Planning a week in Kauai? You’ve made an excellent choice. With nearly 20 years of annual visits to the Garden Isle under our belts, we’ve spent more time on this island than we can count — and we’re sharing our definitive day-by-day itinerary to help you experience the best Kauai has to offer in seven days. From the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the red-earth grandeur of Waimea Canyon, a week on Kauai can be truly transformative — if you plan it right.
This guide covers everything: where to stay, how to spend each day, which activities to prioritize, and insider tips we’ve picked up over two decades of visits. Use the links throughout to dive deeper into each topic.
Quick Links: Jump to Any Day
- Where to Stay for One Week in Kauai
- Day 1: Arrival in Kauai
- Day 2: Beach Day
- Day 3: Hiking the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Beach
- Day 4: Choose Your Own Adventure
- Day 5: Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park
- Day 6: Kayaking the Wailua River
- Day 7: Snorkeling and Your Final Beach Day
- Travel Day: Making the Most of Your Last Hours
- Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kauai for a Week
Where to Stay for One Week in Kauai
With seven days, you have a meaningful choice to make before you arrive: where to base yourself. Here’s our advice.
Summer visitors (May–September): Stay on the North Shore. The North Shore is at its best in summer — calm seas make Tunnels and Anini Beach ideal for snorkeling, and the weather is generally drier than winter. Basing yourself in Princeville or Hanalei means you’re close to the island’s most dramatic scenery. And with seven days, you don’t need to move — you can day-trip to Waimea Canyon and the East Shore without losing vacation time to packing and checking in and out.
Winter visitors (October–April): Stay on the South Shore. Winter swells close many North Shore beaches to swimming and snorkeling. The South Shore — Poipu in particular — remains sunny and swimmable most of the year. If you’re hoping to spot humpback whales (December through April), the South Shore also gives you easy access to whale-watching tours.
Want the best of both? Consider splitting your week — four nights on one shore, three on the other. Just know that moving mid-trip takes a half-day and can feel disruptive. We generally prefer to plant ourselves in one place.
Staying on the East Shore (Lihue or Kapa’a)? It’s central, but you’ll spend more time driving than you’ll want to. We’d recommend it only if you find a deal that’s hard to pass up.
For detailed recommendations on specific resorts, vacation rentals, and our favorite budget-friendly timeshare options, see our guides to where to stay on the North Shore and where to stay on the South Shore. If you’re watching your budget, our Budget-Friendly Kauai guide covers timeshare options, Turo car rentals, Costco tips, and where to eat for $15 or less.
Day 1: Arrival in Kauai
Most flights from the mainland arrive in the afternoon or evening, so don’t plan anything ambitious for Day 1. Here’s how to make it smooth.
At the airport: Lihue Airport (LIH) is small and easy to navigate. All car rental agencies (except Turo) are accessed via a short shuttle across from the arrivals area. If you’re traveling as a couple or family, split up when you land — one person heads straight to the car rental shuttle to beat the rush while the other collects luggage at baggage claim. It sounds simple, but this trick has saved us an hour on multiple trips.
Groceries: Don’t arrive to an empty fridge. We strongly recommend pre-ordering grocery pickup from Safeway before you board your flight. You can place the order from home and schedule pickup for the evening you land. Just make sure to pre-approve substitutions — we’ve arrived to find half our order missing because items were out of stock and we were mid-flight and couldn’t respond to the alerts. For the biggest grocery savings on the island, Costco is unbeatable — prices are close to mainland rates, unlike most other stores on Kauai. See our Kauai Vacation Hacks post for a full grocery strategy.
Tonight: Get dinner close to where you’re staying, unpack, and get to bed early. If flying from the mainland, you’re likely arriving from two to three time zones ahead — Hawaii is HST (UTC-10), which means your body thinks it’s late even when the clock says 9pm. Try to stay awake until at least 9pm local time to start adjusting. You’ll thank yourself on Day 2.
Day 2: Beach Day
You’re jet-lagged. Your body is confused. This is not the day for a strenuous hike. This is the day for the beach.
Start with coffee and a morning stroll. If you’re on the North Shore, head to 1 Hanalei in Princeville for coffee, pastries, and one of the most beautiful views on the island — Hanalei Bay spread out below you in the early morning light. If you’re on the South Shore, stroll the coastline near Poipu or grab an acai bowl and coffee at Little Fish Coffee.
Choose your beach. Mid-morning, head to your beach of choice. We recommend:
- North Shore: Hanalei Beach for a classic, sweeping bay experience. The water is calm in summer and the mountains behind it are spectacular.
- South Shore: Shipwreck Beach for scenery, or Poipu Beach for calm, family-friendly swimming.
Afternoon: Get shave ice. This is non-negotiable. See our guide to the best shave ice on Kauai for our top spots by shore.
Evening: Don’t miss the sunset. Kauai sunsets are otherworldly — check our favorite sunset spots to find the best vantage point near you. Follow with a casual dinner, or cook at your rental if you’re saving money.
Day 3: Hiking the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Beach
This is the day you’ve been resting up for. The Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Beach is, in our opinion, the single best thing you can do on Kauai — and one of the most spectacular hikes in all of Hawaii.
The trail begins at Ke’e Beach on the North Shore and follows the Na Pali Coast for 2 miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach. It’s a 4-mile round trip with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, and every step of it is stunning — sheer green cliffs dropping into the Pacific, native plants clinging to ancient lava, views that have no business being real.
Book your parking permit 30 days in advance through the Hawaii DLNR reservation system. Failing to do this means either paying significantly more for a shuttle ticket or missing the trailhead altogether. It fills up fast. Read our full Kalalau Trail guide for permit details, what to bring, and what to expect on the trail.
Since you’re still adjusting to the time zone, you’ll likely be up early — use that to your advantage and hit the trailhead at 7am before the crowds arrive and before the heat builds.
After the hike: You’ll be tired and hungry. Head to Hanalei town for lunch. The food trucks in the parking lot near the Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. area are a great casual option. Spend the rest of the afternoon recovering on the beach or exploring the shops in Hanalei.
Day 4: Choose Your Own Adventure
After beaching and a serious hike, Day 4 is your flex day — pick the activity that fits your style and budget.
Splurge Option: Helicopter Tour
Nothing — and we mean nothing — prepares you for seeing Kauai from the air. A helicopter tour reveals parts of the island that are simply inaccessible on foot: the interior of Mt. Wai’ale’ale (one of the wettest spots on Earth), the full sweep of the Na Pali Coast, and the Jurassic Park waterfall. Expect to pay $250–$400 per person. It’s worth every dollar if it’s in your budget.
Adventure Option: Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
If it’s summer and you’re based on the North Shore, a sailing and snorkeling tour of the Na Pali Coast departing from Hanalei is an experience you won’t forget. These tours are slightly more expensive than those departing from Port Allen on the South Shore, but you’ll spend far more time alongside the cliffs. Book well in advance — these fill up quickly in summer.
Active Option: Zip Lining or Horseback Riding
Several operators on the island offer zip line tours and horseback rides through Kauai’s lush interior. Both are great options for families or anyone who wants adventure without the physical demands of hiking. Check out our New Year’s trip diary for our experience with the outrigger surfing canoe at Kalapaki Beach — a fantastic and underrated activity.
Relaxed Option: National Tropical Botanic Garden Tour
Kauai is home to some of the most remarkable botanical gardens in the world. The Allerton Garden on the South Shore and Limahuli Garden on the North Shore are both operated by the National Tropical Botanic Garden and offer guided tours that are fascinating even if you’re not a plant person. Reserve ahead.
Tonight: Consider a nicer dinner. Walina Terrace at 1 Hanalei, Bar Acuda in Hanalei town, and The Beach House in Poipu are all excellent options that feel special without being over the top.
Day 5: Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park
Leave early. We can’t stress this enough.
Waimea Canyon — nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” — sits on the west side of the island, and getting there takes time. From the North Shore it’s at least 90 minutes. From Poipu, plan on 30–45 minutes. The earlier you go, the better the lighting for photos, the clearer the views before clouds roll in, and the more of the day you have to explore.
Stop for coffee on the way. Sunshine Coffee in Lihue or Kauai Kookie in Kalaheo are both great options and conveniently located along the route.
At Waimea Canyon: The canyon overlooks are breathtaking. If you want to hike, the Canyon Trail is our top recommendation — it takes you down into the canyon floor and rewards with views that the overlooks can’t match.
Continue up to Kokee State Park. Above Waimea Canyon, the road continues into Kokee, where the Kalalau Lookout offers one of the most dramatic views on the island: the full sweep of the Kalalau Valley from 4,000 feet. On a clear day, it’s jaw-dropping. The Awa’awapuhi Trail is another excellent hike up here, with vertiginous views of the Na Pali cliffs that rival anything you’ll see from the water.
Plan to spend a full day between the canyon and Kokee. Pack lunch or grab something at the Kokee Lodge before it closes.
Day 6: Kayaking the Wailua River
The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii, and kayaking it is one of the most fun, accessible, and rewarding activities on the island.
Rent your own kayaks rather than booking a guided tour — it’s more affordable and gives you the freedom to go at your own pace. We recommend Wailua Kayak Adventures as a reliable rental option.
Paddle upriver to Secret Falls. From the launch point, you’ll paddle along the calm, jungle-lined river to a dock. From there, a 1-mile trail through the rainforest leads to Uluwehi Falls (commonly called Secret Falls) — a stunning 100-foot waterfall with a swimming hole beneath it. Picnic on the rocks, swim under the falls, and soak it in.
On your way back, stop to see Opaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls — both are accessible directly from the road, no hiking required. If your legs still have life in them, consider adding the Kuilau Ridge Trail — a 3.5-mile round trip with sweeping views of Mt. Wai’ale’ale on clear days.
Day 7: Snorkeling and Your Final Beach Day
Save some energy for your last full day — you’ll want to spend it in the water.
Start with snorkeling. Hit the water early before the trade winds pick up and reduce visibility. Our top picks:
- North Shore stays: Anini Beach for calm, turtle-filled waters, then Tunnels for more dramatic coral and fish (summer only).
- South Shore stays: Lawai Beach for excellent coral and fish with fewer crowds than Poipu.
For a full breakdown of every snorkeling spot on the island — including tips on gear, sunscreen, and wildlife etiquette — see our Top 5 Snorkeling Spots in Kauai guide.
Afternoon: Your last beach day. Find a spot you love and stay as long as you can. Watch the sunset one final time from one of our favorite sunset spots.
First-timers: Consider a Luau. If this is your first trip to Hawaii, Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua offers a traditional luau experience that’s well worth it. Book in advance — it sells out. If you’ve done luaus on other islands, you can skip this.
Travel Day: Making the Most of Your Last Hours
Most return flights to the mainland depart in the evening, which means you’ll check out of your lodging in the morning with hours to fill. Here’s how to spend them well:
Rent bikes and ride the Kauai Bike Path in Kapa’a. The paved coastal path runs along the East Shore with beautiful ocean views and is fun for all fitness levels. Grab lunch at the food truck park in Kapa’a, then return your bikes and head to Hee Fat Market for some last-minute shave ice.
Shop in town. Hanalei, Koloa, Poipu, and Kapa’a all have great local shops for last-minute gifts and souvenirs. Kauai Kookie makes a great edible souvenir.
Early dinner at Duke’s in Lihue. This is our traditional last-night-on-the-island dinner. Beachside seating, live music, and a menu that satisfies everyone. It’s close to the airport — dine early, then head to the gate. Aloha.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kauai for a Week
Is one week enough time to see Kauai?
Yes — one week is actually an ideal amount of time for Kauai. Unlike Oahu or Maui, Kauai is small enough that seven days lets you experience the highlights of every shore without feeling rushed. If anything, you’ll leave wishing you had a few more days.
What is the best time of year to visit Kauai?
Summer (May through September) offers the calmest ocean conditions, the best snorkeling, and reliable weather on both shores. Winter (December through April) brings bigger surf, lush green landscapes after the rains, and humpback whale sightings — but North Shore beaches can be inaccessible for swimming. Shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer a sweet spot of good weather and lower prices.
Should I stay on the North Shore or South Shore?
It depends on when you’re visiting. Summer: North Shore. Winter: South Shore. See our full breakdown in the Where to Stay post on this site, plus our detailed shore guides for specific property recommendations.
Do I need a rental car in Kauai?
Absolutely, yes. Kauai has very limited public transit and the island’s best spots are spread across different shores. A rental car is essential. For budget options, check out Turo (peer-to-peer car sharing) or book through Costco Travel — both often beat the standard rental agency rates.
What should I pack for a week in Kauai?
The essentials: mineral sunscreen (Hawaii bans sunscreens with Oxybenzone or Octinoxate), a swim shirt, snorkeling gear or plan to rent it, hiking shoes with good grip for muddy trails, and a refillable water bottle. See our complete Kauai Packing Guide for the full list including what not to bring.
How much does a week in Kauai cost?
Kauai is one of the more expensive Hawaiian islands. A realistic budget for a week (per couple) including flights, accommodation, car rental, food, and activities runs $5,000–$10,000+. That said, there are meaningful ways to reduce costs — see our Budget-Friendly Kauai guide for our best money-saving tips, including timeshare rentals, Costco, and where to eat well for $15 or less.
What are the must-do activities in Kauai?
Based on nearly 20 years of visits, our non-negotiables are: the Kalalau Trail hike, snorkeling at Tunnels or Anini, kayaking the Wailua River to Secret Falls, a full day at Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, and at least one spectacular sunset. If budget allows, add a helicopter tour — it’s transformative.
Have questions about planning your Kauai trip? Leave a comment below — we read and respond to every one. And if you found this guide helpful, subscribe to our newsletter for more tips from your Colorado Ohana.
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