Which side of Kauai has less rain?

Embracing Sun-Kissed Days on Kauai's South Shore Random rain showers happen all over a tropical island, but the South Shore is known as the sunny side of Kauai and gets about 35 inches of rain annually versus the 85 inches the North gets. The North is wetter due to the tradewinds and the mountains.



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Kauai has gorgeous beaches, but the trick to finding the best beaches depends on the season. In the summer, the north shore has calmer waters. You can swim in Hanalei bay or Tunnels beach without worry. But the south shore has slightly rougher waves during the summer, though usually still swimmable.

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If it is raining elsewhere on Kauai travel to Poipu Beach as it is the sunniest and driest place on Kauai.

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Kauai's West Shore The West Shore of Kauai is often underrated, but it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth, in our humble opinion. The West Shore is separated from the north by the Napali Coast, which gives the west a distinct desert-like feel.

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Po?ipu Beach on Kaua'i was revealed as the #18 bluest water in the nation, with a matching Hex color code of #73A9C3. This positions the beach's water among the bluest water in the nation and the best for a water-centric vacation.

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Waimea Beach, Kauai With just one primary lodging option, Kauai's dry, sunny west side is by far the island's least crowded coast accessible by road. Waimea Beach has fine brown-black sand that is great for beachcombing and leisurely strolls, and it offers views of the island of Niihau across the channel.

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North Shore regions average 40-60 inches of rain per year, mainly during the winter months. South Shore annual rainfall averages 30-40 inches as the Haupu Mountain range blocks most of the showers.

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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.

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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.

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Most of Hawaii experiences only two seasons; the dry season running from May to October and the wet season from October to April; although Princeville is blessed with a consistent 6 inches or so of rain every month.

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The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!

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Safest Areas on Kauai Though Kauai as a whole has a low crime rate, the safest places are at the resorts in Koloa and in laid back Hanalei.

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Peace and Quiet: While Kaua?i is a popular tourist destination, it is generally less crowded and more laid-back than Maui. This makes it a great choice for travelers looking for a quieter, more relaxed vacation.

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However, if you want to chill on beautiful beaches all day and have a relaxed (but also exciting) Hawaii vacation – with some nightlife to top it all off – Maui might just edge out the island of Kauai. Many people who've vacationed on all the main islands prefer Maui and think it's the best Hawaiian island.

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Kauai South Shore If you want a romantic getaway full of fun in the sun, head to the South Shore. You'll find tons of incredible beaches, mouthwatering Hawaiian cuisine, stunning wildlife, and exciting shopping opportunities.

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Backed by majestic mountains and fringed with coconut palms, Ke'e Beach is the most spectacular beach on Kaua'i's North Shore. It is also one of the best places on the island for snorkeling. Revel the incredibly clear lagoon-like beach and see reef fish by the score.

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There are 18 neighborhoods in Kauai. Poipu has a median listing home price of $5.4M, making it the most expensive neighborhood. Kalepa is the most affordable neighborhood, with a median listing home price of $335K.

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Bear in mind that June is also the start of the Kauai hurricane season, which lasts until around November. Chances of severe tropical storms aren't particularly high, but it's still worth considering when booking your trip.

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