7 days in Kauai - Itinerary Review
We are visiting in early October with a group of 6 family members ranging between 13 and 45. All active, enjoy hiking, beach, nature. Splitting the stay between North shore (near Princeville) and South shore (near Poipu). We are first time visitors. My family member made this general itinerary. Would love to add in some places to snorkel and a botanical garden to visit.
Day 1:
Grocery shop, settle in, See Queens Bath, Visit Hideaways Beach
Day 2:
Surfing lessons at Hanalei Bay
Wishing Well Shave Ice
Day 3:
Hanakapi'ai Beach via Kalalau Trail (reservations made) feedback/tips on this hike?
Day 4:
Check out of North shore accommodations / Check in to South shore accomodations
We planned to kayak the Wailua River but our kayak rental reservations (Wailua Kayak & Canoe) are at 7:15am; we are not sure we can make this work since this is our check-out day. Does anyone have feedback on this kayak/hike trip and what time of day is best? We prefer to go on our own rather than with a guide, and really would not enjoy this if it's overly crowded.
Other ideas: Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge, Mokolea Lava pools, possibly Lydate Farms chocolate tour.
Day 5:
Hike near Kokee State Park; Canyon trail to Waipo'o Falls OR Awa'Awapuhi Trail. Feedback/tips on these two hike options?
JoJo's Shave Ice
Sprouting Horn
Poipu Beach / Snorkel
Puka Dogs
Day 6:
Mountain Tubing Adventures (reservations made)
Poipu Beach / Snorkel
Your itinerary for 7 days in Kauai sounds amazing, and it looks like you've planned a lot of fun activities. Here are some additional suggestions to incorporate snorkeling and botanical gardens, along with feedback on your current plans:
Day 1:
- Queens Bath: This is a beautiful spot, but be cautious, especially after rainfall. The rocks can be slippery, and strong waves can make it dangerous. If you’re planning to swim, check the conditions carefully or consider another option like Hideaways Beach for a safer, less crowded beach.
- Hideaways Beach: A great choice! It's a hidden gem with good snorkeling, though the path down can be steep. It's perfect for a relaxed beach day.
- Botanical Garden Suggestion: Consider visiting the Allerton Garden in Lawai Valley near Poipu. It's a gorgeous botanical garden that’s less crowded and full of diverse plant life. Another option is the Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens near Hanalei if you want to explore further north.
Day 2:
- Surfing Lessons at Hanalei Bay: Great idea for first-time surfers! Hanalei Bay is one of the most scenic spots to learn, and the waves are typically beginner-friendly. Make sure you book in advance as it can get busy.
- Wishing Well Shave Ice: Definitely a must-try! It’s a great treat after surfing.
Day 3:
- Hanakapi'ai Beach via Kalalau Trail: This is a stunning, but challenging hike. It’s 4 miles one way, and it can be tough on the legs, especially with the steep inclines. Make sure everyone is in good shape and prepared with plenty of water and snacks. The beach is beautiful, but the currents can be strong, so don’t swim too far from shore.
- Snorkeling Option: If you want another snorkeling spot, consider checking out Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach). It’s a popular spot for snorkeling and has a chance to see sea turtles, especially in the winter months.
Day 4:
- Kayak Trip on Wailua River: This is a beautiful, scenic river to paddle, but the early morning timing may be tight on your check-out day. If you can't make the 7:15 AM reservation, consider calling ahead to adjust the time or look into other companies that offer more flexible hours. It can be busy, but you’ll still get a peaceful experience if you go in the early morning.
- Other Ideas: Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge: A fantastic spot to see native Hawaiian seabirds and great coastal views. It’s a nice addition to your itinerary.
- Mokolea Lava Pools: A quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot for a relaxing dip, though it requires a short hike to get there. The water can be rough at times, so only swim when the conditions are calm.
Day 5:
- Hike near Kokee State Park: Both the Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls and the Awa'Awapuhi Trail are beautiful options. The Canyon Trail is shorter and offers great views of the Waimea Canyon, while the Awa'Awapuhi Trail offers dramatic views of the Na Pali Coast. Choose based on the group’s energy level and preference for the scenery.
- Snorkeling at Poipu Beach: A perfect spot for snorkeling with calm waters and abundant marine life. You may see sea turtles and colorful fish.
- Puka Dogs: A local favorite! It’s a fun stop after your beach time.
Day 6:
- Mountain Tubing Adventures: This is a unique and fun activity. It’s very popular, so expect some crowds, but it’s a great way to experience the island from a different perspective.
- Snorkeling at Poipu Beach: Since you already have snorkeling on Day 5, you may want to add in Koloa Landing for variety. It’s another excellent snorkeling spot near Poipu that’s known for its calm waters and large fish population.
Additional Suggestions:
- Snorkel Options: Other great spots for snorkeling include Secret Beach and Salt Pond Beach Park on the South Shore. Both are quieter than Poipu and have abundant marine life.
- Botanical Gardens: Another option for a botanical experience is Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, near Hanalei. It has lush landscapes and great views.
Overall, your itinerary looks well-balanced with plenty of hiking, beach time, and nature exploration. Kauai has so much to offer, and you’ll definitely enjoy a variety of activities. Just remember to check the weather before your hikes and be prepared for varying trail conditions. Enjoy your trip!
