Kauai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian Islands. We spent one week on Kauai, nicknamed The Garden Isle. We hiked, took a doors-off helicopter tour (!), and enjoyed some time at the beach and pool.
TIP: We’ve been on an archipelago kick recently. The Hawaiian Islands are easiest to reach from the Western United States. However, consider a trip to Madeira or The Azores from the Eastern United States.
Table of Contents
Getting to Kauai
Lihue Airport (LIH) is Kauai’s international airport. The busiest routes are inter-island but flights from the U.S. mainland and Vancouver, Canada also operate.
We flew to Kauai direct from Maui on a one-way Hawaiian Airlines flight using 7,000 United miles and $5.60 in taxes/fees per person. Inter-island flights typically cost about $100 – $200 per person and often are routed through another Hawaiian island.
Getting Around Kauai
This Kauai itinerary will require a rental car. Jeeps or SUVs are popular rental cars on Kauai but we rented an economy/compact car from Thrifty for ~$194 (~$24 per day) and were able to get around just fine.
TIP: Our Thrifty rental car was identified using AutoSlash – a website that searches for the best price on rental car reservations and will subsequently alert you if a better price is identified. We were able to reduce our initial 8 day reservation price from ~$331 to ~$194 (saving $137!) based on AutoSlash alerts.
TIP: Rental car agencies may try to upsell you to a more powerful or a 4×4 vehicle. There is no aspect of this itinerary that can’t be done in a standard compact car. Polihale State Park – not included on this itinerary – requires a 4×4 vehicle to access and would be a great add-on for beachfront camping if you have the opportunity.
Kauai Accommodation
Many visitors to Kauai select beachside accommodation in the Princeville (north) or Poipu (south) area. Condo rentals are a popular option for families. We were interested in exploring the vast range of activities and terrain that the island has to offer and, after mapping out our activities, we decided to stay in three separate locations during our seven nights in Kauai.
Lehua Cabin (rustic cabin in Kōkeʻe State Park – 2 nights)
This cabin, managed by West Kauai Lodging, is located in Kōkeʻe State Park and can be booked directly or via Airbnb. The cabin is rustic in location, with a wood-burning fireplace, and comfortable with two bedrooms, hot water, flush toilet, and a full kitchen complete with cooking and eating utensils. We read reviews that not all cabins are created equal and we’re happy to have spent the extra money for the Lehua cabin. Locals were often surprised that we stayed within Kokee State Park but this was a no-brainer for us to enable easy access to tons of hiking trails in and around the park, Waimea Canyon, and Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve.
TIP: We use Airbnb (buy discount Airbnb gift cards on Raise.com) for unique accommodation as well as the opportunity to stay in local neighborhoods around the globe. Use this link to get a $20 credit towards your first Airbnb booking!
Kauai Shores Hotel (hotel in Kapaa – 3 nights)
This beachfront family-friendly hotel in Kapaa is ideally located to explore both the north and south shore of Kauai. Our second floor room had a lovely balcony overlooking the pool area. We spent an evening at the beachfront bar and restaurant (go during happy hour for food and drink specials) and I partook in complimentary beachside yoga in the morning. We think Kauai Shores Hotel was a solid value and recommend this hotel.
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach (boutique hotel in Koloa – 2 nights)
Koa Kea is boutique resort that prides itself on its service and upscale atmosphere. This hotel was our end-of-trip splurge (although we paid with points, as we do with most hotel accommodation). We lounged at the pool and soaked in the hot tub, and took advantage of the direct beach access. There are inexpensive food options nearby if you’re not into dining at the pricey on-site restaurant.
Kauai Food and Drink
In my mind, Hawaii is most famous for poke and shave ice.
Fresh poke bowls are found at most general stores and fish markets. Given how expensive meals can be in Hawaii, poke is an amazing bargain. Try Ishihara Market, Kilauea Fish Market, or Koloa Fish Market.
Saimin is another Hawaiian specialty. Go to Humura Saimin in Lihue.
Don’t miss the Hawaiian style hot dogs at Puka Dog in Koloa. If you’re instead craving Mexican, Da Crack is your jam. Be prepared to wait in line.
For Hawaiian shave ice, The Fresh Shave in Kalaheo is the hipster place to go. In my humble opinion, you must try shave ice but snow ice is where it’s really at. Get there early as menu items sell out quick.
For an arrival (or pre-departure) mai tai, head to the beachfront bar at Duke’s Kauai. Beers can be drank at nearby Kauai Beer Company in Lihue or head to Kauai Island Brewery & Grill near Hanapepe.
Kauai Map with Points of Interest
We always find it useful to plot points of interest on a map. Having a visual makes it easier to adjust plans based on weather, timing, or interests.
This map includes layers for points of interest and itineraries in both Kauai and Maui (our Hawaii vacation included both islands; read about our Maui itinerary here). The itinerary map layer has a route corresponding to major points on the suggested day-by-day itinerary outlined herein.
Use our suggested Kauai itinerary as-is or add and subtract additional hikes, activities, and points of interest listed on the map to construct your own perfect Kauai itinerary.
Kauai Suggested Day-by-Day Itinerary
A summary of our itinerary for one week in Kauai is listed below. Links are provided for more detailed information and photos. Use this Kauai itinerary as-is or as a guide to crafting your own itinerary by adding activities and points of interest from our Kauai map.
NOTE: Everybody has different eating habits so stop for groceries and food as needed. Dining recommendations are included within the itinerary notes.
Day 1
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Arrive Kauai (LIH airport) mid-day | |
| Lunch | Grab something to eat in Hanapepe (try Kauai Island Brewery & Grill) or grab some poke at Ishihara Market in Waimea. |
| Ishihara Market | Stop in Waimea to pick up dinner and groceries for your time in Kokee State Park. |
| Waimea Canyon Drive | This 19 mile drive is voted a top scenic drive in the United States. Stop at the scenic viewpoints and lookouts for canyon and waterfall views. |
| Lehua Cabin | Camping cabin in Kōkeʻe State Park. If not available, reserve other accommodation in Waimea. NOTE: Cabin keys are picked up in Waimea before entering the park. |
Day 2
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Stargazing and sunrise in Kōkeʻe State Park | If weather permits, get up early for stargazing or a sunrise. Otherwise, try again tomorrow. |
| Hike in Kōkeʻe State Park | Stop in the museum to purchase a trail map (or see Resources section below). Recommended hikes are highly dependent upon the weather but consider Awa’awapuhi, Pihea & Alaka’i Swamp, or Waimea Canyon trails. There will be time tomorrow for more hiking. |
| Kōkeʻe Lodge | The lodge has drinks and food but is only open until midday. Consider stopping for a well-deserved post-hike meal or snack. |
| Lehua Cabin | Eat dinner and relax in your camping cabin in Kōkeʻe State Park. If not available, reserve other accommodation in Waimea. |
Day 3
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Stargazing and sunrise in Kōkeʻe State Park | If weather permits, get up early for stargazing or a sunrise. |
| Hike in Kōkeʻe State Park | Enjoy another morning or day of hiking in the park. |
| Kōkeʻe Lodge | The lodge has drinks and food but is only open until midday. Consider stopping for a well-deserved post-hike meal or snack. Or, grab some shave ice at The Fresh Shave on the return journey. |
| Kauai Shores Hotel | Stop at Hanapepe Valley Lookout along the drive to the hotel in Kapaa. If you arrive early enough, the beachfront hotel bar (Lava Lava Beach Club) has food and drink specials during happy hour. |
Day 4
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Kauai Shores Hotel | Partake in free yoga on the beach in the morning. |
| Kilauea Lighthouse and National Wildlife Reserve | Open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. Entrance fee of $10 per person. Tour the lighthouse, look for whales off the coast, photograph red footed boobies. |
| Hanalei | Drive to the cute town of Hanalei. Either stop in at the Kilauea Fish Market for some poke or eat lunch in town. |
| Relax at the one or more beaches | Too many to name but our favorite was Anini Beach. |
| Nani Moon Meadery | If you’ve never tried honey wine, now’s the time! |
| Kauai Shores Hotel |
Day 5
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Kauai Shores Hotel | Partake in free yoga on beach in the morning. |
| Hike the Nounou Mountain (“Sleeping Giant”) West Trail | Hike and then scramble over the rocks for sweeping valley views. |
| Lunch | The food trucks in Lihue (try Kikuchi’s) are a popular option. |
| Opaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls | Quick stops to view waterfalls. |
| Wailua River State Park | Rent a paddle board or kayak. Or, see below for a boat cruise to the Fern Grotto. |
| Fern Grotto & Smith’s Family Garden Luau | We can’t vouch for this but if you haven’t had enough of Wailua River State Park take the 15:30 boat cruise to the Fern Grotto followed by a luau (dinner optional). |
| Kauai Shores Hotel | Stop at Hanapepe Valley Lookout along the drive to the hotel in Kapaa. If you arrive early enough, the beachfront hotel bar has food and drink specials for happy hour. |
Day 6
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Mauna Loa helicopter tour | To see the Napali Coast from a different vantage point take a doors-off private helicopter tour. TIP: Mauna Loa tours are available for booking within the Chase UR portal as an experience.. |
| Lunch and rum tasting | Calm your nerves and celebrate your safe landing with a free rum tasting with the knowledgeable folks at Koloa Rum. Lunch can be had at the attached restaurant or pick up some poke at the Koloa Fish Market or food trucks. |
| Spouting Horn | Watch the natural wonder at this park and stroll through the flea market for souvenirs. |
| Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail | This meandering coastal trail begins at Shipwreck Beach and continues over 2 miles to Makauwahi Cave and Mahaulepu Beach. |
| Dinner | The hotel has a pricey restaurant. Cost effective dining options in Poipu include Da Crack and Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs. |
| Koa Kea Hotel & Resort | A lovely boutique hotel in Koloa for a final splurge. |
Day 7
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Rest and Relaxation | Spend the day pampering yourself at the resort. Take a surf lesson, hang out on Poipu beach (keep your eye out for turtles!), or swim in the pool. |
| Koa Kea Hotel & Resort | A lovely boutique hotel in Koloa for a final splurge. |
Day 8
| Activity / Accommodation | Description / Notes |
| Depart Kauai (LIH airport) | Flights to the mainland often depart in the evening so you may have the day to relax on the beach or pick up souvenirs. TIP: The Koa Kea Hotel & Resort has a departure lounge that can be booked to shower and change after check-out hours. Other pre-departure activities may include a final meal at Hamura Saimin or a last mai tai during sunset at Duke’s Kauai. |
Kauai Resources
- State of Hawaii hiking trails – includes thorough information (distance, difficulty, directions, photos, etc.) on all hiking trails
- Kokee State Park information – includes information on hiking trails
- Lonely Planet Kauai – always good to have a Lonely Planet
March 31 – April 7, 2019