If you’re planning a trip to Kauai during the summer months, you’ve chosen a spectacular time of year. The summer season is marked by warm ocean breezes, calm waters, and long days made for barefoot exploring and lingering sunset dinners. With temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24–29°C), it’s a great time to visit Kauai—especially if you want to make the most of beach days, hiking trails, or simply relaxing in a luxury Suite Paradise Kauai vacation rental.
Here’s our guide to what Kauai offers during the summer season, from open-air dining and south shore hikes to ocean excursions and cultural celebrations—all curated with our guests in mind. Take a look!
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Kauai Dining
Dining in the summer months often means ocean views, open-air patios, and live music filling the warm evening air. Be sure to make reservations well in advance—these popular restaurants often book up weeks ahead.
Keoki’s Paradise
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Keoki’s Paradise is an exceptional choice for delicious cuisine and tropical drinks. Order a signature Mai Tai or Lava Flow for a unique cocktail experience while you dine on delicious BBQ, seafood dishes, and shareable Pupus like coconut shrimp, ahi sashimi, and their famous prime rib bones.
- Address: 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Suite 77, Koloa, HI 96756
- Hours:
- Lunch & Dinner: Monday–Friday | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Brunch, Lunch & Dinner: Saturday & Sunday | 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
- Price Range: $$
Merriman’s Fish House
Located on an old Hawaiian plantation, the Merriman’s Fish House serves up Hawaiian classics in a charmingly elegant setting. This restaurant showcases its farm-to-table concept with virtually all the ingredients in your meal being locally and sustainably sourced and produced. Try the chateaubriand of Hawaii-raised beef with a side of truffle parmesan fries and pair it with one of their craft cocktails. With a stacked live music calendar, incredible views, and excellent Hawaiian dishes, you’ll love each delicious moment here.
- Address: 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka #42, Koloa, HI 96756
- Hours:
- Dinner: 5:00 PM–8:30 PM
- Happy Hour: 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Live Music: 5:30 PM–7:30 PM (Sun–Thurs & most Fridays)
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
- Price Range: $$$
Duke’s Kauai
Named after Duke Kahanamoku, a native Hawaiian, six-time Olympic medalist, and the father of modern-day surfing, Duke’s Kauai is a beachfront restaurant full of island favorites. Enjoy a fine dining atmosphere at the upstairs restaurant, or come fresh from the beach and hang out at the casual Barefoot Bar downstairs. With an extensive menu that covers everything from roasted lobster to filet mignon, there’s something for every palate. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of hula pie!
- Address: 3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766
- Hours:
- Lunch & Dinner: Mon–Sat | 11:00 AM–9:30 PM
- Brunch, Lunch & Dinner: Sun | 9:00 AM–9:30 PM
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
- Price Range: $$
Beach House Restaurant
The Beach House Restaurant is an oceanfront, fine-dining experience you won’t want to miss! Enjoy Hawaiian flavors fixed up with ingredients sourced from local fishermen, ranchers, and farmers. This gorgeous restaurant is a perfect destination for a romantic evening or dinner with family and friends.
- Address: 5022 Lawai Road, Koloa, HI 96756
- Hours:
- Dinner: 3:30 PM–8:30 PM daily
- Happy Hour: 3:30 PM–4:30 PM daily
- Live Music: 3:30 PM–5:30 PM daily
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
- Price Range: $$$
Kauai Farmers Markets
If you want to pick up some local produce and delicious island-fresh ingredients, head to one of the farmers markets on Kauai! Find a market that offers fresh-grown produce that you can take home to your Kauai vacation rental and include in a recipe of your own. Farmers' markets also feature hand-crafted items and hot food that you can enjoy right at the market!
The Hanalei Farmers Market, on the North Shore, is open Saturday mornings from 9:30 AM to noon, and features produce, hand-crafted items, and more. Another popular Saturday farmers market is the Lihue Farmers Market. Held Fridays at 3 PM at Vidinha Stadium, it features fresh produce, delicious hot food, artisan goods, and more. Don’t miss out on this great way to support Kauai’s local economy and try unique island-made goods.
Attend a Luau
Another top thing to do in Kauai during the summer is to attend a Luau. Our recommendation is the Smith’s Garden Luau. A family business for more than four generations, Smith’s Garden Luau upholds the tradition of this Hawaiian celebration.
Enjoy a delicious pa‘ina (feast) complete with kalua pig, teriyaki beef, and poi. And, of course, a Luau isn’t complete without music and dancing. You’ll witness the beauty of the Hawaiian hula, Tahitian drum dances, and even a Samoan fire knife dance. Again, these experiences tend to book up fast, so it is best to get a reservation far in advance!
For a luau experience that comes with all the above and more, the Luau Kalamaku at the Kilohana Plantation invites guests to spend the day exploring the grounds and end with a festive celebration. You can take a plantation train tour, visit the Kilohana Rum Distillery tasting room, browse made-in-Kauai items at the on-site market, and even go on a safari ride where you see exotic plants and orchards.
Summer Water Adventures
The calm waters of summer months offer the perfect conditions for snorkeling and surfing—two of the best ways to experience the beauty of Kauai.
Snorkeling Tours typically run about two hours and include gear, flotation devices, and a guide. You’ll likely encounter green sea turtles, vibrant reef fish, and stunning coastal views.
Surf Lessons are widely available near Poipu. We recommend Kauai Surf School, where you'll find:
- Private Lessons (ages 12+): 90 minutes, $275 (1 surfer), $360 (2–3 surfers)
- Group Lessons: 90 minutes, $90 per person
- Includes surfboard, leash, and rash guard. Must know how to swim.
Kauai Beaches & Hikes
Kauai’s summer weather makes getting outside a fun vacation activity, especially with gorgeous areas like Poipu Beach, Waimea Canyon, and other world-famous landmarks.
Enjoy the ocean when you visit any of Kauai’s beaches. Specifically, Hanalei Bay, where you'll find stunning views of Bali Hai and a two-mile crescent-shaped beach.
The bay is an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and surfing. Stay on the beach to watch the sun go down for a perfect Hawaiian evening! Located adjacent to Poipu Beach Park, Brennecke’s Beach is another popular spot for families looking to spend a day on the beach. Easy-going waves make it a perfect spot for body surfing and even snorkeling!
If you want to explore inland, head to Kōkeʻe State Park or Shipwreck Beach. Both locations offer unique hikes ranging in difficulty level and provide stunning views along the way. Take in the sweeping Kalalau Valley and keep an eye out for local birds, native plants, and insects that you may be able to spot during your hike.
What to experience a true bird's eye view of the island? The Napali Coast is fantastic! Book a helicopter tour and capture epic photos of rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, and areas only accessible via air or boat. No matter what kind of summer fun in Kauai you’re looking for, you can make it happen.
Two Recommended Hikes at a Glance:
Best known for its dramatic cliffs and golden sand, Shipwreck is also the starting point for one of the most scenic hikes on Kauai. Wander past lava rock formations, tidepools, and untouched coastline. You don’t need to complete the entire trail—many turn around at the limestone cave or lookout point.
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail: 3.8 miles round-trip | 400 ft elevation gain | Moderate Difficulty
Pu’u Hinahina Trail
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea is a summer must. The Pu’u Hinahina Trail is a scenic way to soak in its red cliffs and native flora. You’ll be rewarded with views of the lush Kalalau Valley and, if you're lucky, you may even spot native forest birds like the 'Apapane or 'I'iwi.
- Trail Info: 1.5 miles | 390 ft elevation gain | Moderate Difficulty
- Location: Kōkeʻe State Park
- Entry Fee: $5/person (non-residents), $10/vehicle
What to Pack for Summer in Kauai
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen, cotton)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimsuits + rash guard
- Hiking sandals or shoes with grip
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings out
- Small backpack or daypack for hikes
- Cash for farmers markets and roadside stands
- Sunglasses and sun hat
Start Planning Your Summer Kauai Vacation
The island of Kauai is one of the most beautiful Hawaiian Islands, and as such, your vacation here will be one to remember. Explore the best of summer in Kauai when you book a stay in a Suite Paradise vacation rental. Find oceanfront vacation rentals, rentals with ocean and garden views, and private homes for your entire group to enjoy a stay together.
And remember, when you book directly with us, you’ll get the best rate on your rental. That’s because, unlike third-party services like Airbnb, we’ll never hike your price with hidden fees. Browse our available Kauai vacation rentals and book your summer getaway today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Summer in Kauai
What is the hottest month in Kauai?
No matter what time of year you visit, you'll be met with warm temperatures. In fact, even in March, the coldest month on the island, the lows are only around 72°F. That said, August and September tend to be the hottest months, with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s°F.
Why is Poipu Beach famous?
Poipu Beach is known for its clear, swimmable waters and gentle waves. While the winter months may bring whales to the coast, in the summer, you can spot the impressive Hawaiian monk seals resting on shore!
How long does it take to drive around Kauai?
It takes about three hours to drive the main roads around Kauai. Due to the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, you can’t drive a complete loop through.
Is summer a great time to visit Kauai?
Yes! Summer months bring excellent weather to the south shore, and the calm waters create perfect beach conditions for snorkeling, swimming, and beginner surfing lessons. Summer is also the most popular season, so you'll have tons of things to do to choose from.
Do I need to reserve activities in advance?
Absolutely. The summer season is one of the busiest times to visit Kauai, and tours, luaus, and restaurants often fill up quickly. Book early for the best availability.