Kauai Highlights

Hawaii | Kauaʻi | United States

Kauai Highlights

This is a laid back, beautiful green island. The sort of place that feels like one  friendly small town. There is not as much happening as on other islands – which is the charm. It’s been alleged that Kauai’s beaches aren’t as nice as some of the other islands’, but it does have some great ones, and it has the best hiking in Hawaii.

Day by day itinerary would depend on where you stay. We have put this one together assuming that you are following our recommendations to stay on the north shore. But it is a small island so nothing is prohibitively far. We have included listings for South, East, West, and North, so modify the itinerary depending on where you are staying.

Lodging choices are three main areas and each has something to recommend it

We have stayed at Waimea Plantation Cottages and they are really charming toward the South end of the Island. It’s a small resort set in a plantation. The down side is it’s a bit far from other things and the beach may not be the best for swimming (though you’ll have it to yourself)

The Poipu area is the most popular – it has good weather, great beaches and lovely resorts. But in my mind not as attractive as lusher areas of the island. The Grand Hyatt was utter luxury

Our favorite part if the Island is the North Shore near Princeville / Hanalei. It is greener (and wetter) but this is the garden Island – green is why you are here. We have listed several options in this area: Princeville resort, Hanalei Colony, but many many rentals now on VRBO and Airbnb or Hanalei Kobayashi Family Beach Houses – if you have a larger group this is probably the way to go. We have always marveled at the luck of people who owned homes on Hanalei Bay – now they all seem to be for rent (if you have the $)

Day 1: Arrival Day

Day 2: North Kauai

  • Visit Hanalei and marvel at the spectacular setting.
  • Then continue along the road and stop at Lumaha’i – a short walk off the road to your South Pacific dream setting.
  • Continue along the road to the end.
  • If the trail is open take a walk on the Kalalau trail at least as far as the first wilderness beach.( With more time , ambition, and a permit we highly advise a backpack trip 11 miles for an overnight camp in Kalalau valley.
  • On coming out visit Ke’e beach for great beach and snorkeling

Day 3: West Kauai

Day 4: North Kauai / Na Pali Coast cruise

Day 5: East and South Kauai

Day 6:  More North Kauai

Day 7: Waterfall or mountain hike and beaches

Detailed Itinerary

Given the small size of the island (you can drive from one end to the other in 2 hours) you can mix and match. Below is a suggestion based on staying on the north shore. adjust as needed.

Day 1 – Welcome to Kauai

Arrive Lihue airport. Lihue is the only major “town” on the island and by mainland standards is pretty small town. You will pass through Lihue as you wander around the Island. Pick up your rental car (the Island is not worth visiting without one).

Assuming you will be doing some cooking today this is a good time to stop by the grocery (Safeway or Costco in Lihue are convenient)

Since you are on the east side and want to jump right in and see some of the famous greenery Kauai is famous for a great way to start is to see the two waterfalls nearby Wailua and Opaeka’a

Head to your lodging –  (suggestions above). If you have time you can see handle town and take a dip in the bay before heading to your lodging.

Day 2: North Kauai

The north shore is the Hawaii of your dreams – lush and green, and not over-run with development. Hanalei Valley is gorgeous – poi fields along the river up the mountains with waterfalls streaming from them. You can rent kayaks and paddle up the Hanalei rRiver if so inclined. The bay is beautiful and has good surfing – sometimes. The “town” is a funky surf town.

But today you are headed to (literally) the end of the road. As you head up the road beyond the bay watch be on the right for a short trail down to Lumaha’i beach. If it looks familiar (and you are old enough) its because that’s wear Mitzi Gaynor washed that man out of her hair here in South Pacific. There will be a lot of deja vu as you travel the island – many movies and TV shows have been shot here. Unfortunately lovely as it is, this is not a safe beach for swimming. Continue on to the end of the road at Ke’e beach. If you get there early enough you may get parking.  IF they have opened the trail (still closed as of my writing this post) put on your hiking boots and head out the Kalalau trail.

The weather gods have not treated Kauai well lately – it has been hit by major hurricanes and flooding. Due to storm damage the road only just re-opened January 2019 and the Kalalua trail to the Na Pali coast is still closed. This is a shame – we will describe the walk once it re-opens

It’s an hour or so walk to the first beach. The route may be steep at times with tree roots but it is quite a spectacuar walk through the jungle along the cliffs. Arrive at Hanakapi’ai beach. You can swim here only with great caution when the seas are low. But the setting is spectacular and you will pretty much have this whole wilderness tropical valley mostly to your self. If so inclined head up the “trail” (can be over grown) almost two miles (allow an hour to the waterfall at the head of the canyon. You can swim in the pool at the bottom. If day tripping, head back. if backpacking (and you have the required permit)  your adventure has just begun…

Head back to trail head and down to Ke’e beach. This is one of the best beaches in Hawaii – there is protected swimming but also good snorkeling near the reef when seas cooperate.

Head back to your north shore lodging

Day 3: West Kauai

It’s a couple of mostly scenic hours to get to the spectacular Waimea canyon from the north shore. At the cow town of Waimea you head up Waimea canyon (the “grand canyon of the pacific”). As you drive up and up you will see the spectacular multicolored canyon on your right. It is  It is 10 miles long and 3600 feet deep. Driving up you’ll climb 4000 feet. It’s 40 miles round trip up the canyon but mostly straight up. Highlights include amazing views and some of the best hiking in the entire state of Hawaii. Stop at the Waimea canyon lookout on the way up, then on to Koke’e lodge for lunch or a snack (the ONLY option here), then the  Kalalau lookout at mike 18. But keep going – the Pu’u o Kila lookout is better and less crowded. Marvel at the view into the canyons of the Na Pali coast. Note fewer clouds earlier in the day = better views. At Kok’ee museum use the map and information to select your hike – that’s why you’ve come here. If you backpacked to Kalalau valley here’s your chance to look down on where you’ve been. If you did not here’s your chance to look down and wish you had. Hikes include views, forest , canyon and even swamp. Take your pick

When done (and tired) head back to the north shore

Day 4 : North Kauai / Na Pali Coast cruise

A cruise along the Na Pali coast is a great way to spend a half day. If you opted to back pack in it is probably redundant but you do get a different view. Weather permitting they may cruise into a sea cave. There’s 45 minutes of so of snorkeling as well (they supply equipment). Snacks / food provided. They run a coupe trips a day. while afternoon seems to make more sense for a vacation I’d go early due to calmer seas

When you get back you have the afternoon – this is a good place to visit the amazing north shore beach of Tunnels (actually generally better snorkeling than your boat trip)

Day 5: East and South Kauai

The east side side of the island where most people live so if you have shopping to do this is the best place. It is also home to some great waterfalls and he largest river on the island. You should definitely see both Wailua falls and ‘Opae-ka’a falls. If you are up for it a kayak or canoe on the Wailua river can be fun as well. Do not waste your money on a fern grotto boat trip

Wailua River

While here consider stopping by either Lydgate or Kalapaki Beach. These are both especially good when surf is high elsewhere

If you are interested and here on the right day (Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday) you might enjoy a visit to old Hawaii at the Grove Farm Plantation Museum

Today is your day to visit the tourist Kauai. The Poipu region on the south shore is the most developed and where most people stay. They are here because of the weather – this is the sunny part of the island – if you tire of north shore thunderstorms head here.

Continue on to the south shore. You should  see Spouting horn beach park – watch (and hear) the water come through the lava, spout up, and roar. Then choose a beach: Beaches in the area are lovely- for gentle swimming and nice snorkeling try Poipu beach park. This end of the island tends to have a lot of turtles . Try your hand at body surfing or boogie boarding  at Brennecke’s (our favorite), or for more adventure try the Maha’ulepu beaches. There are walks between beaches along here as well.

Day 6:  More North Kauai

There’s still a lot to see on the north shore. If you are here in summer, consider the queen’s bath. Check seas before you go – this is a dangerous place if more than 4 feet. If seas are high consider the sleeping giant hike. Afterward explore a beach you’ve not yet visited. Some options are:

Day 7: Waterfall or mountain hike and beaches

If you have this day consider a great hike to a waterfall, the Ho‘opi‘i Falls Hike. You’ll need to drive a bit to get to the trail head. Alternatively consider another beach and/or the sleeping giant hike.

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