Spoiler alert: Hawai’i is in the tropics, so a completely bug free vacation won’t be possible, but with a little bit of due diligence you can keep unwanted creepy crawlies out of sight and out of mind! Here we’re going to go over common pests you may encounter on island, and ways to keep them at bay. Regular pest control is, of course, the most effective strategy, which is where we come in, but sometimes we may accidentally invite these many-legged friends into our temporary homes. Read on for what critters to look out for, and tips and tricks to reduce the likelihood of an invasion!

 

Cockroaches

A side by side comparison of three cockroach species. Leftmost is the large American cockroach, which has wings. Next to it is the much smaller, lighter brown German cockroach. The third cockroach is the Suriname burrowing cockroach which looks like a small brown bean.

From left to right the American cockroach, German cockroach, and less common Suriname burrowing cockroach.

To start with, we have the illustrious cockroach. A tried and true pest even on the mainland, cockroaches love warm, wet environments like those found across the Hawaiian islands. While they might not be quite as big a problem on the sunny South side of Kauai, they can definitely cause trouble. There are two common species of cockroach that you may encounter on Kauai: the large, flying American cockroach (affectionately nicknamed the B-52), and the smaller, non-flying German cockroach. American cockroaches prefer warm, wet environments that are full of bacteria-laden things for them to eat, which means they’ll typically be found outside in rotting tree trunks and leaves, or inside the home under kitchen sinks and behind rotten floorboards. German cockroaches, on the other hand, will eat just about everything, and are more likely to be seen scuttling around kitchen counters and dining tables. The best way to avoid inviting either cockroach to share your condo is to make sure you don’t leave food out on the counters, especially uncovered, never leave food scraps in kitchen sink traps, and take the trash out regularly. Keeping your space tidy is a big help as well, since leaving things lying around creates potential hiding spots for the roaches. We treat all of our rentals every quarter, so if you see a dead cockroach it means the pest control treatment is working! If you see even one live cockroach, though, let us know immediately so we can schedule targeted pest control to address the issue.

 

Centipedes

Although far less common a sight than cockroaches, you may still encounter centipedes on Kauai, especially outdoors. Like roaches, centipedes prefer dark and damp environments, however they’re much less likely to wander indoors. If you do see a centipede inside, the odds are good that it simply got lost, and would like to return to the outside as much as you want it to! The easiest way to keep centipedes out is by keeping screen doors shut, even when you’re hanging out at home, that way you can enjoy the breezes and not surprise guests. 

 

Spiders

A Hawaiian happy face spider. The spider is a light green color, and has black and orange markings on its back that look like two eyes and a mouth stretched in a smile.

A Hawaiian happy face spider with its smiley markings on display.

Like cockroaches, spiders are a ubiquitous bug, and there are two main species found on the island. One is the garden spider which, as the name implies prefers to spin its web outdoors, and the other is the Hawaiian happy face spider. If you do see a Hawaiian happy face, it’ll be in a high corner of the ceiling, and is probably eating a bunch of other bugs you don’t want in your house anyways! You may also catch a glimpse of the large brown cane spider, which doesn’t spin webs and instead hunts for bugs on the ground. Cane spiders are the most likely to interact with people, but they prefer to run away rather than attacking, so if you see one it won’t be for long. Much like centipedes, the easiest way to keep spiders out is just by keeping screen doors shut, and making sure window screens are in good repair. If you notice any torn window or lanai screens, let us know.

 

Mosquitos

While mosquitos are definitely present on Kauai, they don’t typically pose a huge problem. Especially if your vacation plans include lots of beach days, you likely won’t have much of an issue. Of course, on the North Shore where it’s rainier and the vegetation is denser, your chances of getting bitten are higher, and even more so if you plan on being in the forested areas like those along the Kalalau Trail. Mosquito activity is much higher at night, so if you plan on being outside after sunset, pack bug spray or a lightweight coverup to protect your arms and legs. Mosquitos often get tracked inside when we enter and exit, so making sure to keep doors shut can help reduce the chances of inviting one inside.

 

Gnats

There’s a running joke that every year on Kauai brings a different plague of bugs. If you’ve been on island recently, you’ll know that this year’s plague is tiny black gnats. They pop up everywhere in swarms, and are small enough to slip through mesh window screens. Traditional bug sprays are no deterrent, either. The good news is that they are completely harmless, just incredibly annoying. The bad news is that running into some gnats is basically inevitable. You can greatly reduce their numbers by turning off any unneeded lights that may attract them after dark, and turning ceiling fans on to keep air moving in the room since the gnats are very weak fliers. 

 

Geckos

An image of two gold dust day geckos. Both geckos are a vibrant green color with bright blue eyelids and clustered red patterns on their backs.

Two gold dust day geckos with their bright colors on display.

If you’ve been on the island before, you definitely came across the adorable green geckos with brightly colored red and blue accents! These little guys, known as gold dust day geckos, are actually a huge help when it comes to controlling bug populations, and don’t pose any threat at all. Their diet includes all the other bugs that you don’t want to encounter, and they should be gently escorted back outdoors if found inside your condo. You can sweep the geckos out with a broom or use a plastic cup to trap and release them if their presence is unwelcome, and as always keeping the screen doors shut will reduce this likelihood.

 

Wanting to avoid all these unpleasant critters is totally understandable, but it can also be kind of exciting to be on vacation in a totally different environment from what you’re used to! The natural environment of the islands is one of the things that makes Hawai’i stand out as a destination for visitors, and even the creepy little bugs are an important part of that ecosystem. The next time you visit we encourage you to get curious about your surroundings, and even try identifying the spider before whacking it with the broom!

State Parks on the Garden Isle: What to See, What to Do, What’s the Deal with the Kalalau Trail

 

On an island known for its incredible natural landscape – lush mountains, sheer cliffs, giant canyons – it’s no surprise that there are 5 state parks on our little island! Although many tourists come to Kauai looking for rest and relaxation, for the outdoor inclined it’s practically a playground. With tons of hiking trails, campsites, and once in a lifetime views, we recommend paying a visit to at least one of the parks to take in some incredible scenery. Here you can find a quick overview of what each park has to offer, including a (non exhaustive) guide to hiking the Kalalau Trail. We’ll also be touching on the developing Norovirus situation along the Kalalau Trail. As of October 1, 2024 the trail has reopened to allow visitors. 

 

Kauai’s State Parks

 

Polihale State Park (West Side)

 

The beautiful Polihale Beach. Take in the great views of the towering mountains and soft sand dunes.

Braving a 5 mile stretch of unpaved, deeply rutted dirt road ends with the reward of a beautiful, peaceful stretch of beach backed by 100ft sand dunes. Polihale Beach Park also offers incredible views of the Nā Pali coastline, and swimming when the water is calm during the summer months. Be advised, there are strong rip currents just off shore and you should exercise caution before entering the water. The shore fishing, however, is spectacular. The huge stretch of unshaded beach can get very hot during the day, so be sure to bring plenty of water, and a picnic lunch if you’ll be there for an extended amount of time. Currently camping is not allowed on the beach, and most rental car companies prohibit you from driving on the unpaved and often muddy road, especially if the car is not 4WD. If you can make it work, though, Polihale Beach Park is a great place to spend the day walking along the beach and taking in some wonderful views, especially since there’s no entrance fee!

 

Wailua River State Park

 

The incredible Boston sword ferns at Fern Grotto.

The Wailua River is the only navigable waterway for anything larger than a kayak, and is steeped in centuries of history and culture. Wailua was the seat of power for Kauai’s ali’i (Hawaiian royalty) for over 500 years, and remnants of the kingdom of Kauai can still be seen along the Wailua Heritage Trail. One of these sites is the popular Fern Grotto, known as Ma’ama’akualono to the ancient Hawaiians. Smith’s Hawaiian Luau offers a boat tour to Fern Grotto, which includes onboard performances and hula lessons, and a short walk through the beautiful rainforest. Tours can be booked here, and run about 90 minutes in length. The Wailua River is also great for stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as hiking the path to the 100ft Secret Falls for a refreshing dip in the water after braving the muddy jungle. Guided tours to Secret Falls are available as well if you prefer not to rough it on your own. The beautiful ‘Ōpaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls are both located within Wailua River SP as well, with scenic viewpoints along Highway 56. Neither waterfall is legal to access on foot, so be prepared to enjoy the views from afar! Wailua River State Park has no entrance fee, and is located just 5 miles from the Lihue airport. This is an outdoor recreation park only, with no campsites available. 

 

Waimea Canyon State Park

 

The incredible Waimea Canyon from one of the lookout points. Go early in the day before the clouds roll in!

Maybe the most well-known park in Kauai, Waimea Canyon State Park is all about, you guessed it, Waimea Canyon! Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” Waimea Canyon is an incredible sight: 10 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep, the canyon is outlined by exposed basalt rock that has weathered to a deep and vibrant red color, giving the canyon its name (Waimea means “reddish waters” in Hawaiian, an allusion to the red tinge flowing water takes on from the soil). Located on the West Side of the island, you’ll find plenty of scenic outlooks to take in the sights of the Canyon, as well as plenty of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. The Iliau Nature Loop (.3 miles, very easy), and the Canyon Trail (2 miles, moderate) are both great options for a quicker, less strenuous hike. The Iliau Loop is great for birding and examining native flora, while the Canyon Trail provides spectacular cliffside views of Waimea Canyon. You might even encounter some mountain goats on your hike! There are three separate official lookout points along the road through Waimea Canyon, each one offering a different perspective on the marvel in front of you, but the first Waimea Canyon Lookout is by far the most popular. Don’t sleep on the other two, though, or the scenic overviews in the adjacent Koke’e Park either! There is no camping in Waimea Canyon SP, for that you’ll need to continue up the winding road to Kōke’e SP. The entrance fee is currently $5/person, with an additional $10 fee per vehicle, but this cost covers entrance to both Waimea Canyon and Kōke’e State Parks. Children 3 and under are free. 

 

Kōke’e State Park

 

Kalalau Lookout at Kōke’e State Park. You can look straight down the palis to the ocean.

At the end of the winding road that takes you through Waimea Canyon SP, you’ll come to Kōke’e SP. At 3600 feet above sea level, you’ll find yourself situated in a beautiful mountain forest, with tons of wildflowers and native birds. There’s truly so much to do in Kōke’e SP, so we recommend making a day of it. Stop by the Kōke’e Natural History Museum to learn about the parks and trails, and browse the souvenir shop, or head over to the Kōke’e Lodge to grab a bite to eat before hitting the trails. If you only have a few hours to spare, the Kawaikoi Stream Trail is a beautiful, winding trail that takes you alongside a mountain stream. Wear proper footwear, though, as it can get quite slippery. For those looking for a more intense hike, the Nu’alolo and Awa’awapuhi Trails are both excellent options, and end with unforgettable views of the palis (cliffs) leading out into the Pacific Ocean. Difficult, yes, but very much worth the effort. If you’re looking to camp out, Kōke’e is the place to do it. There are a number of campsites you can reserve through the Department of Land & Natural Resources website, as well as 12 rustic cabins available for private rentals here, however both fill up months in advance so be prudent when making reservations. Campsite rates are $30 per night, per campsite. You can visit Kōke’e SP without going through Waimea Canyon SP, but we recommend combining the two into one visit, as the entrance fee ($5/person + $10/vehicle) covers both parks. 

 

Ha’ena State Park

 

Ancient taro terraces inside Limahuli Gardens.

The final State Park on Kauai is Ha’ena SP on the North Shore. Ha’ena is another park with tons to do, so budget at least a day here. Just prior to the park entrance you’ll find the Limahuli Gardens & Preserve. The Gardens are an incredible pu’uhonua (place of refuge) for the delicate natural ecosystem of the island, and provide a glimpse of what Kauai was like before any humans arrived. You’ll also be able to see ancient taro terraces, an abundance of beautiful tropical plants, and stunning views of the towering green mountains opening into the blue waters of the Pacific. Guided and self guided tours are available, though we recommend going with a guide to really get a feel for the importance of the area. Discounts are available as well for visitors who arrive on the North Shore Shuttle. To visit Ha’ena State Park proper, you need to have a reservation made ahead of time. In order to prevent overcrowding and help preserve the natural landscape, there are daily visitor limits on Ha’ena SP, and passes often sell out quickly. Passes are available 30 days in advance, but you’ll need to purchase parking passes in addition to entrance passes if you plan on driving in. Our advice? Book the North Shore Shuttle. The shuttle will take you right into the State Park, entrance is included in the price of the shuttle ticket, and you can schedule pickup for a time that works for your whole party. Click here to reserve park passes, or snag your spot on the Shuttle. Once you’re inside the park, you’ll find

Ke’e Beach inside Ha’ena State Park. Bring your snorkel gear, this is one of the best beaches for snorkeling!

yourself at the beautiful Ke’e Beach. Pack in a lunch and spend the day picnicking on the beach and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters surrounded by tons of tropical fish! There are lifeguards, restrooms, and showers available at Ke’e Beach. If you want to strap on your hiking boots without committing to the full 22 miles of the Kalalau Trail, you can follow the trail for the first 2 miles out to Hanakāpī’ai Beach, although you’ll still need proper footwear and plenty of water. Don’t be fooled, though, this isn’t a beach to swim in, as the surf is much too dangerous. Instead you get to enjoy an unspoiled, pristine beach hidden at the base of the mountains. If you reach the beach and have the energy to keep going, you can continue on for another two miles to Hanakāpī’ai Falls, and be rewarded with a towering waterfall tumbling into a cold, refreshing pool where you can swim and rinse off before heading the 4 miles back to Ke’e Beach. The part of the trail that goes from Hanakāpī’ai Beach to the falls is very strenuous and slippery, so please plan and pack accordingly. You do not need any special hiking permits to hike to either Hanakāpī’ai Beach, or Hanakāpī’ai Falls. 

 

The Kalalau Trail

 

For the serious outdoor enthusiasts, the Kalalau Trail is basically the creme de la creme. The 22 mile round trip hike takes you up through the mountains, across several rivers, along the cliffs, and finally drops you onto Kalalau Beach after 11 long miles. The elevation gain, and then loss, is about 6,000 feet, and the weather can be unpredictable, with hikers often slogging through deep mud and swift moving rivers, and occasionally getting stuck along the trail when rivers are too dangerous to cross. Along the trail you can expect steep climbs in slippery

A beachside campsite at Kalalau Beach.

conditions, narrow paths along cliff faces, and river crossings through at least knee-high water; truly not for the faint of heart. It’s an extremely rewarding experience, however, and puts you in contact with Kauai at its most wild, and you’ll certainly make a few friends when you camp out on the beach! Camping/hiking permits for the Kalalau Trail are available 90 days in advance, and sell out basically instantaneously, so you must plan ahead and be ready to reserve right when permits become available for your desired dates. You can click here to try and make reservations; the current rate is $35 per person per night. We also highly recommend doing your own research before you go. We found this guide to the Kalalau Trail to be quite informative! 

 

What’s Going on with the Kalalau Trail Right Now?

 

If you follow the news on Kauai, you will have seen that roughly 60 hikers on the Kalalau Trail have fallen seriously ill since late August. Several hikers had to be airlifted from Kalalau Beach because of extreme vomiting and diarrhea, with many more falling ill once completing their hiking trip. The Department of Health has confirmed these cases to be an outbreak of the highly contagious Norovirus, and the State of Hawai’i has since closed the Kalalau Trail indefinitely in order to contain the spread of the virus. Norovirus is commonly seen in popular outdoors areas, and we expect the Kalalau Trail to reopen relatively soon, but we will update this post with any new information. For any hikers looking to make this trek, keep an eye on the DLNR website, found here, for updates and new information. As of October 1, the Kalalau Trail has completely reopened, with permits being issued for hiking and camping at Kalalau Beach. 

All of the State Parks’ webpages are hyperlinked in the headings for your convenience. For even more information, you can check out this LonelyPlanet blog on the state parks, which we found extremely useful for supplementing our own knowledge.

The Hawaiian islands are home to some of the most beautiful, and unique, flora and fauna on the planet. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a seasoned traveler, seeing the wild nene crossing the street, or the monk seals lounging on the beach never loses its allure. Here we run through some of the wildlife you’ll likely see during your visit, and ways to safely enjoy their presence.

Birds of Kauai

Two nēnē, with distinct neck striations visible

Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose)

The nēnē, or Hawaiian goose, is the world’s rarest goose species, and can be found only on the Hawaiian islands; it’s also the state bird! Adult nēnē have black bills, legs, and feet, and black feathers on the tops of their heads. Their necks bear black and white striping while their bodies have chocolate brown feathers tipped with white. Although the nēnē was once on the verge of extinction, numbers have been slowly increasing thanks to conservation efforts. Breeding season runs from August to November, so expect to see increased goose activity during your late summer trips! You can see nēnē at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, or in any other large grassy area on the island; it’s not uncommon to see a family of nēnē crossing the road either, so be sure to drive slowly and carefully! It’s technically illegal to feed the nēnē, and we don’t want the wild birds to become dependent on human food sources, so please enjoy them from afar.

Ae’o (Hawaiian Stilt)

An ae’o near the shore

The ae’o, or Hawaiian stilt, is another common sight on the beaches of Kauai. Characterized by its black body, white underbelly, and long pink legs, the ae’o like to nest in wetland environments farther inland and travel to the beaches to feed on small crabs and fish, insects, and worms. Breeding season occurs January through July, with fledglings leaving the nest in early August. Again, late summer is the birder’s paradise on Kauai! Although stilt populations globally are stable, the ae’o, which is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, is considered endangered. Problems such as wetland habitat loss and the introduction of non-native predators and diseases have caused significant population decline in recent years. The Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is a great location to view the ae’o which, like the nēnē, are best enjoyed from a distance for their safety and continued survival.

‘A’o (Newell’s Shearwater)

The ‘a’o, not to be confused with the ae’o, is also known as either Newell’s shearwater, or the Hawaiian shearwater. These birds boast a glossy black head and body, with a striking white underbelly, and are considered critically endangered. In fact, Kauai is home to 90% of the remaining population of these birds, with the other 10% residing on Maui and Hawai’i Island. Hawaiian shearwaters are rarely spotted, as they spend most of their life at sea, and during their breeding season, which runs from May to September, they fly to and from their burrows in the mountainous interior of Kauai only after nightfall. From September to December, however, which is when fledgling shearwaters make their maiden voyage to sea, it’s not uncommon to see fledglings lying dazed on the ground. This is because they get distracted by bright lights coming off residential and

A grounded ‘a’o with black and white coloring visible

commercial buildings, and circle them for hours until they fall exhausted from the sky. In order to combat this, from October 15 to December 15 Kauai county runs a dark sky ordinance. Homes and businesses are asked to point exterior lights downward, turn off unnecessary lighting, keep blinds and curtains closed as much as possible, and prevent pets from going outside that may harm grounded ‘a’o. For more information on the dark sky ordinance, and what to do with grounded seabirds, click here for the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ guide.

Moa (Chicken)

Moa, or chickens, are so ubiquitous on Kauai that they’ve become the unofficial mascot of the island. In fact, the chickens outnumber people about six to one! If you’re a repeat visitor to the island you’ve undoubtedly been woken up by the roosters crowing away at dawn, or seen a hen and her chicks

A Kauai rooster showcasing its vibrant coloring

crossing the road. The roosters are usually a beautifully vibrant red color with secondary colors of blue, orange, black and brown, although you’ll occasionally spot a white rooster, while the hens are a more muted soft brown color.  Most locals agree that the wild chicken population rose drastically after hurricane Iniki devastated the island in 1992, and numbers have only continued to grow. The State of Hawai’i recently passed a bill aiming to cull feral chicken populations, though how that will be achieved is unclear. Despite their abundance on the island, the chickens are technically feral jungle fowl protected under the law. Therefore, tourists should avoid feeding the chickens, and enjoy their presence by snapping a picture from a safe distance.

Marine Animals of Kauai

Hawaiian Monk Seal

A Hawaiian monk seal lounging on the beach

The Hawaiian monk seal is one of only two surviving species of monk seals in the world, and is considered critically endangered. Although the Hawaiian monk seals spend roughly 60% of their life at sea, Kauai is very close to their primary feeding grounds, and thus the best place to catch a glimpse of one. The South Shore beaches at Poipu are a favorite haunt of the Hawaiian monk seal, as well as the secluded beaches of the Nā Pali coast, visible only by boat or helicopter. Monk seal birthing season is in May, so the summer months are the best opportunity to glimpse a mother monk seal and her pup. As with any wildlife on Kauai, it is critical to treat the monk seals respectfully. Do not touch a monk seal or its pup, and keep a safe distance away if you encounter one on the beach. If you’re swimming in shallow waters and see a monk seal approaching the beach, slowly and carefully return to the shore and get out of the water.

Nai’a (Dolphins)

A bottlenose dolphin leaping from the water. Note the shorter snout

There are two types of nai’a, or dolphins, commonly found in the waters off Kauai: the Pacific bottlenose dolphin, and spinner dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are the species most commonly found in captivity, and are generally larger, heavier, and have shorter snouts than the spinner dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are also much more active during the day than spinners, and will frequently approach boats as they are extremely curious by nature. Spinner dolphins, on the other hand, are known for their dazzling, twisting leaps out of the water as they swim along in pods. Spinner dolphins are much smaller, and typically less active during the day, but

A spinner dolphin twisting out of the water. Note the longer snout

they prefer to swim in larger groups than bottlenose dolphins. Although you can’t swim with dolphins on Kauai, as they’re a protected species, if you take a boat tour along the gorgeous Nā Pali coast, you’re almost guaranteed to spot a few! Dolphins can be seen year round, but are especially active during the summer months from May to September.

Koholā (Humpback Whale)

A humpback whale breaching off the Nā Pali coast

The koholā, or humpback whale, is a breathtaking sight; whether you see one breaching, slapping the water with its fins or tails, or simply swimming smoothly through the water, these gentle giants will amaze you. Adult koholā can weigh up to 40 tons, and their calves are already a whopping 2,000 pounds at birth. Although many people prefer to visit Kauai during the drier, sunnier summer months, whale watching season occurs during the winter, when the whales migrate from cold, Alaskan waters into the warm, protected waters of Hawaii. From December to May you’re likely to spot whale activity off the coast, with peak activity in February and March. During these months, whale watching is best in the mornings when the ocean waters are calmer, although the koholā tend to be more active in the evening. The South Shore Poipu beaches offer a great vantage point for on-shore whale watching, as well as the Kīlauea Lighthouse on the North Shore. And, of course, the most popular option, which is to take a whale watching tour by boat!

Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle)

Honu resting on the beach

The honu, or sea turtles, are an important symbol of Hawaiian culture, and, like the koholā, are thought to be ‘aumakua (spiritual guardians). The Hawaiian green sea turtle is one of the only reptiles native to the islands, and is considered an endangered species. These gentle creatures are the largest hard-shelled sea turtle species, and can grow to be 300 pounds and almost 5 feet in length! Although they aren’t actually green in color, honu sport distinctive leopard like markings on their heads and front flippers. Nesting season for female sea turtles runs from May to September, during which it’s not uncommon to see a honu resting on the beach, although they prefer the shallow waters just off shore. Adult honu, their eggs, and their hatchlings are all protected under the law, therefore give them a wide berth if you do see one in the water or on the beach, and never touch or approach a sea turtle in any situation. For your best chance at spotting one of these iconic turtles, try snorkeling at Poipu or Brennecke’s beach on the South Shore, or Anini beach on the North.

The abundance of unique wildlife on Kauai makes it an exciting destination for both nature enthusiasts and casual enjoyers alike. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts and legal protections, many of these endangered species have grown in numbers and reclaimed their natural habitat. However, it’s important as visitors to the island that we do our part in respecting the wildlife, giving them their space, and always cleaning up after ourselves. These beautiful creatures are experiencing continued habitat loss from human development, and even the little things can make a big difference in their continued presence on Kauai.