Curator’s statement
Kauaʻi is my favorite Hawaiian island, often called the "Garden Isle" for its lush vegetation. You can enjoy a variety of activities, from fine dining and sunset cruises while whale and dolphin watching along the Nā Pali Coast, to private hikes with mountain vistas of Hanalei Bay, exploring Waimea Canyon and thrilling helicopter tours of hidden waterfalls. Many of these experiences, like snorkeling at Kēʻē Beach or booking a cruise, require advance planning. Whether visiting with family or solo, you will appreciate the island’s easy transportation and the warm, welcoming locals.
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Day 1: Arrival
You’ll arrive in Lihue, pick up your rental car and enjoy dinner at Duke's. Be sure to save room for Hula Pie. Next, check into the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and watch the sunset from the Resort's Lagoon or Lawai Beach.
Day 2: North Coast
Start your day with breakfast for two at the hotel before heading out to explore the north coast of Kauaʻi. Be sure to visit the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse and Kauapea Beach, also known as Secret Beach. Stop for photos at the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge or enjoy a short, guided hike with HIKE KAUAI. I recommend bringing a camera for capturing vista views from the top of the ʻŌkolehao Trail.
After the hike, continue heading north for more hiking on the Kalalau Trail or snorkeling and swimming at Ke’e Beach, which is protected by a reef (parking and shuttle reservations are required at Go Hāʻena).
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll down the pier in Hanalei Bay. For dinner, enjoy local music and Japanese-inspired plates at Welina Terrace (reservations required) or continue driving to Lihue for a poolside dinner at Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach at The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue (reservations required).
Day 3: Waimea Canyon
Start your day with a walk on the paved path by the ocean at the hotel, followed by breakfast for two. Then, drive to Waimea Canyon for a hike and some photos. In the evening, head down the mountain to Port Allen in Eleele for Capt Andy's Nā Pali Coast sunset dinner cruise on a catamaran (reservations required; dinner included).
Day 4: Rest & Relax
Enjoy breakfast for two at the hotel and spend some time relaxing at the pools, lagoons, and beach. Next, indulge in a spa treatment at Anara Spa (advance booking recommended). Afterward, have dinner while watching the sunset from Stevenson’s Library or the Beach House (reservations highly recommended; try the ahi tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes! Finish your day with a dip in the hot tub.
Day 5: Check Out
Breakfast for two and check-out of the hotel. Drive to the airport in Lihue and return the rental car. Sleep on the plane or edit your photos!
Additional Days
Experience a helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views of the island (reservations required).
Need to know
The trip I planned blended sophisticated luxury with exhilarating adventure, offering both upscale experiences and rugged exploration.
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Travel Advisor
Molly McCune
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Hawai'i. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Priscilla Soule's guide, North Shore Kaua'i Like A Local.