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Part-Time Traveler

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Home » Travel » One Week in Kauai Itinerary

One Week in Kauai Itinerary

July 20, 2015 Itineraries, One Week, Travel

Heading to Kauai soon? Here is an itinerary full of all the places I wish I had known about before I went.


I’ve written a fair amount of itineraries for this site, mostly because it’s the travel information both you as readers and I myself need help with most often. I have personally spent hundreds of hours researching destinations, and even more time benefitting from the planning of others and my own experience.  And as much as I love writing personal pieces or thoughtful narratives, I find quality itinerary and genuine recommendations surprisingly difficult to find — online or otherwise.

I also want to continue to demonstrate how much can be seen, even at a reasonable pace — for the part-time travelers who feel limited by a few weeks of vacation time. I hope to show that it’s as simple as aligning your priorities, doing the research (which I hope I am contributing to,) booking the ticket, and going.

The good news is one week in Kauai is a fantastic for the part-time traveler who has limited time.

When I sat down to share my tips from my recent time in Kauai, however, I found dividing the island into regions and subcategories to be more effective for explanation.  I’ll share those along with a brief breakdown of what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Kauai, as well as how to plan for each day in a week.

Without further ado, my one week in Kauai itinerary:

one week in kauai itinerary. things to do in kauai, where to stay in kauai, a map of kauai, and more!


For those of you who have yet to visit, Kauai goes a little something like this:

google map of kauai

North (Hanalei)

South (Poipu, Koloa)

West (Waimea)

East (Lihue, Kapa’a)

As far as an itinerary goes, Kauai is a small island — not a whole country — so it’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure. The beauty is…you can’t go too wrong here.

First: choose a part of the island to stay in. I recommend the North (my favorite) and the East, as it is most central for driving to the other areas.

From there, build your days around being in different parts of the island.

I chose 3 days in the north, 2 in the east, 1 in the west, and 1 in the south. Take a look at activities that suit your tastes and build your itinerary from there.

I’ll share all my Kauai recommendations: where to stay in Kauai, what to eat in Kauai, what to see in Kauai, what to do in Kauai, where to hike, and plenty of local secrets entrusted to me by friends that live there.

And if you’re looking for a more in-depth guide to where to eat, check out my latest post on Kauai’s Best Restaurants.

Aloha!

One Week in Kauai Itinerary

North (Hanalei)
See
Kauai sunset (c) by Anne Lowrey

  • Ke’e Beach: This is the beach located at the end of the road where the Kalalau Trail begins. I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life here. The glimpse of the Na Pali coast and the golden glow of the light here is something quite special.

Views from Kalalau Trail, Kauai

muddy hiking shoes on the Kalalau Trail

Your shoes WILL be muddy!

  • Kalalau Trail: With incredible views of the Na Pali coast, this hike alone is the reason many come to Kauai. Be forewarned that it is a challenging hike — you should always be aware of conditions and bring proper equipment. 11 miles in total, if you complete the whole thing you’ll be one of few in the stunning Kalalau Valley and Kalalau Beach. It is the only land access to this part of the coast. Keep in mind that anything beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley (2 miles in) requires a permit, even if you do not plan to stay overnight. The 4-mile hike is still very much worth it!  For your reference, here’s the official site for the trail.

*Good news! Access to both Ke’e Beach and Kalalau Trail has been reopened after being closed for some time due to flooding damage.

Kilauea Lighthouse

  • Kilauea Lighthouse: A gorgeous stop along the northern coastline. There is also a bird sanctuary nearby.

Queens Bath, Kauai

  • Queen’s Bath: When calm, Queen’s Bath looks like a sheltered natural pool. However, conditions can and do change quickly and more than a few lives have been claimed at this site. It’s again important to be aware of conditions, which are typically better in the summer months. Feel free to hike down and take a look, just beware of whether or not it’s a good idea to go for a swim.

Secret Beach, Kauai

  • Secret Beach – also known as Kauapea Beach. Not so secret as much as difficult to access, but a short walk keeps most of the crowds away. As you can see, I had the place to myself! (Still felt like a secret to me.)
    How to get there: Stay on Kuhio Highway past Kilauea and turn right on Kalihiwai Road. You’ll reach a dirt clearing where there may or may not be other cars parked but it looks like a dead end otherwise. There is a small trail opening on the left side that you’ll take for about a ten-minute walk to the sand.

Hanalei Pier

  • Hanalei Pier: especially beautiful at night
  • Tunnels Beach (for snorkeling!)

Eat

  • Bar Acuda: higher end tapas-style eats from a former SF chef, it’s the go-to for special occasions and has some of the best food on the island.

Hanalei Coffee Roasters breakfast

  • Dolphin Sushi Market: You’ll see Dolphin Restaurant from the road, but for me the real eats were the takeaway poke and sushi at the back door fish market. *Update: as of late 2018, this spot is still closed due to flood damage. Call before stopping in.
  • Postcards Cafe: fresh, local organic foods – a great lunch option.

Stay
St. Regis Princeville pool

  • St. Regis Princeville: It has been called one of the most beautiful resorts in the whole world. I can’t say I disagree with that given the location and the excellent service. A splurge stay — if nothing else come and enjoy the views via a drink at the bar.

South (Poipu)
See
Poipu, Kauai sunset

  • Poipu Beach: This gorgeous stretch of sand reminds me more of the other Hawaiian islands (not a bad thing) and the sunsets are incredible (of course.)
  • Spouting Horn: This natural lava tube has water forced into it during high tide or large swells, creating a spout of water up into the air and often a noise that sounds like a low whistle. It is worth checking out if you’re nearby, but I wouldn’t drive to this part of the island just to see it.
  • Kauai Tree Tunnels: Wow – this was a spectacular surprise driving across Kauai. It is a canopy of Eucalyptus trees that are quite scenic to drive under. It is located on Maluhia Road just outside of Koloa town.

Na Pali Coast boat tour

  • Napali Coast Boat Tour: I can’t recommend enough seeing the Na Pali coast from the water. While there are some boat ride options that leave from the north, I recommend the one I experienced which leaves from Port Allen in the South.

Eat
I can only recommend the casual local eats I experienced here (which are also available in other parts of Kauai) as I often cooked (fresh fish!) while staying in the South.

  • Bubba’s Burgers: awesome local burger joint (3 on the island) featuring Kauai grass-fed beef.
  • Puka Dog: This Hawaiian hot dog spot is a fun fast eat! They come with your choice of a tropical fruit relish and a spice level (I found the spiciest option to be mild, for your reference!)
  • Da Crack: If you’re craving a decent breakfast burrito while on the island (I get these cravings far too often myself,) look no further. It’s a small local Mexican takeout window. Delicious.

Stay

  • Marriott Waiohai Beach Club: Enjoyed my stay here – standard vacation rentals with hotel type service. Great for groups or families.

West (Waimea)
See

  • Waimea Canyon: Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Worth the drive, and there are several hikes spotted throughout as well. My advice? Go early. The canyon tends to fog in. Start your day here if possible.

Waimea Canyon views

  • Kokee State Park, including the Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila Lookouts: Pu’u O Kila is the better of the two lookouts (it’s after Kalalau, at the very end of the road.) Fog can roll in and out pretty quickly, and while it doesn’t tend to stay one way or the other for too long…again I recommend going early in the morning to maximize your chances of seeing the coast in clear conditions.

Na Pali coast lookout

  • Pihea Trail (for hikers): I absolutely loved this hike! It begins at the lookout named above, and is a fairly easy trail. It can also be used to connect to the Alaka’i Swamp trail (another interesting hike) and the views are fantastic.

Eat

  • Island Taco: If there was only one place I could recommend you eat on the island, it’s this place. Really? Yes. It’s that good. I mean, I love tacos (a lot.) I recommend the Kalua pork and the mahi mahi!

Island Taco, Waimea, Kauai
Island Taco, Kauai

  • Shrimp Station: Right across from Island Taco in Waimea, it’s a great place to get your shrimp on if you’re not feeling like tacos. (Though I hope you are.)

Stay

  • Waimea Plantation Cottages

*I did not stay here, but it was recommended repeatedly to me for those seeking a quieter stay.

East (Lihue, Kapa’a)

See

    • Waimea River
    • Wailua Falls
    • Opakeea Falls

Kauai waterfall
I’d be remiss if I left these off of the list, though I did not prioritize them during my Kauai visit (fell too in love with Na Pali.) I won’t be missing these next time around.

Eat

  • Porky’s Cart: a food truck that moves all over the island, though it’s most often on the East side. Hot dogs and sausages topped with the likes of grilled onions, pineapple relish, and most importantly, more pork.

Hamura's Saimin, Kauai

  • Hamura Saimin: Over and over this was recommended to me as the one local place I had to eat. I adore the hole-in-the-wall ambiance and the fact that no other tourists sat by me while I ate. As for the bowl of noodles, I have enjoyed other meals more (flavor wise) but there’s no denying that this was an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience! Definitely a must for a one week in Kauai stay.
  • Lilikoi Pie: The Hawaiian name for passionfruit, it’s another local specialty that I can’t recommend enough. I had mine at the noodle shop listed just above, but it is available at local restaurants all over the island.

Stay

Kauai beach sunrise

Photo by Brad Bernard of MyWanderlist

Aqua Kauai Resort
*Please note my two-night stay at Aqua Kauai was provided to me free of charge.

Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u

*I did not stay here but have heard nothing but amazing things, from those who know the island well!

Airbnb

Always a good way to go if you’re seeking a smaller, more personalized accommodation. There are some beautiful properties on Kauai!

Other tips:

Rain: it rains a lot. This can easily foil your plans. Don’t let it. As they say on Kauai: “no rain, no rainbows.” The weather changes frequently enough that a little break will likely have you in the sunshine again.

Swimming: be careful. I grew up swimming all over the beaches of the Big Island, but was warned continuously about the surf in Kauai. Make sure you read up and ask around about whether or not it’s safe to get in the water somewhere before you do.

Na Pali Coast, by sea or air: Just don’t miss it. I have yet to have the helicopter experience, but I can’t wait to go back for that.

Make use of early mornings. As shared above, weather changes frequently – but your best bet is early in the morning (plus, less people!)

Photography Workshop: I’ll be sharing in more detail, but if you’re interested in photography in the slightest I can’t recommend Kauai Adventure Photo Workshops enough.

Whale watching: Always a plus! While a sighting is possible from November to May, February and March are your best bets timing wise.

Kayaking: When conditions allow, I hear great things about kayaking the Na Pali coast — and if not there’s always the Wailua River! (Next time!)

Hiking the full Kalalau Trail: Do your research, plan ahead, make sure you have the permits. I’ll be back to do this someday! (Again please note the Kalalau Trail is currently closed due to flood damage.)

The only guidebook series for Kauai you’ll ever need: I grew up reading the Big Island version like it was my job, so of course I turned to the Kauai edition for my trip. They’re never let me down. Local advice and all the information you could possibly want.

Chickens everywhere. I had no idea. They really are everywhere.

Crossing a river of the Kalalau Trail

Crossing a river of the Kalalau Trail


Well, there you have it, friends! A one week in Kauai itinerary – or at least the moving parts you need to piece together your own adventure.


I hope this helps you with planning for your time in Kauai (or has you looking at flights to get there!) Have a spectacular trip and let me know about your experience.

Other itineraries for the part-time traveler:

2, 3, and 4 Weeks in New Zealand

2, 3, and 4 Weeks in Vietnam

2, 3, and 4 Weeks in BurmaSaveSave

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About Anne

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer based in San Francisco.

After spending a year in the world, she insisted on building a life at home she loved as much as she loves travel. The result was a move to SF, which she affectionately calls her “soul city.” She believes in the balance of and connection between time spent at home and abroad.

Comments

  1. Susan Schwartz says

    July 21, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    It looks so gorgeous. I wish I lived closer!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 21, 2015 at 7:32 pm

      You’re close to so much in Europe, though! We Californians have to be close to SOMETHING. Ha. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Beth Williams says

    July 21, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    Wow, talk about a photographer’s dream! I think you said it best– you can’t go wrong in Kauai!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 21, 2015 at 7:33 pm

      Just when I thought Hawaii couldn’t be any prettier! Learned a lot photographing there 🙂

      Reply
  3. Amber says

    July 23, 2015 at 1:35 am

    I haven’t been to Hawaii in years, at least a decade. It’s just as beautiful as I remember, but it’s great to see all the food resources too!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 23, 2015 at 7:39 pm

      Yes! And you know I can’t help but offer up some food tips 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lindsay Brandt says

    July 11, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    Thank you so much for this! My boyfriend and I are going to Kauai for two weeks in December and I’ve already put this all on our list!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 11, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      You’re so welcome, Lindsay! Glad it was helpful. Have a wonderful trip!

      Reply
  5. mollydefrank says

    July 25, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    This is great. Thanks for posting, heading to Kauai Thursday for a week. Just booked our boat tour of the Na Pali coast, can’t wait!

    Reply
    • Anne says

      July 25, 2016 at 2:31 pm

      Have so much fun! There’s no place like the Na Pali coast!!

      Reply
  6. LookIntoHawaii.com says

    August 13, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    Very nice itinerary and great pics too! Curious to know what you think of our 7 day Kauai itinerary: https://lookintohawaii.com/hawaii/48051/kauai-itinerary-intro-information-kauai-hi

    Reply
  7. Jes says

    August 14, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    Did you mean Hamura’s Saimin for the Noodle spot you mention above?

    Reply
    • Anne says

      August 17, 2016 at 8:49 am

      Yes, have you been?

      Reply
  8. Jen Wilson says

    October 2, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    We went in June this year…take a helicopter tour early in your stay. It’s a splurge but worth every penny. The valleys in Napali literally brought tears to my eyes! (Jack Harter tour was terrific!) BREATHTAKING!

    Reply
    • parttimetraveler says

      November 28, 2016 at 9:30 am

      It’s so beautiful there, isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed your trip!

      Reply
  9. MES says

    December 31, 2016 at 5:52 am

    We’re spending a week in March this year on Kauai (Princeville) for the 3rd time in 30 yrs to celebrate our 35th Anniv. I’M LOOKING FOR INFO ON CAR RENTAL OPTIONS.
    After a long flight, we detest the routine of getting in line at airports to go thru the transaction of getting a car that we already have reserved. In recent years we’ve enjoyed using locally owned car rental service in the US Virgin Islands, where we reserved by phone/website/email prior to arrival – and had the great experience at the airport of “sign & drive away” from the airport parking lot. I’ve read about one service that does this at LIH but notice quite a few reviews that don’t look too good. Any advice available? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Anne Lowrey says

      December 31, 2016 at 10:07 am

      I rented from a standard car rental company, but found that the airport was small enough I didn’t have to worry too much about waiting for my car.
      Good luck and Happy Anniversary!

      Reply
  10. Joni says

    January 5, 2017 at 6:46 am

    We’re planning to stay five nights in Waikiki and a week in Lihue in September. Someone is trying to get us to stay in Maui rather than Lihue. Say Kauai is boring. Thoughts? (How far of a drive is it from Lihue to some of the places you mention in the north and south?)

    Reply
    • Anne says

      January 5, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      Hi Joni, it depends on what you’re looking for. Maui has a lot more activity than Kauai, but I personally prefer the energy and scenery of Kauai. It’s a little more low-key. As for Lihue, it’s right in the center of it all. You can drive north to Hanalei, or south to Poipu (which reminds me a bit more of Maui.) Kauai is quiet and relaxing, but still with plenty to do and see. I think you’ll love it, especially because you’re already spending time in busy Waikiki.

      Reply
    • Maluna kai says

      February 7, 2018 at 6:17 am

      Kauai is definitely better! It’s my favorite island and gorgeous! So much interesting things in nature to see here.

      Reply
    • Maluna kai says

      February 7, 2018 at 6:20 am

      How is the area of kaaapa to stay in? Ive only stayed in poipu, so wondering how that area or how princeville is. Is it more city like and noisy or more country?

      Reply
      • Anne Lowrey says

        February 9, 2018 at 10:16 am

        Although Poipu is beautiful, I preferred Kaapa. It’s often called “Kauai’s most charming town,” but I like staying there over even Hanalei (which I think I love the most) if I want to explore the whole island, as its location allows me to reach the north or south of Kauai on a day trip!

        Reply
  11. A Nejedly says

    July 11, 2017 at 5:30 am

    I can’t say enough good things about ‼️ Don’t miss the Botanical Garden, it’s awesome.

    Reply
    • parttimetraveler says

      August 10, 2017 at 11:28 am

      Ah will have to get there next time! Thanks for chiming in!

      Reply
  12. mamaporuski says

    September 18, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    Thank you, looking to go in Jan/Feb of next year. We’ve been to other islands but this is our our first Kauai adventure. Thank you for the logical layout, which is how I usually plan my trips!

    Reply
    • Anne Lowrey says

      April 23, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      So glad it was helpful! Happy travels.

      Reply
  13. Knay says

    October 26, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Hi!! This is so helpful thank you! Question for you, you mentioned you loved the boat tour you went on – which one did you do, do you remember? Also a bit confused – are Waimea Canyon and Kokee state park two different places? thank you so much!!

    Reply
    • Anne Lowrey says

      October 30, 2017 at 9:48 am

      Hey there! So the boat tour I went on was with Holo Holo Charters. More info here: http://parttimetraveler.com/take-me-to-kauais-napali-coast-boat-tours/
      And yes, those are two different spots. Kokee State Park is a great place to see the Kalalau Valley from above.
      Hope you have a great trip!

      Reply
  14. Fiona says

    September 14, 2019 at 2:38 am

    What an inspiring read! Thank you for sharing, I’m off to book my flights to Kauai.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      September 14, 2019 at 11:45 am

      Wonderful to hear! You’ll have a phenomenal time. Happy travels! 🙂

      Reply

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