The Ultimate 7-Day Kauai Itinerary

If you’re on the hunt for a Kauai, Hawaii itinerary that covers all the highlights of the island in one week, look no further.

While there are plenty of places across the U.S. that are perfect for a long weekend getaway, Kauai isn’t one of them. Between the jaw-dropping Nā Pali Coast, plentiful snorkeling, adventure-filled hikes and dramatic beaches, there are just too many things in Kauai you don’t want to pass up.

To cover all the highlights of the Garden Isle, you really need a week or more, which is why I’ve put together this Kauai, Hawaii itinerary that details how to organize your trip day by day to make sure you explore efficiently and don’t miss a thing.

In this Kauai itinerary, you’ll discover highlights like a helicopter tour over the iconic Nā Pali Coast (with the doors off for those who dare!), the challenging but oh-so-worth-it trek along the Kalalau Trail, and hidden gem beaches on the North Shore. I’m sharing all my favorite foodie and shopping spots on the island, and so much more.

Ready to plan your Kauai trip? Let’s dive into this epic itinerary and make your planning a breeze.

Short on Time? Here’s my 7-Day Kauai Itinerary at a Glance:

Don’t have time to read the full post? Here’s a quick snapshot of this epic Kauai itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kauai and Stay Overnight In Lihue 
• Day 2: Doors-Off Helicopter Tour of the Nā Pali Coast and Rum Tasting
• Day 3: Beach Hop in Poipu, Stroll the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail and Visit Old Kōloa Town
• Day 4: Explore Waimea Canyon and Hanepēpē Town
• Day 5: Depart Poipu for the North Shore, With Stops in Kapa’a or Kilauea
• Day 6: Hike the Iconic Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Falls
• Day 7: Explore Downtown Hanalei and the North Shore’s Best Beaches 

Suggested Stays in Lihue: Marriott Kauai Beach Club ($$$), Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort ($$), Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort ($$), Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort and Spa ($$)

Suggested Stays on the South Shore: Grand Hyatt Kauai ($$$), Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach ($$$), Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals ($$), 1 Bedroom Suite Airbnb ($$), Modern condo in Poipu ($$$)

Suggested Stays on the North Shore: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay ($$$), The Bay Bungalow at Hanalei ($$$), Hanalei River Cottage ($$$), Hoku Lani Apartment in Princeville ($), Kuuipo Hale short walk to Hanalei Bay ($$$)

How to Get Around: You’ll need to rent a car for this itinerary as Kauai’s top sites are spread out from one another. Do so ASAP as the best inventory books up quickly on the island. I personally use Discover Cars when booking car rentals on my trips, because you can compare and contrast different brands to find the best deals, and you get transparent upfront pricing on insurance when you select their “full coverage” option.

Important Kauai Planning Notes: Several popular Kauai attractions require advance planning. Hāʻena State Park/Kalalau Trail requires reservations for day-use access, parking, or shuttle; Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge requires advance reservations for adult visitors; Waimea Canyon State Park charges non-resident entrance and parking fees; and Queen’s Bath may be closed during winter or hazardous surf conditions. Always check current conditions, closures, and reservation requirements before your trip.

More Guides to Help You Plan Your Kauai Trip:

• 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Kauai
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kauai
• 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Kauai
• Best Doors-Off Helicopter Tours in Kauai & Is it Worth the Cost?
• The Best Restaurants on Kauai
• Where to Stay in Kauai (Best Areas and Hotels)

Ultimate 7-Day Kauai, Hawaii Itinerary

When is the Best Time to Visit Kauai?

The best time to visit Kauai depends on what you’re looking for, but it also matters which part of the island you plan to visit. The North and South Shores experience quite different weather; while the South Shore is pretty consistently sunny year-round, the North Shore is known for its wet weather and winter storms which can cause dangerous surf and hiking conditions.

Just keep in mind that weather-wise, Kauai is the rainiest of the Hawaiian Islands—so no matter what time of year you visit, come prepared for some rain! Plus, more rain = more rainbows and flowing waterfalls, so it ain’t all bad!

If you follow this itinerary which covers the highlights of the entire island, I would recommend traveling between June and October when rainfall is lowest on average across Kauai.

With that said, with great weather always comes more tourists and higher prices. If you’re willing to deal with a bit of rain, traveling in the shoulder season can offer fewer crowds and better deals.

I personally visited in December and still had an amazing trip, so though we definitely experienced some very wet days, I don’t think there’s really a “bad” time to visit Kauai.

• When to Visit for Best Overall Weather: The summer months from June through to October tend to have the highest temperatures and lowest rainfall across the island. You’ll also likely see less cancellations and weather-related issues for activities like helicopters and boat rides along the Nā Pali Coast during this time of year.
• When to Visit for Best Prices: Since most travelers flock to Kauai in summer, prices are also highest. For the cheapest prices on the island, you’re typically looking at September through December travel (outside of the December holidays).
• When to Visit for Whale Watching: If catching whale spottings is on your priority list, then you’ll want to visit between December and April.
• When to Visit for Surfing: If you plan to do a lot of surfing, then you’ll be more impressed with the waves during the winter months.

How Many Days Do You Need in Kauai?

If you want to experience all that this island has to offer and explore both the North Shore and South Shore, I really recommend a full week here at least. Sure, you could stay put in Poipu or Hanalei and just spend a long weekend at your hotel relaxing, but you’d be missing so much of the magic of Kauai that requires just a bit more effort.

I’ll get into this more in the section below, but it’s helpful to know that the interior of Kauai is not driveable and there’s only one main road that goes around the island’s perimeter. This can make travel times slower than expected, so it’s good to give yourself plenty of time in your itinerary to avoid rushing.

Plus, since rain is so common on Kauai, having those extra buffer days can really make or break your trip in case rain throws a wrench in your plans.

How to Get Around Kauai

Renting a car in Kauai

A rental car is a non-negotiable in Kauai, especially if you’re wanting to hit a lot of different sights and spots along this seven-day itinerary.

Though not 100% necessary, having a 4WD or something that can handle rugged terrain isn’t a bad idea as you may experience some gravel, dirt or muddy roads. Though a standard rental will be sufficient for this itinerary, many people prefer to rent Jeeps in Kauai as these can handle the island’s unpredictable conditions. These cars tend to book up fast though as inventory is limited.

My best advice is to try to book your rental car as far in advance as possible so you can snag your vehicle of choice. I always love renting with Discover Cars as they make it super easy to compare prices across many brands and offer full coverage insurance with transparent pricing up front.

Driving Around Kauai

You might be surprised to learn that there’s only one main route around the entire perimeter from the North Shore all the way to the West Side. However, due to the Nā Pali Coast’s rugged terrain, the road doesn’t connect on the North West side (see map below).

This means that if you’re attempting day trips from Hanalei to Waimea Canyon, you’ll have to drive counter-clockwise around the entire island to do so (which is about 2 hours one way with no traffic!)—not so convenient, I know.

That’s why I’ve set up this itinerary to include a few different location changes so you can efficiently explore each area without driving 4+ hours per day.

What is the Weather Like in Kauai?

Kauai is amongst the top 10 wettest places on Earth. If it doesn’t rain while you’re there, consider yourself one of the lucky few.

If you visit during the summer months you may experience mostly sunny, clear days. Still, it’s recommended to always come prepared for a little rain. A rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, a travel umbrella, and hiking poles to help stabilize on muddy hikes can truly be life savers.

Where to Stay in Kauai For This Itinerary

I’ve split up this itinerary to include a few different sections of the island where you’ll be staying overnight. This is the most efficient way to explore Kauai without having to drive multiple hours per day.

You’ll start by flying into Lihue and staying overnight there to get your bearings. From there, you can be within close striking distance to the airport for an epic helicopter tour.

Then you’ll head down to Poipu on the South Shore to catch some sun and base yourself conveniently for exploring Waimea Canyon. Lastly, you’ll end the trip up on the North Shore, which is home to some of the island’s most lush beaches and hikes.

You could pick one area to stay for the entire trip and just make day trips, but I don’t really recommend it. Kauai is quite spread out and there’s only one main road that runs along the island’s perimeter, which makes driving times between various parts of the island cumbersome.

If you don’t mind accommodation hopping a bit, you’ll save a lot of time in the car.

Stop 1: Lihue (Night 1)

Lihue is the biggest commercial hub in Kauai and it’s where you’ll start out for a night once you land. This will allow you some time to decompress, pick up any needed items for your trip, and remain in close proximity to the airport for your helicopter tour.

Alternate Option: If you’d prefer to only switch accommodations twice during the week, you can skip Lihue and start your accommodations in Poipu—you’ll just have to drive back to Lihue for your helicopter tour.

Where to Stay in Lihue:

• Marriott Kauai Beach Club
• Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
• Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort
• Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort and Spa

Stop 2: Poipu (Nights 2-4)

Poipu is on Kauai’s South Shore, which consistently gets the best weather on the island. It’s a great base for exploring the South Shore’s sunny beaches, resort scene and shopping. Plus, from here you can take day trips out to the rugged West Side of the island to hike through Waimea Canyon.

Where to Stay in Poipu:

• Grand Hyatt Kauai
• Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
• Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals
• 1 Bedroom Suite Airbnb within walking distance to beach
• Modern condo in Poipu

Stop 3: Hanalei/Princeville (Nights 5-7)

To finish off this Kauai itinerary, we’ll be staying overnight in Hanalei which is often everyone’s favorite part of the island. It’s quaint with a more local, surfer-y feel and it boasts some of the most lush and dramatic scenery you’ll ever see.

Where to Stay in Hanalei:

• 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
• The Bay Bungalow at Hanalei
• Hanalei River Cottage
• Hoku Lani Apartment in Princeville
• Kuuipo Hale, short walk to Hanalei Bay

How to Use This Itinerary

A final note before we dive into this itinerary. While I think this itinerary is pretty rad, it’s just my suggested itinerary based off my personal experience exploring the island. As you read through, feel free to take whatever excites you into your own trip and leave whatever doesn’t.

I’ve set up this itinerary to include three total accommodation changes throughout your week on Kauai which will help you cut down on long daily drives. This is the best way to plan Kauai in my opinion so you can experience the whole island without spending all your time in the car.

If three is too much for you, you can always drop the overnight in Lihue and add another night in Poipu instead.

What to Do in Kauai, Hawaii

Day 1: Arrive in Kauai and Stay Overnight In Lihue 

Depending on what time you arrive in Kauai, this is a day to check in to your hotel and decompress, or partake in a couple low key activities nearby. Day 2 will start off with a bang, so allow yourself to relax and get some rest upon landing in Kauai.

Upon Arrival: Pick Up Rental Car and Check In to Hotel

On the first day you arrive in Kauai, you’ll be landing at Lihue Airport likely in the afternoon or early evening, depending on your destination of origin.

You’ll first want to pick up your rental car from the airport, and then for this itinerary I suggest staying overnight in Lihue for one night to decompress. This avoids having to spend more time in the car after a long flight.

Another reason I suggest choosing Lihue as your first stop is so that you can book your helicopter tour for the first full day of your trip (aka day 2). Most helicopter tours depart from Lihue, so it’s nice to be staying nearby for this activity. I’ll be getting into more detail about this on Day 2, so keep reading.

Lihue is one of the biggest cities on Kauai, and there’s plenty of fun things you can do to kick off your seven-day Kauai itinerary. Plus, it’s a great base for picking up any snacks, refreshments, or other items you might want for your week ahead as you’ll find bigger stores and markets here.

Below, I’ve included some of my favorite things to do in Lihue which you can do on Day 1 or Day 2 of this itinerary, depending on what time you land in Kauai.

Other Things to do in Lihue:

• Grabbing some poke from The Fish Express is an absolute must. I’m obsessed with how fresh the fish is here, and since it’s so close to the airport it makes for a great first meal in Kauai after you’ve secured your rental car.
• Kalapaki Beach is super swimmable—ideal for a dip in the ocean between bites or activities. 
• Book a tasting at the Kōloa Rum Co. and Tasting Room for a fun way to learn about Hawaii’s quintessential spirit. The tasting room is located on an old plantation, and FREE tastings occur daily Monday through Saturday between 10 AM – 4 PM. Reservations are highly recommended as walk-ins aren’t guaranteed.
• Wailua Falls – This stunning waterfall is now sadly closed to hikers, but you can still view it from up top near the parking lot as a quick photo stop. It’s about 15 minutes drive from downtown Lihue.
• Other food recs in Lihue: Mark’s Place for casual and hearty Hawaiian fare, Duke’s for a classic beachfront dinner in front of Kalapaki Beach, and the Plantation House by Gaylords for something a bit more upscale.

Day 2: Take a Doors-Off Helicopter tour, Explore Lihue, then head to Kauai’s South Shore

While Day 1 was all about easing into your week in Kauai, Day 2 kicks off with a bang with one of the most epic activities on the island. You’ll be embarking on a doors-off helicopter tour of the entire island with the highlight being the stunning Nā Pali Coast.

Morning: Take a Thrilling Ride Over the Nā Pali Coast on a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour

This is undoubtedly one of the most epic things to do in Kauai and trust me—it’s worth the splurge. The Nā Pali coast is one of the most iconic landscapes in the world, and the best way to truly take in its full beauty is by air.

I wrote an entire post detailing the doors-off Kauai helicopter experience, including which companies to go with, what to bring, and why it’s one of the best ways to see the island, including parts that you would never get to see on foot.

After thorough research, this is the top helicopter tour I recommend booking with.

And don’t worry—if having the doors off makes you want to lose your lunch, there are companies that offer doors-on excursions too.

Our helicopter tour was canceled on the second day of our trip due to weather and rescheduled for the next day, so we were thankful to be based in Lihue during those days and to be able to access the airport with ease.

Best Time of Day to Book: Whether you book your helicopter tour in the morning or afternoon is up to you, but morning tours typically have better weather. We personally booked an afternoon tour as they have slightly better lighting for photos over the coastline, but it all depends on personal preference!

Afternoon: Eat Lunch in Lihue and Partake in a Free Rum Tasting

Now that you’ve built up some good adrenaline, it’s time to come back down to Earth with some chill activities in Lihue.

Depending on what time your helicopter tour ends, you can grab lunch in town followed by a free rum tasting at Kōloa Rum Co. and Tasting Room. For food, my first choice would be to grab a casual poke bowl lunch at the The Fish Express, if you haven’t done so already. I swear they have some of the freshest fish on the island.

Other great food options nearby are Mark’s Place for hearty Hawaiian bento boxes or Plantation House by Gaylords for something a bit more formal.

If you still have time to kill before heading to your next accommodation in Poipu, you could make the quick drive to Wailua Falls to see the stunning two-tiered waterfall from the viewpoint. It’s an easy drive-up spot, so it doesn’t require a ton of time to visit though you may have to wait for a spot to open up in the parking lot.

Late Afternoon/Evening: Head to Accommodation in Poipu and Grab Dinner

Once your helicopter tour is completed, it’s time to move on to our next destination in Kauai: Poipu. The drive from Lihue to Poipu is only about 30 minutes with normal traffic, so it’s a pretty quick trip!

You’ll want to get settled into your hotel or Airbnb, then enjoy dinner in Poipu. Some of my favorite spots are Stevenson’s Library, which has incredibly fresh and creative sushi entrees in a sleek lounge setting, The Beach House for the best sunset dinner, or Puka Dog for a casual takeout meal that you can bring to the beach for sunset.

Keep in mind that many sit-down spots in Kauai book up with dinner reservations in advance, so I’d book ahead if you can!

Day 3: Beach Hopping in Poipu and Visit Old Kōloa Town

Day 3 is your opportunity to spend a full day in the popular area of Poipu, the most consistently sunny part of the island. With some of the island’s best restaurants, shopping, and family-friendly beaches, this is the area you want to camp up in if you’re seeking some chilled out beach time with guaranteed rays.

Morning: Stroll along the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Grab a to-go coffee at your hotel and head towards the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail for a morning coastal stroll. The trail begins at Shipwreck Beach and ends at Mahaulepu Beach, for a 4-mile round trip journey along one of the last undeveloped stretches of the South Shore.

Along the way, you’ll get to take in the stunning coastline along with a mix of limestone cliffs, caves, and sandy dunes. If you’re lucky, you may even spot monk seals or turtles.

I’d recommend wearing proper shoes for the trail as parts can be rocky, but pack flip flops and a beach bag if you want to chill at any of the beaches along the way.

Afternoon: Head to Old Kōloa Town for a Musubi Lunch and Shopping

In the afternoon, head into Old Kōloa Town, just 10 minutes inland from the beach for some lunch and shopping. This area is historic for being home to Hawaii’s first sugar mill, dating back to the 1800s. There are quite a few original buildings in the area and you can read about their history and see each of their locations on the Old Kōloa Town history page.

There are some great shops to check out in the area too. For lunch, The Musubi Truck is a must if you have yet to try Hawaiian musubi. If you’re not familiar with musubi, this is one of Hawaii’s comfort foods, and it consists of Spam often wrapped in nori with rice. The thought of eating Spam might sound gross, but don’t knock it ’til you try it—I found it to be surprisingly delicious.

If you can’t get down with Spam, try Porky’s Kauai, which is another great takeaway option.

For a unique shopping experience in Kōloa, check out Warehouse 3540 which is housed in an old pineapple canning factory. It’s been re-imagined into a little shopping haven with locally-owned boutiques featuring well-curated goods and artisan crafts.

Evening: Book Reservations for a Seaside Dinner at The Beach House

Finish off the evening with a dinner reservation at one of Poipu’s top restaurants. If you haven’t already dined at The Beach House, this is one you shouldn’t miss. It offers some of the best fine dining on the South Shore with a front row seat to the ocean.

Make sure to book ahead and reserve your table for sunset for the most magical experience.

Other Things to Do in Poipu:

• Stroll the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. If you’re staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, this is a wonderful morning activity that is super easy to accomplish since the hotel sits right up against it. 
• Do some shopping at Poipu Shopping Village. This is a cute little place to snag some new swimsuits or pick up souvenirs for your loved ones back home. They also do a free live hula show every Monday and Thursday at 5 pm.
• Head 10 minutes north of Poipu to Old Kōloa Town which has tons of charming galleries, shops, and cafes. Warehouse 3540 is a particular favorite; this unique shopping experience is full of local vendors and well curated retailers and is definitely one of the cooler shopping experiences on Kauai in my opinion.
• Go Beach Hopping: Poipu Beach Park is home to tons of sea turtles, monk seals, and other wildlife. Shipwreck’s Beach features beautiful scenery and challenging waves for advanced surfers. Baby Beach is a great option for families with young kids as it’s a shallow, protected cove.
• Have a sunset dinner at The Beach House. This is potentially the most famous restaurant on the entire island. That said, book your reservation at least a few weeks in advance (if not further out).
• Grab a famous Hawaiian style hot dog from Puka Dog.
• Other eats to check out in Poipu: Eating House 1849, Waikomo Shave Ice, and Stevenson’s Library inside the Grand Hyatt for an upscale sushi dinner.

Day 4: Explore Waimea Canyon, Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”

On Day 4, you’ll head into Kauai’s interior to experience the more wild side of the island: Waimea Canyon. How much time you spend here depends on if you prefer to just drive through and get out at lookouts or hike in to some of the more jaw-dropping spots.

If hiking, allot about 4-6 hours spent in Waimea Canyon State Park. If just driving through, two hours is probably enough.

Morning: Hop in the Car and Head Out to Waimea Canyon State Park

About 80% of Kauai island is wild, undriveable terrain, and its ruggedness is one of the most magical aspects of visiting here. The landscapes are straight out of a movie (and in fact, you’ve likely seen them in movies like Jurassic Park before)!

Waimea Canyon is one of these wild parts of Kauai that deserves a visit, even though it’s located in the most remote section of the island. Its remoteness doesn’t stop it from being one of the biggest attractions in Kauai.

It takes about an hour to drive into Waimea Canyon State Park from Poipu and accommodation options nearby are few and far between. For this reason, it’s best to stay put at your accommodation in Poipu and just make it a day trip.

So what’s the big deal about Waimea Canyon? Waimea Canyon is called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” which might give you an idea of how breathtaking the views are here. The canyon is about 14 miles long and around 3,500 feet deep at certain parts, making it truly wow-worthy.

Reservations are not required for Waimea Canyon State Park, but non-residents currently pay both a $5 per-person entrance fee and a $10 parking fee per non-commercial vehicle. Hawaiʻi residents enter and park for free with valid ID.

Here you’ll find plenty of trails that offer interior viewpoints as well as those looking out to the Nā Pali Coast. Trails vary widely in difficulty, but thankfully, there are plenty of easy trails for beginners that still lead to stunning lookout points. 

Some top hikes worth checking out:

• Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls (3.2 miles roundtrip)
• Iliau Nature Loop Trail (0.3 miles)
• Awaʻawapuhi Trail (6.5 miles roundtrip
• Black Pipe Trail (4 miles)

Other Things to Do in Waimea Canyon:

• Waimea Canyon Lookout (Mile 10): This is the main viewpoint in Waimea Canyon which offers panoramic views down into the canyon.
• Stop at the small pullouts between mile markers 12 and 13 for the best visibility of Waipo’o Falls.
• A tour is a great way to see the very best of the canyon. This Private Tour takes you to some of the best lookout spots and includes minivan transport to and from the canyon. 
• Hike the Black Pipe Trail Loop and take a dip at the Waipo’o Falls pool. This is an intermediate trail that’s about 4 miles long.
• Make a quick pit stop at the Red Dirt Waterfall right off Waimea Canyon Drive.

Afternoon/Evening: Head Back Towards Poipu and Make a Stop in Hanapēpē for Lunch or Dinner

Hanapēpē town, also known as “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town” is a worthy pit stop on your journey back to Poipu. It’s the art capital of Kauai and was once one of the island’s busiest towns between World War I and the 1950s.

The plantation style buildings now house fun shops, art galleries and eateries, my favorite of which is Japanese Grandma’s Cafe (reservations are recommended).

If you happen to catch the area on a Thursday, you can enjoy their weekly farmer’s market which starts at 3 PM. On Fridays, the town hosts an event each evening starting at 5 PM in celebration of its artists, where sculptors and painters open their studio doors to visitors.

Day 5: Depart Poipu for the North Shore, Making Fun Stops Along the Way

Once you’ve thoroughly explored the South Shore and Waimea Canyon, it’s time to head to the North Shore to finish out your week in Kauai. The North Shore has to be my favorite part of the island and many would agree that it’s the most beautiful corner of Kauai.

In contrast to the South Shore’s more touristy and resort-heavy ambiance, the North Shore has a more quaint, local’s feel with unparalleled beauty that feels lush and wild. It’s also known for getting a fair amount of rain, so don’t forget to bring your umbrella!

On Day 5, you’ll check out of your hotel and make the drive North, making some pit stops along the way. I’ve included a few different options—so you can choose your own flavor!

Morning: Depart Poipu

The drive from Poipu to the North Shore takes about an hour and a half, and since you’ll probably have some time to kill before checking into your North Shore accommodation, it’s a great idea to make some stops along the way to break up the drive.

You can choose your own adventure and select one or more of the options below.

Stop Option 1: Kapa’a

This area has some fun shops and restaurants, a food truck park, and my favorite tiki bar on the island, Mamahune’s.

Walk through Old Kapa’a Town and grab a cup of coffee from Java Kai or a casual lunch at the Kapa’a food truck park. Pick up some fresh fruit from the Pono Market, and if you’re staying in the area for dinner, snag reservations at JO2 restaurant, which has wonderfully crafted Hawaiian fusion cuisine.

There are some popular trails in the area you could explore if you have more time like the Sleeping Giant Trailhead, Secret Falls Trailhead and Makaleha Trailhead.

Stop Option 2: Wailua Falls

If you didn’t already stop by Wailua Falls during your time in Lihue, this is an easy and quick pit stop to one of the island’s most iconic waterfalls that is famous for being featured on Fantasy Island.

It used to be open to hikers, but the steep path down is now restricted due to dangerous terrain, so make sure to respect signage and stay in the designated lookout area. Morning is the best time to visit for easier parking and the potential to see a rainbow over the falls.

Stop Option 3: Kilauea

This unincorporated community along Kauai’s North Shore is a 25 minute drive from Hanalei and is home to the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge. From the viewpoint you get gorgeous views of the lighthouse and Pacific Ocean and can even spot whales between December and April.

If you want to enter Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge rather than just view the lighthouse from outside, you’ll need an advance reservation. Current hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM, with last entry/gates closing at 3:30 PM.

While in the area, historic Kilauea Town is worth popping into and exploring its charming shops, cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss Trilogy Coffee & Tea Bar and my favorite little curiosities shop, Hunter Gatherer.

Afternoon/Evening: Arrive on the North Shore, Settle In and Go for Dinner

The two main towns to stay at on the North Shore are Princeville and Hanalei. They are only a 10-minute drive away from one another, but they’re quite different. Hanalei is where I recommend spending most of your time, though most hotels are actually located in Princeville. 

Once you are able to check in to your accommodation, take some time to recharge before heading into Hanalei for dinner. Just like the rest of Kauai, it’s recommended to have dinner reservations in advance as places book up.

You’ll find most of the best restaurants along Kuhio Hwy. Some spots worth making a res at are Tahiti Nui, AMA Restaurant, and Bar Acuda.

Day 6: Embark on an Adventurous Hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls

On your first full day in Hanalei, gear up for an adventurous hike along the Kalalau Trail, located in Hāʻena State Park! This is an absolute highlight of visiting Kauai and I’m willing to argue that it’s one of the most scenic hikes in the world. If you’re up for the challenge, you won’t regret including this hike in your itinerary.

Morning: Rise Early for a Hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls on the Kalalau Trail

You’ll want to get an early start this day before making your way to Ke’e Beach which is the starting point for the Kalalau Trail.

The full Kalalau Trail is an intense 22-mile round trip adventure, but if you’re like me and aren’t interested in a multi-day backpacking hike, you can explore a shortened version that will provide epic scenery and an intense workout! Still, the “shortened” version is a 4-8 hour adventure, so you’ll want to get started early.

Along the trail, you’ll find the gorgeous Hanakāpīʻai Beach (pictured above) and Hanakāpīʻai Falls, which is a 300-foot-tall waterfall that many hikers consider one of the best waterfall hikes on the island. It’s one of those must do things in Kauai!

We sadly didn’t make it all the way to the falls due to extremely wet trail conditions, but the hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach alone was one of my favorite experiences of the trip.

I would choose one of two options: For a 4 mile out and back version, hike from Ke’e Beach only to Hanakāpīʻai Beach. If you want to hike all the way to Hanakāpīʻai Falls, the trip is more like 8-9 miles round trip.

PS—The Kalalau Trail is infamous for being muddy and a bit steep and wet in places, so I really recommend good hiking shoes and hiking poles for this one, especially if you’re encountering rain the forecast.

For way more details about this hike and what to expect, I love this guide to hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Falls from Where We Went Next.

Afternoon/Evening: Freshen Up and Enjoy a Tapas Dinner with Locally Sourced Ingredients

After the long hike on the Kalalau Trail, you’ll undoubtedly want to rest your legs and wash the gallons of sweat off your back.

Take some time to freshen up from the day’s adventure, and then I recommend hitting Bar Acuda for dinner. This modern spot has been serving tasty tapas in Hanalei for 15 years, and they prioritize using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. This is definitely one you need to book ahead.

If dessert is on the agenda, you can never go wrong with some classic Hawaiian shaved ice at Wishing Well Shave Ice or ice cream from Pink’s.

Day 7: Finish Off the Trip Exploring Downtown Hanalei and the North Shore’s Best Beaches 

On the final day of our seven-day Kauai itinerary, you’ll want to enjoy a more chill day of relaxing beachside and exploring the quaint town of Hanalei.

Whether you want to keep things low-key with a beach day or have the ultimate food truck experience, it’s best to go with the flow as much as possible on your final day since the weather can be pretty unpredictable on the North Shore.

Morning: Leisurely Explore Downtown Hanalei

After the previous day’s strenuous adventure, this last morning is the perfect time to take it slow and ease into the day. When you’re ready, head into downtown Hanalei for coffee and bites.

Hanalei Bread Company is always a good bet for classic breakfast items like avocado toast, breakfast burritos and belgian waffles. Or hit up Hanalei Poke if you’re craving one last fresh poke bowl on the island. For a sweet treat, swing by Holey Grail Donuts which are made from the locally grown superfood taro.

Afternoon: Explore Some of the North Shore’s Best Beaches

If the weather is nice enough for some sunbathing, head to one of the best beaches in the area.

Tunnels Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on the North Shore with dramatic scenery and epic snorkeling—and it’s one of the top things to do in Kauai.

Hideaways Beach is a hidden gem requiring a short but steep walk to reach.

Ke’e Beach, where the Kalalau Trailhead begins is within Hā’ena State Park and requires reservations, but it’s probably the best spot on the entire island for catching sunset.

Or stick to Hanalei Beach which backs up against town and features a long stretch of golden sand.

Queen‘s Bath isn’t exactly a beach, but it’s worth a visit when conditions are appropriate. This natural lava rock pool is accessed by a short but somewhat treacherous hike, and fills up with ocean water throughout the day.

Evening: Enjoy a Final Dinner at Luxury Hotel, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

For your final meal in Hawaii, you want to go out with a bang right? There’s no better place to do it than at the nicest hotel on the island, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Their oceanfront lounge, Welina Terrace offers a delicious sushi menu, but the bigger draw is the stunning panoramic view of Hanalei Bay and Mount Makana.

You’ll definitely want to make a reservation in advance during prime sunset time and request a table as close to the ocean as possible.

More Things to do in Hanalei:

• Just up the street from Hanalei Bay is an amazing strip of food trucks. You’ll find everything from poke to vegan food, and you can easily pick something up and walk over to the beach for a little picnic. 
• Grab a quick bite and pastry at Hanalei Bread Company before exploring town.
• End the night with some cocktails and live music at Tahiti Nui. This local favorite has been around since 1963 and serves authentic Tahitian and Hawaiian fare.
• Hit up Dolphin Fish Market for melt-in-your-mouth snow crab sushi rolls and other delicious fresh fish for takeaway.

Did this post inspire you to plan a trip to Kauai? Let me know in the comments below!

read more Hawaii posts

5 Day Big Island Hawaii Itinerary
Ultimate Kauai Guide
16 Best Restaurants on Maui With a View

Pin it for Later

---