FLIGHTS Non-stop U.S. & Canada flights to Līhu‘e Airport (LIH) are available from Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and WestJet (seasonal), from the following gateways: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; Oakland, CA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and Vancouver, Canada (seasonal). In addition, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines and WestJet serve Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). From there, it’s a quick 25-minute “island hop” via jet on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines. ENVIRONMENT The USDA enforces strict rules regarding the importation of uninspected plants and animals that can severely change our fragile environment. Before landing in Hawai‘i, you’ll be asked to declare any such items. Department of Agriculture agents will inspect and likely confiscate them before allowing you to continue on your way. For more information, visit the Department of Agriculture website at hdoa.hawaii.gov. When departing for the U.S. continent, your luggage must pass a pre-flight check at the airport to ensure that you are not carrying fruits or plants that have not been inspected for insects and diseases. You’re welcome to take fresh flowers and fruits home, but they won’t pass inspection unless they’re properly certified beforehand. If you’re packing your own fruits, flowers or plants, visit the inspection office located in Līhu‘e at 4398A Pua Loke St. (808-274-3071) before you go to the airport. Many items purchased at the airport are already certified. For more information, visit the Dept. of Agriculture website at hdoa.hawaii.gov. TIME ZONE Hawai‘i Standard Time is GMT-10 (Pacific Standard Time-2, Eastern Standard Time- 5). Since Hawai‘i doesn’t observe daylight saving time, add one hour to the time difference when in effect (March through November). AREA CODE The area code for the entire state is 808. For long distance calls between islands, dial 1-808 and then the number. When placing calls, regardless if it’s to the U.S. continent from Hawai‘i or within Hawai‘i, dial 1, the area code and the number. Kaua‘i’s cell phone law requires the use of a hands-free device when using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Most of Kaua‘i’s larger hotels and condominium resorts have high-speed Internet access, including wireless in the public areas. Internet service is also available in the food court area of the Kukui Grove Center, as well as certain restaurants and coffee shops around the island. CLIMATE Kaua‘i has seven distinct microclimates, from the desert-like West Side to the tropical rainforest interior. Weather can vary from one part of the island to another. Mount Wai‘ale‘ale, at the heart of Kaua‘i’s interior, is a quintessential rainforest with over 400 inches of rain per year. While it’s raining here, however, you’ll be able to find warm breezes and sunny skies elsewhere on Kaua‘i. Areas around the interior of Mount Wai‘ale‘ale are generally not affected by the rain that falls at the mountain’s peak, and the coastal parts of the island get far less rain than the central spots (as little as 18 inches a year on the West Side). When you do see rain, it’s usually followed by glorious rainbows. Kaua‘i’s trade winds are another reason for such great weather on the island. The winds are generally light and help blow away humidity. SUN SENSE Please use common sense when you sun- bathe in the tropics. A sunburn will develop faster than you think possible, so be sure to use sunscreen. Remember, it’s usually hottest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and the sun is stronger here than you’re used to, so be sure to apply reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen. DRESS CODE Dress for comfort. Think “light” in terms of color and fabrics. Temperatures are cooler in the evening, and a sweater or windbreaker/ jacket is recommended for those planning to venture into cool upland regions such as Kōke‘e. Attire is “resort wear” even at Kaua‘i’s finest resorts and restaurants. Essentials KAUA‘I 90 Experience Kaua‘i
