A vacation to Kauai, Hawaii is an absolute travel bucket list destination. This island is absolutely INCREDIBLE, and so diverse considering how small the island itself actually is. In this Kauai itinerary of 7 days we will talk about the best things to do during 1 week in Kauai! Adventure, relaxation, you’ll get to do it all and have 7 perfect days in Kauai!
You may be wondering how many days in Kauai do you need? We think 1 week in Kauai is the sweet spot. The island is small and easy to get around so a Kauai itinerary of 7 days will allow you to see all the major sites, plus have time to relax and enjoy the Kauai beaches and sunshine. If you aren’t a big hiker, 5 days will probably suffice.
Out of all the Hawaiian islands, Kauai offers the most adventure. Maui is romantic, Oahu is lively, Big Island is quiet and Kauai screams adventure.
In this adventurous Kauai itinerary we will find incredible Kauai hiking options, black sand beaches, white sand beaches, lush rainforest, brilliant waterfalls, and of course the enormous cliffs of the Na Pali Coast! Before you attempt hiking in Hawaii, please read these Hawaii hiking tips. Hiking in Hawaii is unlike anywhere else in the US.
If you would like to see all of the incredible Kauai sites in addition to reading about them, check out this video we made of our adventure!
Now let’s get to it and dive into this Kauai itinerary of 7 days shall we? Everything to include on your Kauai itinerary for 7 perfect days in Kauai. Trust us, you are about to have a magical 1 week in Kauai!
Where to Stay in Kauai
To make the most of your time in Kauai, we recommend splitting your 7 days in Kauai into 2 hotels. One on the south side of the island and one on the north side of the island. This will give you more time to explore and less time in the car driving. Read our full Kauai travel blog for all of our recommendations on where to stay (plus what to pack!).
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Private Corner Unit with Oceanfront Views
Kauai Itinerary – 7 Days Exploring Paradise
Day 1: Arrival and Coastal Exploration
Upon landing at Lihue Airport, it makes sense to kick off your adventure-filled Kauai itinerary of 7 days by heading to the eastern coast.
Kauai’s east side has incredible waterfalls and hikes to fill day one of your 1 week in Kauai. Spend your first morning in Kauai admiring Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls. Neither require a hike to see them so it’s a great first activity to warm up.
Next it’s time for a little relaxation at the beach. Visit Lydgate State Park to rest and unwind on the beautiful white sand beach. It’s a stunning protected lagoon and a great place to try snorkeling if you’re looking to explore the underwater world.
Finish day 1 of this 7 days in Kauai itinerary at Sleeping Giant Trail. The trail is about 2 miles each way with about 1000 ft of elevation gain. But the entire reason this trail exists is for sunset. The sunset view from the top will leave you speechless on your first day in Kauai. Don’t forget your headlamp for the hike back down.
Day 2: Na Pali Coast Adventure By Land
Day 2 of this Kauai itinerary will blow your mind. If I’m being honest, we could spend the entire 7 days in Kauai exploring the Na Pali Coast. It is truly an unreal sight.
Spend day 2 embarking on a thrilling Na Pali Coast adventure by land. It’s time to strap on those hiking boots and grab your hiking poles. Hiking in the Na Pali Coast was some of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done and we’ve been hiking in New Zealand, Dolomites, Italy and Banff, Canada. It’s definitely the best hiking in Hawaii as we thought it topped hiking in Oahu.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike try Awa’awapuhi Trail, a 6.4 mile round-trip trail that involves a descent of 1,500 feet. Of course a 1,500 ft descent means you must ascend 1,500 ft to get back to the trailhead.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing Na Pali Coast adventure make sure to stop at the Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u O Kila Lookout. There are a few trails you can take from Pu’u O Kila if you’re looking for an easy hike in the Na Pali Coast area.
Day 3: Na Pali Coast Adventure By Water or Air
Now I know you just spent day 2 exploring the Na Pali Coast, but you can’t come all the way to Kauai and not admire the entire Na Pali Coast in one look. On day 3 of this Kauai itinerary of 7 days we are going to have some fun!
The only way to see the entire Na Pali Coast is from the Pacific Ocean or by air and the only way to do that is to book a tour. We are always in favor of traveling on a budget and enjoying free activities whenever we can but this is one tour we highly recommend.
By Water
This is going to be a wet and wild day. Book a Na Pali Coast Zodiac Tour where you will splash through sea caves and waterfalls, spot incredible sealife like dolphins, sea turtles and perhaps migrating humpback whales and snorkel over a pristine reef on a small motorized raft.
Check price and availability for the Na Pali Coast Zodiac Tour here!
By Air
Another option is to spend day 3 of your 1 week in Kauai exploring the Na Pali Coast by air. Book a DOORS OFF Kauai Helicopter Tour. Soar through the air and see Manawaiopuna Falls (AKA Jurassic Park Falls), the Olekele Canyon, Waimea Ccanyon, Na Pali Coast, North Shore and Wai’ale’ale Crater. Truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Check price and availability for the Kauai Helicopter Tour here!
Day 4: Waimea Canyon Exploration
On day 4 of your 7 perfect days in Kauai were diving into the heart of Kauai’s wilderness with a day dedicated to Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park.
Start your day early and catch the sunrise at Waimea Canyon Lookout. The changing colors and the play of lights on the canyon walls are a sight to behold. Enjoy the panoramic views of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” as the day begins.
Next venture into Waimea Canyon State Park and use this Waimea Canyon Tour App to stop at the best viewpoints on Waimea Canyon Drive like Pu’u Hinahina Lookout and Waimea Canyon Lookout. Take short walks to viewpoints and soak in the stunning vistas of the canyon, layered with vibrant hues of red, green and brown.
For lunch head to Koke’e Lodge, which is a historic lodge serving delicious local Hawaiian cuisine.
Next on this Kauai itinerary of 7 days in Koke’e State Park which is a hikers paradise. Pick a trail that fits your preferences and time constraints to wrap up day 4 of your 1 week in Kauai. Some popular options include Waimea Canyon Trail and Canyon Trail.
Day 5: Kayaking and/or Hiking in Wailua River State Park and Luau Dinner
Wailua River State Park, nestled on Kauai’s eastern side, offers a myriad of enchanting activities and is a must on any Kauai itinerary of 7 days.
Some must do activities in Wailua River State Park are kayaking to the Fern Grotto and hiking to Uluwehi Falls. The kayak to Fern Grotto will take you to a natural lava rock formation draped with hanging ferns. The journey itself is a serene exploration through verdant landscapes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls. The hike will bring you through the tropical rainforest with stream crossings before reaching the 100 ft waterfall that flows into a small, swimmable blue pool of water.
End day 5 of your 1 week in Kauai with a cultural experience at a traditional Hawaiian Luau. These lively celebrations showcase traditional music, hula dancing, and a feast of local cuisine. Two luau’s we recommend are Luau Ka Hikina and Luau Kalamaku.
Check price and availability for Luau Ka Hikina here!
Check price and availability for Luau Kalamaku here!
Day 6: Explore Princeville
Nestled on Kauai’s North Shore, Princeville offers a day of enchanting exploration on your Kauai itinerary of 7 days.
Begin at Queen’s Bath, a natural tidal pool formed from lava rock, offering a unique and refreshing dip surrounded by the stunning coastline. Make sure to visit during low tide.Next visit Turtle Cove, a haven for honu, Hawaiian green sea turtles.
A day in Princeville during your 1 week in Kauai offers diverse landscapes, from lush tropical scenery to dramatic coastal cliffs. The towns charm extends to its upscale resorts, golf courses and shopping.
Princeville’s allure is undeniable, making it a crucial stop during your 7 perfect days in Kauai.
Day 7: Beach Relaxation and Farewell
We’ve come to the final day of this Kauai itinerary of 7 days. We are wrapping up this 1 week in Kauai with some relaxation. Unwind on the beaches of Poipu and enjoy the sun and surf.
If you’re looking for one last adventure, visit nearby Spouting Horn and its impressive blowhole, adding a touch of natural wonder to your day.
Before your flight home, celebrate your adventurous week with a farewell lunch or dinner. Then depart from the island with a sense of accomplishment, having explored its diverse landscapes and embraced the thrill of outdoor adventures.
Enjoy 1 Week in Kauai
That concludes our Kauai itinerary of 7 days! 1 week in Kauai jam packed with adventure and fun! Kauai’s unique combination of hiking and adventure activities make it a haven for those seeking an adrenaline-filled tropical escape. Make sure to read our Kauai travel blog for where to stay and what to pack for your trip to Kauai.
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