US · beach
Kauai, Hawaii
United States
Garden Isle — Nā Pali cliffs, Waimea Canyon, untouched Hawaii
Lush and humid year-round. Best Apr-May, Sept-Oct (less rain). Winter wet on north shore (Hanalei gets 80"/yr).
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Alaska Mileage Plan
+ $30 taxes
Alaska miles via SEA — best US-Hawaii sweet spot
American AAdvantage
+ $30 taxes
AA economy via LAX or PHX
Business / First
American AAdvantage
+ $60 taxes
AA business via LAX
Alaska Mileage Plan
+ $50 taxes
Alaska partner award via SEA
Cash equivalent: economy ~$700 · business ~$2,500 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Hyatt
Cat 7 peak; eco-luxury on north shore.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Hyatt
Cat 6 — Poipu, family resort with saltwater lagoon.
Koa Kea Resort
Independent
Boutique adults beachfront Poipu.
What to see & do
Nā Pali Coast
Towering sea cliffs accessible only by boat, helicopter, or 11-mile Kalalau Trail.
Waimea Canyon
"Grand Canyon of the Pacific" — 10 miles long, 3,000 ft deep. Scenic drives + hikes.
Hanalei Bay
2-mile half-moon beach on north shore — surf, kayak the river, Bali Hai views.
Poipu Beach
Family-friendly south-shore beach with calm lagoons and monk seal sightings.
Wailua River Kayak
Paddle to Fern Grotto + Secret Falls — half-day adventure.
Kauai Coffee Plantation
Largest coffee plantation in US — free tasting + self-guided walking tour.
Monthly weather
| Month | Low | High | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 66°F | 79°F | |
| Feb | 66°F | 79°F | |
| Mar | 67°F | 80°F | |
| Apr | 68°F | 81°F | |
| May | 69°F | 82°F | |
| Jun | 71°F | 84°F | |
| Jul | 72°F | 85°F | |
| Aug | 72°F | 86°F | |
| Sep | 72°F | 85°F | |
| Oct | 71°F | 84°F | |
| Nov | 69°F | 82°F | |
| Dec | 67°F | 80°F |
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