Month guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Kauaʻi in May
What May is really like in Kauaʻi: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi · Photo: Polihale ( talk ) Christopher P. Becker posla.com, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Kauaʻi. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 13.2 hours of daylight. Drier, calmer seas and fewer visitors; North Shore swimming becomes safer.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 13.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 25°C (77°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Average
Plan a trip to Kauaʻi
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Weather in May
May is the 6th-warmest month in Kauaʻi: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with April (27°C (81°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:58
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 19:10
- Daylight
- About 13.2 hours
- Sea
- 25°C (77°F)
Winter (December–February). Rainy spells, huge North Shore surf and humpback whales; the South Shore stays sunnier, and prices peak around the holidays.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 2 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Kauaʻi, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Nature · Hanalei
Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach
Do not swim at Hanakāpīʻai Beach, which has dangerous currents; enjoy the view and turn back unless you have a permit to continue.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
Beach · Hanalei
Hanalei Bay
A wide crescent of sand about 3 km long, backed by mountains streaked with waterfalls after rain.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Kids
- Couples
- Photo spot
Viewpoint · Kōkeʻe
Kōkeʻe State Park and Kalalau Lookout
Clouds often roll in by late morning; if the lookout is fogged in, wait 15 minutes, as it can clear quickly.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Active
Viewpoint · Princeville
Hanalei Valley Lookout
Just past Princeville, this roadside lookout faces a patchwork of wetland taro fields in the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, with the river winding through and steep green mountains behind.
- Time needed
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- Nature
The sea averages 25°C (77°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Kauaʻi.
What to pack
For highs near 28°C (82°F), lows near 22°C (72°F) and 12 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Kauaʻi?
One of the best months to visit Kauaʻi. The other best months are April, June and September–October. Compare every month.
Kauaʻi in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Kauaʻi in May?
At about 19:10 local time in mid-May, with sunrise at about 05:58: roughly 13.2 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Kauaʻi in May?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Kauaʻi in May?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.