Curator’s statement
Welcome to the beautiful Garden Isle, Kaua'i. You are about to indulge in breathtaking natural beauty, adventure and relaxation. With its lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches and laid-back island charm, Kaua'i is the perfect destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable Hawaiian experience. Whether you’re here to hike along the iconic Nā Pali Coast, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, chase waterfalls or simply soak up the aloha spirit, this itinerary has everything you need to make the most of your trip.
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Day 1: Arrival in Lihu'e
Once you have settled into your accommodation, it's time to hit the beach! Any of the hotels recommended in this guide boast wonderful beaches either on-site or a short walk away. If you are staying at the Grand Hyatt, one of my most recommended stays on Kaua'i, you'll be right on Shipwreck Beach, a popular spot for lounging and trail wandering.
Shipwreck Beach is a nice little stretch of sand, with a grassy picnic area and a easy hiking trail nearby (Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail). The trail loops around, so you can get both views off the cliffside of the ocean and lush green scenery once you head into the trees. It is a very pet-friendly location, too.
Another wonderful beach is Poipu Beach located on the south shore. For a real treat, hop over to Poipu Beach for sunset and turtle watching in the evening. We came back to this beach multiple times throughout our trip to watch the turtles come up as the sun went down. Volunteers are also on the beach to keep the turtles safe, educate anyone interested in learning more about the turtles and help you spot turtle heads poking up in the bay as they come in for the night. This is Kaua'i's main turtle resting beach.
A note from Kaylee
We took a shelter dog on a field trip and Shipwreck is the beach and trail we walked her on! (More on that field trip to come, keep reading!) People were out catching waves, and even though it was a rainier day, there were still plenty of people lounging on the beach. The trail is super easy, too. There is a small hill to get up on the cliffside, but the rest is fairly flat on a sandy terrain. The cliffside is pretty cool to look out over. You can see super far down the coast in either direction and watch the waves crash along the rocks below, sometimes spotting fish darting through the coral. This is a great viewpoint to hit and you can skip the hiking park after if that isn't your thing.
And, even if you aren't staying near Poipu, it is so worth the drive to watch the turtles. The amount of turtles can change drastically depending on the time of year. Nesting season, May through September, will yield the most turtle sightings. But you are likely to still see at least one to two year round.
During nesting season, tourists flock here in the evening to watch the turtles beach for the night. So, in order to get a good spot to watch the action, plan on arriving early, and no later than 5:30. Most people stand and watch, but it can take some time for the turtles to make their way up. We brought our beach chairs and set up camp before the sun was even setting. This was great as we could enjoy the waves for a while, and then watch the turtles well into the night.
It may also be smart to pack a light jacket and some pants. Temperatures can drop in the evening, and especially with a wet bathing suit, it can feel a bit chilly when the sun is gone. Even if you don't end up seeing turtles, its still a nice beach to hang out on. The water is great for snorkeling, and there is food nearby if you don't pack a lunch.
Day 2: Helicopter tour of Nā Pali Coast
Pre-flight of our helicopter tour of Kauai and the Na Pali coast with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.
Ninety percent of Kaua'i is not accessible by car, so one of the best ways to experience Kaua'i and the iconic Nā Pali Coast is via a helicopter tour. We flew with Blue Hawaiian and had a wonderful time! Following a safety demonstration, you are taken out to the helicopter pad where they ensure you get a picture in front of the helicopter and assist you onto the aircraft to get you situated. After takeoff, you'll make your way around the island, seeing many areas of Kaua'i only visible from the air. Our pilot was super knowledgeable about the history of each section of land we flew over, which made the experience that much more special!.The best part, in my opinion, is the Nā Pali Coast. It is hard to beat the dramatic coastline, lush and green straight out of a scene in Moana.
A note from Kaylee
If you are prone to motion sickness, like me, you may feel a little queasy in the air. Even though the flight was very smooth most of the way, any turn or change in elevation can induce that nauseous feeling in your head. Even with Dramamine, I would take caution if you tend to experience motion sickness. But even as the (self-appointed) poster girl for motion sickness experiencers, I would absolutely do this again! (Sitting in the window seat or up front can help a ton, too! Just be aware that front seats can cost more.)
Day 3: Take a shelter dog on a field trip
Miss Celadine, our shelter dog for a day, on a field trip to Shipwreck Beach.
The Kauai Humane Society allows tourists to give a shelter dog a day out of the close quarters of the shelter. With the shelter often at or exceeding maximum capacity, volunteers can make a huge difference in the quality of life of the sweet souls in need of a home. Plus, it gives each pet an opportunity to show off their best qualities, in hopes that you or someone you share your experience with will adopt them.
To participate, visit the volunteer section on Kauai humane society's website. There is a $40 fee to make an appointment, but you can rest assured that the money is going towards taking care of the animals and keeping the shelter running. If you have the means, you can donate even more to further help the shelter.
The shelter does a great job preparing you for your doggy's day out. When you arrive to your scheduled appointment, they will ask you a few questions to pair you with a dog that matches your experience and plans for the day. They provide you with a backpack containing treats, water and water bowl, toys and potty bags. They provide simple instructions and suggestions on where to take your specific friend based on their personality. And then off you go!
A note from Kaylee
Our shelter baby was Celadine (pictured above), a sweet mama with a playful spirit. We took her out to Shipwreck Beach and the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail. She played with her squeaky donut toy in the car along the way. When we got to the beach, we ran around in the grassy area before heading onto the sand. Along the trail, we got to enjoy the beautiful sights and get to know our new friend better. Though not a huge fan of the rain, she did really well on the walk.
We took our time wandering around, and then followed a trail through the greenery. She sniffed and sniffed, and trotted happily by my side. After we completed the trail, we spent some time on the beach since it wasn't too hot out. She dug herself a shallow pit in the sand that she promptly laid down in. We enjoyed the view for a while while she napped and people-watched. We had such a great time with Celadine — it was a great way to spend a not-so-sunny day. Miss Celadine is still looking for a forever home. If you're interested in learning more about adopting, visit the Kauai Humane Society's website.
Day 4: Catamaran sail Nā Pali Coast
Na Pali Coast as seen from our catamaran
What is a trip to Hawai'i without a day spent on the ocean! A catamaran cruise is a great way to enjoy the ocean and see parts of Kaua'i not accessible by land. Most tours offer snorkeling as well, making this a great option for families or adventurers. When choosing a sailing, make sure the Nā Pali Coast is on the itinerary!
A note from Kaylee
While it is hard to pick a favorite activity on Kaua'i, a catamaran sail is definitely in the top five. We sailed with Catamaran Kahanu, a family-owned and operated boat tour. I can highly recommend sailing with them, as they treat you like family, too! This five-hour boat tour took us along the Nā Pali Coast, offering sights of Kaua'i that you can't reach via car. Untouched beaches, dolphins, historical sites, amazing snorkel spots and more make this tour a must-do on Kaua'i.
Day 5: Tunnels Beach
You'd be hard-pressed to find a Kaua'i guide that didn't take you out to Tunnels Beach, and for good reason. Tunnels Beach is a long stretch of sand with a stunning mountainous backdrop. You'll find the most parking further down on the Ha'ena Beach section. This is also where you'll find the Maniniholo dry cave, an opening in the rock wall said to host the spirits of evil fish stealers — kind of interesting, right?!
This is a great beach to spend the day on and an amazing spot to watch the sunset if have the time. Keep in mind, this is a mainly residential area. There are hardly any food options, and the same can be said about public restrooms (Ha'ena Beach does have a public restroom available). Luckily, you're only a quick 28 minutes from Hanalei Bay, where there is a decent selection of dining options.
A note from Kaylee
Hanalei Bay is also a great stop before or after Tunnels Beach. We hit it on the way home to grab dinner and watch the sunset. The Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park is an easy-access spot, with a grassy area, public restrooms and a small parking lot. We ran over here after dinner at the Kalypso Island Bar & Grill.
There were lots of surfers in the bay during sunset, too. Summertime is best for intermediate surfers, but in the winter months, waves can easily rise to 30 feet, so unless you are an expert, I wouldn't plan to surf here in the wintertime. You'll also find the Hanalei Pier here, a highly photographed structure leading to picturesque views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
Another popular spot in the Hanalei area is the Queen's Bath, a naturally carved tide pool right on the water. Though a beautiful spot, please exercise extreme caution when visiting. The ocean is extremely powerful, and waves can catch you by surprise, even on a low tide. It is recommended to wear sturdy shoes as you will have to climb over multiple lava rocks that can become slippery when wet. And never visit when the north shore surf is high. Many people have lost their lives here. While I wouldn't bring kids here, it can be a unique sight to see if you dare!
Day 6: Waimea Canyon State Park
An overlook in the Waimea Canyon State Park.
Waimea Canyon is said to be the Grand Canyon of Kaua'i — stunning ravines, cliffs, waterfalls and more. The total drive from the base of Waimea Canyon State Park up to the top is about an hour. However, you'll want to stop and enjoy the many lookouts along the way, so plan for plenty of time to explore the state park. There are also hundreds of trails all over the park with different views of the canyon.
Keep in mind, this is the wettest part of the island, regardless of the season (hence the gorgeous green scenery). So if you do plan to hike, wear sturdy shoes that you won't mind getting muddy and expect slippery trails and the chance of rain, even if it starts out sunny. Kaua'i weather can change in an instant, so be prepared!
If you follow the road all the way to the top, you'll come across Kalalau Lookout. This. is. a. must. see! With views of the Iconic Nā Pali Coast and the dramatic cliffside, it doesn't get much better than this. We saw the Nā Pali Coast from air, land and sea, so if you can't swing a helicopter or boat ride, this drive will be well worth it to you. This is also a place where you definitely want to pack a lunch and extra snacks. There is only one restaurant within the park, a little over halfway up, called Koke'e Lodge. This small shop offers farm-to-table dining featuring local flavors and is open most days from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Its a pretty great option after a long hike.
A note from Kaylee
By the time we finally made it to Kalalau lookout, the weather had become cold and rainy with zero visibility of the cliffs. Luckily, we had already spent some time on the island and figured we could wait out the fog and gloom. After an hour or so spent napping/recharging in the parking lot, we went back over to the lookout and, sure enough, the fog was clearing! It was well worth the wait. If you have time to spare, don't let the fog discourage you, as it does eventually clear out. Plus, in my opinion, the fog isn't all that bad, and adds more drama and interest to your photos!
Day 7: Departure
The saddest part of any good adventure: departure day. Be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Especially in peak season, check-in and security lines can be extremely long. If you have a rental car, I suggest arriving at the airport three hours early. If not, two to two an a half hours should be plenty of time.
The following helpful information has been provided by TSA at the Lihue airport as of June 27, 2024:
The peak travel times at the LIH checkpoint daily are 10:30 am to 1 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The busiest days to travel out of LIH every week are Thursday through Sunday.
Be prepared for the screening process. Don’t bring prohibited items to security checkpoint. Download the myTSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” feature to find out whether an item is allowed in your carry-on luggage or if it needs to be placed in checked luggage.
Be prepared for any scenario. In the security checkpoint, have your photo identification and boarding pass readily available. This will keep you from slowing down the screening process for you and everyone behind you.
Pack smart. Always start with an empty bag to ensure you don’t inadvertently bring prohibited items to the security checkpoint. Place electronics larger than a cell phone and travel size liquids at the top of your carry-on so they can be easily accessed if you are required to remove them. Also, be sure that all liquids are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less if transporting them through the security checkpoint.
Double-check your luggage. Many bags look alike. Prior to traveling, passengers should tag every piece of luggage with their name and address and include additional addresses inside each bag in the event the outside tag falls off. When retrieving luggage at baggage claim, it’s important for passengers to check these tags to ensure they’ve picked up the correct bag.
Always check the local department of transportation for the most updated guidelines before you travel.
Travel Advisor
Kaylee Morgan
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