KAUAI 6 Days
This itinerary visits Poipu resort area, Kalalau Lookout, Polihale State Park, the beautiful Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
Kauai, often called the "Garden Island," is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. It's draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountains, and rugged cliffs, shaped by centuries of wind and rain. Centuries of growth have created tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Kauai offers a wide range of outdoor activities: kayak the Wailua River, snorkel at Poipu Beach, or hike the trails of Kōkeʻe State Park.
Tips:
Kauai Travl Guide - great website with excellent resources.
Traffic is a problem on Kauai. You will run into slowdowns at morning and evening rush.
Kauai’s busiest months for tourism are mid-December to mid-April and again from mid-June to mid-September.
Fly in and out of different islands – Maximize your time on the islands by flying into one island and out of another.
DAY 1
Arrive at Lihue airport and transfer to your condo or hotel.
🚗 Renting a car is the most convenient way of enjoying the island.
Where to stay:
Poi’pu area - offers the most sunshine, has best weather year-around on the island and more resort options. <map>
North Shore - the most beautiful region on Kauai. <map>
If you want to enjoy a lush, green landscape (with some rain) this is the place. Summer months are nicer.
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Advantages of a Hawaii Condo vacation rental:
A better value for money spent, especially when family and friends share a condo.
Dining in Hawaii is very expensive. Kitchens can significantly reduce meal costs and a washer/dryer comes in handy.
Kid friendly environment with more space to play.
There are many condos to choose from. Many are within walking distance to the beach & shops in the resort areas.
Each condo is custom furnished differently.
Tips for a Hawaii Condo vacation rental:
There are excellent vacation rental companies as well as excellent individual owners who rent their units directly.
Plus check out VRBO and Airbnb. There are many condos in a resort atmosphere.
Check for fees pertaining to cleaning, security deposit, resort fees, damage waiver. Fees can vary significantly with different condos.
This can be especially troublesome for shorter stays.
Generally, there is no daily housekeeping. It may be offered if desired but at a daily fee.
Consider trip insurance for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
Advantages of Hawaii hotels:
Great for short stays and late arrivals.
Rooms vary by size but theme, furnishings and decor are consistent.
Brands offer even more of a homogenized experience.
You get daily housekeeping.
Generally no security deposit or cleaning fees.
Room service, on-site concierge, restaurant and other facilities, depending on property.
Tips related to a Hawaii hotel:
Check terms carefully. You may still find fees that are hidden until you’re near the end of the reservation process.
Check whether there is a daily resort fee.
Consider trip insurance for any pre-paid, non-refundable costs.
Check for other amenities. free WiFi, breakfast and exercise room.
When staying at chains, check booking via their loyalty program. You’ll often either pay less or have better terms.
Try checking in later in the day for best upgrade chances.
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South Shore (Poipu area)
Big Save | 5516 Koloa Rd | Koloa | 808-742-1614
Lihue Stores
Safeway | 4454 Nuhou Street | Lihue | 808-246-0290
Costco | 4300 Nuhou Street | Lihue | 808-241-4000
Times Market | 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy (Kukui Grove) | Lihue | 808-245-7777
Wal-Mart | 3-3300 Kuhio Hwy | Lihue | 808-246-1599
Kapaa Stores (East Shore)
Big Save | 1105 Kuhio Highway (Kapaa Shopping Center) | Kapaa | 808-822-4971
Foodland | 4-771 Kuhio Hwy (Waipouli Town Center) | Kapaa | 808-822-7271
Safeway | 4-831 Kuhio Hwy (Kauai Village | Kapaa | 808-822-2464 Open 24 hours
North Shore
Big Save | 5-5172 Kuhio Hwy (Ching Young Village) | Hanalei | 808-826-6652
Foodland | 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy | Princeville | 808-826-9880
Largest Kauai grocery store on the North Shore with Pharmacy. Located at Princeville Center.Harvest Market Hanalei | 5-5156 Kuhio Hwy | Hanalei | 808-826-0089
Parrish Kauai, Suite-Paradise and Kauai Vacation Rentals are leading island vacation rental companies.
Kauai Revealed Guidebook - a “must get” travel guide. Best Seller!
Download the All-Trails app to enhance your hiking experience.
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1) Hanalei Beach
The half-moon bay of Hanalei Beach is naturally beautiful. High sea cliffs, sheer volcanic ridges, and golden sand surround the ancient sunken valley. Hanalei Bay stretches two miles from point to point and indents the coast a full mile inland. There are coral reefs are on either side of the two points, and in the middle of the bay. Due to a nearby sunken ship, Hanalei has a great snorkeling environment. Black Pot, near the pier, is one of the best areas for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Swimming is excellent here year round, making it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. <directions>
2) Poipu Beach
The most popular beach on the South Shore is Poipu Beach, which is fronted by Poipu Beach Park, and a few resorts. Poipu Beach was named America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among the 10 “best” beaches selected nationwide. This beach is a series of golden sand crescents.
3) Ke’e Beach State Park
Located on a reef-protected Cove, Ke’e (pronounced Kay-ay) Beach attracts swimmers and snorkelers. Take note, though, to stay inside the reef area. Outside of the reef, conditions are unstable and the waters can be dangerous. Be sure to take a short walk towards Ha’ena for a panoramic view of the Na Pali Coast. <directions>
4) Tunnels Beach
Easily one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, Tunnels Beach is excellent for swimming year round and provides excellent snorkeling conditions as it is protected by a fringing coral reef. Surrounded by the peaks of Bali Hai, Tunnels Beach is one of the best locations to watch the sunset on Kauai. <directions>
5) Anini Beach
Although unguarded by attendants, Anini, a famous beach spot on the northern shore of Kauai, is one of the most protected beaches in the county, thanks to the adjacent reef that runs along the whole two-mile-long stretch of Anini’s coastline.
Home to Hawaii’s longest and widest fringing reef, Anini provides some of the best weather and water conditions that are suitable for almost all kinds of water-related activities. <directions>
6) Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park is a remote wild beach on the western side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is by far the lengthiest beach in Hawaii, Polihale Beach is a 17-mile-long stretch of glistening white sand and remarkable dunes. Access to the beach is down an unsurfaced old cane trail road which makes it appear like a desert highway rather than a coastal island. <directions>
Trail Map-click here
DAYS 2 - 5
🏖️ Relax and wander at the beautiful beaches.
Kauai Beach Bucket List (detailed information) - Checklist →
Beach tip: there is more sun-less rain on the south side in comparison to the north side of Kauai.
Take a day cruise up the breathtaking Na Pali coastline. Absolutely spectacular !
Hike the Kalalau trail-part of the Na Pali State Park, and one of the top 20 world treks.
The trail is a eleven (11) mile one way trek into paradise, consisting of waterfalls, lush green valleys, sea caves and gorgeous vistas. You need 2 to 3 days to explore and hike the entire trail, therefore camping is required. The Kalalau Trail is considered a challenging and strenuous hike, requiring physical fitness, proper preparation, and a certain level of hiking experience. It is important to be aware of the trail's difficulty before attempting it.
Most visitors opt for a day hike. The popular choice and highly recommended day hike is from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach, covering approximately two miles in one direction. (Total RT is 4-miles) Even if you choose to complete only this shorter portion of the trail, the experience is truly worthwhile and offers spectacular scenery.
It is important to understand that attempting to complete the full round-trip hike to Kalalau Beach in a single day is NOT feasible. To hike the entire trail, a camping permit is required and obtaining one is crucial before starting the journey. This regulation ensures adherence to the trail's guidelines and management protocols and promoting safety.
Proper footwear with good traction is essential. Trail can be slippery or muddy at spots.
IMPORTANT ENTRANCE CHANGES AT “NA PALI COAST”
Hāʻena State Park: home to Kēʻē Beach, Kalalau Trail and Hanakāpīʻai beach, is now subject to daily visitor limits.
Visitors are REQUIRED to purchase a Park entry reservation and an online car parking reservation PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.
All non-Hawaii resident visitors/tourist will be required to purchase both an Entrance and Parking reservations. For example, if there are two (2) passengers in your one (1) vehicle, you will need to purchase two (2) entry reservations and 1 (one) parking reservations
Visitors that choose to walk-in, bike-in, or arrange private drop-off (friend, Uber, Lyft) are still REQUIRED to make an online reservation to enter the park.
If you planning on camping, a valid Camping Permit for Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is required separately.
RESERVATIONS are available for purchase UP TO 30 DAYS in advance.
<Reserve your spot>
If parking is full, North Shore Shuttle service from Princeville will also be available. <Learn more>
FAQ’S regarding Hāʻena State Park and the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park.
Source: AdventurousPair by Kory Christensen
Koke State Park:
Waimea Canyon -includes nice photo ops at many roadside lookouts!
Canyon trail - branches off of the Cliff Trail and is a four (4) mile round trip that takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and enjoy.
—Level of difficulty: moderate.
Iliau Nature Loop trail - a easy 15-minute, quarter-mile nature walk. You will find enjoyable views of Waimea Canyon.
Kalalau Lookout - one of the most-photographed valleys in all of Hawaii. The lookout is at 4,000 feet elevation.
Best time to go is morning (8am-11am). Clouds are constantly rolling in and out, however morning is better.
Kalalau Lookout is located at mile marker #18 on Waimea Canyon Road.
A little further at the end of the road is Pu'u o Kila overlook, which is also the start to the Pihea Trail (2.3 mi. RT).
The best spot for a photo is here.
The Kalalau valley has served as the backdrop for countless films including "King Kong" (the original) and "Jurassic Park.”
Polihale State Park:
Polihale State Park is a remote wild beach on the western side. About a 1-hour drive from Poipu.
Driving tip: the last seven (7) miles of the road leading to the park is an unimproved dirt road that may flood during rains and become impassable, otherwise it is somewhat bumpy but fine. <GPS coordinate>
Polihale scenic beach is flanked to the north by the Na Pali Coast mountain ridges. The sunsets can be stunning.
Kilauea Lighthouse-located on Kīlauea Point on the north side of island. It’s a photographer’s hotspot.
Discover various trails - www.kauai.com/hikes gives you a list of the most popular hikes.
In Poipu, the Mahaulepu coastal trail is the BEST hike, which starts at Shipwreck Beach, (next to the Hyatt hotel) along sand-dune cliffs, Kiawe trees, limestone formations and rocky inlets. A easy hike for all ages.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae Bike/Walk trail - route map. This 7.3-mile path starts at Lihi Park in Kapaa and follows the coast north, ending at Ahihi Point, just past Donkey Beach.
This path is available to walkers, joggers, bikers, and is safe for families. The path goes along the ocean.
Old Koloa Town - a quaint plantation village consisting of shops, restaurants & exhibits about Koloa's sugar history. Located in the Poipu area.
If your accommodations are in the Poipu area, relax at its beautiful beaches.
DAY 6
Depart Kauai for your flight home or discover another Hawaiian Island.
Map - North Shore
Kauai Island Map
Map - Poipu area
Driving time around Kauai:
Poipu <—> Waimea Canyon, 1 hr.
Poipu <—> Na Pali Coast, to end of the road (Ke’e beach). 1.5 hr. <Rush hour can add additional time>
Poipu <—> Polihale State Park, 1 hr.
Poipu <—> Princeville, 75 min.
Average cost:
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people
Budget: $2,400
Moderate: $3,300
Luxury: $4,500 +
Climate Guide:
On average, the temperatures are always high...80's during the day, 60's at night
Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in December and January.
Kauai has dry periods in May through September.
The warmest months are June, July and August.
The coolest months are December through February.
In general, the rainfall is greater in the Windward side of islands.
The rainy season does NOT impose a real issue to visit the Hawaiian Islands.
Kauai Gallery
Sources: Hawaii style organization LLC. wikipedia.org, Jack Harter helicopters, AdventurousPair by Kory Christensen. No copyright infringement is intended on this website by travelwildnow.com