Unpopular opinion? Kauai is the best Hawaiian Island. Compared to the other islands, it feels unspoiled. It has everything; good food, gorgeous beaches, unreal landscapes, what more could you ask for? From helicopter tours to swimming with sea turtles, here is how to spend the perfect week in Kauai.
Day 1: Get Acquainted with Kauai
If you are flying from the US, you will likely arrive in Kauai in the afternoon. After landing, renting a car, and driving to your accommodation, you will probably be pretty tired. If you are staying in an Airbnb, villa, vacation rental, etc, go grocery shopping (get sticker shock from island grocery prices!), and get settled.
If you still have time before the sun goes down, I suggest heading to the nearest beach and watching your first of many sunsets to start off your magical week in Hawaii. Afterwards, find a spot near your digs to have a poke bowl.
Day 2: Check out the North Shore
Regardless of where you stay, you should take at least one day to explore Kauai’s beautiful north shore. The most popular beach in this part of the island is Hanalei Bay. I suggest heading to Hanalei Bay in the morning as it does get crowded. While there you can snorkel, kayak, sunbathe, have a picnic, or even walk to the Hanalei Pier (from the movie South Pacific)!
On the way back from the beach you’ll be hungry from playing all day, and I have the best place to grab lunch! Driving east from Hanalei Bay into the town of Hanalei, you will see a group of food trucks on your left. Make sure to grab a coffee & Taro donut at Holey Grail Donuts.
Day 3: See Kauai from Above
Today is the day to treat yourself! Kauai is known for its stunning landscape, namely the Na Pali Coast, and the best way to see it is from the air. There are two ways to do this, either a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. Many people opt for a helicopter tour as these tours can get a closer view of the cliffs as well as fly lower into Waimea Canyon. Both options leave from Lihue airport.
However, my preference is the small fixed wing aircraft option. Wings Over Kauai has two tour options, the airvan that can fit 6 passengers, and the 2 passenger Cessna. Tours last about an hour and offer breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, the Na Pali Coast, and a number of waterfalls. If you go in the winter you may also be lucky enough to see humpbacks from the sky!!
After your adventure in the sky, it’s time to relax on one of Kauai’s many beaches. As you will already be in Lihue, I suggest checking out Lydgate Beach. This beach is known for being very safe and family friendly. If you are new to snorkeling, this is an ideal place to try.
Day 4: Hike Waimea Canyon
Now that you’ve spent a couple days relaxing at the beach, it’s time to get moving! Waimea Canyon is known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and probably has some of the best hiking trails in Kauai. For great views, including a waterfall, I recommend the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls.
This trail is a moderate 3.2 mile out and back. Kauai gets rain year round, and subsequently the trail can be muddy. Hiking boots are highly recommended although we saw people doing this hike in sandals and even barefoot. The beginning of the hike is through a forest, but once you emerge from the trees you are greeted with incredible views of the canyon. As you keep going you will eventually reach the top of Waipo’o Falls. As you are at the top of the falls it is difficult to see where they fall into the canyon, but you will be right next to the pools at the top of the falls which are a great reward as well!
There is also a guided tour option if you would like to combine Waimea Canyon with a tour of Koke’e and see the Spouting Horn Blowhole.
To get a full view (and pictures!) of Waipo’o Falls you will need to take a helicopter tour that takes you into the canyon.
After you’ve taken in the wonder of Waimea Canyon, it’s time for a cup of coffee. Lucky for you, Kauai Coffee Company is on the way back to your hotel! The farm has a complementary walking tour that ends at the Visitor Center where you can try a variety of coffees for free and buy a cup if you need a little more caffeine after your hike.
Day 5: Wailua Kayak Adventure & Anini beach
For those active travelers, you have another exciting day ahead of you! Book a guided kayak tour of Wailua River where you will paddle down the river, hike to the Secret Falls, and swim in a waterfall. Some tours also include lunch when you stop to go swimming.
You will have the option to take a single or double kayak as your guide helps you navigate the river and see a different side of Hawaii! These tours are offered in the morning or afternoon and last about 5 hours.
If you are looking for a snack after kayaking, drive north the find Kalaea Juice Hale. Here you will find the best acai bowls you will ever have. You can also get coffee, juices, shaved ice, and homemade granola.
If you are staying on the north shore, I recommend spending the evening at Anini Beach. If you are staying at the Westin Princeville Resort you can even walk here from the property! You can watch the sunset, do a little snorkeling, and relax after your kayak adventure.
Day 6: Snorkel Tour & Poipu Beach
It’s your last full day and time for one of the best activities (in my humble opinion): BOAT DAY! Take a boat out to the ocean to snorkel with turtles, fish, and whatever else mother nature might gift you with! Depending on the time of year, you may also be able to see the Na Pali Coast from the water.
We went out with Blue Dolphin Charters for a deluxe snorkel tour. It was supposed to go to the Na Pali Coast, but unfortunately during the winter, the water gets a little too rough and this is not possible. However, we did get to see a humpback whale, dolphins, and stopped for a long snorkel with several sea turtles! After swimming, Blue Dolphin serves lunch and has an open bar for those 21+.
Pro Tip: Bring a wetsuit in the winter & your own snorkel equipment if you have it.
After disembarking, there’s one more beach you need to check out! Since you already have your bathing suit and snorkel gear, head to Poipu beach on the south shore. This beach is famous for the sea turtles that like to sunbathe there. It also has some snorkel spots that are appropriate for all skill levels & kids.
Whew! That was a lot of info, but I promise with this itinerary you will get to experience all of the amazing things that Kauai has to offer. If you have any questions or need more recommendations for your trip, contact me with the form below!
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