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

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

Afternoon

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

Afternoon

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

Evening

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

Evening

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

Afternoon

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

Afternoon

Evening

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

1. 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.

2. Restaurant reservations are hard to get post-covid as its a small town and short staffed. So try and book ahead if you can

3. Pack - Hiking shoes, sunscreen, atleast two rash guards and board shorts, hiking bag (like a Patagonia) and atleast 32 Oz Hydroflasks.

4. Gear - If you have snorkels take them or rent in Kauai. Water shoes - since this trip we did a lot of kayaking.

Map It!

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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.

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