Journey to the Garden Island

 25km/15mi  –  1h00

Take it easy on the first day of this itinerary. Start by discovering the Poipu area, on the sunny Southern side of the island. Poipu is mostly immune to Kauai’s changing weather. It is recommended to land in Kauai the day before.

• Start your first day by relaxing at Shipwreck Beach. This tranquil beach is quiet and a preferred spot for local surfers.
• Head up to the Shipwrecks Cliff and start hiking North along the beautiful coastline of the 2mi/3.5km Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail for as long as you can take the heat.
• Visit the Makauwahi Cave and check out the tortoise sanctuary at Lida’s Field of Dream.
• Spend the afternoon at Mahaulepu Beach, a great spot for snorkeling where you may spot sea lions sunbathing if you are lucky.
• Marvel at the powerful Spouting Horn Blowhole on the way back to your hotel.

• On the way from the airport to Poipu, you can stop at Safeway, a large grocery store, to stock up on drinks and snacks.
• Most beaches have minimal amenities (outdoor showers and restrooms only), and onsite food options are limited so make sure to plan accordingly.
• Pack everything you need for the beach by checking out our article Must Have Beach Gear That Fits In A Suitcase.

 105km/65mi  –  2h10

On the second day of this itinerary, you will explore the Waimea Canyon, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. You will also discover Koke’e State Park known for its breathtaking views of the famous Na Pali Coast.

• Drive up the Waimea Canyon Drive, one of the most scenic routes in America, and stop at the Red Dirt Waterfall.
• Stop at multiple viewpoints to admire the vast Waimea Canyon from every angle (Waimea Canyon Lookout, Waipo’o Falls Lookout, and Pu’u Hinahina Lookout).
• Hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail (1h30 each way) to take in some of the best views of the Na Pali Coast, known for its steep sea cliffs and narrow valleys.
• Enjoy one of Kauai’s most iconic viewpoints over the Na Pali Coast at the Kalalau Lookout.
• Continue on to the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, and hike towards the Pihea Vista (45min), which offers one of the best views of the Kalalau Valley.
• After a day full of adventures, wind down and admire the sunset at Salt Pond Beach 
• Alternatively, head back to your hotel to get ready for a traditional Hawaiian Luau dinner show at Luau Kalamaku, where you can enjoy local food and Polynesian dances.

• You can get a map of all the hiking trails at the Koke’e museum.
• It is recommended to start the Awa’awapuhi trail very early in the morning to see the sunrise and minimize the risk of fog.
• Consider budgeting a second day in the area if you want more time to hike, or if you had inclement weather on your first visit.

 105km/65mi  –  2h00

On the third day of the trip, relax at Polihale Beach, arguably the best beach of Kauai. In addition, enjoy a stunning boat tour or thrilling helicopter ride to discover the Na Pali coast from its best vantage points.

• Head to the Western coast of the island to Polihale State Park, and spend the day exploring this pristine beach.
• Take a dip in Queen’s Pond, a shallow and calm area where it is safe for kids and adults to swim.
• On the way back to Poipu, stop at the Hanapepe Lookout, as well as at at the “biggest little town” of Hanapepe, and walk across the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge.
• Discover the Na Pali Coast by sea or by air before or after visiting Polihale. Schedule a helicopter tour leaving from Lihue in the morning or book a boat tour from the Waimea or Eleele ports.

• Polihale is in a remote part of the island with no cellular service and no amenities except for restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables.
• A 4WD is recommended as the last leg of the drive to Polihale State Park is off-road. However, it is possible to get through the dirt/gravel road with a regular car by driving slowly.
• Make sure you read our Ultimate Guide to Polihale Beach, which includes our top tips to make the most of your time there.
• Be aware that helicopter tours are frequently canceled due to bad weather. As such, booking it for Day 3 will give you a chance to reschedule before you leave Kauai.

 100km/60mi  –  1h50

On the fourth day, leave Poipu to head North towards Princeville. As you drive along the coastline, appreciate the lush vegetation and the numerous waterfalls.

• Drive through Tree Tunnel, a lovely tree-covered road spanning 1 mile.
• Head to the Wailuwa Falls Lookout and admire the rushing water from above, before taking a short but slippery hike to the bottom.
• Stop at the Wailuwa River Lookout and Opaeka’a Falls Lookout as you continue heading North.
• Sunbathe at Kealia Beach or take a 2h30 hike up the Sleeping Giant Trail where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the east coast.
• Admire the sunset at Kilauea Point, a wildlife refuge, where a lighthouse sits atop a cliff. You may be lucky and spot the endangered Hawaiian Nene geese.

• Depending on your preference, it is easy to adapt this day’s activities as there are many beaches and trailheads along the way.

 120km/75mi  –  1h20

On the fifth day, drive from Princeville to Ke’e Beach, from where you will start a challenging but rewarding hike through along the Na Pali Coast. After physically intensive day, head to the beach to wind down and spend the evening strolling in the streets of Hanalei.

• Start the day by hiking the first 3km/2mi of the Kalalau Trail, which is considered one of the  most impressive hikes in the USA.
• Once you reach Hanakapi’ai Beach, have lunch before heading back to Ke’e Beach.
• Alternatively, continue your hike inland through the Hanakapi’ai Valley for an additional 3km/2mi and turn around once reach the Hanakapi’ai Falls.
• Recuperate from your hike by relaxing at Ke’e Beach before driving back to Princeville.
• Spend the evening strolling around Hanalei village.

• The hike is pretty challenging, with narrow paths and steep inclines. The weather is constantly changing, so expect rain on and off, leading muddy trails. 
• Hanakapi’ai Beach is only accessible in the summer, as the strong ocean currents pull all of the sand away in winter
• The full Kalalau Trail is 11mi/18km long, which requires a camping permit and about 3-4 days to complete

 16km/10mi  –  30min

On the last day of the trip, swim in Queens Bath for a rush of adrenaline. Thereafter, take it easy for the rest of the day by staying around the Hanalei Bay, and admire one last fabulous Kauaian sunset. On the following day, drive back to Lihue to catch your flight back home.

• Start the day with a short (and muddy!) hike through the rain forest to reach a beautiful coastal lava field. If the tide is low and the waves are calm, dare to jump into the waters of Queen’s Bath, a natural ocean pool.
• Head down to Hanalei Village to try Kauai’s traditional shave ice at Jojo’s Shave Ice, and on the way, stop at the Hanalei Valley Lookout.
• Check out Hanalei Bay Pier, and relax at Hanalei Beach for the remainder of the afternoon.
• For the last evening, sip a drink on the outside terrace of the St. Regis Bar and admire the sun set behind the mountains.

• The hike to the shores of Queen’s Bath can be very muddy and slippery, but well worth it! Bring closed toe shoes and be prepared to get dirty.
• Many people confuse Queen’s Bath with other similar looking tidepools. Once you reach the shores, you must walk another 10-15mins to reach the actual natural pool.
• Queen’s Bath is the only area where you should consider swimming, as it is surrounded by rocks and therefore closed off from the open ocean. Do not swim in any other area, as you will get pulled into the open ocean.
• Accidents and drownings happen regularly at Queen’s Bath. Only consider jumping in if you are an experienced swimmer, the ocean seems calm, and if you made sure that the surf is lower than 4ft.
• If you did not have time to do a Luau dinner show, consider the Mailani Dinner Show at the St. Regis hotel.