Kauai Highlights

Hawaii | Kauaʻi | United States

Kauai Highlights

This is perhaps the most laid back of all the Hawaiian islands and greener than the rest. This is the sort of place that feels more like a friendly small town. There is somewhat less happening than on other islands, which is part of 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 beautiful ones and also boasts the best hiking in Hawaii.

It’s a small island so nothing is prohibitively far. This itinerary assumes you take our suggestion and stay on the north shore, so you may want to change it up a bit if you stay elsewhere. We have included listings for South, East, West, and North, so modify the itinerary depending on where you are staying.

Day 1 – East Kauai

Day 2 – North Kauai

Day 3 – West Kauai

Day 4 – Na Pali Coast

Day 5 – East and South Kauai

Day 6 –  North Kauai

Day 7 – Depart

  • Morning at a beach
  • Fly home

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 your itinerary based on where you’re staying. Below is our suggestion based on staying on the north shore.

A note on where to stay:

We have stayed at Waimea Plantation Cottages located near the south end of the island. They are really charming as a small resort set on an old sugarcane plantation. The downside 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. However, it is not as lush as other areas of the island. The Grand Hyatt Kauai is utter luxury. Koloa Landing is a good alternative. Our favorite part if the Island is the North Shore near Princeville/Hanalei. It is greener (and wetter). There are several good options in this area including Princeville Resort, Hanalei Colony Resort, and Hanalei Kobayashi Family Beach Houses. There are of course VRBO and AirBNB rentals as well.

Day 1 – East 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). If you are staying at a place where you plan to cook, now is a good time to stop by the grocery (Safeway and Costco) in Lihue are some of the best options on the island.

Since you are on the east side side of the island, it’s the perfect time to see the east shore sites. First make your way to Wailua Falls where, at the end of Ma’alo Road, you’ll get a view of these iconic 80 foot twin falls. Next, drive to Lydgate Beach Park for a dip. This family-friendly beach features protected, rock-enclosed swimming lagoons (if you have your snorkle gear already, you may want to pull it out). Next drive to Opaeka’a falls. This 151 foot waterfall is easily accessible from a paved overlook and across the street is the Wailua River Lookout where you’ll get panoramic views of the valley.

For lunch (depending on your timing) consider Coconut Marketplace or Oasis on the Beach.

Again, depending on timing and if you’re still energized, you can pick an activity for the afternoon.

The first option is a hike of Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain). At the top you’ll get panoramic views of the entire East Shore. There are two options: Nounou East Trail (approx. 3.5 miles round trip) is the most popular route and starts at Haleilio Road. You’ll follow a steep climb through a shaded forest of ironwood and guava trees before you get to the panoramic ocean views at the top. The Nounou West Trail is slightly shorter and quieter (2 miles round trip) through a lower forest. The trail leaves from the end of Lokelani Road in the Wailua Homesteads or an access point along Kamalu Road (State Highway 581), near telephone pole #11.

The second option is to rent a bike with either Holoholo Bike Rental or Hele on Kauai and ride the Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path. The name of the path literally translates as The Path that Goes by the Coast and is a mostly paved 8 mile scenic trail that stretches between Lydgate Beach Park and Ahihi Point near Donkey Beach.

The third option is a doing a kayak tour through the Wailua River. There’s a few companies that offer this including Kayak Wailua and Outfitters Kauai. Most of them go to ʻUluwehi Falls (Secret Falls). An alternative and shorter trip is to rent a canoe.

Do not waste your money on a fern grotto boat trip.

Pick one, or if you prefer, head straight to your lodging.

For dinner, we recommend all of the following restaurants which are scattered around the island, so choose what fits your location the best. Of note, Merriman’s is our favorite restaurant across the Hawaiian islands and is always a treat. Our other recommendations are Rum Fire Poipu, Beach House, The Tasting Room, Tidepools, La Spezia, Mucho Aloha Brewhouse, Kauai Island Brewing Company, Bar Acuda, Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant, and JO2 Natural Cuisine.

Day 2 – North Shore

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 and mountains with waterfalls streaming from them. The bay is beautiful and has sometimes has good surfing. Hanalei Town is a funky surf town and worth a wander, especially for the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. This is also a good place to pick up sandwiches or snacks for your hike.

Next you are heading to the Kalalau trail. The full train stretches 11 miles along the Na Pali Coast to the Kalalau valley. The section most people do is the first 2 miles to Hanakāpīʻai Valley. You must have a permit to do either the full hike with camping or even the first 2 miles. The easiest is to reserve a spot on the shuttle from Hanalei and ride the shuttle to the park. It’s a combined ticket with the link above. If you want to backpack, plan ahead. You can get permits 90 days in advance (they tend to sell out in minutes).

The first 2 miles of the trail wind through a lush tropical forest. You’ll switch back from the coast to valleys past freshwater streams and waterfalls into the jungle of the Hanakāpī‘ai Valley and Hanakāpī‘ai Stream. There is a beach on the other side of the stream which is great for sunbathing, but it’s recommended not to swim here. This is where most people turn around. However, you can continue another 2 miles (each way) to Hanakāpī‘ai Falls via the rainforest to the 300 foot waterfall at the end with a swimmable pool.

Once you make it back to the trailhead, walk (10 minutes) over to Ke’e beach. This is one of the best beaches in Hawaii. Along with protected swimming, there is also good snorkeling near the reef.

Your next stop is 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.

If you have time the rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring other Hanalei Bay beaches. These include Anini beach, Secret Beach, Hide-aways beach, SeaLodge beach, and Moloa’a beach. You could also consider kayaking up the river with Kayak Hanalei rentals.

For dinner, pick a spot nearby like Bar Acuda, Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant, JO2 Natural Cuisine.

Head back to your lodging.

Day 3 – West Kauai

Today head to the spectacular Waimea Canyon. Before you leave (and depending where you’re coming from) you may want to grab picnic supplies or snacks from Lawai Market. From the town of Waimea, head up Waimea canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”). Driving up you’ll climb 4000 feet. It’s 40 miles round trip up the canyon but mostly straight. Highlights include a spectacular multi-colored canyon, amazing views, and some of the best hiking in the entire state of Hawaii.

Stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookout on the way up. You can choose to hike the Canyon Trail. Then continue on to Koke’e Lodge for lunch or a snack (the only option here). Next stop at the Kalalau lookout at mile 18. 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. You’ll likely get better views earlier in the day as there tend to be fewer clouds.

At the Koke’e Natural History 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. Some of the best trails include the easier Awa’awapuhi Trail or the strenuous Nu’alolo Trail.

When done (and tired), head back to your lodging.

Day 4 – Na Pali Coast

A cruise along the Na Pali coast is a great way to spend a half day. If you opted to backpack via the Kalalau Trail, it’s probably redundant, but you do get a different view. Weather permitting they may cruise into a sea cave. Most companies offer snorkeling as well (they supply equipment). Choosing an earlier trip can often lead to calmer seas. We had a great time with Na Pali Catamaran, but you can also look at Captain Andy’s or Holo Holo Charters. The first leaves from the north, the latter two from the south. Visiting from the North Shore, if convenient, is preferable as boat trips from the West have to cover a lot of extra water before they reach the Na Pali Coast (so they only get to see half the coastline).

When you get back you have the afternoon, plan to enjoy a beach. If your tour leaves from the north, this is a good time to visit Tunnels (Makua) Beach which often has better snorkeling than on the boat trip.

Day 5 – East and South Kauai

If you’re staying in the north part, spend the morning exploring the rest of the east before heading to the south. The east side side of the island (where you flew into and did some exploring the first day) is where most people live. It is also home to some great waterfalls and he largest river on the island. You probably ran out of time to do everything your first day, depending on when you landed, so now is your chance to do the rest of it. Do the kayak or canoe on the Wailua River, complete the Sleeping Giant hike, or rent a bike and ride the Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path.

While in this area, stop at Kalapaki Beach. It’s especially good when surf is high elsewhere.

If you are interested in history, you might enjoy a visit to old Hawaii at the Grove Farm Plantation Museum. Grab a coffee before or after at Aloha Roastery and take a quick peek at the Alekoko Fishpond Overlook where you can see a 39 acre loko wai (freshwater fishpond) supposedly constructed by hawaii’s mythological menehune.

Once you’re finished, head to touristy Poipu. The Poipu region on the south shore is the most developed and where most people stay. People stay here because of the weather – this is the sunniest part of the island. If you want to shop, you can explore Old Koloa Town on your way here, where plantation cottages from the time of sugarcane have been converted into shops and restaurants. Make your way to Spouting Horn Beach park – watch (and hear) the water come through the lava, spout up, and roar. Next decide which beach you want to visit. Beaches in the area are lovely and this end of the island tends to have a lot of turtles. Poipu Beach park is gentle enough for swimming and has very nice snorkeling. Koloa Landing has underwater tunnels and eels you can see while snorkeling. Try your hand at body surfing or boogie boarding at Brennecke’s (our favorite). For more adventure try the Maha’ulepu beaches. There are walks between beaches along here as well. If you enjoy gardens, the National Tropical Botanical Gardens are nearby with guided tours. Consider lunch or dinner at Rum Fire Poipu.

Day 6 –  More North Kauai

If you’re staying on the north shore, there is still a lot to see. If you are here in summer, consider the Queen’s Bath. Check the seas before you go – this is a dangerous place if the swell is more than 4 feet. Afterward explore a beach you’ve not yet visited including Anini beach, Secret Beach, Hide-aways beach, SeaLodge beach, or Moloa’a beach.

Day 7 – Depart

If you have the morning available, consider a great hike to Ho‘opi‘i Falls waterfall. You’ll need to drive a bit to get to the trail head. Alternatively consider another beach before you fly out.

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