Kauai Vacation Blog

Your Colorado Ohana's Guide to Kauai

Explore Kauai in a week by selecting accommodations on either the north or south shore. Engage in activities like snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks. End your journey with a luau or a relaxing beach day, ensuring a memorable Hawaiian experience.

By

Mike and Joc

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Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Kauai in One Week

Spending a week on Kauai? Here are our ideas for how to explore the best Kauai has to offer in 7 days.

Green grasses and golden sands rest alongside the blue waters of Kalapaki Bay with green mountains and a cruise ship visible in the distance

Where to Stay

With seven days, you have a choice. You can choose to spend the entire trip on either the north or south shore. Or you can split your time between the two sides of the island. If you’re visiting in the summer, we recommend staying on the north shore. This way, you don’t have to move during your trip. Conversely, if you’re visiting during the winter, stay on the south shore. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Lihu’e or Kapa’a along the east shore. However, you’ll spend more time driving than you may want.

Where to stay on the North Shore

Where to stay on the South Shore

Key Activities Included:

  • Snorkeling
  • Beach Days
  • Kayaking the Wailua River
  • Hiking Kalalau to Hanakapi’ai Beach
  • Luau at Smiths Tropical Paradise
  • Other Activities, like a boat tour of Napali, horseback riding, zip lining, botanic garden tour, or a helicopter ride
Panoramic view from an elevated vantage point on Kauai showing the island's diverse landscape, with the dramatic fluted ridges of the Na Pali mountains rising in the background. The foreground features wild grasses and native vegetation, while the middle distance reveals a patchwork of lush green valleys, agricultural fields, and tropical forests stretching toward the Pacific Ocean. Power lines cross the frame, indicating this scenic overlook is accessible by road. Puffy white clouds drift across the bright blue sky above this quintessential Hawaiian landscape that showcases Kauai's nickname as the Garden Isle.

Sample Itinerary:

Day One: Arrival

Arrive likely late in the day. Pick up rental car, check into lodging, and get dinner nearby. Savvy travelers will also pick up a grocery order from Safeway. You can place the order even before you board your flight. This way, you’ll have coffee and breakfast items in the morning. If arriving from the mainland, try to stay awake as late as possible in the evening. It will help you adjust to Hawai’i time faster.

Wide expansive view of the golden sands and calm blue waters of Hanalei Bay as seen from the edge of the beach

Day Two: Beach Day

We recommend you plan to spend your first full day on the island at the beach. You’ll be jet lagged and tired from traveling, so you likely won’t want a lot of adventure or strenuous activities. Assuming you’re up early, go out for an early morning stroll. In Princeville, head to 1 Hanalei for some coffee and pastry and to take in the views of Hanalei Bay. If you’re in Poi’pu, stroll along the coastline. You can also walk to Little Fish Coffee for an acai bowl and coffee.

Head to the beach of your choice in the mid- to late morning. We recommend Hanalei Beach if you’re on the north shore and Shipwreck or Poipu on the south shore.

When you’re finished at the beach, get some shave ice before heading back to your lodging. See our favorite spots for recommendations.

Don’t miss the sunset from one of our favorite spots before getting a casual dinner – or cooking at your lodging.

Day Three: Adventure Day

Now that you’ve acclimated to the time zone, plan to spend your second full day on the island trying more adventurous activities. Our top pick? Hike the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Beach. Since you’re likely still getting up early, day three is a great day to hike Kalalau. This tops our list for best hikes, and must-do activities on the island. This is one of the best ways to see the Napali coast, and this will no doubt top your list of favorite things about Kauai. Read our post about the trail, and be sure to book your parking spot 30 days in advance to save money on shuttle tickets.

High clifftop view of Na Pali Coast's rugged green ridges and pristine blue waters through native Hawaiian plants as seen from the Kalalau trail
Two riders enjoying a horseback riding experience on Kauai, mounted on horses along a dirt trail at a local ranch or stable. Both riders wear safety helmets and are surrounded by lush tropical scenery including coconut palms and other native vegetation. In the background, Kauai's dramatic green mountains rise under a partly cloudy blue sky, with well-maintained pastures and wooden ranch fencing visible. This popular island activity offers visitors a unique way to explore Kauai's scenic interior landscapes and agricultural areas.

Day Four: Other Activity

After beaching and hiking, you may be looking for an alternative activity for your third full day. Consider any of the numerous options available.

Money not an object? Consider a helicopter tour. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of all of the best sights, including some you can only see from the air, such as the Jurassic Park falls or inside Mt. Wai’ale’ale (weather dependent).

Or take a sailing and snorkeling tour of Napali. If it’s summer and you’re staying on the north shore, consider one of the tours that depart from Hanalei. They’re a little more expensive, but worth it as you’ll spend much more time along the Napali coast.

A little more budget conscious? Try zip lining or horseback riding.

Want something more laid back? Try touring one of the National Tropical Botanic Gardens, such as Allerton on the south shore or Limahuli on the north shore.

Consider a nice dinner out such as at Walina Terrace at 1 Hanalei, Bar Acuda in Hanalei, or the Beach House restaurant in Poipu.

Day Five: Explore Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks

Venture out early to make the drive to the canyon and Kokee. It’s at least 90 minutes from the north shore, and a good 30-45 minutes from Poipu. Stop by Sunshine Coffee in Lihue or Kauai Kookie in Kalaheo for some coffee and local flavors. Enjoy the day exploring the canyon or various views and trails in Kokee. We recommend hiking either the Canyon Trail or Awa’awapuhi for some unforgettable views.

Spectacular view of Kauai's fluted Na Pali Coast cliffs and Kalalau Valley from Kalalau Lookout, showing distinctive ridged volcanic formations and lush green valleys
Kayakers paddling red and yellow kayaks on the calm Wailua River with Sleeping Giant mountain visible in distance

Day Six: Kayak the Wailua River

Hopefully the long day at Waimea and Kokee won’t leave you too tired, because you don’t want to miss a kayak trip up the Wailua River. We recommend renting kayaks and exploring on your own, but you can book a guided tour if you’d prefer. Be sure to dock up river and take the 1 mile hike to Secret Falls. Picnic on the rocks and swim in the lagoon and even under the falls.

After returning your kayak, consider driving to see the O’paeka Falls and Wailua Falls. If time permits, you may even consider adding the 3.5 mile roundtrip Kuilau Ridge hike, with its stunning views of Mt. Wai’ale’ale.

Day Seven: Snorkeling and Beach Day

Ready for some more beach time? We recommend starting the day with some snorkeling at Anini (for north shore stays) or Lawai (for south shore stays). Enjoy the turtles and underwater life before heading to another nearby beach for more sun, sand, and ocean. For more snorkeling on the north shore, consider Tunnels, where you can spend the day or just visit in the morning and head back to Hanalei to explore the town or spend more time on the beach.

First time in Hawaii? Consider a luau at Smiths Tropical Paradise for your final evening on the island. Be sure to book in advance. If you’ve been to luaus on other islands, you can skip this.

School of yellow tangs swimming over coral reef in clear blue waters off Kauai's coast
Cyclists riding on red dirt coastal path with turquoise ocean, white beaches, and green mountains along the east shore of Kauai near Kapaa

Travel Day

Most return flights to the mainland depart in the evening, leaving you with a dilemma. You need to check out of lodging in the morning, so how do you spend the day? We have some ideas. Consider renting a bike and exploring the Kauai Bike Trail in Kapa’a. Grab lunch at the food truck park in Kapa’a before venturing out. After returning your bike, be sure to head to Hee Fat for some shave ice. You can then explore the shops in Kapa’a for some last minute mementos from your trip.

Alternatively, if you haven’t already, drive to the O’paeka and Wailua Falls. You can also shop in Hanalei, Koloa, Poipu, or Kapa’a if you haven’t explored the local shops.

Consider grabbing an early dinner at Duke’s in Lihue before heading to the airport. This will give you a last chance to dine beachside and enjoy some live music.

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