November Itineary Check

Question

Wife and my first time in Hawaii and we are big nature lovers and therefore we chose Kauai to be our first island. Wanted to share my itineary for a sanity check. Am I spending less time in Waimea Canyon and Princeville? Don't want to pack it too much but are we missing anything major? How's the divide between North & South?

FYI - Haven't tackled food options yet, but we generally have impromptu plan around that. We are Vegetarians so hopefully that is not an issue.

ITINEARY:

Day 1 – Wed, Nov 19 (Arrival → Poipu)

• Arrive LIH 11 AM.

• Optional quick stop at Kilohana Plantation (right near Līhuʻe) on way to Poipu — stroll grounds, grab coffee/snack.

• Groceries → check-in at Poipu Airbnb.

• Evening: Poipu Beach sunset.

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Day 2 – Thu, Nov 20 (Helicopter + Poipu)

• AM: Off Door Helicopter ride with AAI (8:15 AM, Līhuʻe).

• PM: Relax at Poipu/Lawā‘i, or visit Allerton/McBryde Gardens.

________________________________________

Day 3 – Fri, Nov 21 (Na Pali Boat Tour)

• AM: Na Pali Coast catamaran with Captain Andy (Star Snorkel BBQ Sail) (7:15 AM, Port Allen).

• PM: Old Kōloa Town, Spouting Horn.

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Day 4 – Sat, Nov 22 (Mountain Tubing + Waimea Canyon/Kōke‘e)

• AM: Mountain Tubing near Līhuʻe.

• PM: Drive Waimea Canyon → Kōke‘e State Park overlooks.

• If time/energy: short trail (e.g., Pihea Lookout walk).

________________________________________

Day 5 – Sun, Nov 23 (Flex Day)

• Buffer day in case heli/boat/tubing reschedules.

• If free: snorkeling at Poipu or Salt Pond + local farmers’ market.

________________________________________

Day 6 – Mon, Nov 24 (Transfer to Princeville)

• AM stop: Wailua Falls viewpoint (easy 5–10 min).

• Continue north → check-in Princeville Airbnb.

• Evening: Sunset at Hanalei Bay.

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Day 7 – Tue, Nov 25 (North Shore Explorations)

• AM: Kilauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge.

• PM: Limahuli Garden & Preserve (book ahead, near Hāʻena).

• Optional: Hanalei town stroll, Anini Beach if calm.

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Day 8 – Wed, Nov 26 (Hanakāpīʻai Falls Hike)

• Shuttle to Hāʻena, hike ~8 mi RT to Hanakāpīʻai Falls.

• Evening: Dinner in Hanalei.

________________________________________

Day 9 – Thu, Nov 27 (Departure)

• Leisure morning in Princeville.

• Drive to Līhuʻe, evening flight back.

Answer

Your itinerary looks well balanced, with a good mix of activities and flexibility, especially considering your love for nature! There are a couple of things worth fine-tuning or adding, but overall, it seems like you’re covering a lot of Kauai’s highlights without overwhelming yourselves. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:

Day 1 – Wed, Nov 19 (Arrival → Poipu)

For a first day, this is a good and relaxed start. A stop at Kilohana Plantation for coffee and a quick stroll is a nice touch, especially if you’re coming from a long flight and need a low-key first activity. The grocery stop will also set you up for the next few days. You’ve already planned Poipu Beach for sunset, which is one of the best ways to ease into Kauai!

Day 2 – Thu, Nov 20 (Helicopter + Poipu)

The helicopter ride will be a fantastic way to experience Kauai’s beauty from above. A morning tour gives you the rest of the day free, which is great for unwinding or checking out the Allerton/McBryde Gardens, which are stunning and less crowded. If you want more nature in the afternoon, consider a walk on the nearby Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, which offers scenic coastal views.

Day 3 – Fri, Nov 21 (Na Pali Boat Tour)

The Na Pali Coast boat tour is a must-do for Kauai, and Captain Andy’s tour is highly recommended. It’s early, but it will give you the rest of the day to explore. Old Kōloa Town and Spouting Horn are great options for the afternoon. Depending on your time, you might want to add a quick stop at the nearby Allerton Garden (in Lawai Valley) to extend your nature exposure for the day.

Day 4 – Sat, Nov 22 (Mountain Tubing + Waimea Canyon/Kōke‘e)

Mountain tubing is fun, and a great way to explore the island from a unique perspective! Waimea Canyon and Kōke‘e are must-see spots, so it's perfect to make this a hiking-heavy day. If you're looking for additional hikes, consider the Cliff Trail or the Canyon Trail, both of which offer great views with moderate difficulty. If you’re up for it, consider a short hike along the Awa'Awapuhi Trail for views of the canyon from a different angle.

Day 5 – Sun, Nov 23 (Flex Day)

It's always smart to have a buffer day, especially with unpredictable island weather. If nothing needs rescheduling, this day offers a great opportunity for some relaxed beach time. Snorkeling at Poipu or Salt Pond Beach is perfect for some downtime. Salt Pond is particularly great for calm water snorkeling, and the farmers' market is a fantastic local experience!

Day 6 – Mon, Nov 24 (Transfer to Princeville)

The drive to Princeville via Wailua Falls is an easy, beautiful journey, and the 5-10 minute stop is perfect for a quick photo op. For Princeville, the sunset at Hanalei Bay is unbeatable – it’s one of the most iconic spots on the island. For a bonus, if you have time, you could explore Hanalei town after the sunset, with its quaint shops and restaurants.

Day 7 – Tue, Nov 25 (North Shore Explorations)

Great exploration day! Kilauea Lighthouse and the Wildlife Refuge offer great views and are a fun way to learn about Kauai’s history and wildlife. Limahuli Garden is an excellent choice for a more botanical-focused activity. If you want another off-the-beaten-path hike, consider the Kalalau Trail (just the first couple of miles to the Hanakāpīʻai Beach, if you’re not doing the full hike later) for an alternative perspective on the Na Pali coast.

Day 8 – Wed, Nov 26 (Hanakāpīʻai Falls Hike)

This is a highlight! The Hanakāpīʻai Falls hike is stunning, but be aware it can be challenging at times. Start early to avoid crowds and give yourself enough time to fully enjoy the trail. After the hike, consider spending some time at the beach near the trailhead, or explore a nearby waterfall if you're up for it. Dinner in Hanalei is a perfect end to the day.

Day 9 – Thu, Nov 27 (Departure)

Leisure mornings are key when you’re about to fly home. Consider a final walk around Princeville, or enjoy a quiet morning at the resort before heading to Līhuʻe. If you have extra time, you might want to check out the Kauai Museum in Līhuʻe before your flight.

Suggestions and Feedback:

Waimea Canyon & North Shore: Your itinerary covers both the South and North sides of the island, which is perfect. The split seems balanced, with enough time spent in both areas without rushing. You’re right not to pack too much in a day – Kauai’s beauty is in the details, and the slower pace allows you to soak in the surroundings.
Food Options: Since you’re vegetarian, Kauai has a decent selection of plant-based and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Some top picks include Java Kai in Kapaa, The Greenery Café in Līhuʻe, and Tiki Iniki in Princeville.
Snorkeling: Poipu Beach is great, but consider also checking out Tunnels Beach in the North. It’s ideal for snorkeling with its clear waters and diverse marine life, though be sure the weather and surf conditions are favorable.
Optional Addition: Consider a visit to the Nā Aina Kai Botanical Gardens in the North for another scenic spot. It’s less well-known than others but is beautiful and serene.

Overall, your itinerary looks very well-rounded with enough relaxation and adventure. Kauai is a nature lover's paradise, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see and do things while still enjoying some downtime. Have a wonderful trip!

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