Even the most seasoned traveler will be awed by the natural wonders of Kauai, Hawaii. Arrive on the southern shore and the fairy tale begins as you wind through a tunnel of 500 eucalyptus trees. Majestic mountains covered in a green blanket rise up on the northern shore of the island.
The western edge of the island is home to the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, a 16-mile remote coastline blessed with cascading waterfalls and turquoise-water beaches. The East Side, nicknamed the “Coconut Coast” due to its abundant palms, is where you’ll find the Wailua River — one of the island’s main attractions.
There is only one major road that runs through the island, and it requires no more than three hours to travel its length. But there’s no rush to see everything. Take things slow and you’ll naturally fall into the island’s laid-back rhythm.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Hike the Hills and Hit the Beach
Fuel up at Kalaheo Café & Coffee Company on Kauai’s East Side before beginning your day with the “Sleeping Giant,” the area’s most notable trail up Nounou Mountain. The 4-mile hike winds through groves of guava and silk oak before delivering panoramic views of the verdant peaks around it.
If you prefer to bike, head instead to Ke Ala Hele Makalae. It’s the island’s only bike path, which runs along the coast. Whichever you choose, avoid leaving your car along the road in residential areas. The locals consider it rude to park in front of someone’s home.
When it’s time for lunch, head to one of the East Side’s popular food trucks. Visit Porky’s for kalua pork hot dogs or Eat Healthy for a plant-based menu (think kale salad and pumpkin soup).
If you’re looking for a sweet treat or need to cool off, make your way to Waikomo Shave Ice. The syrups are made from organic cane sugar and include flavors like lychee, guava and mango served over a bed of coconut cream.
Post up at Lydgate Beach, your best spot for swimming. Or if your plan is simply to relax on the sand, try Wailua Beach (where the strong currents can make swimming hazardous). If you’re not quite ready to kick back, add a stop to the Wailua waterfalls. They are easily accessible by car, and fans of the 1970s television show “Fantasy Island” will recognize it as the location from the opening scene.
Freshen up and then make your way to Beach House for dinner and, ideally, a sunset. The menu uses just-caught seafood for its inventive takes on classics like seared ahi steak (served with jalapeño mashed potatoes) and lobster-stuffed deviled eggs.
Nightlife in Kauai is subdued. If you’re not ready to go home after dinner, head to Kauai Beer Company for a chill nightcap.
Saturday: Find Out Why the West Coast (Might Be) the Best Coast
Get up early for your trip to the stunning seaside cliffs of Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, which you can see by land (hiking), air (helicopter) or sea (boat). Stop at Sueoka Store for snacks and grab-and-go breakfast options. And do consider splurging on a no-doors helicopter ride. A number of operators offer this kind of close-up of the 16-mile coastline.
If you do decide to hike Napali, try the Kalalau Trail. Two miles from the trailhead is Hanakapiai Beach, a hidden stretch of sand that is absolutely worth the effort. That said, the hike is 11 miles in total and not always easy. But it also delivers views of towering sea cliffs, bright blue water, thick forests and cascading waterfalls.
Afterward, stop at Ishihara Market for lunch. The local grocery store offers a variety of super-fresh bento boxes, sushi and poke.
You can easily spend the whole day in Napali. A sunset cruise or snorkeling session in the area can take anywhere from three to five hours. However, if you prefer to jam-pack your day, then make your way to Waimea Canyon State Park. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is up to 3,000 feet deep and offers an abundance of hiking trails and views for days.
End your night at the Tasting Room in Koloa. The family-owned tapas restaurant and wine bar has an impressive menu that includes meats, cheeses and yet more fresh-caught seafood.
Sunday: Live the Laid-Back Life of a Local
Pack up the car and make your way to Hanalei, a surfer’s paradise on the northern shore. The 35-minute drive from Kapaa gives you another opportunity to experience the Coconut Coast. Grab juice from Kauai Juice Co. before you hit the road — the shop uses produce sourced from the island.
Once in Hanalei, start your day at one of the numerous farmers markets. Hanalei Farmers Market, for instance, has dozens of vendors to choose from. Wander the stalls and sample tropical fruits like papaya and the short, chubby apple banana.
Live like a local and head to the beach. Take a surf lesson at Black Pot Beach Park or bum around Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. If surfing isn’t your thing, kayaking and snorkeling are also options. Check the surf report, and remember, not all beaches are suitable for swimming.
Refuel at Fresh Bite, a family-owned food truck offering Kauai-inspired meals, and take a walk around Hanalei before heading back to the beach. Mingle with locals as they barbecue on the shore and watch the sunset. Enjoy the scenery, and if you get hungry, make your way to Holey Grail Donuts for a snack. Wildflower honey, beets, Thai basil and ube are just some of the ingredients used in their sweet treats.
When it’s time for dinner, mosey over to Duke’s Kauai. Located in Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club, the restaurant offers inventive, Hawaiian-inspired fare like poke tacos and teriyaki sirloin. End your night at the iconic (and nearly 60-year-old) Tahiti Nui, the self-proclaimed “oldest Tiki bar in Hawaii,” where live music plays nightly — which is best enjoyed while sipping the popular “Tahiti Nui Mai Tai.”
[DISCLAIMER]
Marriott recognizes the Hawaiian language’s use of diacritical marks, including the ‘okina and the kahakō. However, because these marks aren’t always accurately rendered by common web browsers, we have omitted them on these web pages. This is in accordance with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and its Island Chapters.
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