Curator’s statement
My family of four spent an idyllic week on Kauai in May of 2023. When planning this trip, I asked fellow travelers, “Which Hawaiian Islands should we visit?”. Each time the answer was, “Kauai”. So, Kauai it was! Known as the "Garden Isle," it has a diverse microclimate. The North Shore is lusher and more tropical, with more rain showers and rainbows. It has the beautiful Na Pali coast. The South Shore has amazing beaches, is drier and closer to the airport. It is also an easy drive to Waimea Canyon, “the Grand Canyon” of Kauai.
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Day 1: Arrive in Kauai
Arrive at the Lihue airport, pick up your rental car and check into a south-shore hotel. We stayed at the lovely Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Enjoy the lush hotel grounds, beach and pool. Consider a massage after your flight at the Grand Hyatt Spa.
Day 2: Helicopter Tour and Lush Views
The best way to get to know the island is with a helicopter tour, located near the Lihue airport. This is the place to splurge on a helicopter tour! Much of Kauai’s land is privately owned. A helicopter tour is the ideal way to truly experience the beauty that you can’t get to on the ground. Some of the off-the-beaten-path sights you’ll experience on a 60-minute flight include “Jurassic Park Falls”, the Seven Sisters Falls and the Na Pali coast. Make sure to pick the “doors off” tour for the best photos, wear a wind breaker and have a strap for your phone or camera!
After the tour, grab lunch at a local restaurant. We enjoyed the Plantation House by Gaylord’s.
Enjoy an afternoon lounging by the pool, beach or body boarding on Shipwreck beach. The Maha’ulepu Trail is accessible from the Grand Hyatt Grounds and gives stunning cliff views.
Watch the sunset from Shipwreck Beach or Hanalei Pier. After sunset, head to Poipu Beach and look for the Hawaiian green sea turtles slumbering on the beach.
Day 3: Waimea Canyon
Drive about 45 minutes to Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. It is a breathtaking geological sight. Hike one of the many options and take plenty of photos.
Spend the afternoon checking out the Spouting Horn, a natural blowhole. If you’re a plant and garden lover, visit Allerton Gardens. See one of the many "Jurassic Park" filming sites, the Moreton Bay giant fig tree and an array of tropical flora. Be sure to check out one of the many beaches in the area.
Day 4: The East Shore of Kauai
Make time for Kauai’s east shore. We started the day with a 3-hour tour of Lydgate Chocolate Farm. It is a 45-minute drive from Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Go hungry! You’ll see the chocolate making process from the cacao plant to pod to chocolate bar and see the lush rainforest plants on a guided walk around the property. Our favorite was the taste testing of multiple varieties of chocolate and tropical fruits. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance!
In the afternoon, head to Kapaa for lunch, if you have any room left after tastings. Check out the Wailua River and Opaekaa Falls. You may consider a boat and kayak tour on the Wailua River to Fern Grotto. Lydgate Beach is a great place to relax.
Embrace the local cultural heritage through an evening luau and traditional hula experience.
Day 5: The North Shore and Hanalei Bay
Head to the North Shore and Hanalei Bay. On your drive, make sure to see the Kilaeu Point lighthouse for fabulous views and photos.
Check into the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, an oceanfront sanctuary and spa. Enjoy their private beach and spend a calm day at the spa, relaxing on the beach and snorkeling. We snorkeled with Hawaiian green sea turtles face-to-face, an extraordinary experience!
If you’re up for a hike, wear your Tevas or Chacos, bring your towel and snorkel gear. Hike down to Hideaway Beach, Pali Ke Kua to the locals, a secluded beach with remarkable snorkeling. Sea turtles were our swimming companions again.
Enter near the 1 Hotel entrance, close to the pickle ball courts. It’s a short, steep climb down. Note, there are ropes to hang onto to help you down.
Dine at the 1 Hotel or drive into Hanalei and try Bar Acuda or Ama Restaurant, two of our favorites.
Day 6: From Na Pali to Hanalei Bay
A must-do is a morning boat and snorkel tour of the Na Pali from Hanalei Bay. The views are stunning!
Afterward, try JoJo’s Shave Ice. A traditional Hawaiian shave ice joint, which makes their own toppings and syrups in house. I recommend a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom of the shaved ice. Yum!
Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the area, watching surfers at Hanalei Bay and spotting "Puff the Magic Dragon" from the beach.
Day 7: Last Day in Kauai
Finish taking in the wonders of the North Shore. Consider a spa day at the 1 Hotel Hanalei.
If you desire a more active day, visit the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. Hike Hanakoa Falls, enjoy the Lumahai Beach Walk or check out the shopping and art in Hanalei town.
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Lake Louise: Mountain Luxury, Adventure and Respite.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kaua'i.