5 day itinerary

Question

Hi! Heading to Kauai for the first time in April and staying at Grand Hyatt with our 2 kids, 9 and 11. Any itinerary recommendations? We’d also like time to be able to enjoy the hotel and an airplane tour. We do not have any activities reserved at this time and we will have a car. We are also celebrating our 18th yr wedding anniversary this trip. We arrive really early at 7 am, departing at 530 pm. Thank you!

Answer

Here’s a detailed 5-day itinerary for Kauai that balances adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly activities while also celebrating your anniversary.

Day 1 – Arrival & Settle In

Arrive early at Lihue Airport. Consider renting a car right at the airport for convenience.
Check in or at least drop luggage at the Grand Hyatt. Early check-in may be available if requested in advance.
Spend the morning relaxing at the hotel pool or on Poipu Beach to recover from the flight.
Afternoon: Explore nearby beaches like Poipu Beach Park for swimming and snorkeling with the kids.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. Early rest to recover from travel.

Day 2 – South Shore & Poipu

Morning: Short family-friendly hike at Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail or Shipwreck Beach walk.
Visit Spouting Horn blowhole, a fun natural attraction for kids.
Lunch: Try local spots in Poipu for fresh fish, poke bowls, or Hawaiian plate lunches.
Afternoon: Relax at the hotel pool or beach, take part in hotel activities like hula lessons or ukulele workshops.
Evening: Consider a sunset walk along the beach and casual dinner.

Day 3 – Na Pali Coast Airplane Tour & North Shore Exploration

Morning: Take a helicopter or fixed-wing airplane tour along the Na Pali Coast. Book early as these tours fill up fast. Kids often love the aerial views.
Lunch: Grab lunch in Hanalei or nearby towns on the North Shore.
Afternoon: Explore Hanalei Bay for swimming or light beach play. Short hike to Hanalei Pier or nearby waterfalls if energy allows.
Evening: Return to the hotel for dinner. Consider a slightly special anniversary dinner at the hotel or a nearby oceanfront restaurant.

Day 4 – Waimea Canyon & Koke’e State Park

Morning: Drive to Waimea Canyon. Stop at lookouts for photos and short walks.
Hiking: Take an easy/moderate hike suitable for kids such as Iliau Nature Loop or Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls (short portion if desired).
Lunch: Pack a picnic or eat at a local cafe in Waimea town.
Afternoon: Optionally, visit Koke’e State Park for a short family-friendly trail or a scenic drive.
Evening: Return to hotel, relax, and enjoy dinner.

Day 5 – Relaxation & Departure

Morning: Enjoy the hotel pool, beach, or scheduled hotel activities with the kids. Consider a short snorkel session or paddleboard rental nearby.
Late morning: Check out and store luggage if needed.
Lunch: Light lunch at a nearby cafe or hotel restaurant.
Afternoon: Last beach walk or souvenir shopping before heading to the airport for a 5:30 pm departure.

Additional Tips

Book airplane tours early to secure preferred time slots, especially with kids.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for hikes and beach days.
Consider one “splurge” anniversary activity such as a private sunset sail or couples massage at the hotel spa.
Adjust hiking lengths depending on your children’s energy levels and weather conditions.
Flexibility is key—leave some mornings or afternoons open for spontaneous swimming or hotel activities.

This itinerary balances iconic sights, family-friendly activities, and some relaxation, while allowing for a special anniversary celebration amidst Kauai’s natural beauty.

5 day itinerary

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