7 Day Kauai Itinerary: Explore All of Kauai in a Week

Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and the least visited of the main four. I’ve visited Kauai twice and loved it even more the second time. (I have plans to visit again this year!)

Kauai is a beautiful, lush island with so much greenery, there’s no wonder it’s nicknamed the Garden Island. A week-long itinerary is perfect for exploring every shore in Kauai.

I’ve compiled a flexible 7 day Kauai itinerary, based on my favorite experiences visiting Kauai twice, which you can customize depending on how long you’re able to spend on the island.

Why Visit Kauai?

You want to visit a Hawaiian island that is not as crowded as others. Kauai is the least visited Hawaiian island of the main four, and you’ll find things are slower and chiller here.

You want to hike or enjoy beautiful nature. Kauai has so much untouched nature to explore — from its mountains to its rain forests to its beaches.

You like seeing roosters cross the road (and wake you up bright and early). There are thousands of roosters running wild in Kauai. Why? Well, they have no natural predators in Kauai, and they’ve just been expanding their population rapidly. Some say the chickens escaped their coops during the hurricanes in 1982 and 1992 and have been roaming freely ever since.

Interesting Facts About Kauai

• Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island at about 5.1 million years old.
• 90% of Kauai’s land is undeveloped. The mountains in Kauai surround the rain forests, creating a lush, wild landscape that is a bit unreachable. Most of the developed parts of Kauai are on the coast lines.
• Several famous TV shows and movies were filmed in Kauai, such as Gilligan’s Island, Baywatch, and Jurassic Park.
• Kauai grows the most taro in the U.S. with somewhere around 3,300 pounds of taro grown each year.
• Buildings in Kauai are limited to four stories as they can’t be taller than a palm tree.
• Kauai’s Mt. Waialeale is one of the rainiest places on earth.

Getting Around Kauai

There are 4 main regions of the island of Kauai:

• South Shore
• North Shore
• East side (Royal Coconut Coast)
• West side (Na Pali Coast)

You can’t drive all the way around the island as the mountains on the Na Pali Coast prevent this. A road covers about 3/4 of the island’s diameter — from Haena State Park on the North Shore to Polihale State Park in the west side.

It takes about 2 and a half hours to drive the complete distance from one end of Kauai to the other. You really won’t need to do that often, if at all, though. No matter where you stay on Kauai, you’ll find it’s easy to drive to each part of the island.

I’ve broken down my 7 day Kauai itinerary according to each of Kauai’s main regions, sharing how many days you’ll need in each area and what to do once there.

Arrival at Lihue Airport

The only commercial airport in Kauai is the Lihue Airport. This is where you’ll arrive in Kauai.

On the day you arrive in Kauai, plan to settle into your hotel, stock up on snacks at the local grocery store, and grab a good dinner.

Perhaps you can walk around your accommodations (is a beach nearby?) and get familiar with the area. I always take travel days easy since they can be so tiring.

Get some sleep so you’re ready to go tomorrow morning!

Days 1-2 in Kauai: East Side

Kauai’s east side is also referred to as the Royal Coconut Coast because of all of the clusters of coconut trees along the coast line. It’s the most populous region in Kauai with about 23% of residents living here.

It’s also quite advantageous to live or stay in this region as it’s roughly at the center of the island’s main road, where it’s easy to reach either the South Shore or the North Shore.

The east side’s Coconut Coast is a beautiful region that’s sure to leave you in awe, which is why I’d recommend visiting it first on your Kauai itinerary.

Find a Farmers Market

Kauai offers farmers markets in a few different locations several days a week. Here, local vendors sell fresh fruits like rambutans, mangoes, and coconuts, as well as fruit smoothies and local honey.

Check to see if there’s a farmers market on one of the days you’ll be in Kauai. This is a great way to support small, local businesses in Kauai.

I went to the farmers market at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, in Lihue, which takes place in the parking lot on Monday afternoons. I had a blast walking around and trying different fruits and smoothies.

View Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls

Take a drive to Wailua Falls and stop at the Wailua Falls Fruit Stand on the way. There is a small parking area on the side of the road near Wailua Falls. It’s a quick stop, so cars come and go often.

We ran into a local selling delicious banana bread near the waterfalls, so be prepared with cash, just in case.

Then drive to Opaekaa Falls. There’s a small parking lot at the falls. Get out and walk over to see the falls and cross the street to see the Wailua River Lookout, you won’t regret it!

Walk on Waipouli Beach

On your way back down, stop at Waipouli Beach (the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is nearby), and walk down the shore. It’s a beautiful beach that was nearly empty when we visited. We walked a half mile down and found a seal napping in the sand! Consider bringing your bathing suits and spending some time here.

Explore Tropical Gardens at Smith’s Family Tropical Paradise

Smith’s Family Tropical Paradise has multiple attractions, and you’ll probably have time for most of them! Stroll the large tropical garden and discover a Polynesian village, bamboo, roosters, peacocks, a lake, and many, many flowers and plants.

When we went, we were the only ones here for some reason, and yet it was a definite highlight.

Take a Boat Trip on the Wailua River and See Fern Grotto

The Smith family also runs Fern Grotto river tours and offers kayaking down Wailua River. I’ve taken the boat tour and found it to be a very fun trip — they teach you the hula and tell you stories of Kauai, plus you get to visit the Fern Grotto.

What is Fern Grotto? It’s a fern covered, lava rock grotto near the Wailua River, accessible by boat. It’s well worth the cost. You’re sure to make a good memory here.

So whether you want to relax or have a more athletic adventure, there’s an option for exploring the beautiful Wailua River.

Make Your Own Lei at Coconut Marketplace

The Coconut Marketplace in Kapa’a offers Lei making classes several times a week for $25/person.

They also offer other cultural classes, such as a ʻUkulele Class, Hula Class, live music, and a free hula show.

Hike the Sleeping Giant

If you’re up for it, wake up early to hike the Sleeping Giant East Trail or the Kuilau Ridge Trail. I wanted to do these hikes on my last visit to Kauai but I didn’t have time for it, unfortunately.

Snorkel at Lydgate Beach Park

I learned about this snorkel spot from a local while attending her lei-making class. It’s located at Lydgate Beach Park.

What makes this spot so perfect for snorkeling is that there’s a lava rock wall enclosure in the water, keeping the waves out. You’re able to snorkel easily without getting tossed around in the ocean. Great for kids and beginners!

Not only that, but this beach also features clear blue water and tons of tropical fish! It was incredible.

Bring some snacks and plan to spend a few hours here. I’m sure you’ll love it.

Where to Rent Snorkel Gear: If you didn’t bring your own snorkel gear, you can rent some at a few places in Kauai. Beach Boys rentals is pretty close by and it’s where we rented our gear from. You can also try Kapaa Beach Rentals for $30/set weekly or $15/day.

Bike the 4-Mile Ke Ala Hele Makalae

Ke Ala Hele Makalae is Hawaiian for “The Path that Goes by the Coast,” and it’s a bike and walking road that, well, goes by the coast. There are two sections that are 4 miles long, and there are plans to expand the road a few more miles.

Rent a beach cruiser for $20/2 hours at Holo Holo Bike rentals or Kauai Bike Rentals.

End with a Luau at Smith’s Family Tropical Paradise

You can end the day at the Smith family luau (I told you they have everything here!). I attended the show-only luau and thought the performances were incredible.

You can also attend the free hula show at the Coconut Marketplace earlier in the day at 5 p.m.

Days 3-4 in Kauai: South Shore

Kauai’s South Shore is one of the driest areas of the island and many tourists stay here on their vacation. In the South Shore, you’ll be able to explore some old towns, the largest coffee farm in the U.S., and cliffs.

Explore the Largest Coffee Farm in the U.S.

I would start at the Kauai Coffee Company, the largest coffee farm in the United States! The farm offers free coffee tastings and free self-guided walking tours. You’ll be able to explore the coffee trees and learn more about the coffee-making process along the way.

Don’t forget to grab a bag of coffee on your way out — they will grind it for you, as well, filling the gift shop with that heavenly coffee smell.

Visit Hanapepe and the Swinging Bridge

Nearby is the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, which is free to cross and just an interesting local landmark. The bridge is nestled in the small town of Hanapepe, and the street is lined with a few shops and cafes.

Visit a Locally Owned Chocolate Shop

Before moving on, be sure to stop by the Kauai Chocolate Company! Their original chocolate Opihis are incredible. I’ve bought boxes of these on each trip, so definitely stock up.

Drive through a Tree Tunnel

More than 500 eucalyptus trees line Maluhia Road in Koloa. They create a canopy as you drive through toward Old Koloa Town. There’s not really space to stop, so be ready as you drive under the beautiful trees.

Explore Old Koloa Town

For some great souvenir shopping, don’t miss Old Koloa Town. On a hot day, the macadamia nut ice cream at Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee is a life saver. Overall this town is full of charm and a great place to spend an hour or two.

Hike Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail to See Amazing Cliff-side Views

Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail starts at Shipwreck Beach, and after just a few minutes of hiking you’ll be walking alongside the jagged cliffs, treated to stunning vistas.

If you’re not feeling up for a hike at this point in the day, don’t worry, as you can see the amazing cliff-side views almost right when you start on this trail. Of course, you can continue walking the rest of the two miles, but it’s definitely not necessary.

You can go back down to swim at Shipwreck Beach, but be warned that the waves can get pretty rough.

Spot a Few Sea Turtles at Poipu Beach Before Sunset

The very popular Poipu Beach is also the sleeping spot for several sea turtles.

They come up onto the sand at sunset almost every night.

You’ll know where they are by the orange cones that are set up around their habitat. Volunteers will also be there to ensure people keep back and don’t use any white lights or flash once the sun goes down.

Get there before sunset because once it’s dark, you won’t be able to see much (again, flashlights are prohibited in order to not disturb the turtles). Please follow all rules and respect the wildlife.

Have a Sunset Dinner at Tidepools

The best meal we had in Kauai was at Tidepools. It’s a reservation-only restaurant that books up fast, so definitely book ahead. The ambience here is incredible — much of the seating is open-air and surrounded by koi ponds.

You’ll be able to see the sunset on the beach if your reservation is around that time.

It’s expensive, but it’s worth every penny!

Day 5 in Kauai: Na Pali Coast

Most of the Na Pali Coast is inaccessible by car, so, to see it, you will have to book a pricey boat or helicopter tour. These tours are some of the most popular things to do in Kauai, so if you can fit it in your budget, definitely do so.

You can also hike into some of the Na Pali Coast via the Waimea Canyon and Koke’e state parks. These state parks have many lookouts, as well, for those who are not so interested in hiking.

Tour the Na Pali Coast via Boat or Helicopter

One of the most highly recommended tours in Kauai is a sunset boat or helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast, which is inaccessible by car. These tours are a bit pricey, starting around $180 a person.

On my first trip to Kauai, our boat tour was cancelled due to mechanical issues, so I was never able to see Na Pali Coast, even though I’ve heard so much of its beauty. Hopefully you have better luck than me!

Hike or Drive around the State Parks

You might also have time to hike or at least do a scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park. There are several awesome trails and lookouts (with plenty of signage to show you the way); here are just a few:

• Waimea Canyon Lookout (Waimea Canyon State Park)
• Waipo’o Falls Lookout (Waimea Canyon State Park)
• Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (Waimea Canyon State Park)
• Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls (Koke’e State Park)
• Awa’awapuhi Trail (Koke’e State Park)

Note that all non-Hawaiian residents will need to pay an entrance fee per person and a parking fee (covering both parks, NOT per park).

We were able to pay ours upon parking (there are kiosks at the major parking lots).

More information on these fees can be found on the state park website.

Days 6-7 in Kauai: North Shore

Continue exploring more of Kauai by traveling up to the North Shore. I haven’t been to the North Shore yet, but I have plans to visit in a few months. I will update this section soon!

Here’s what I’m planning to see and do:

• Tunnels Beach
• Queen’s Bath
• Haena State Park (Note that this park requires an entry pass and either a parking pass or shuttle reservation in advance. Go to the park website for more information.)
  • Hike Kalalau Trail (with views of the Na Pali Coast) to Hanakapi’ai Beach (4 miles RT) or to Hanakapi’ai Falls (8 miles RT)
• Limahuli Garden & Preserve
• Hideaway Beach
• Hanalei Town
• Hanalei Pier
• Hanalei Valley Lookout
• Kilauea Lighthouse

What to Eat in Kauai

Shaved ice. At some point on your trip, you’ll have to stop for shaved ice! It’s too good to miss. Why not grab some after a long day at the beach?

• Wailua Shave Ice (East Side)
• Wishing Well Shave Ice (North Shore)
• Island Treats and Gift Shop (Lihue)

Hawaiian sweet bread and banana bread. The sweet bread and banana bread in Hawaii is absolutely delicious. Definitely stop and try some.

• Hanalei Bread Company

Chocolate Opihis. Opihis are an original chocolate made by the Kauai Chocolate Company on the South Shore. It is layers of caramel, macadamia nut, and shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate. Trust me, they are divine. Definitely order a few boxes before flying home.

• Kauai Chocolate Company

Map of Activities in a 7 Day Kauai Itinerary

I pinned all the activities mentioned in this blog post on the map below, and I’ve even color-coded the activities by region! I hope this helps you visualize why I grouped things together as I did.
East Side: Blue
South Shore: Orange
Na Pali Coast: Yellow
North Shore: Light green

What to Know Before Traveling to Kauai

There are four main islands where people live and visit in Hawaii — the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I’ve heard the wonders of Hawaii all my life but never understood it until I visited for myself.

Every island is unique and beautiful in its own right. No matter which one you visit, you will leave inspired and in awe. Here are some things to know before you go in order to be a respectful traveler.

Is Hawaii Suffering from Overtourism?

Yes, quite simply. There’s been numerous articles recently about how Hawaii is suffering from overtourism due to a post-pandemic travel boom, affecting its residents.

Some ways to help are to postpone your travel plans to Hawaii, visit one of the less-visited islands (such as the Big Island or Kauai), and/or visit during the low season (avoiding the summer and any school breaks).

You can also help by supporting local Hawaiian businesses (not corporations) and taking part in cultural classes or activities while in Hawaii. I have included several such cultural activities in the itinerary.

How Do I Respect Hawaii as a Visitor?

Hawaii is a beautiful place — and the Hawaiian government and citizens do an amazing job at preserving the beauty. Did you know billboards are banned in the state of Hawaii in order to maintain natural beauty? As a visitor, please help contribute to these preservation efforts.

• Be sure to take the Aloha Pledge before coming to Kauai! Here are a few more tips on how to travel with aloha.
• Learn about the Hawaiian history and culture.
• Protect the oceans by not littering, reducing plastic use, and wearing reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii is the first U.S. state to ban coral-harming chemicals in sunscreen).
• If hiking, don’t go off the trail and follow all signs and rules in place.
• And most importantly, be kind! Have your best attitude when interacting with other people on the island, both locals and travelers alike. It’s actually a law in Hawaii — the law of aloha “is the coordination of mind and heart” and each person must “think and emote good feelings to others.” So while in Hawaii, do as the locals do, and live aloha.

What’s the Weather Like in Hawaii?

Pack your summer clothes as Hawaii’s temperatures are around 80 degrees year-round. And it is HUMID. There really isn’t a need for a jacket. Rain comes in and out but usually doesn’t last long. Still, try to check your weather app before arrival for more specific information.

Will I Need to Rent a Car?

Yes, definitely. There are buses in Hawaii but public transportation overall isn’t very effective, especially if you’re trying to go as many places as possible in a limited amount of time. Book a rental car as far in advance as possible as each of the islands are fairly small and many rental car companies had to consolidate during the pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Kauai for a Week

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