Stay in Kauai in March
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The single most important thing to know about March on Kauai is that you will pay peak-adjacent rates for some of the island's wettest weather. This is the second-rainiest month after April, with precipitation falling on 28 of the month's 31 days and humidity that sits above 90% from dawn to dusk. Temperatures land lower than what most people expect when they book a Hawaii trip. The North Shore around Hanalei and Princeville takes the heaviest downpours, while the South Shore near Poipu and Koloa stays notably drier, sometimes by a factor of two in the same afternoon.
To be fair, the rain is exactly what makes Kauai look the way it does in photographs. Wailua Falls runs at full power this month. The hanging valleys along the Na Pali Coast stream with white water you will not see during the drier stretches of August and September. Humpback whales are still migrating through the channel off the South Shore, and March produces reliable sightings from the bluffs near Kilauea Point before the season winds down in April. Prince Kuhio Day on March 26, a state holiday honoring the last reigning prince of the Hawaiian Kingdom, brings multi-day cultural celebrations to the Poipu area.
Plan around the island's split personality. A typical March morning might start behind low cloud in Princeville while Poipu clears to open sky by 10am. The Coconut Coast towns of Kapaa and Wailua sit between the two microclimates, making them a practical base for pivoting between shores as conditions shift. Grocery prices run 30-40% above mainland averages, and the rental car fleet at Lihue Airport is small enough that spring break weeks sell out entirely for walk-up customers. Ha'ena State Park's advance parking reservations open 30 days ahead and fill within minutes of release. Budget an extra 20 minutes for Kuhio Highway through Kapaa during morning and evening hours. The two-lane bottleneck backs up worse in March than in any month outside December.
Why visit in March
- Waterfalls across the island run at peak volume, including Wailua Falls and the cascades visible from Waimea Canyon's rim, producing the most dramatic scenery of the year.
- Humpback whale sightings remain reliable through March from the cliffs at Kilauea Point and on boat tours departing Port Allen, before the migration wraps up in April.
- The Na Pali Coast's hanging valleys are streaked with white water and the interior is intensely green, making March one of the best months for helicopter and boat tours of the coastline.
- Prince Kuhio Day (March 26) and its surrounding celebrations offer a window into Hawaiian cultural traditions that most visitors never encounter during the drier summer months.
- The South Shore around Poipu maintains a meaningfully drier microclimate than the rest of the island, giving March visitors a fallback zone for beach time even on otherwise rainy days.
Worth knowing
- Rain falls on nearly every day this month, with bursts that can dump 25mm in under an hour and leave trails muddy and stream crossings dangerous.
- Spring break from mainland schools drives accommodation rates well above the annual average and fills rental car inventories across Lihue Airport.
- The North Shore, home to Hanalei and Princeville, receives its heaviest rainfall in March, and several north-facing beaches develop dangerous surf conditions from residual winter swells.
- Humidity above 90% means nothing dries overnight. Cotton clothes stay damp, electronics fog up, and the air itself feels heavy enough to notice within minutes of stepping outside.
Best for
Think twice if
March sits near the peak of Kauai's wet season. Rain tends to arrive in quick, heavy downpours that can release 25mm in under an hour, then give way to partial sun before the next cell rolls through. The trade winds that cool the island during summer are less consistent this month, which leaves the air feeling heavier than the modest temperature readings suggest. Mornings on the North Shore often start behind a wall of low cloud, while the Poipu coast frequently sees clearing by mid-morning. The wettest zones, particularly the slopes above Hanalei and the Wailua River valley, can see localized totals far above the island-wide figure in any given week.
Seasonal caution
- Flash flooding risk is real on the North Shore and in canyon drainages after heavy rainfall. Kauai County issues flash flood warnings regularly in March, and stream crossings on trails like the Kalalau can become impassable within minutes of a heavy burst.
- High surf advisories are common for north- and west-facing shores through March. Residual winter swells from the North Pacific push wave heights above 3 meters (10 feet), creating dangerous swimming conditions at exposed beaches. Hanakapiai Beach in particular has claimed multiple lives due to rip currents and should be treated with serious respect.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 8 | 210 |
| Feb | 15 | 8 | 218 |
| Mar | 15 | 9 | 298 |
| Apr | 15 | 9 | 386 |
| May | 16 | 10 | 293 |
| Jun | 17 | 11 | 221 |
| Jul | 17 | 12 | 268 |
| Aug | 18 | 12 | 181 |
| Sep | 18 | 12 | 195 |
| Oct | 17 | 11 | 218 |
| Nov | 16 | 10 | 229 |
| Dec | 15 | 9 | 290 |
Holidays and festivals in March
Public holidays
- Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027
Best things to do in March
Whale watching from Kilauea Point
wildlifeThe bluffs at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge sit high above the channel where humpback whales migrate. March sightings include breaches, tail slaps, and mother-calf pairs moving north. Binoculars help, but spouts are visible to the naked eye on calm mornings.
March falls in the final stretch of humpback migration season before whales leave Hawaiian waters in April. Sighting frequency remains high.Booking tipKilauea Point has limited parking and fills early on weekends. Arrive before 9am or plan a weekday visit.
Waimea Canyon waterfall tour
sightseeingThe canyon's red-earth walls are normally dry-streaked, but March rainfall sends temporary waterfalls cascading from every side gully. The effect is most dramatic in the first hour after a heavy burst, when dozens of ribbons appear simultaneously along the 16 km (10-mile) canyon.
March's heavy rainfall activates ephemeral waterfalls that are absent during drier months like August and September.Booking tipDrive up early. Clouds tend to fill the canyon by midday, obscuring the views from the upper lookouts.
Na Pali Coast boat tour from Port Allen
boat tourCatamaran and raft tours departing Port Allen run along the Na Pali Coast's 27 km (17 miles) of sea cliffs, passing sea caves, waterfalls, and (in March) migrating whales. Morning departures tend to encounter calmer seas and clearer skies.
March combines peak waterfall flow along the cliffs with active whale migration, a pairing that only occurs from January through early April.Booking tipBook morning departures at least 2 weeks ahead. Afternoon trips face choppier seas and higher cancellation rates in March.
Guided tour of Allerton Garden
gardenThe botanical garden, founded in 1986 on the South Shore, runs guided walking tours through its Moreton Bay fig trees, tropical flowering plantings, and the valley where several Hollywood films were shot. March rain keeps every leaf at maximum size and every flower in bloom.
Weeks of sustained rainfall push the garden to its lushest state, and spring break crowds thin out for weekday tour slots.Booking tipTours require advance reservation and fill faster during spring break weeks. Weekday mornings have the smallest groups.
Snorkeling at Poipu Beach Park
beachThe protected cove at Poipu Beach Park offers calmer water than the North Shore, where winter surf makes swimming dangerous. Green sea turtles, monk seals, and reef fish are regulars. The lava-rock breakwater creates a natural pool on the eastern side that stays swimmable even when outer swells pick up.
The South Shore's drier microclimate makes Poipu the most reliable beach option in March, while North Shore beaches are closed out by surf advisories.Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive before 10am for parking, especially during spring break weeks.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve hike
gardenThis 1967-founded preserve on the North Shore near Ha'ena showcases native Hawaiian plants in a valley backed by dramatic fluted cliffs. The self-guided loop trail winds through terraced taro beds, native forest, and coastal overlooks.
March rains bring the native canopy to full density and activate small streams through the terraces that dry up by summer.Prince Kuhio Day cultural events
cultural eventCelebrations around March 26 in the Poipu and Koloa area include hula performances, Hawaiian music, lei-making workshops, and historical talks about Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole's legacy. The events draw local families and offer a perspective on Hawaiian culture that resort programming does not match.
Prince Kuhio Day is a state holiday fixed to March 26 and does not occur in any other month.Booking tipMost events are free and open to the public. Check the Kauai Visitors Bureau calendar closer to the date for specific locations and times.
What to eat in March
On menus now
Fresh poke
Small markets across Kapaa and Koloa prepare poke bowls daily from locally caught ahi, tako, and limu seaweed. March brings steady fishing conditions off the south and east coasts, keeping the catch rotating.
Haupia
This coconut milk pudding appears at every local gathering, potluck, and farmers market stall. Wet-season coconuts from Kauai palms tend to be larger and more water-rich, giving March haupia a slightly lighter texture.
Street food peaks
Banana bread
Every North Shore food truck and bakery produces banana bread from apple bananas that ripen fast in the rain. The versions sold along the road between Hanalei and Kilauea are baked daily and tend to sell out by early afternoon.
In markets
Taro (kalo)
Kauai grows the majority of Hawaii's taro crop, and the wet-season paddies in Hanalei Valley are at full production in March. Fresh poi, pounded within a day or two of harvest, has a cleaner, slightly sweet flavor that dried commercial versions cannot replicate.
Macadamia nuts
The harvest from Kauai orchards winds down around March, making this the last stretch to find freshly cracked nuts at roadside stands near Kilauea and Kapaa before sellers switch to dried stock.
Regular events in March
Prince Kuhio DayFree
Hawaii state holiday on March 26 honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, the territory's first congressional delegate. Government offices, banks, and some businesses close island-wide.
March 26Prince Kuhio Celebration of the ArtsFree
Multi-day cultural festival featuring hula, chant, lei-making, and talk-story sessions about Hawaiian history. Held in and around the Poipu area, centered on the prince's birthplace monument.
Late March, typically several days surrounding March 26Hanapepe Friday Art NightFree
Weekly gallery walk along Hanapepe's main street with open studios, live music, and food trucks. The town's dozen-plus galleries stay open late, and local artists often work in front of visitors. Runs every Friday year-round but draws slightly larger crowds in March due to spring break visitors.
Every Friday evening, approximately 5pm to 9pmBest places this March
Waimea Canyon State Park
state parkOften compared to the Grand Canyon for its layered red and green walls, Waimea Canyon is at its most photogenic in March when temporary waterfalls pour from every side gulch after rainfall. The main lookouts sit along Waimea Canyon Drive (Route 550), with the canyon stretching roughly 16 km long and 900 meters deep.
WaimeaPoipu Beach Park
beachThe South Shore's most accessible beach holds up as the reliable dry-side option when the North Shore is drowning. The natural lava-rock pool on the eastern end protects younger swimmers, and Hawaiian monk seals frequently rest on the sand. Lifeguards are on duty daily.
PoipuAllerton Garden
botanical gardenPart of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (founded 1964), this South Shore garden occupies a valley of Moreton Bay figs, tropical palms, and flowering hedges that peak in lushness during the wet months. Guided tours only, roughly 2.5 hours.
KoloaHanalei Valley Lookout
viewpointA roadside pullout on Route 560 overlooking the valley's flooded taro paddies, backed by waterfalled cliffs. In March the paddies reflect silver under overcast skies and the cliffs run with dozens of narrow cascades.
HanaleiKilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
wildlife refugeThe historic lighthouse sits on a headland above open ocean, and March is nesting season for Laysan albatross, red-footed boobies, and great frigatebirds. Whale spouts are visible from the point on most calm mornings.
KilaueaHanapepe Town
townA quiet former sugar town on the West Side with art galleries lining its main street. The Friday Art Night walk is the draw, but the town's swinging bridge over Hanapepe River and its vintage storefronts are worth a daytime stop when North Shore plans wash out.
Hanapepe
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Insider tips
The South Shore around Poipu and Koloa operates in a different weather zone than the North Shore. On days when Hanalei gets hammered with rain, Poipu often sits under clearing skies. Check the Kauai County lifeguard webcam at Poipu Beach before committing to a 45-minute drive.
Ha'ena State Park on the North Shore requires advance parking reservations, and March spring break weeks sell out within minutes of release. Reservations open 30 days ahead at midnight Hawaii Standard Time. Set a reminder.
Hanapepe's Friday Art Night along the town's main street draws far fewer tourists than Poipu or Hanalei events. The food trucks parked along Hanapepe Road tend to be run by residents cooking family recipes, and the atmosphere is more block party than gallery opening.
Morning departures for Na Pali boat tours from Port Allen encounter calmer seas and better whale-sighting odds than afternoon runs. Captains sometimes cut engines near whale pods, which means the morning trips often run longer than the scheduled time.
Grocery selection on-island is limited and priced well above mainland averages. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, preferred snacks, and any specialty items from home rather than relying on Kapaa or Lihue stores to stock what you need.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a North Shore vacation rental in March without researching rainfall patterns by coast. Hanalei and Princeville receive roughly double the precipitation of the South Shore communities this month. A week-long stay on the North Shore can mean 6 straight days of heavy rain with limited dry windows.
- Scheduling every outdoor plan for the same day. March weather on Kauai shifts fast, and a morning washout can give way to a clear afternoon. Spread hikes, beach time, and boat tours across several days so you can swap itineraries when conditions break open.
- Arriving at Lihue Airport without a rental car reservation. Spring break visitors compete for a small fleet, and walk-up availability during the second and third weeks of March ranges from slim to zero.
- Underestimating the ocean on the North Shore. Winter swells still push waves above 3 meters on north-facing beaches in March. Hanakapiai Beach is known for dangerous rip currents that have proven fatal. Stay well back from the waterline at any exposed northern beach, and treat high surf advisories as non-negotiable closures.
Practical tips for March
Book rental cars and Ha'ena State Park entry reservations at least 6-8 weeks before a March arrival. The spring break window, roughly the second and third weeks of the month, pushes demand past available supply at Lihue Airport's small set of rental agencies. Most sit-down restaurants in Kapaa, Poipu, and Koloa do not accept reservations, so plan dinner for 5pm or after 8pm to avoid waits that can stretch past 90 minutes during peak spring break evenings. A fleece or light jacket is practical for evenings at overlooks like Waimea Canyon's rim, where wind and elevation drop perceived temperature further. Kauai's LGBTQ+ friendliness scores 8.5 out of 10 (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric), and the island's small communities are generally welcoming across all neighborhoods. Hawaiian state law prohibits sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, so bring reef-safe alternatives from home. Island stores stock compliant options, but selection thins out quickly during busy weeks.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Kauai?
March is a fair time, not a strong one. The island sees some of its heaviest rainfall this month, and spring break pushes accommodation costs well above the yearly norm. You trade reliable beach weather for dramatic waterfalls, humpback whale sightings, and the Na Pali Coast at its greenest. If you handle rain well and book ahead, the experience rewards the effort. If dry days matter most, the late-summer months offer much better odds.
What is the weather like on Kauai in March?
Expect cool, damp conditions relative to what most visitors picture when they think of Hawaii. Temperatures remain mild, humidity stays persistently high, and rain arrives on the vast majority of days. The South Shore around Poipu sees less rain than the North Shore, which can be socked in for days at a time. Layers and waterproof gear are more important than swimsuits this month.
Is Kauai crowded in March?
Noticeably, yes. The second and third weeks of March align with mainland university and school spring breaks, filling Poipu resorts and the limited hotel inventory in Princeville. Popular trailhead parking lots at Ha'ena reach capacity before 8am. Kuhio Highway (Route 56) through the Coconut Coast towns of Kapaa and Wailua gets congested during morning and evening hours. It does not reach December holiday levels, but it runs well above the quieter months of September and October.
Can you hike the Na Pali Coast in March?
You can hike the first 3.2 km (2 miles) to Hanakapiai Beach from Ha'ena State Park, but the trail is muddy and stream crossings can become impassable after heavy rain. The full 17.7 km (11-mile) Kalalau Trail carries significantly more risk in March due to slippery clay sections and swollen creek beds. Many visitors opt for a catamaran tour from Port Allen instead, which shows the coastline from the water without the trail hazard.
When is the best month to visit Kauai?
Late August through early October tends to offer the most favorable combination of warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and reduced visitor numbers. September in particular runs drier with noticeably fewer people, and accommodation rates settle to their annual low. For whale watching specifically, February through early April is the window, with March sitting in the middle of that range if you accept the trade-off of heavy rain.
Things to Do in Kauai in March
Free cancellation Koloa Zipline in Kauai
Outdoor experience: 3 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats
Outdoor experience: 1.1 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
Outdoor experience: 50 minutes, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K
Day trip: 5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Kauai Private Doors Off Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Waterfalls
Outdoor experience: 1.2 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Kauai: Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure
Cruise: 4.5 hours, free cancellation.
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