Are you planning a trip to Kauai? Here is a sample itinerary for a perfect 7-day escape to add to your Kauai vacation planning...
This itinerary is planned with Kapa'a as your home base, but if you staying on the North Shore or South Shore, this itinerary will work for you as well! It includes beach days, hiking, snorkeling, a luau, and gives you several days exploring Kauai's beautiful North Shore, South Shore, and Windward side of the island. A rental car is a must for this itinerary - check out Discount Hawaii Car Rental for good rates.
Coconut Coast & Kapa'a
Once you arrive to Kauai, head to the Coconut Coast to check in at your hotel or rental. Unpack, get settled, and run to the grocery store if you plan to stock up on food for the week. There are several grocery stores in Kapa'a, including Foodland, Safeway, Big Save Market, and Papaya's Natural Foods that carries locally-sourced, organic, and vegan friendly products.
Afterwards grab a quick bite to eat (one option is the Sleeping Giant Grill for their Ono Tacos) before heading on over to Snorkel Bob's to pick up your snorkel gear for the week. Now it's time to start your vacation! Head to Lydgate State Park, a protected beach for some beach time and snorkeling.
If you're looking for a place for dinner, try Verde Restaurant located in the Kapa'a Shopping Center (4-1101 Kuhio Hwy, A-3, Kapa'a, HI). Their sauces are delicious and they use locally-sourced ingredients - try the ahi tacos or shrimp tacos!
Cruising Along The Na Pali Coast & Hanalei Bay
For your first full day on Kauai, book a Na Pali Coast boat excursion with Na Pali Catamaran. I highly suggest booking this excursion early on during your trip just in case of bad weather or poor ocean conditions. And then if you do have to reschedule you'll then have the rest of the week to do so.
Once you check in with Na Pali Catamaran, head on over to the Village Snack Shack and Bakery for a quick breakfast. And if you feel like splurging (calorie-wise), grab some malasadas, a Portuguese doughnut without a hole.
After your excursion, head in to Hanalei for some lunch. There are several food trucks in Hanalei, you could try Cafe Turmeric for their coconut curry shrimp. After your meal and visiting the quaint town of Hanalei head to Hanalei Bay for some beach time.
Kayaking, Waterfalls & Shave Ice
Today will cover waterfalls, kayaking, and some shave ice. Start your day with the Secret Falls Kayak Tour, a guided kayak tour down the Wailua River with a short hike to Secret Falls with Adventure in Hawaii. The tour will last approximately 5 hours and includes lunch with assorted sandwiches and beverages.
After your kayaking excursion, check out two more nearby waterfalls that are easily seen from the road - Wailua Falls and Opeaka'a Falls. Afterwards head back to Kapa'a to grab some shave ice (highly recommend ordering the rainbow shave ice with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream) at the Hee Fat General store before walking around and shopping in town.
For dinner make reservations at Hukilau Lanai located at the Kauai Coast Resort. They serve fresh, local fish (my favorite is the Hukilau Mixed Grill) and you must order the "Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory" Warm Cake. It takes about 20 minutes to make, so when you order your dinner entree, also let your server know that you'd like this for dessert as well. It's so good!
Beach Hopping On The North Shore
Today is all about checking out several beaches on the North Shore. Start your day at Hideaways Beach. There is a small public lot for parking...but spaces are limited, at most 8 parking spots, so get here early for a chance to get a parking spot. If ocean conditions are good, this is a great beach for snorkeling.
Afterwards head over to Pu'u Poa Beach at the St. Regis. For both Hideaways and Pu'u Poa beaches, just bring the essentials, because both require a little endurance to reach them. Hideaways involves a steep hike down a rocky path with some metal handrails and some ropes for assistance, and Pu'u Poa involves nearly 200 steps down to the beach. But both are worth it!
Afterwards, grab some lunch in either Hanalei or Princeville before heading to your next beach, Anini Beach. Anini is protected by a large offshore reef, making its waters relatively calm most of the time, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, beach walks, and checking out the beautiful homes along the beach.
Waimea Canyon & the South Shore
Start with an early morning driving up to see Waimea Canyon. It's best to start early in the morning before the clouds roll in and cover the canyon's spectacular views. Make sure to stop at each of the lookouts, including the last lookout overlooking the Kalalau Valley.
Afterwards head to Koloa town to grab a bite to eat at Keoki's Paradise before heading to Poipu Beach Park. Spend the rest of the day at the beach, snorkeling and relaxing.
As you make your way back up to the North Shore, stop in Lihue for dinner at Duke's. The fresh fish is always my go-to at Duke's with the macadamia nut and parmesan crust!
Lawai Beach & a Coastal Hike
Start the morning with a snorkel adventure at Lawai Beach near the Beach House restaurant on the South Shore. The snorkeling here is great, and you will definitely see a variety of fish here.
Afterwards take a coastal hike along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. It starts at Shipwreck Beach and is relatively easy. You'll go along some sand-dunes, walk along limestone cliffs and rocky inlets where you can see the waves crashing.
Now that you've worked up an appetite, head to the Kauai Food Truck in Koloa for a quick bite to eat before heading back to Kapa'a.
That evening attend the Smith Family Garden Luau in Kapa'a. Best to make reservations months in advance before your trip.
Hanalei Bay & Tahiti Nui
It's your last full day in Kauai, so what better way to spend it relaxing in Hanalei. Head to the Hanalei Bay Beach to relax, take a beach walk and enjoy the water.
For lunch grab a plate lunch in the Ching Young Village before strolling Hanalei town, shopping and picking up some last minute gifts for family and friends, and then heading back to the beach.
If you plan to spend the whole day on the North Shore, one option for dinner would be Tahiti Nui. It's relaxed with a chill, surfer vibe. You can enjoy live musical entertainment each night from 6:30-9pm.
And I just want to add that because the weather and ocean conditions change daily that it's always best to check the daily forecast and the local ocean reports before you start each day so you can adjust this itinerary if need be.
If you followed this itinerary (or parts of it), please let me know how your vacation went!
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