Time Zone
Hawai‘i Standard Time is GMT-10 (Pacific Standard Time-2, Eastern Standard
Time-5). Since Hawai‘i doesn’t observe TOR JOHNSON
daylight savings time, add one hour to
the time difference when in effect (March through November).
NORTH KAUA‘I COAST
Area Code
Wai‘ale‘ale, at the heart of Kaua‘i’s interior, is a quintessential rainforest with over 400 inches of
long distance calls between islands, dial 1-808
elsewhere on Kaua‘i. Areas around the interior Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale are generally not affected by the
The area code for the entire state is 808. For
rain per year. While it’s raining here, however, you’ll be able to find warm breezes and sunny skies
and then the number. When placing calls to
rain that falls at the mountain’s peak, and the coastal parts of the island get far less rain than the
the U.S. Mainland from Hawai‘i, dial 1, the area
central spots (as little as 18 inches a year on the West Side). When you do see rain, it’s usually
code and the number. All calls within an island
followed by glorious rainbows. Kaua‘i’s trade winds are another reason for such great weather on
are local. Kaua‘i’s cell phone law requires
the island. The winds are generally light and help blow away humidity.
the use of a hands-free device when using
a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Most of Kaua‘i’s larger hotels
Sun Sense
Internet access, including wireless in the
you thought possible, so be sure to use sunscreen. Remember, it’s usually hottest between 11
and condominium resorts have high-speed
Please use common sense when you sunbathe in the tropics. A sunburn will develop faster than
public areas. Internet service is also available
a.m. and 2 p.m. and the sun is stronger here than you’re used to, so be sure to apply reef-safe,
in the food court area of the Kukui Grove
mineral-based sunscreen.
Center, as well as certain restaurants and coffee shops around the island.
Dress Code
Dress for comfort. Think “light” in terms of color and fabrics. Temperatures are cooler in the eve-
Climate
ning, and a sweater or windbreaker/jacket is recommended for those planning to venture into cool
Kaua‘i has seven distinct microclimates, from
upland regions such as Kōke‘e. Attire is “resort wear” even at Kaua‘i’s finest resorts and restaurants.
the desert-like West Side to the tropical
rainforest interior. Weather can vary from
Transportation
one part of the island to another. Mount
On Kaua‘i, ground transportation includes rental cars, shuttles, taxis and rideshare. Several
companies provide guided tours aboard motor coaches, mini-busses, vans and limousines. Since the point of Kaua‘i is to get around, most visitors rent cars, and reservations should be made
in advance. All the major rental car companies are represented. (Please note, rental companies prohibit vehicles on unpaved roads such as Polihale.) getaroundkauai.com
Safety
The ocean is Kaua‘i’s playground, but there are precautions to observe. Offshore winds and
currents can be powerful and change suddenly. That means don’t stray far from shore or head
out to kayak, windsurf or sail if warning signs are posted or if conditions warrant caution. If you’re
MALUHIA "TREE TUNNEL"
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unsure about conditions, ask a lifeguard. For information about beach safety conditions, visit
oceansafety.hawaii.gov/. If you’re hiking into a wilderness area, be sure to bring a buddy and let someone know where you're hiking. Few places are as safe as Kaua‘i, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon all care as you travel about. As you would at other destinations, lock your car doors and don’t leave any personal belongings in your unattended vehicle.
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