Kauai is my favorite destination in Hawaii. A lush tropical oasis, the island is home to emerald valleys, green mountain peaks, roaring waterfalls and sweeping canyons. They call it the Garden Island for good reason - it's a hiker's paradise, and the Jurassic Park feels are off-the-charts. While the outdoor scene is truly spectacular, Kauai does not have the lavish five-star resorts, shopping centers and restaurant scene that you'll find on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. If any of those are a priority, Kauai might not be for you. Life on Kauai moves at a relaxed pace - the vibes are incredibly chill, and typical day involves hiking, snorkeling, kayaking adventures, scenic drives or bumming it on the beach. Below is my guide to all this (and more!) to help you plan the ultimate trip to Kauai. This post may contain affiliate links.
Prehistoric feels while chasing waterfalls. Outfit details: One piece, linked here.
QUICK KAUAI TIPS
HOW LONG ON KAUAI
One week. It might seem like a short trip, but seven days is the right amount of time on Kauai. A week will get you to the best hiking trails, waterfalls, beaches, viewpoints and restaurants, and all at a pretty relaxed pace.
WHEN TO VISIT
May through September. Yes, this is high season, but it's also your shot at the best weather on Kauai. This is one of the rainiest destinations in the Hawaiian Islands, and the beaches and hiking trails are best experienced under sunshine.
One of the prettiest beach backdrops in the Hawaiian Islands is here at Tunnels Beach. Outfit details: Lovers + Friends one piece, linked here.
Soaking in the sweeping views at the very end of the Awa'awapuhi Trail.
EXPLORE KAUAI
AWA'AWAPUHI TRAIL
This moderate hiking trail tucked away in Waimea Canyon is approximately six miles round trip. The trek itself isn't anything spectacular, but the sweeping views from the Awa'awapuhi Nualolo Lookout at the end of the trail are completely epic. The panoramic scenes overlook the craggy canyon cliffs of the Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi Valleys.
HELICOPTER ISLAND TOUR
If you pick one Hawaiian island for a helicopter tour, Kauai is the one. The tours aren't cheap, but it's worth every penny for the one to two hours you are in the air. And to see the island from above is a completely surreal experience - all the Jurassic Park feels. The tours take passengers around the entire island, but highlights are flying over Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Valley, the Napali Coast and dozens of waterfalls in the lush jungle.
HIDEAWAYS BEACH
Small, gorgeous beach located on the island's North Shore. Climb down to the dreamy turquoise water from the small public parking lot that is located near 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (parking lot is on Google Maps). Hideaways Beach is best to visit on a sunny day with minimal wind.
KAYAK THE HANALEI RIVER
Spend a morning or afternoon exploring the lush Hanalei River by kayak. Kayak Hanalei offers both guided tours and rentals for self-guided adventures with a route map. There are two routes to choose from (Wildlife Refuge route and the Ocean route), and both take a maximum of two hours.
KUILAU RIDGE TRAIL
Lush hiking trail near Kapa'a that takes trekkers through the rainforest and up to the Kuilau Ridge. The MUDDY trail is 3.5 miles each direction - proper hiking footwear is highly recommended.
TUNNELS BEACH
Kauai isn't known for its beaches, but on a sunny day, Tunnels is one of my favorite gems in all of Hawaii. Nestled along the North Shore, jagged mountain peaks covered in emerald green growth serve up an epic backdrop for both sunbathers and snorkelers. The parking area for Tunnels Beach is small - arrive early to snag a spot.
WAILUA FALLS
Wailua Falls is a popular tourist stop thanks to its close proximity to Lihue, and a viewpoint that doesn't require much effort (the parking area and viewpoint are one and the same).
WAIMEA CANYON
Often coined the Grand Canyon of the Hawaiian Islands, Waimea Canyon is home to hiking trails, scenic drives and sweeping viewpoints. It's a bit of a journey to reach the state park (especially for visitors coming from Princeville), but it really is a must-visit while on Kauai. The 14-mile canyon is loaded with hiking trails - research ahead of time to select an adventure best suited to your hiking abilities. My favorites are the Awa'awapuhi Trail, Waimea Canyon Trail and Waipoo Falls.
The best pool scene on the island is at the Grant Hyatt Resort & Spa. Outfit details: Lovers + Friends one piece, linked here.
Cotton candy sunrise at the Grant Hyatt lagoon. Outfit details: Lovers + Friends one piece, linked here.
STAY ON KAUAI
GRAND HYATT KAUAI RESORT & SPA
Sprawling resort located in Poipu, the Grant Hyatt Resort & Spa is home to the prettiest grounds on the island. Guests of the beachfront property are treated to a dreamy saltwater lagoon, as well as several beautiful pools, most connected by a tropical lazy river. The Poipu location is ideal for visitors with plans to visit both Waimea Canyon and the North Shore while on Kauai - it sits half way between the two.
A beautiful two-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb located on the North Shore, near Hanalei Bay. The condo is bright, airy and tastefully decorated in whites, blues and grays. This is a rarely available Airbnb Plus property - if you see it available, book it.
This lovely plantation-style home sits tucked away in serene Hanalei. The spacious property offers two bedrooms and three bathrooms, but can hold up to seven guests. It's another Airbnb Plus property. The reviews stellar, and design very tasteful - Brazilian cherry hardwood, vaulted beam ceilings and wood paneled walls.
Spacious condo located in Princeville, perfect for groups. Also an Airbnb Plus property, it features monochromatic design cues and dark woods contrasted with whites and grays. Incredibly stylish, spacious and clean. Another rarity on Kauai.
KOLOA LANDING RESORT AT POIPU, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Another Poipu option for travelers looking to have a kitchen or partial kitchen in-unit. Koloa Landing Resort offers a range of options including studios and variety of villas. Resort is beachfront with beautiful infinity pools.
All good vibes on Kauai.
Oasis at the Grant Hyatt Resort & Spa. Outfit details: Lovers + Friends one piece, linked here.
EAT ON KAUAI
ALOHA JUICE BAR
Colorful juice stand on the North Shore that serves fresh juices, acai bowls and smoothies.
CHICKEN IN A BARREL
Popular barbecue spot with three locations on the island in Waimea, Kapa'a and Hanalei. Food is quick and locations are overly casual - great place to stop to feast after a hike. Menu includes barbecued meats, mac salad, cornbread, chili, fries and more.
EATING HOUSE
Upscale restaurant from acclaimed Chef Roy Yamaguchi that is one of the more popular dinner spots in Poipiu - reservations well in advance are recommended to get a table here. Menu offers a variety of raws, seafood and meats.
HANALEI POKE
This might be a mini food truck, but it serves a mighty menu of fresh poke, sushi and make. Food is fresh, delicious and VERY popular!
JAPANESE GRANDMA'S CAFE
Priceless gem tucked away in Hanapepe that serves up a storm of delicious Japanese dishes including poke tacos, tempura, karaage, tonkatsu, sushi, sashimi, nigiri and ramen on select days of the week. Reservations recommended.
JAVA KAI
An island favorite for breakfast, Java Kai has two locations in Kapa'a and Kilauea. Menu includes coffees, smoothies, bakery goods, bagel sandwiches, avocado toast, acai bowls and breakfast burritos. There's always a wait, but you can order ahead online and schedule a specific pick-up time to avoid the line completely.
KOLOA FISH MARKET
Family-owned, no-frills establishment that serves fresh fish, poke, bentos and desserts.
MIDNIGHT BEAR BREADS
This small bakery sits across the street from Japanese Grandma's Cafe in Hanapepe. It's only open four days a week, and the best selection of fresh breads, rolls and pasties is early in the morning.
SUSHI GIRL
One of the best reviewed food options on the island. Sushi Girl looks more like a permanent food truck than a restaurant, serving their popular sushi burritos, poke bowls and make rolls out of three small windows in the Kong Long Historic Market Center.
Kauai is the best island in Hawaii to explore by helicopter.
Have you ever hiked behind a waterfall?
GETTING TO KAUAI
Visitors fly into Kauai via a handful of direct routes from the mainland Americas, or via a short flight from neighboring Kauai, Oahu or Hawaii.
Soaring high above the island's stunning topography.
GETTING AROUND KAUAI
A car is a must on the island. Everything is spread out - the food, the beaches and the hiking trails. Most major car rental brands are available at the airport. From baggage claim, you'll hop on a shuttle to the car rental counters located just a few minutes away. Also, there is limited access to the North Shore due to ongoing road repairs. Check this when planning out your itinerary.
Nā Pali Coast.
Our helicopter had no doors - a little scary, but epic for views!
ONE WEEK KAUAI ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Arrive on Kauai
Pick-up Rental Car at Airport
Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa Check-In
Dinner at Japanese Grandma's Cafe
DAY TWO
Breakfast at Java Kai
Tunnels Beach | Beach + Snorkeling
Aloha Juice Bar
Dinner at Sushi Girl
DAY THREE
Breakfast at Midnight Bear Breads
Waimea Canyon
Hike Waimea Canyon Trail
Hike Awa'awapuhi Trail
Dinner at Eating House
DAY FOUR
Breakfast at The Spot North Shore
Hideaways Beach
Lunch at Hanalei Poke
Island Helicopter Tour
Dinner at Bubba Burgers
DAY FIVE
Breakfast at Kalaheo Cafe
Hike Kuilau Ridge
Lunch at Chicken in a Barrel
Hanalei River Kayak
Dinner at Tidepools
DAY SIX
Breakfast at Kauai Bakery
Hike Wailua Falls
Lunch at Koloa Fish Market
Dinner at The Dolphin Poipu
DAY SEVEN
Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa Check-Out
Return Rental Car at Airport
Depart Kauai
