7 Day Kauai Itinerary For Family Adventurers

Remote islands, lush green tropical forests, waterfalls, and jagged coastline are some of the things that come to mind when one dreams about Kauai! The “Garden Isle” as it’s known is the smallest of the Hawaiian Islands but has it all. While the North shore no doubt is more popular because of the jaw-dropping outdoor attractions like the Na Pali Coastline, the South Shore, while drier, does bring a contrasting experience with Waimea Canyon. On a week-long trip, you can basically enjoy the whole Island, from great roadside eats to hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling!

In this 7-day itinerary, your home base is in Hanalei / Princeville area on Kaui’s North Shore. On this trip, we alternate between highly active adventures on some days and just chilling on others. Start your trip by easing into the Island life (take advantage of Jet lag!) on the first day. Enjoy the serene walks on the Princeville bluff and grab cocktails with dinner in the resort (we stayed at the fabulous Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas). Next up, do a cultural trip to the historic town of Kapaa, especially to the unique Kauai Hindu Monastery. Head West on Day 3 to hike to waterfalls in the exquisitely carved Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Following day slow down and enjoy the sleepy town of Hanalei on the North Shore. On Day 5 get ready for the must-do kayak+hike tour to the “Secret Waterfalls” on the Wailua River. On your last two days, play a round of golf on the world-famous Makai golf Course and wrap up the vacation with an exhilarating half-day hike on the Na Pali Coast Trail to Hanakap’ai Beach.

Tip -  As you vacation, recreate responsibly. Respect the local culture, people, and the island.

Trip Highlights

Duration - 7 Days

Places - Kaui, Hawaii

Best for - Family Adventure Vacation

Travel Pace - Active

Season - Spring

Experiences - Hiking on Napali Coast Trail, Hike Waimea Canyon, Chase waterfalls (Opeaka, Wailua), Kayak + Hike tour to the Secret Falls on Wailua River, and explore laid back towns of Kapaa and Hanalei in North Shore for great roadside eateries and coffee.

Trip Cost - $380/day/person including airfare. Cost includes 1 Bedroom Oceanfront Villa at a 5-star resort (Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas); Jeep Rental + Gas (prices were high due to shortage from the pandemic); Food and Drinks (assumes at least 3 dinners cooked in the villa). State Park Park tickets and passes. You can trim this budget by choosing alternative accommodations or non-resort condo rentals and renting a car vs a jeep or just renting for the days you need (Availability is risky though!)

Trip Route

Itinerary

DAY 1 ALOHA! EASE INTO THE GARDEN ISLE

No matter where you are flying from, getting to the Island of Kauai in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a long flight. Start with easing into the island life for the first 2 days relaxing and exploring the laid-back towns of Hanalei and Kapaa on the North Shore, indulging in some scenic drives, waterfalls, local food, and coffee hidden gems.

Most flights either arrive early afternoons (around 1 PM ish) or evenings (after 5 PM). If you arrive early afternoon as we did, check-in is not until 4 PM, so suggest making a quick stop in Princeville Market to pick up some groceries and supplies for the first few days as most resort villas have full kitchens and grills. After check-in, grab a drink and quick bite qt the poolside bar, take a walk on the Princeville bluff and soak in the Pacific Ocean. Settle into your comfy Villa beds for a good night’s sleep!

Duration: Flight Time (5+ hours)

Good To Know: Westin Resort Villas can properly store your groceries in proper boxes while you hang out at the beach till your villa is ready for checking in.

How to get there: Rent a car from the airport if you plan to go around the island a lot.

Note: you can get a 30% from Avis if you are an owner at Westin Ocean Resort Villas.

Afternoon

**Check-in at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas**

Check in at the fabulous one-bedroom premium villas. The resort is small enough and well designed so most villas have some view - mountains or oceans!

**Check-in 4 PM**

Evening

DAY 2 EXPLORE HISTORIC TOWN OF KAPAA

With jet lag still looming in, take advantage of rising up early and head to the historic town of Kapaa. Before heading into town, drive up to this quaint Hindu Monastery and enjoy the peace, calm and beauty of this hidden gem. It’s tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful river, waterfalls and lush green forests. From, here head towards Wailua River and stop for a few to enjoy and photograph the Opeaka Waterfalls. Head to town of Kapaa and grab some local bites and incredible coffee at Java Kai. After 3 hours in this area head back North Shore to grab some delicious tacos in Hanalei town and head back to your resort in Princeville for swim and outdoor grilling!

Tip: Both Opeaka and Wailua Falls are close to each other and accessible from the roadside only. You can also do Wailua Falls on the last day before heading to the airport. You don't need any more than 15 minutes.

Duration: 4-6 Hours

Activity Level: Easy

Good To Know: For the Hindu Monastery, book an appointment in advance for the 9AM personal meditation and prayer session.

Morning

**Opeaka Falls**

Soak in the view of your first waterfall as you drive towards the town of Kapaa from the Hindu Monastery. There is a nice lookout point to watch these falls.
Tip: From the parking lot you can also walk across safely to view the Wailua River from the top. This is where you will come for the Kayak tour later in the week.
**30 Minutes**

**Java Kai Coffee**

Hip Coffee + Cafe joint for cold brews, Acai bowls, and Avacado toasts. A must-have stop whenever you go through Kapaa!
`Tip: Order the cold brew and an acai bowl`

Afternoon

**Lunch at Tropical Tacos, Hanalei town**

Before you head back towards North Shore, head a few minutes past your hotel in Princeville, to the laid-back town of Hanalei. to make a lunch stop for fresh fish tacos. They are a family-owned local business since 1978.
Tip: Grab a spot on the patio and enjoy this charming island town

**1 Hour**
Getting there

**Wyllies Beach**

Head back to the Westin Princeville and take the short trail down to this spectacular and quiet beach. It’s a quiet hideaway beach near the resort. Take a nap or just walk around and enjoy the vast pacific ocean views.
`Tip: Easy and convenient access from the Westin. Suggest come here for quick run in the morning too or anytime`

Evening

DAY 3 HEAD WEST TO HIKE IN WAIMEA CANYON

Waimea Canyon - is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, is true to the comparison. It’s grand, spectacular, and hard to fathom this enormous natural phenomenon on this small island of Kauai. Surely this does not come to mind when one visualizes tropical islands!

Start your day early (island standard time around 8 AM :) with a stop at Java Kai Coffee in Kapaa again for the morning caffeine buzz. The drive to Waimea Lookout point is about 1.5 hours. You want to get there before it gets too hot in the day for the hike. There are some amazing views along the drive before you actually do the hike. So take time to enjoy the grand vistas and take some memorable pictures. Don’t miss the spectacular waterfall from the lookout point! Start the Canyon Trail hike from Pu'u Hinahina Lookout point - it’s the harder of the two trails, but worth it.

By 3:00 PM head back and make a stop for a self-guided coffee-making tour and coffee tasting at the local Kauai Coffee Company, located just on Hwy 56, about a 1-hour drive back from Kōkeʻe State Park (the point where you will end your Canyon Trail hike!). Once back at the resort, rest and freshen up before an early dinner in Hanalei Town.

Tips:  1. There is park entrance fee upon arrival at Waimea Lookout point. No prior reservation required!!  2. Also there are two other trails - Black Pipe Trail and Waipoo Falls trail that can get you closer to the falls. to cover that you will need to start your Canyon trail hike much earlier in the day!

Duration: Full Day

Activity Level: Moderate

Good To Know: The trail is wet and muddy and initially has a steep descent. Hiking shoes are recommended.

How to Get There: Drive on HI-56S and Hi-50W for about 63 miles

Morning

**Waimea Lookout Point**
As you start heading West on Hwy 50, you will see glimpses of the Canyon. Arrive at Waimea lookout point - your first stop for classic Waimea Canyon vista views - especially the spectacular Waipo’o Falls against the backdrop of the Canyon walls. This is a popular spot so that parking can be tight but most people don’t spend more than 30 minutes so the flow is good.

`Tip: There few other spots to get closer views of the falls before you reach your point to start the hike`
**45 minutes**

Afternoon

**Waipo’o Falls Lookout**

Continue a short drive to your next stop to view the falls and the canyon. Take a few pictures and head towards to start of your hiking trail
**15 Minutes**

**Waimea Canyon Trailhead (Pu’u Hinahina Lookout)**

Park at this lookout point and walk towards the start of the Waimea Canyon Trail. This is a 2-3 hr out and back trail. A bit steep descent and muddy, but nicely wooded.

Towards the last half mile, it surprisingly has a steep climb but offers spectacular views of the gorge and the Napali Coast Ridges. You can stop here and enjoy a snack and drink and then do the quick hike down to the mini waterfall (it’s okay…don’t mistake this for the Waipo’o Falls !!)

Return via a shorter route on Hulemena Road to the entrance of Kokee State Park. Saves 1 hour of the hike back. But you need someone to pick u up here.
`Tip: Use Alltrails app for detail info and offline navigation. (I love this app)`
**2 Hours**

**Kauai Coffee Company**

Before heading back, stop for a self-guided coffee-making tour of the farms and buy some beans!
**45 Minutes**

Evening

DAY 4 GET LAZY IN NORTH SHORE’S HANALEI TOWN

Take a well-deserved mid-stay time to chill and relax in Princeville / Hanalei towns on North Shore. Start the day with a morning stroll on the bluff and chill by the pool. By mid-day, head to Nourish Hanalei (yes this was our go-to spot) for a dose of healthy food and to soak in the views of the Hanalei Valley. Late afternoon spend some time at a Hanalei Lookpoint to take some amazing photographs of the Hanalei Valley from a different vantage point. Pick some groceries as dinner is outdoor grilling back at the resort.

Duration: Half Day

Activity Level: Easy

Good To Know: Parking is very limited near Nourish Hanalei, so be patient and park up the street. Remember it’s a residential area..so look out for restrictions.

How to get there: Its a 10 minute drive to both these locations

Morning

Afternoon

**Acai bowls and Thai Wraps @** **Nourish Hanalei**

Find your way to this hidden gem, perched on the edge of a hill with mind-blowing views of the beautiful Hanalei Valley. Get a taste of local and health-conscious food. ⁠
`Tip: Try the Acai Bowls and Thai wrap lunch, grab a spot under the trees and enjoy the spectacular view. No need to rush!⁠.`
**30 - 45 Minutes**

**Hanalei Valley Lookout Point**

As you come out of the turn from Nourish Hanalei, make a stop at this popular Hanalei Valley Lookout point. Great views of the valley, and the river - you can even spot kayakers from up above and if lucky, you can view the Wai’oli (“happy water”) waterfall on the Namolokama Mountain
**30 Minutes**

Evening

**Sunset dinner on the bluff!**

Wrap the day with outdoor grilling right in your backyard of the Westin Princeville villas. Market fresh fish, greens, veggies burgers and pair it with a bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio
**6 PM onwards**

DAY 5 KAYAK-HIKE TO “SECRET FALLS” ON WAILUA RIVER

Get ready for almost a full day of adventure, packed with kayaking and hiking to the “Secret Falls” (many confuse it with Wailua Falls1). This guided tour with Kayak Kauai, a local family-owned business, is a must-do, especially if this is your first time on this river.. Kayaks, lunch, snacks, and a fun local guide (we had a nature lover as a guide) - all come together :). A lot of freedom to kayak and hike at your own pace. Our group had about 15 people. Personally, we like to do at least one guided tour on our trips, ideally with a local small business.

Tip:  Book direct with Kayak Kauai atleast 30 days in advance as this tour fills out quick. They also have an early morning option if you want to pack in another afternoon activity!

Duration: 11:30 AM to 4:30 AM

Activity Level: Moderate

Good To Know: Great and safe for families with young kids, teenagers, couples, and solo travelers

How to get there: Take HI-56S from North Shore (about 3-40 minutes from Westin Princeville)

Morning - Afternoon

**Kayak + Hike Tour With** **Kayak Kauai**

Drive to Kayak Kauai’s docks located on the Wailua River, right off the freeway HI 56S. (our tour time was 11:30 AM). Once you have checked-in , the fantastic local tour guide will get your gear (including a dry bag!), snacks, and drinks and walk you to the docks for a quick orientation, before getting into the kayaks. It is a small group (6-8 people) adventure so felt very personalized and we had a lot of freedom to paddle at our own pace. I even got my very own single-person kayak!

The adventure starts with 50 minutes of kayaking and then 30 minutes of moderate hike, each way through streams and tropical jungles and ends with fabulous swimming under the “Secret Waterfall” + Lunch and beer!. It’s fabulous! And all along the guide, gave us some nice historical references to the area and culture.
`Tip: Take a rash guard shirt, tech or board shots, clossed toe shoes (like Olukai) and one dry shirt to change if you like. Ofocurse lots of Sun block!`
**4 hours**

Evening

**Hoku Foods Natural Market**

Before your head home, stop at the incredible natural food store to pick some delicious groceries for grilling dinner back at the villa. The store has the classic Kapa’a surfy,bohemian vibe.
**30 Minutes**

**Oceanfront Dinner at Westin Princeville Grills**

We loved the fish so much that we picked up from Hoku Natural Foods on our return from Ka’Paa. Perfect way to wrap up a super adventure filled day.

DAY 6 OUT AT THE GREENS AT PRINCEVILLE MAKAI GOLF COURSE + HANALEI BAY

Take a break and start the day at one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The fairways are forgiving and the views are breath-taking. Even if you are not a golfer, you can consider renting their golf carts for afternoon/sunset drive around. You can also play tennis here if you like. After a 9-hole round, grab lunch at the golf club or head to what was our trip favorite - acai bowls , wraps, cold brew ate the Nourish Hanalei! After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the Hanalei Bay Wildlife Refuge and Hanalei Bay Pier before wrapping up the evening at the awesome casual dinner in the Hanalei Town.

Duration: 4-5 hours (Golf Tee Time 10 AM , 2 hours)

Activity Level: Easy

Good To Know: Book Tee time and ask for Westins 25% discount. We did 9 hole round. Gives you rest of the day to explore Hanalei Valley

How to get there: 5 Min drive from the Westin Princeville Resort.

Morning

**Princeville Makai Golf Course**

Jumpstart the day (island time :) with a 9-hole round of golf at Makai Golf Course. It’s one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world with great views of the Napali Coast. The folks unlike most golf clubs are super chilled and really make it fun. The clubs rentals come with a cart, which makes driving around the course even more enjoyable.
`Tip: Book tee time from Westin concierge. Guest get 25% off rentals and tee time.`
**2 hours**

Afternoon

**Acai Bowls + Cold Brew @Nourish Hanalei**
Post golf, find your way back to this hidden gem, perched on the edge of a hill with mind-blowing views of the beautiful Hanalei Valley. Get a a dose of healthy acai bowls with some fantastic cold brew coffee topped with a splash of macadamia nut milk and maple syrup.
**45 Minutes**

**Hanalei Bay Wildlife Refuge**
Go crazy and photograph this beautiful lush green valley with taro fields. Take a quick left turn after crossing the Hanalei Bridge when heading towards town. Parking is very limited unless you drive up half a mile to park at the Okolehao Hiking Trailhead.

**1 Hour**
`Tip: Consider adding a moderate hike, nearby on Okolehao Trail`

**Hanalei Bay Pier**

Head towards town for the last stop of the day at the Hanalei Bay Pier. A very popular beach/pier for both travelers and locals alike. Great spot for a stroll on the boardwalk and fabulous views of the Hanalei beach and Napali coast mountains.
`Tip: Free Parking.`
**30-45 minutes**

Evening

DAY 7 HIKE ON NA PALI COAST TRAIL TO HANAKAP’AI BEACH

After a relaxing day, get into high gear for the exhilarating day of hiking on the Napali Coast Trail in Hae’na State Park. Definitely another top Hawaiian Islands bucket list item. The very popular Kalalua Trail to Hanakapi’Ai Beach is dotted with lush green forests, running streams, jaw-dropping views of the Na Pali Coast, waterfalls and secluded beaches. It can be done under 3-4 hours out and back, giving you enough time to get back and relax in the resort. Wrap the final night with dinner at the fabulous tapas place Hanalei Town. Grab some coffee and power breakfast, before taking the Waipa Shuttle to the park entrance and don’t forget to pack some lunch for hike - you will need it when you are relaxing on Hanakapi’Ai beach.

Tip: You need to book 30-45 days in advance to enter Hae'Na State Park. Checkout Gohaena State Parks  for details on requirements. Remember, you cannot enter the park even for a quick hike without reservations. We got the 9:30AM shuttle to start the hike at 10:15 AM and took the 2:00 PM shuttle back.

Duration: Half Day (4-5 hours)

Activity Level: Moderate

Good To Know: You cannot enter the park without a reservation - even if you choose to take the shuttle, walk, bike or get dropped off. Suggest taking the shuttle ride option as it saves the hassle.

How to get there: Head to Hanalei Town to the Waipa Shuttle stop. The shuttle will take you through a beautiful scenic drive to the park entrance.

Morning

**Waipa Shuttle Ride to Haena State Park**

Take a short drive to Waipa Shuttle Park and Ride stop to check in for the ride to Haena State Park.
`Tip: For this half day hike, strongly recommend taking the 9:30 AM shuttle ride so you can be back for the 2 PM ride back. Bag Check - 1. Power bank (for phone) 2. 32Fl Water 3. Extra food.`
**9:30 AM**

**Haena State Park**

`Shuttle drop and starting point to walk to Kalalua Trail Head. Tip: Download Alltrails App for helpful offline navigation + lifeline to connect to your family in case of emergency. You can do a free 7 day trial to check the features. Very useful if you are a regular hiker. There is NO cell coverage here!`
**10:15 AM**

**Kalalua Trail Head**

After a short walk, you will see a big sign saying “Napali Coast State Parks”. This is the start of the Kalalua Trail which we will take to get to Hanakapi'Ai Beach.
`Note: This particular hike is 4 hours out and back. If you choose to do the full hike - 22 miles out and back, then it will 11+ hours! So plan ahead your start time and your shuttle reservations accordingly.`

**Hanakapi’Ai Beach via Kalalau Trail**

Start this beautiful hike to Hanakapi'Ai Beach. The trail is too beautiful to not stop and enjoy the incredible jagged coastline, tropical forests and ofcourse interacting with all the co-hikers! After a 2 mile moderate hike, you will reach the spectacular and very secluded Hanakai’Ai Beach. Spend about 1 hour eating lunch and strolling the beach.
The beach is dangerous so please don’t go in the water.

The return hike can be pretty quick depending upon how much you stop to admire the natural beauty. Once you arrive at the Shuttle Pick/Drop stop at Haena State Park, you can show your QR code and check in for your ride back (2:30PM in our case). NOTE: Return trip is first come first basis. Last shuttle 5:30 PM. Check in with QR code (hop on hop off pass) saved on your phone!
`Tip: Avoid getting tempted to hike to the fabulous waterfalls as it will double your hike trip duration and you will miss your shuttle!`

**Start 10:30 AM - End 2:00 PM**

Afternoon

**Last meal @Nourish Hanalei**

Squeeze in one last acai bowl or a cold brewafter hike. They close at 3PM so..rush

**2:55 PM**

Evening

**Tapas Dinner @** **BARacuda**

On this last night dinner, head to Hanalei Town for a delicious small plats tapas dinner. Must try Mai Tais! Perhaps the best ones we had.
`Tip: Try Walk in - we got lucky with a beautiful patio table. but you can walk in for bar seating. Else required reservations several weeks ahead`
**7 PM**

DAY 8 HEAD HOME - MAHALO AND ALOHA!

On this day of departure, plan some final fun activities based on what time your flight is. If you are flying in the morning then, you could squeeze a quick walk on the ocean bluff. If early afternoon departure (we had a 1 PM flight) then, pack and head to Lihue Airport with one fantastic stop on the way - Waliua Falls. While parking is hard, most people move in and out pretty quick as you can see them from the roadside.
If flying in the evening, then you have the full day. Pack and have the front desk store your bags (no cost :). Suggest doing a short 2 hour river kayaking in Hanalei town.

Tip: Wailua Falls are not accessible except roadside. Also you can also do this on Day 1 when visiting Opeaka Falls.

Before You Go

Book your Haena Park Entrance and Shuttle Ride for the Nap Ali Coast trail hike day on Gohaena State Parks atleast 30-45 before the date of arrival. Morning time slots go away quick.
Restaurant reservations are hard to get post-covid as its a small town and short staffed. So try and book ahead if you can
Pack - Hiking shoes, sunscreen, atleast two rash guards and board shorts, hiking bag (like a Patagonia) and atleast 32 Oz Hydroflasks.
Gear - If you have snorkels take them or rent in Kauai. Water shoes - since this trip we did a lot of kayaking.

Map It!

Download This Itinerary in Google Maps

This map is a day-by-day list of places to stay, eat, and experience on this itinerary. Also indicated are recommended alternatives to help personalize this itinerary.
Download and use it for your trip. Have fun!

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Plan Your Trip

Take this itinerary as is or if you like to make some tweaks you can consider swapping with the recommendation additions above. If you have less time 3 or 5 days, then pick and choose from the plan above to personalize your trip. If you have questions on planning your trip or have feedback on this itinerary, leave us a comment below.

7 Day Kauai Itinerary For Family Adventurers

Trip Route

Itinerary

DAY 1 ALOHA! EASE INTO THE GARDEN ISLE

DAY 2 EXPLORE HISTORIC TOWN OF KAPAA

DAY 3 HEAD WEST TO HIKE IN WAIMEA CANYON

DAY 4 GET LAZY IN NORTH SHORE’S HANALEI TOWN

DAY 5 KAYAK-HIKE TO “SECRET FALLS” ON WAILUA RIVER

DAY 6 OUT AT THE GREENS AT PRINCEVILLE MAKAI GOLF COURSE + HANALEI BAY

DAY 7 HIKE ON NA PALI COAST TRAIL TO HANAKAP’AI BEACH

DAY 8 HEAD HOME - MAHALO AND ALOHA!

Before You Go

Map It!

Download This Itinerary in Google Maps

Save This Post For Later On Pinterest

Plan Your Trip

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