or other means of light. Keep in mind that the falls are four miles, which means the entire return trip is EIGHT miles.
Hanakapi'ai Beach is a beautiful place to visit but not a safe place to swim. There are no lifeguards and it is known to have particularly strong currents, high surf, and rip tides. Avoid hiking along or crossing rivers in times of rain due to potential flash flooding. Keep in mind that it may be at a safe level when you cross over, but when you go to return, and if the rain continues, the level will be higher. If the water looks too high to cross, and you find yourself on the wrong way of Hanakapi'ai River, do not risk crossing and shelter in place until water recedes or help arrives. You can find even more good information at Go Haena
Questions regarding obtaining a permit? Have a permit and still have questions? Chances are they are covered right here: Frequently Asked Questions
