Updated September 2026
By: Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Suite Paradise, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their Hawaiian getaway.
If you’ve never experienced fall on Kauai or the Hawaiian Islands, you may think every season is the same. And while you’re right that the year-round weather makes any trip worthwhile, there are still seasonal differences that can affect your visit.
In summer, you get ample sunny days, but also the highest volume of visitors and steepest prices on travel and accommodations. Winter is popular for snowbird getaways. But the fall… that’s Kauai’s best-kept secret.
While you may have a few rainy days, the weather is still exceptional, flights are cheaper, vacation rentals in popular areas like Poipu Beach are more affordable, and the top attractions and restaurants are largely crowd-free. If you’re considering when to plan your visit, check out the benefits of visiting Kauai in the fall and book your stay with Suite Paradise today!
In This Article:
- Is Fall the Best Time to Visit Kauai?
- Fall Weather on Kauai
- Fall Events on Kauai
- Top Things to Do on Kauai in Fall
- How to Spend Thanksgiving on Kauai
- How to Get the Best Rate on Kauai Vacation Rentals in Fall
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fall the Best Time to Visit Kauai?
The best time to visit depends on the type of trip you want to take. Some want the driest weather with as little chance for rain as possible. Others want to come during whale-watching season. If you’re just looking to visit Kauai and have flexibility with dates, fall is hard to beat.
With school back in session, the beaches are less crowded. Prices on vacation rentals are lower. And there are still plenty of island events and activities to enjoy every day. Plus, the year-round warm temps mean you can still go for a swim in the ocean and enjoy outdoor activities whenever you want.
Fall Weather on Kauai
Fall technically signals the beginning of rainy season on Kauai, but don’t let that dampen your plans. If it does rain, it’s rare that the day is a complete loss. Most of the time, storms are quick bursts versus full-day affairs. Plus, you can often drive for a few minutes in the opposite direction of the rain and have sunny skies overhead.
Read More: How to Enjoy a Rainy Day on Your Kauai Vacation
Kauai in September
- Daily Highs: low to mid-80s
- Daily Lows: mid to high 70s
- Relatively dry compared to later months
Kauai in October
- Daily Highs: low 80s
- Daily Lows: low to mid-70s
- Lower humidity, but rain frequency increases
Kauai in November
- Daily Highs: low 80s
- Daily Lows: low 70s
- Increase in rain, mostly overnight or in the morning. Rain is more frequent on the north and east shore, with southern areas like Poipu seeing fewer instances.
Fall Events on Kauai
Kauai’s fall events offer opportunities to experience the island beyond its beaches. You can watch traditional hula, hear live music, check out local artists, and sample some of the island’s most famous treats like coffee and chocolate. Here are some of our favorite fall events on Kauai.
Kauai Mokihana Festival
September 20-26, 2026
The Kauai Mokihana Festival is a weeklong celebration of Hawaiian culture, music, language, and dance held at several locations around the island. The 2026 festival honors founder Nathan Kalama five years after his passing and includes a worship service, the Kauai Composers Contest and Concert, a Hawaiian language workshop, and three days of hula competitions. Festivalgoers can also shop for locally made goods and enjoy food during the Mokihana Makeke at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
Kauai Island Crafters Fair
With three locations across Kauai (Koloa, Lihue, and Princeville), the Island Crafters Fair brings together local makers highlighting handmade goods, such as jewelry, artwork, home décor, clothing, textiles, quilts, fresh-baked treats, and more. The event typically takes place on Saturdays from 8 AM – 2 PM; however, September’s fairs have been canceled due to recent storms. You can monitor the return and future schedules via their Instagram.
Kauai Brewers Festival
October 3, 2026
Get ready to sip your way through some of the island's best local brews at the annual Brewers Festival: Block Party edition. This all-ages event will feature Hawaiian beers from across the state as well as zero-proof options, so there's something for everyone. Live music, local food trucks, and plenty of games will also be on site to keep you entertained all afternoon long. Tickets are $50 and kids 12 and under are free. If you're looking for a way to mingle with the locals and try some small-batch island creations, this is the spot to do it.
Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival
October 18, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
The Kauaʻi Chocolate & Coffee Festival celebrates the island’s cacao and coffee industries while introducing festivalgoers to the people behind these local products. Farmers, chefs, roasters, chocolatiers, and baristas come together at Kilohana Plantation for a day of tastings, demonstrations, workshops, and live entertainment. Purchase a Tasting Passport in advance to sample the featured chocolate and coffee, or attend for free to browse the work of local artists and crafters, shop from specialty food vendors, and participate in the silent auction.
Top Things to Do on Kauai in Fall
The options are limitless this time of year. You can spend your morning learning to surf at Poipu Beach (the number 1 beach in America), your afternoon kayaking a river, or hiking at Waimea Canyon, and sunset flying past the Na Pali coast in a helicopter tour or floating past on a chartered dinner cruise. For more ideas, we recommend:
Visiting Kauai’s Waterfalls
Fall rain brings Kauai’s waterfalls to life, making this a great time to see them in action. Some of the island’s remote waterfalls are only accessible by helicopter or visible during an aerial tour, but you don’t have to book a flight or complete a difficult hike to see a memorable one.
Wailua Falls is located near Lihue on the east side of Kauai. The double waterfall appeared in the opening credits of the television show Fantasy Island and remains one of the island’s most recognizable sights. The designated viewing area is located near the parking area, so no hiking is required. You may also see local vendors set up along the side of the road near the overlook.
Although unofficial routes to the base of the falls appear online, do not attempt them. The descent is closed, steep and slippery, and entering the restricted area is both illegal and puts you and emergency responders at risk.
Opaeka’a Falls is another easily accessible option in the Wailua River State Park area. The 151-foot waterfall can be seen from a roadside viewing area with parking, restrooms and picnic tables. Walk across the road at the marked crossing for views of the Wailua River and the surrounding Wailua River Valley.
For waterfall views paired with a hike, head to Waimea Canyon. Waipoʻo Falls can be seen from certain canyon overlooks when there’s been enough rain. The Canyon Trail in Koke’e State Park leads toward the upper portion of the falls, but trail conditions can be muddy after a rain, so wear good shoes and check the conditions before heading out.
Whale Watching
Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of the North Pacific to Hawaii to mate and birth their calves. While some have been spotted as early as October, the season typically runs November through April. If you’re staying in a Poipu Beach vacation rental from Suite Paradise, you can often spot waterspouts, tail flaps, and tall breaches right from your oceanfront lanai. For a better chance at getting up close to these massive creatures, you can book a whale-watching charter and let local guides take you to the most popular spots.
Exploring the Wailua River
The Wailua River offers excellent kayaking and boating opportunities on Kauai’s east side. There are even some tours that combine kayaking with hiking for a full day of outdoor adventure. The river passes through ancient portions of the island, so choosing a local guide who can explain the importance and history of the area as you explore is well worth it.
How to Spend Thanksgiving on Kauai
If you’d rather spend this fall holiday basking in the warm sun along golden shores instead of bundled up in a winter coat and watching the sun set at 5 PM, a trip to Kauai for Thanksgiving may be just what you need.
Several local restaurants roll out full-feast menus offering traditional staples with an island twist. You can even purchase “cook at home” meals to prepare in your vacation rental if you don’t want to dine out. At Suite Paradise, our vacation rentals in Poipu Beach offer full kitchens, so you have everything you need to prepare a wonderful family meal. Who knows, this could become your family’s new favorite tradition!
How to Get the Best Rate on Kauai Vacation Rentals in Fall
Featured Property: Sandy Beach House
If you’re looking for the best rate on your Kauai vacation, there are a few guaranteed ways to keep money in your pocket. The first starts with traveling in the off-season. Fall is perfect for that, and as you can see, there’s still plenty to do while you’re here! The second way to save big on your vacation is to book your accommodation directly with a local property manager. At Suite Paradise, you can access our entire inventory of top Kauai rentals and skip the third-party fees that places like Airbnb and Vrbo charge.
We’ve got oceanview condos, private homes, and properties across some of the island's best resorts waiting for you and your family. Check out our inventory and book direct with our local team today!
See All Poipu Beach Vacation Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fall a good time to visit Kauai?
Yes. Fall is a great time to visit Kauai if you want warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower rates on travel and accommodations. Rain gets more common the closer you get to winter, but even then, storms are short-lived, and you can usually find a sunny piece of shore just a short drive away.
What are the best things to do in Kauai in October?
Popular things to do in Kauai in October include visiting Waimea Canyon, seeing Wailua Falls and Opaekaʻa Falls, attending the Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival, kayaking the Wailua River, and spending time at Poipu Beach.
Can you see whales on Kauai in November?
Humpback whales usually begin returning to Hawaiian waters in November, so sightings are possible. However, whales are most abundant during the peak months of January through March.
Is Kauai crowded during Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving week is busier than the rest of fall. Accommodations, rental cars, tours and restaurant reservations can fill well in advance, so make your plans early if you’ll be visiting during the holiday.