Great Itineraries: The Best of Kauai in 8 Days
Kauai is small, but its major byways generally circumnavigate the island with no through roads, so it can take more time than you expect to get around. Hiking Kalalau Trail, kayaking Wailua River, showering in a waterfall, watching whales at Kilauea Lighthouse, shopping for gifts at Koloa Town shops, et cetera: there's so much to see and do. Rather than trying to check everything off your list in one fell swoop, choose your favorites and devote a full day to the experiences.
Day 1: Settle in on the East Side
The East Side of the island is a convenient area to make a home base. Stay here and you'll have the easiest access to most of the island's top attractions. Fresh off a long flight, you’ll likely just want to relax by the pool at your hotel/condo or hit Kealia Beach just north of funky Kapaa town. The far end near the rock jetty is for safe swimming and easy bodysurfing. There are plenty of welcoming dining options around Kapaa, such as the Lemongrass Grill or Restaurant Kintaro for a fantastic first meal.
Logistics: Wailua/Kapaa traffic can be a nightmare so avoid rush and midday times. It’s 10 miles from the airport to Kapaa but drive times can vary from 15 to 35 minutes. Kealia Beach is three minutes outside Kapaa and has plenty of parking.
Day 2: Take It All In
For an incredible, and literal, overview of Kauai’s beaches, forests, canyons, waterfalls, and ocean, take a morning helicopter trip with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters or Jack Harter out of Lihue. Images of the rolling verdant carpet far below will linger long in your memory. Afternoon is free for beach time or laid-back shopping in Kapaa Town. Or have lunch in Lihue and lounge on Kalapaki Beach.
Logistics: Lihue Airport to Kalapaki Bay is five minutes south of Lihue.
Day 3: East Side Offerings
Check out the Kapaa/Wailua area, which has a little something for everyone. Rent a bike at Kauai Cycle and coast along the Kauai Path (Ke Ala Hele Makalae), enjoying the ocean views and invigorating fresh air. Or take a moderate, 2-mile hike on the Sleeping Giant Trail for panoramic vistas of the entire East Side. Then get back on the main road for a few-minutes’ drive up to Opaekaa Falls, one of the Wailua River's mightiest displays.
Logistics: From mid-Kapaa to the starting point of the Sleeping Giant Trail is 3 miles; just avoid rush hours.
Day 4: South Side Sights
Start with a hike on the Mahalepu Heritage Trail for wondrous ocean-side views of pristine beaches and craggy ledges. A quick dip at Poipu Beach Park will refresh your limbs after your hike. Drive down Lawai Road to spot the Spouting Horn, Kauai's version of Old Faithful. Right next door is the National Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can tour beautiful grounds of exotic flora and learn about the biodiversity in Hawaii and the Pacific.
Logistics: The Mahalepu Trail is about 10 minutes from Koloa Town. From there to Spouting Horn is about another 10-minute drive.
Day 5: At Sea on Napali Coast
Choose your preferred watercraft (Zodiac for adventure rafting or catamaran for pleasure cruising) and depart from the boat harbor in Eleele for an unforgettable journey up breathtakingly scenic Napali Coast. Most trips are about four hours and usually include a light snack; some include drinks. Don't schedule anything too demanding afterwards, as you'll likely be tired and you'll want to savor the memories of the sights you just beheld.
Day 6: Explore the Other Kauai
In the mountains of Kokee on the West Side, you'll enjoy the splendor of the mountains, the ocean, the sunlight, and the crisper air. Stop along the way at the scenic overlooks of Waimea Canyon and be dazzled by the interplay of light and shadow as the sun moves across this spectacular landscape. Hike the relatively short Canyon Trail to a divine waterfall. Have lunch at the Kokee Lodge, check out the Kokee Museum next door, and continue another 5 miles or so to the Kalalau Lookout.
Logistics: Drive up from Waimea and come down on the Kekaha side, which is more gradual. It’s about 30 minutes straight up to the lodge, but scenic spots stretch it out.
Day 7: North Shore Playground
The North Shore's plentiful sights and activities include swimming, surfing, golf, tennis, botanical gardens, zip-lining, hiking, and horseback riding. Visit Limahuli Garden in Haena, which features an ancient Hawaiian layout of a typical self-sufficient community, or Na Aina Kai with its artistic and working-farm focus. At the Kilauea Lighthouse behold the cliffs, exotic birds, and magnificent coastal view. Spend the rest of your day at Hanalei Bay, swimming, taking a surf lesson, or just walking the 2-mile jewel of a crescent-shape beach. For the family, a round of golf at Kauai Mini-Golf can be joyful and instructive as the 18-hole layout reveals Hawaii’s story through its landscaping.
Logistics: Limahuli is about a 10-minute drive past Hanalei. From there back to Kilauea is about a 20-minute drive on the main road.
Day 8: Hike the Kalalau Trail
You've taken in magnificent Napali Coast from the sea, now experience it from land. This moderate trek offers incredible views peering straight down over the deep blue sea, a visit to a lovely beach, and a hike up a stream to a 300-foot waterfall. You won’t be taking the arduous 11-mile journey of the entire coastal Kalalau Trail, so take your time and enjoy Kauai's scenery. Get up early to secure (of all things) a parking spot before hitting the trail.
Logistics: It's 2 miles in to Hanakapiai Beach. Allow an hour. The hike up the valley is also 2 miles—but plan on 90 minutes each way, as the trail cuts through jungle.
