How long to plan on Kaui

Question

Hello,

We will be coming from another island (7 nights on Maui) and debating whether to spend 5 or 7 days on Kaui. We will be looking for a condo to rent in Poipu. Really trying to minimize rainy weather so I am wondering if we should shorten our time on Kaui to 5 days and spend two extra days on Maui.

Planning on doing Waimea canyon and maybe a day trip to north shore if weather cooperates. We are not good sailors so not planning any boat/whale watching trips. Ditto for snorkelling. May do a kayak tour and interested in some of the gardens and cultural sites.

Thoughts on 5 versus 7 days?

Welcome any suggestions for good sites for condo rentals. I took note of Suite Paradise from another thread. Thanks in advance!

Answer

It sounds like you're planning an amazing trip, and I can definitely help with some insights regarding the length of your stay on Kauai. Here's a breakdown to help you decide between 5 or 7 days:

5 Days on Kauai:

A 5-day stay on Kauai would give you enough time to explore the key highlights of the island without feeling rushed. You’ll be able to explore the Poipu area, visit Waimea Canyon, and even take a day trip to the North Shore, assuming the weather cooperates.
If you’re staying in Poipu, you'll be close to some great beaches and restaurants, so you can easily spend your time relaxing in the area, which is sunny compared to other parts of Kauai, especially during the winter months.
5 days is also manageable if you're aiming to avoid too much rain. Kauai's south and west shores (like Poipu) tend to have drier weather compared to the more lush and rainy north and east sides of the island, especially in the winter. You can plan your activities around the weather to make the most of the sunny days.

7 Days on Kauai:

If you enjoy taking your time and really want to dive deep into Kauai's natural beauty, culture, and slower pace of life, a 7-day stay would be ideal. With 7 days, you can explore more of the island, including additional hikes or visits to other gardens, cultural sites, and remote beaches.
A full week also allows for some flexibility if the weather is rainy in one area; you can explore other parts of the island. You can also fit in a relaxing day or two if you feel like taking it easy after your adventures on Maui.
On a 7-day stay, you'll have the time to explore more of Kauai’s gardens, such as the Allerton Garden or Limahuli Garden, which are both beautiful and educational, as well as cultural sites like the Kauai Museum or the historic Koloa town.

Suggestions for Your Itinerary:

With 5 days, you’ll have plenty of time to visit Waimea Canyon, which is a must-see. If the weather cooperates, a trip to the North Shore is great for seeing lush landscapes, though it can be rainy in the winter.
If you go for 7 days, you can also include additional hikes (like the Canyon Trail or the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail), or a day of rest to enjoy the sun and beach.
If you're not into snorkeling or boat tours, kayaking is a great option. The Wailua River offers a calm kayaking experience, and you can also explore the Fern Grotto on a guided tour.
To help minimize rain, consider staying on the south shore in Poipu, which is one of the driest parts of the island. That way, you can enjoy more sunshine, but still explore areas like Waimea Canyon and the North Shore when possible.

Condo Rental Suggestions:

Suite Paradise is a great choice for condo rentals on Kauai, offering a range of properties in the Poipu area.
For other options, you might want to check out Kauai Beach Villas or Poipu Shores for beachfront locations, or Kiahuna Plantation Resort for a more affordable option with nice amenities.
Another excellent option is Kauai Oceanfront Villas if you want to be close to the beach, or check out Castle Poipu Shores for an oceanfront location with great views.

Conclusion: If you're trying to minimize rainy weather and want to make the most of your time on Kauai, 5 days is a good option, particularly if you stay in Poipu and focus your activities around the drier southern part of the island. However, if you want more time to soak in Kauai’s relaxed pace and explore at your leisure, 7 days would give you ample opportunity to discover more of the island’s diverse landscapes, hikes, and cultural sites.

Ultimately, both options can work depending on your preferences for relaxation versus exploration, and your ability to handle potentially rainy weather in certain areas.