In Kaua'i, rain showers are generally brief and don't last days, or even hours. Should you decide to visit during this time, be sure to book several weeks to months in advance, as it's the island's peak travel season.
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If you worry the rain in Kauai will ruin your holiday, don't. It seldom pours for more than three days straight, and tropical storms are rare. The Kauai rainy season typically consists of gray, overcast days with spurts of brief showers.
The island has only two seasons: dry from April to October and wet or rainy from November to March, with December and January experiencing the most rainfall.
The average annual rainfall on the outer parts of Kauai is around 30-40 inches, but the inner core of the island sees far more. In these regions, it's not unusual to find precipitation totaling up to an eye-popping 390 inches each year!
MOUNT WAIALEALE, Kauai — This legendary peak dominates the geography of Kauai, jutting to an altitude of 5,148 feet and constituting possibly the wettest place on Earth. Or possibly the second-wettest, after Mawsynram, a mountain in India.
Kauai is considered one of the rainiest places on the planet. Of course, that's one of the reasons it's also so lush. You can often find sunshine on the southern side, but it's not guaranteed, especially in the winter. Maui receives less rainfall than Kauai.
With an average annual rainfall of 41.2 inches, Kauai bags the title the rainiest place in Hawaii. It is also home to one of the planet's wettest spots, Mount Wai'ale'ale. If you worry the rain in Kauai will ruin your holiday, don't. It seldom pours for more than three days straight, and tropical storms are rare.
So when planning what to pack for Kauai, a rain jacket is essential. Make sure it's lightweight as the temperatures will likely still be hot even in the rain. When not wearing your rain jacket, you can easily roll your jacket up into a packing cube without any issues.
If you're looking for things to do in Honolulu when it rains, you'll find a number of exciting indoor attractions, including museums and theaters. The weather is usually sunny and warm, though, so you'll still have a chance to explore the city and take in Hawaiian art and culture on your trip.
Kauai Slow Season: Late Fall and WinterWhile there may not be a “bad” time to visit Kauai, the late fall and winter months can be considered the island's low season. From October to December, Kauai experiences slightly higher rainfall, which can lead to more overcast days.
Wai'ale'ale. Located almost exactly in the middle of the island, this towering green mountain range is usually tucked behind a shroud of wispy rain clouds. Wai'ale'ale means “rippling water” or “overflowing water” in Hawaiian and is the second wettest spot on earth, receiving about 450 inches of rain each year.
Summary. The north shore of Kauai sees more rain, whereas the south shore is comparatively dry most of the year. Winter swells on the north can be dangerous and it is advisable to check the surf reports before indulging in water activities.
The holidays, especially Christmas, are the busiest time of year and prices will reflect the increased demand. During the spring and fall, visitation is typically down (meaning fewer crowds) and prices will reflect the decreased demand for accommodations.
Despite these variations, each side of Kauai has observed tsunami runups of over 10 ft with significant damaging effects. The recorded history of Hawaiian tsunamis shows that 26 large tsunamis have made landfall within the islands and 8 have had significant damaging effects on Kauai.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.
If you're ready to trade the hustle and bustle for variety and adventure in your life, Maui probably sounds like the perfect escape. If you're looking for something quieter and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Kauai is the ideal island paradise.
Regarding dramatic Hawaiian scenery, Maui and Kauai are both exactly what most travelers imagine. Stunning coastlines, towering mountains, and lush jungles abound on both islands. However, the main difference between the two islands comes down to the variety in the landscapes, which Maui wins by a narrow margin.
Cherrapunji, IndiaThe town Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, can be found in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Despite being the second wettest place in the world averaging 11,777 mm of rainfall a year, the region faces acute annual water shortages during the dry months of winter.
Since the south shore is the sunny side of Kauai, it gets lots of tourist traffic and is more commercialized. It's also a better choice in terms of beach proximity. South Shore is home to some of the best beaches in Kauai, such as the Kiahuna Beach at Poipu and the Brennecke Beach.
Hilo, HawaiiKnown for its dramatic waterfalls, lush rainforests and blooming gardens, Hilo is full of amazing sites and world-class beauty. It's also known as the wettest place in the United States, averaging about 12 in. of rain per month.