Shoes for Kauai??

Question

My husband and I are going to stay in Poipu for 10 days in May. We have never been! We're so excited! We're starting our packing lists and we have been debating on what shoes to bring. We are planning on only taking 2 carryon luggage and our hiking backpacks and our room has a washer/dryer.

We will be hiking several of the days and do not plan to do any "fancy" dinners.

Here's what I was thinking for shoes:

Chacos (waterproof hiking sandals)

Hoka Hiking Boots

Leather Birkenstocks (for dinner out)

I would wear one of these pairs on the plane, but my question is, is do I need to bring another pair of regular gym shoes for walking around in Poipu? (Is it even walkable?) Or would I be okay in Chacos?

Thank you!!!!!

Answer

For a 10-day stay in Poipu with hiking planned and mostly casual activities, your shoe list is quite well thought out. Given that you’ll have access to a washer/dryer, you can be flexible and pack minimally.

Your current choices cover most scenarios:

Chacos (waterproof hiking sandals): Excellent for easy hikes, beach walks, and casual strolling around town. They are comfortable for most of Poipu’s sidewalks and resort areas, and you can wear them on the plane to save luggage space.
Hoka hiking boots: Perfect for more strenuous hikes or uneven terrain such as Koke’e or Waimea Canyon trails. They provide stability and support for longer treks.
Leather Birkenstocks: Great for casual dinners or walking around resort areas in comfort. They’re versatile and easy to slip on and off.

Regarding an additional pair of regular gym shoes:

For most casual walking in Poipu, your Chacos should suffice. Sidewalks and paths near beaches, shops, and restaurants are generally smooth and walkable.
If you plan on longer walks through town or prefer a more cushioned shoe for flat surfaces, a lightweight pair of sneakers could be helpful, but it is not strictly necessary.
Since you have a washer/dryer, you could rotate shoes and keep them fresh without overpacking.

Additional tip: For hikes that may involve wet or muddy trails, sandals like Chacos are ideal. For rougher or rockier terrain, your hiking boots will protect your feet and ankles. Poipu is generally very walkable, so you won’t feel limited wearing Chacos around town.

In summary, the three pairs you’ve planned are sufficient for Poipu and your hiking adventures. A fourth pair of gym shoes is optional and would mainly be for personal comfort on flat pavement walks, but most travelers find Chacos adequate for everyday use.