Travel Nurse Housing in Kauai, Hawaii: Complete Guide
Kauai is Hawaii’s Garden Isle, the oldest and most lush of the main Hawaiian islands. Travel nurses find steady demand at Wilcox Medical Center and an island lifestyle defined by dramatic Na Pali Coast cliffs, tropical gardens, and a laid-back community.
Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue is the primary hospital on the island.
Whether you are heading to Kauai for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Kauai has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.
Major Hospitals and Health Systems
Kauai is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.
Wilcox Medical Center — A community hospital in Lihue providing emergency, medical, and surgical services to the entire island of Kauai.
Travel nurse demand in Kauai is generally steady, with ED, med-surg, and ICU being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during year-round due to limited local workforce. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.
Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Kauai assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Kauai.
Lihue
The county seat and commercial center near the airport and hospital.
Pros: Close to hospital, practical, airport access, most services, affordable for Kauai
Cons: Commercial feel, less scenic, limited nightlife
Kapaa
A residential town on the east side with the Coconut Coast beaches.
Pros: Beach access, restaurants, Coconut Coast lifestyle, more housing options
Cons: Tourist traffic, higher rents, farther from hospital
Poipu
The sunny south shore resort area with excellent beaches.
Pros: Sunny weather, beautiful beaches, resort dining, ocean activities
Cons: Expensive, tourist-oriented, farther from hospital, limited year-round housing
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car required. Kauai’s roads are two-lane with one main highway circling most of the island. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Kauai through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Kauai are in line with the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.
- Studio apartment: $1,200 to $1,900 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,500 to $2,400 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,800 to $3,000 per month
Kauai housing is limited and expensive. Start searching very early. Agency housing may be the best option. Lihue and Kapaa have the most rental options.
Many travel nurses in Kauai find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.
GSA Stipend Rate
The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Kauai, HI area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.
It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.
Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.
Housing Tips for Kauai
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Kauai that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Island cost of living is high — Everything is shipped to Hawaii. Groceries cost 30-50 percent more than the mainland.
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No state income tax on military pay — Hawaii has state income tax, but the lifestyle often justifies the cost for travel nurses.
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One hospital serves the whole island — Wilcox Medical Center is it. Expect diverse patient populations and acuity.
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Aloha spirit is real — Kauai’s community is welcoming but respects the island’s slower pace of life.
For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.
Cost of Living Overview
Kauai’s cost of living is well above the national average. Groceries, housing, and gas are all significantly more expensive.
When budgeting for your Kauai assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Big Save, Safeway, and Costco in Lihue offer grocery options. Farmers markets and roadside fruit stands offer local produce. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.
Things to Do on Days Off
One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Kauai has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Na Pali Coast — One of the most dramatic coastlines on Earth, accessible by boat, helicopter, or the Kalalau Trail.
- Waimea Canyon — The ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ with stunning red-rock canyons and valley views.
- Poipu Beach — A beautiful south shore beach consistently rated among the best in Hawaii.
- Kayaking the Wailua River — Paddle up the Wailua River to Secret Falls, a hidden waterfall in the jungle.
Take full advantage of your time in Kauai. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.
Final Thoughts
Kauai, Hawaii offers travel nurses Hawaii’s lush Garden Isle with the dramatic Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, tropical beaches, and steady nursing demand at Wilcox Medical Center in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. With Wilcox Medical Center and a well above average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.
Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Kauai, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.
For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Kauai assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Kauai assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.