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7 day Kauai Itinerary

One of my most highly requested blog posts is Hawaii itineraries. This 7 day Kauai itinerary should help get you started on planning your Kauai vacation.

Are you visiting other islands, or trying to decide which Hawaii island to visit? Check out my other itineraries:

• 4-day Big Island Itinerary
• 4-day Kauai Itinerary
• 7-day Maui Itinerary
• 7-day Big Island Itinerary
• 4-day Maui Itinerary

Now, let’s get on to the 7 day Kauai itinerary.

Where to stay on Kauai?

First, let’s talk about where you should stay in Kauai. I know that some will recommend a few days on the south shore and a few days on the north shore, but I recommend choosing one and staying the entire time.

Kauai is a tiny island, and it only takes a little over an hour to travel between the two popular resort areas (Hanalei/Princeville and Poipu/Koloa.)

So, where to stay on Kauai? If you’re going in the winter and want to avoid rain, sunny Poipu is always a good choice.

However, it doesn’t rain all the time in the Hanalei/Princeville area, and you’ll see some beautiful rainbows when it does! I love the north shore, but there are many great options on the south coast too.

South Kauai

I recommend The Grand Hyatt or Koloa Landing Resort for families. I recommend Ko’a Kea Resort or Koloa Landing Resort for couples.

North Kauai

I recommend Hanalei Bay Resort for families. I recommend the Princeville Resort (formerly the St. Regis Princeville) for couples.

Affordable Accommodations

If you’re on a tight budget, The ISO in Kapa’a is an excellent choice for couples (east Kauai), and the Waimea Plantation Cottages (southwest Kauai) is a great affordable option for families.

I have a blog post about the 7 best resorts in Kauai; you can also check out Kauai resorts on Expedia.

7-Day Kauai Itinerary

Feel free to omit things you don’t want to do, switch days around, or create your own 7-day Kauai itinerary using this as a guide!

Day 0

On day 0 you will be arriving in Kauai. You’ve most likely had a long flight, so plan for day 0 to consist of relaxing and maybe some light exploring if you arrive early enough. I have plenty of tips on how to survive the flight to Hawaii, so make sure to check it out. 

Check in to your resort and have a mai tai by the pool. Walk along the beach and take it easy.

Day 1: Relaxing Beach Day

I don’t want to worry anyone, but flights can and do get delayed, so try not to plan anything “big” on day 1, just in case. Have a relaxing beach day and check out a local farmers’ market.

Check out Wailua Falls and maybe take a Shelter Dog on a field trip with Kauai Humane Society! We took our shelter dog to the Wailua Arboretum for a little hike.

This is Ellen, my dog for the day!

Some of my favorite Kauai beaches:

• Hanalei Bay
• Poipu Beach
• Tunnels Beach
• Kiahuna Beach
• Polihale State Park

You might also enjoy the 10 best things to do in Kauai.

Day 2: See Kauai from above

Take a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters I have a blog post that details my Kauai helicopter tour, so make sure to check it out. I always book through Viator because they offer the best price guarantee and free cancellation for up to 24 hours.

A helicopter tour is lots of fun, but it only takes up about two hours of your day. I recommend an early morning flight.

For the rest of your day, explore more of the south and east Kauai area.  Check out Glass Beach in Lihue and perhaps spot some Hawaii monk seals.

These beautiful creatures are endangered, and it’s against the law to touch them. Make sure to keep a respectful distance. If you’re curious about other animals that live in Hawaii, I have a post about that!

Later, head to Kapa’a and stop at Tiki Taco for lunch. This tiny taco shop offers Mexican food with a Hawaiian flair. It’s so delicious, and everything is gluten-free.

Next, rent some bikes and bike along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Kapaa bike path. You can stop at the beaches, buy fresh coconuts, and enjoy the sunshine. I have seen whales from the bike path in the winter, so keep your eyes open.

After your bike ride, dine with your toes in the sand (or just enjoy Happy Hour) and Lava Lava Beach Club in Kapaa. 

Day 3 Sleeping Giant, then Explore Poipu

Start your day by hiking up Sleeping Giant. You’ll want to start early, but you’ll still be soon enough on your trip, where this shouldn’t be a problem. Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain East Trail) is a great sunrise hike, but make sure to start around 5 AM and bring a flashlight!

After your hike, head down for a day at Poipu. Enjoy some shopping, and if you like spa treatments, you’ll love the Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt.

For pictures, and a full review, check out my Grand Hyatt Kauai review and tour. Drive to spouting horn, and here is another chance to take a shelter dog on a field trip with the Kauai humane society!

Have dinner at either Tidepools at Grand Hyatt or Red Salt at Ko’a Kea Resort.

If you are looking for more ideas, here are 25 things to do in Kauai.

Day 4 Kayak the Wailua River

Kayak the Wailua River and hike to secret falls, or kayak the lesser-known Hule’ia River to Hidden Valley Falls.

You can rent kayaks and do this on your own or take a tour. If you like to go off and explore independently, do that. If you think you’d enjoy a trip with a knowledgeable guide, that’s another excellent option.

Enjoy dinner at the Luau Kalamaku after a day of hiking and kayaking.

Day 5 Explore Hanalei Bay

Spend day 5 exploring Hanalei Bay. If you’re feeling up to it, take a surf lesson or rent a stand-up paddleboard.

You can also use day 5 to check out Queens Bath (from above only, do not go down there!), the Kilauea Lighthouse, or snorkel at Tunnels Beach if you love snorkeling.

Hanalei also has plenty of shops and food trucks, so don’t miss this cute little town. Head to Postcards Cafe or the Princeville Resort for dinner.

I have a blog post with the best things to do in Hanalei for even more ideas.

Day 6 Na Pali Coast

You’ve seen it from the air and now is your chance to see the Na Pali coast on foot. Newly reopened, you can hike to either Hanakapi’ai Falls or hang out at Ke’e Beach if you’re not feeling like a hike.

Another great way to explore the Na Pali coast is by boat. You can enjoy a Na Pali sunset dinner cruise, a Na Pali sail, and snorkel cruise, or my favorite, the Ni’ihau and Na Pali coast super snorkel cruise.

This snorkel tour is one of the very few ways to “visit” Ni’ihau, even though you won’t entirely be on land. 🙂

Make sure to check out The best things to do in Hanalei for more ideas!

Day 7

Spend your last day at Waimea Canyon. You can either explore with a long hike or check out the scenic overlooks. One of our favorite nearby hikes is the Awa’awapuhi Trail which will also give you a spectacular view of the Na Pali Coast.

While you’re on the west side, make the (long) drive out to the remote Polihale Beach. This beach is huge and very private. It’s quite a drive to get there, but I promise it’s worth it!

Polihale State Park

There it is, the highly requested 7 day Kauai itinerary. As I mentioned earlier, feel free to move the days around, leave anything out, or even simply use this 7-day itinerary as a template to create your own 7 day Kauai itinerary. 

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I am only taking on a few clients for 2023. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I would recommend starting with my Hawaii travel guide if you plan to DIY your vacation!

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