Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai, Hawaii

8 Days in Kauai : 

Wanting the perfect romantic getaway? Discover the ultimate honeymoon itinerary for Kauai, Hawaii, where lush landscapes and serene beaches create an idyllic escape. Dive into our guide for must-see spots and unforgettable experiences!

 

Day 1 - 

  • After landing in Kauai, get your rental car and drive to your accommodations.
  • Take the first day to familiarize yourself with the island, drive around and explore, and try out some local eats! 
    • Fun Fact: Kauai only has 1 main road, so it is hard to get lost!
    • Restaurant recommendations at the end of the itinerary :) 

Day 2 - 

  • Kalalau Trail (10 mile hike in the north of the island)
    • If you are feeling rested, go for a big hike!  This scenic hike goes along the coast of Kauai and has the most beautiful scenic ocean views.  
    • After a few miles, it juts into the middle of the island taking you back to a serene waterfall and reservoir you can swim in.  
    • IMPORTANT - this hike is not easy and requires good footing, small amounts of climbing, and some endurance
    • Book a Park and Ride shuttle pass to get to the park
      • We do not recommend driving yourself the full way there as you have to reserve a spot online in advance, and the roads there are narrow!
      • Waipa Park and Ride
        • Shuttle lot is located at: 5-5631 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714 

Day 3 - 

  • Botanical Gardens Mini Golf
    • A gorgeous setting for a competitive round of minigolf - this botanical garden has many local plants and trees to check out.  The golfing can get pretty serious, so bring your A game!
  • Doors-off Helicopter Tour 
    • Book a doors off helicopter tour with the best in the business.  Make sure to have this booked in advance for the thrill of a lifetime! 
    •  Beware - if the weather is not ideal, they will cancel and refund your booking (having a couple days still on the island after your booking will leave time for them to reschedule you!)

Day 4 - 

  • Captain Andy’s Star Snorkel BBQ Sail
    • This sailing adventure will give you a good look at the coast of Kauai, give you a nice boat ride with food and drinks, and allow you an opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles
      • Approx. 8AM - 1:30PM 
      • Check-in 45 min prior to departure at Port Allen (Southern part of the island).
      • Bring swimsuit, towel, jacket, dry clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Drive to Waimea Canyon State Park
    • Even though you will be tired from the boat ride, if you are in the Southern part of the island you HAVE TO get a glimpse of these breathtaking views.  Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, this drive will not disappoint.

Day 5 - 

  • Surfing Lessons
  • Beach Time
    • Spend some time relaxing, eating, and walking in the Hanalei Bay area
    • Have dinner at our favorite spot in Kauai - Kalypso Island Bar & Grill
      • The Poke Bowl and the Mahi are delicious!!

Day 6 - 

  • Kilauea lighthouse
    • You won’t regret a quick detour here while passing through the town of Kilauea.  This is a short scenic walk that will give you great views and more history about the island. 
  • Explore the Southern island towns and their beaches - you may even see Sea Turtles laying on the beach or swimming by your feet!
    • Poipu
    • Eleele 

Day 7 - 

  • Use this day as a flex day to have a buffer for if any activities you were wanting to do get canceled
    • The island is known to be one of the wettest places on Earth, so expect some rain (but don’t worry, it usually doesn’t last long and makes some pretty cool looking rainbows!)

Day 8 - 

  • Enjoy your final morning here and head back to the airport to return your car and head home!


Places to Eat: (favorites bolded!)

  • Poke - Hanalei Market 
  • Little Fish Coffee - Koloa
  • Dukes Kauai - Lihue 
  • Kalypso Island bar and Grill - Hanalei 
  • JoJo’s Shaved Ice - located in many locations - Dessert
  • Kalaheo Café and Coffee Company - Kaleheho
  • Keoki’s Paradise - Koloa
  • Da Crack Mexican Grinds - Koloa 
  • Gina’s Anykine Grinds Cafe - Waimea 
  • Java Kai - Kapa’a
  • Poipu food truck park
  • The spot - Princeville - Acai Bowls
  • Merriman’s Kauai - Koloa
  • Lappert’s Hawaii - Princeville (ice cream! And coffee!) 
  • Aloha Juice Bar - Hanalei 
  • Sleeping Giant Grill - Kapa’a
  • Road Side Fruit Stands - everywhere!
  • The Beach House - Poipu


Packing List

  • Hiking clothes and shoes
  • National Park pass 
  • Passports
  • Chargers
  • First Aid / Medicine
    • Dramamine
    • Tylenol 
    • Etc...
  • Airplane snacks
  • Headphones
  • Travel pillow for long flight 
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Cash

FAQ:

Where to Stay?

  • Kauai is a small island (only 25 miles long and 33 miles wide)! We recommend finding local accommodations in or near Princeville (north side of the Island) where it is less touristy and quieter. If you are looking for a more beach resort type stay, and a bit less rain, take a look at spots on the south side of the island.

Should I rent a car?

  • Yes, we’d recommend renting a car for your stay there.  You do not need any car with off-roading capabilities for anything on our itinerary.  If you have a car, you’ll be able to make more efficient use of your time, as the public bus can take about an hour to show up at the bus stops.

Is there a church you’d recommend on the island if I’m there on a Sunday?

  • Kauai Christian Fellowship - Kilauea
    • If you are there on a Sunday, this non-denominational Christian fellowship is the perfect spot to visit Christian community in Kauai. There is even a chance you may run into Bethany Hamilton and her family here! 

What is the approximate cost of this 8 day trip?

  • The estimated total cost of this trip per couple (including flights, accommodation, car rental, food, and activities) is $6,000
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