Kauai itinerary: discovering Hawaii's garden island in 9 days

This 9-day route through the Hawaiian island of Kauai will sound like a dream if you are a nature lover, trekking and flee from the crowds.

Is this your case?

Well, you've just found your Garden of Eden.

I've already told you in great detail how to organize a perfect trip to Kauai yourself, so I won't beat around the bush.

Here I'm going to share with you, day by day, the route around Kauai that we took in November 2016.

Ready? Here we go.

Day 1: Arrival and departure to Poipu

We took a direct Alaska Airlines flight from San Diego International Airport T1 to Lihue on Kauai.

The flight took just over 5 hours and we were offered free drinks during the flight, including a daiquiri just before arrival. The food, on the other hand, was paid for.

At Lihue airport, a Dollar minibus took us to the offices where we had reserved our vehicle.

Almost without any problems (we had to get used to the automatic gear shift), we left the airport and went first to the Safeway supermarket to buy supplies. There we realized that in Hawaii everything had a higher price than we were used to.

From there, passing through the famous tunnel of trees, we headed for Poipu, where our first lodging awaited us.

At the Suite Paradise complex we were welcomed with a complimentary juice and handed the keys to a huge apartment. It had carpeted floors, plenty of room for a large family, all the extras you can imagine and a lanai or terrace facing an idyllic garden. Perfect.

Any negative points?

The bed mattress was a bit soft for my taste (not too soft) and you could hear the road a bit from the room. However, we arrived so tired each night that nothing prevented us from that none of this prevented us from sleeping like a dormouse..

After lunch at home, we went to inspect the area: Poipu Beachonly 8 minutes walk away.

Moa' roosters running around and green turtles resting on the shore of the beach greeted us in style. I can't think of a better welcome.

The sunset from Poipu Beach put the finishing touch to the day.

Day 2: Waimea Canyon

We woke up with the first light of day and, after breakfast on the lanai, as every morning since then, we headed for Waimea Canyon.

I promise:

We are amazed by the colors

The reality far exceeded our expectations.

We stopped all the time, both at the official viewpoints and at the unmarked ones, whenever the road offered alternative perspectives.

Here a red waterfall next to the wagon.

The Waipo'o Falls are best viewed from this corner.

Stop, stop! I just saw wild piglets by the shoulder.

Oh... what a tenderness of chicks Moa.

And that goat, is he admiring the canyon like us, or is he just staring into infinity?

Our favorite lookouts: Waimea Canyon Lookout y Puu O Kila Lookout.

But every inch of the ride and the views deserved to be stored in that mental box we all have labeled as "the most beautiful moments of our lives.the most beautiful moments of our life".

If you want to understand why I give this place so many flowers, take a look at the post I dedicated to the Waimea Canyon.

We ate our snack inside the car next to the Puu O Kila Lookout when it started to rain and we went back, literally, the way we had come.

Yes, we stopped again at all the viewpoints...

I would never tire of admiring those panoramic views!

And from there, we went to Eleele with the intention of taking the boat trip we had booked with Captain Andy's.

However, due to bad seas, they had cancelled the excursion. Among the options we were offered, we opted for the best one:

Postponing the activity for a couple of days, crossing our fingers that the tides and swell would calm down a bit.

With jet lag kicking in, we decided to head home, put on our bathing suits and enjoy the waves and sun among the surfers and bodyboarders at Shipwreck Beacha 15 minute walk from our apartment.

Day 3: Awaawapuhi Trail

We had booked the helicopter helicopter experience at 11.30 in the morning, so at 10.30 we were already there...

Oh, no:

Rain and storms caused our flight to be cancelled.

Again, we delayed it by 48 hours... thank goodness we still had several days left on the island!

And with the same, we set off for Waimea Canyon with the intention of doing the Awaawapuhi Trail.

When we started the route it was raining quite heavily, but as we looked out over the Napali coast...

How wonderful!

• The clouds gave way to the sun.
• The rainbow shone brighter than ever.
• Sharp spikes fell on both sides of the road.
• The intense blue of the sea contrasted against the green and red cliffs.
• An infinite and unrepeatable panoramic view stole the little breath you had left after walking the trail.

If you want to know what I'm talking about, take a look at the article I wrote about our trekking along the Awaawapuhi Trail..

That night we had earned a good rest.

Day 4: Napali Coast by Boat

A little relaxation on the lanai and, after a phone call:

The boat trip to the Napali coast is confirmed!

And it wasn't just any field trip, no.

We saw the Napali coast from a luxury boat with Captain Andy's.

The house through the window...

And it was worth it.

Not only did we enjoy spectacular views of the Napali coast, but we also saw dolphins along the way, had by far the best dinner of our entire stay on the island, and admired a beautiful sunset over the ocean as a farewell.

Do you want to know if this activity is right for you? Check out the post where I tell you how to choose your boat trip to the Napali coast and decide for yourself.

Day 5: Kauai by helicopter

And finally,

The flight is confirmed!

In this case, there are not enough words to describe the experience of flying over Kauai in a helicopter without doors.

It could:

• Trying to describe to you how I felt admiring a bird's eye view of its volcanic mountains, shaped by eruptions, rains, rivers, waterfalls and the passage of time.
• Make some comment on the contrast of colors between the Pacific, the lush vegetation of its valleys, the veins of land wide open along the canyon and the rainbows that populate the island.
• Trying to convince you, with all kinds of reasoned arguments, how much this excursion is worth doing, and telling you that you can't leave Kauai without seeing it from the air.

But this is one of those cases in which a picture is worth a thousand words. Don't you believe me?

Check out the article in which I tell you about our adventure flying over Kauai in a helicopter without doors and take a look at the summary video I took myself.

What? Are you really going to miss it?

Since the weather was not good enough after the flight to inspect the snorkeling area at Poipu Beachwhich was our initial intention, we decided to go back to the Waimea Canyon and say goodbye to that unforgettable view.

It was our last night in the south of the island. ohhh!

Day 6: Mahaulepu Trail

The sixth day also dawned very rainy, so we couldn't take the opportunity to dive at Poipu Beach.

We checked out, left our luggage at the resort's reception and our car in the public parking lot.

And so, with all our optimism, we rented snorkeling equipment (just in case the bad weather let up), and headed to Mahaulepu Beach via the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail.

A very different landscape to what we were used to the island. And the fact is that Kauai is full of surprises...

If you're looking for an easy hike by the sea, with ancient Hawaiian temples, prehistoric caves and pristine beaches, don't miss the article in which I describe ourMahaulepu Trail trek.

In case you haven't figured it out by now... we didn't get to use the snorkeling gear 🙂

We got back in the car and headed north!

Our second and final residence on Kauai was waiting for us: a studio apartment in Princeville, in the residential area of Sandpiper.

Although much smaller than the previous one, with no washing machine and a very cramped outdoor kitchen, the apartment was charming. In this case, we were not greeted by anyone. We had received instructions to enter the studio by mail.

On the way, we took the opportunity to buy groceries at Foodland Princeville, very close to our home.

Day 7: North Coast and Queen's Bath

This day is dedicated to inspecting the north of the island.

We drove to Kee Beachthrough Hanaley Bay y Tunnels Beachall of them beautiful.

Too bad the weather prevented us from swimming in them or lying in the sun.

What we did was:

• Have a coconut on the shore at Tunnels Beach.
• Inspect a volcanic cave right in front of this beach.
• Strolling admiring the scenery along the Hanaley Bay.
• And running to the car every time the sky started to fall over our heads. 🙂

The snack, as usual, we took it protected inside the vehicle.

In the afternoon we visited the area around the Kilauea lighthouse, with beautiful views and dozens of 'Nene' geese wandering around the area.

Oh, I forgot!

We also went to the famous Queen's Bath.

What a day we chose to go down there....

And after that total muddy, a shower, dinner on the lanai and to sleep, because tomorrow...

Day 8: Kalalau Trail

The most demanding trekking on the island!

The Kalalau Trail.

Well... okay...

The first part of the Kalalau Trail. Specifically, the one that goes from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach.

You didn't want mud? Then take two cups...

When you start walking along the Napali Coast, with its cliffs coming into your field of vision with every step you take, you understand why the Kalalau Trail is Kauai's most famous trail.

Want to see how NOT to cross the Hanakapiai River?

Take a look at the video we shot during our Kalalau Trail experience.

Day 9: Anini Beach

Our last day on Kauai, and we still hadn't tasted the snorkeling.

Unforgivable...

The currents in the north had become too strong. And, for our own safety, none of the guarded beaches allowed snorkeling.

We stopped by a dive equipment rental store and asked what they advised us not to leave the island without enjoying its underwater world.

• [Saleswoman]: You should go south, Poipu, or something like that.
• [Celi]: No, no, no, no... We want to stay in the north....
• [D]: Well... Maybe Anini Beachif you are an experienced diver, is practicable.
• [C]: We have a lot of experience, but the Coast Guard won't let us get in the water....
• [D]: Anini Beach has no coast guard. It is not guarded
• [C]: Give me two full snorkel sets - quick!

More or less, the conversation went like this, though in English 🙂

And so we bid farewell to Kauai:

Resting on the beautiful Anini Beach and inspecting its reef.

And on top of that, it (almost) did not rain during the whole day.

What a good taste in the mouth!

Day 10: Heading to Maui

Early in the morning, we said goodbye to our Kauai adventure and headed to the Lihue airport to make way for the next leg of the trip:

Maui.

Yes, yes!

The vacation was not over yet. We had left... the most romantic island in Hawaii.

Budget

Not counting the flights, which I break down in more detail in this post, here I leave you, in euros, all the expenses we incurred during our 9-day tour of Kauai:

• Accommodation -> 570.7€ (5 nights-south) + 433.5€ (4 nights-north): 1004.2€ in total, or in other words, 55.8€ per person per day.
• Car -> 291.5€ (rental) + 30.3€ (fuel): 321.8€.
• Organized activities -> 270€ (boat) + 554€ (helicopter): 824€ in total, 412€ per person.
• Meals -> 226€, 12,5€ per person per day.
• Travel insurance (21 days) -> 110€, 55€ per person.
• Extras -> 114€ (snorkel rental, American data SIM card, tips on boat and helicopter...).

In total, in our 9-day tour of Kauai we spent 2600€, 1300€ per person, or in other words, 145€ per day per head.

A good pinch, but I assure you it's worth saving up to see these wonders.

Our next trip

If I could, I would go back to Kauai again and again.

What would you do?

1. I would hike other hiking trails that start from the Waimea Canyonsuch as the Nualolo Trail.
2. I would try to complete the Kalalau Trail (keep dreaming, you don't have faith, you don't have to eat buns or anything, Celi... and so on, to infinity).
3. I would fly over the island again in a helicopter without doors.
4. I would take one of the boat excursions that offer snorkeling and visits inside the sea caves on the Napali coast.
5. I would try to see the prehistoric cave and Hawaiian seals at the end of the Mahaulepu Trail.
6. I would do a lot more snorkeling on the beaches of Kauai.

Videos

If you are still not sure if Kauai is your ideal destination, take a look at this playlist with our best moments on the island:

What? It's worth it, don't you think?

If you are already convinced, take a look at the guide with all the tips on how to organize a trip to Kauai on your own without forgetting anything.

Above all, don't forget to take out your travel insurance to live the experience with zero worries. Here is a 5% discount with IATI, the insurance company I always travel with.

And all that remains is to wish you...

Aloha!

May you enjoy this garden of Eden on earth!

Useful Links

• International flight deals to Hawaii: Trabber, eDreams, andMomondo.
• AlohaRent and DiscountHawaiiCarRental car rentals.
• Booking offers in Kauai.
• Apartment rental site VRBO.
• Our studio in Princeville.
• Poipu Suite Paradise.
• ESTA application.
• Get 5% off your IATI travel insurance.

And now, if you need more details, all the articles I have written about our experience in Kauai:

• Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
• Kalalau Trail, Kauai's most challenging hike.
• Kauai's most beautiful beaches: what would you like to do today?
• Awaawapuhi Trail, the Napali Coast at your feet.
• Fly over Kauai in a helicopter... without doors!
• Discover the Napali Coast on a luxury boat.
• Queen's Bath, forbidden beauty in the Garden of Eden.
• Mahaulepu Trail, hiking, temples, and pristine beaches on Kauai.
• A practical guide to organizing a trip to Kauai on your own.

Do you want to know another island of Hawaii? Take a look at our experience in Maui:

• Guide to organizing a trip to Maui on your own.
• 7 day tour of Maui.
• The best snorkeling beaches in southern Maui.
• Sighting of humpback whales off the coast of Maui.
• Nightmare before dawn at Haleakala.
• The full description of our experience at O'hoe Gulch and Pipiway Trail.
• 3 days and 2 nights discovering the Road to Hana.

Do you have any questions? Leave me a comment below and I'll be happy to help you in any way I can.

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