KAUAI     6 Days

This itinerary visits Poipu resort area, Kalalau Lookout, Polihale State Park, the beautiful Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.

Kauai sometimes called the "Garden Island: The oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountains and jagged cliffs aged by time and the elements. Centuries of growth have formed tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls! The island is home to a variety of outdoor activities. You can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Poipu Beach, and hike the trails of Kokee State Park.

• Parrish Kauai, Suite-Paradise and Kauai Vacation Rentals are leading island vacation rental companies.

• Kauai Revealed Guidebook - a “must get” travel guide. Best Seller!

• Download the All-Trails app onto your smartphone for a more enjoyable hike.

DAYS 2 - 5

• Relax and wander at the beautiful beaches.

• Kauai Beach Bucket List (detailed information) - make an effort to go to a few.

  • Beach tip: there is more sun-less rain on the south side in comparison to the north side of Kauai.

  • <Monthly water temperature>

• Take a day cruise up the breathtaking Na Pali coastline. Absolutely spectacular !

• Hike the Kalalau trail-part of the Na Pali State Park, and one of the top 20 world treks.

  • The trail is a eleven (11) mile one way trek into paradise, consisting of waterfalls, lush green valleys, sea caves and gorgeous vistas. You need 2 to 3 days to explore and hike the entire trail, therefore camping is required. The Kalalau Trail is considered a challenging and strenuous hike, requiring physical fitness, proper preparation, and a certain level of hiking experience. It is important to be aware of the trail's difficulty before attempting it.

  • Most visitors opt for a day hike. The popular choice and highly recommended day hike is from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach, covering approximately two miles in one direction. (Total RT is 4-miles) Even if you choose to complete only this shorter portion of the trail, the experience is truly worthwhile and offers spectacular scenery.

  • It is important to understand that attempting to complete the full round-trip hike to Kalalau Beach in a single day is NOT feasible. To hike the entire trail, a camping permit is required and obtaining one is crucial before starting the journey. This regulation ensures adherence to the trail's guidelines and management protocols and promoting safety.

  • Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are strongly suggested. Trail can be slippery or muddy at spots.

  IMPORTANT ENTRANCE CHANGES AT “NA PALI COAST”

• Hāʻena State Park: home to Kēʻē Beach, Kalalau Trail and Hanakāpīʻai beach, is now subject to daily visitor limits.

• Visitors are REQUIRED to purchase a Park entry reservation and an online car parking reservation PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. 

  • All non-Hawaii resident visitors/tourist will be required to purchase both an Entrance and Parking reservations. For example, if there are two (2) passengers in your one (1) vehicle, you will need to purchase two (2) entry reservations and 1 (one) parking reservations

  • <Learn more>

• Visitors that choose to walk-in, bike-in, or arrange private drop-off (friend, Uber, Lyft) are still REQUIRED to make an online reservation to enter the park. 

• If you planning on camping, a valid Camping Permit for Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is required separately.

RESERVATIONS are available for purchase UP TO 30 DAYS in advance.

<Reserve your spot>

• If parking is full, North Shore Shuttle service from Princeville will also be available. <Learn more>

• FAQ’S regarding Hāʻena State Park and the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park.

Koke State Park:

• Waimea Canyon -includes nice photo ops at many roadside lookouts!

  • Canyon trail - branches off of the Cliff Trail and is a four (4) mile round trip that takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and enjoy.

    —Level of difficulty: moderate.

  • Iliau Nature Loop trail - a easy 15-minute, quarter-mile nature walk. You will find enjoyable views of Waimea Canyon.

• Kalalau Lookout - one of the most-photographed valleys in all of Hawaii. The lookout is at 4,000 feet elevation.

  • Best time to go is morning (8am-11am). Clouds are constantly rolling in and out, however morning is better.

  • Kalalau Lookout is located at mile marker #18 on Waimea Canyon Road. 

    • A little further at the end of the road is Pu'u o Kila overlook, which is also the start to the Pihea Trail (2.3 mi. RT).

      • The best spot for a photo is here.

    • The Kalalau valley has served as the backdrop for countless films including "King Kong" (the original) and "Jurassic Park.”

  Polihale State Park:

  • Polihale State Park is a remote wild beach on the western side. About a 1-hour drive from Poipu.

  • Driving tip: the last seven (7) miles of the road leading to the park is an unimproved dirt road that may flood during rains and become impassable, otherwise it is somewhat bumpy but fine. <GPS coordinate>

  • Polihale scenic beach is flanked to the north by the Na Pali Coast mountain ridges. The sunsets can be stunning.

• Kilauea Lighthouse-located on Kīlauea Point on the north side of island. It is a common photographer’s spot.

• Discover various trails - www.kauai.com/hikes gives you a list of the most popular hikes.

  • In Poipu, the Mahaulepu coastal trail is the BEST hike, which starts at Shipwreck Beach, (next to the Hyatt hotel) along sand-dune cliffs, Kiawe trees, limestone formations and rocky inlets. A easy hike for all ages.

• Ke Ala Hele Makalae Bike/Walk trail - route map. This 7.3-mile path starts at Lihi Park in Kapaa and follows the coast north, ending at Ahihi Point, just past Donkey Beach.

  • This path is available to walkers, joggers, bikers, and is safe for families. The path goes along the ocean.

• Old Koloa Town - a quaint plantation village consisting of shops, restaurants & exhibits about Koloa's sugar history. Located in the Poipu area.

• If your accommodations are in the Poipu area, relax at its beautiful beaches.

DAY 6

• Depart Kauai for your flight home or discover another Hawaiian Island.  

• Historical Weather Data.

• On average, the temperatures are always high...80's during the day, 60's at night

• Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in December and January.

• Kauai has dry periods in May through September.

• The warmest months are June, July and August.

• The coolest months are December through February.

• In general, the rainfall is greater in the Windward side of islands.

• The rainy season does NOT impose a real issue to visit the Hawaiian Islands.

• Monthly beach water temperatures.

• Sunrise/sunset times.