Kauai in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Fall in love with Kauai for a week of captivating experiences. From kayaking adventure at Secret Falls to aerial majesty on an exclusive tour, each day will immerse you in the richness of this Hawaiian island. Discover the island's cinematic heritage, sample exquisite local cuisine and relax on river cruises.

These are just some of the best things to do on Kauai With this itinerary you can combine the thrill of the outdoors with the coastal serenity as the locals do, giving you a complete view of Hawaiian beauty and culture free from the hordes of tourists.

From kayaking at the Secret Falls to enjoying the beaches of Poipu, you're in for a day full of excitement and scenic beauty - get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Kauai right from the start in one of Hawaii's most popular areas!

Start the day with an exploration by Kayak

On your first stop, explore the fascinating Secret Falls, which thanks to their popularity are no longer a secret, but let's be honest, they are one of the greatest treasures on Kauai. Access to these falls is by sea only and there are a couple of alternatives for the tour: you can opt for a kayak tour of Secret Falls or rent your own canoe or kayak and travel there on your own. Start at the River State Park and paddle upstream.

Either way, you'll be surrounded by picture-perfect natural scenery. The 46-metre high Opaeka'a waterfall will amaze you, not to mention the majestic Uluwehi waterfall, which is a blast.

Along the way, you'll explore several villages, including Kamokila Village. Don't forget to take a dip between streams, the ultimate reward after the paddling exercise.

Hiking in Secret Falls

Continue to enjoy Secret Falls, also known as Uluwehi Falls with the area's quintessential hiking activity. You'll be in one of the best places to hike in Kauai according to the locals.

The trails are moderately demanding, flanked by thick rainforest. The routes range from walking about 4.5 km from Kapaa or taking the "short" route of about 2 km which in theory will be about a 20 minute walk. Why the shortcut? Because of the terrain of this lush Hawaiian landscape.

Be prepared for some muddy and slippery terrain, but it's well worth the effort - in fact, it's a perfect adventure to include among the things to do in Kauai with kids, as you'll see how they turn the setting into a natural playground, always topped by a waterfall.

Luau Beach and Luau Show

After the hike, head to charming Poipu Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Here, you can relax on the golden sand, swim in the crystal clear waters and explore the surrounding area where you'll even see 'Moa' Roosters running around at will and plenty of green sea turtles. On site you'll also find a variety of restaurants where you can eat lunch.

To cap off the day, if you want more action, you can also visit Kiahuna Beach, located next to the Sheraton Kauai Resort Hotel, where you can enter the oceanfront Luau Kalamaku show.

Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with this traditional Hawaiian show. The activity is perfect for evening entertainment. It usually lasts about 2.5-3 hours and includes a delicious buffet dinner while authentic hula performances, daggers, fire and live music liven up the evening.

Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is one of the most impressive natural wonders you'll find on Kauai. This spectacular canyon, carved by the Waimea River over millions of years, offers a landscape of volcanic soils tinged in shades of red and green, creating an epic scar on the Hawaiian land.

On your second day I invite you to explore this natural monument up close. The day's activities range from hiking to stopping at the many overlooks to appreciate the canyon. You can rent a car to explore on your own, and if you're a film buff you can also book a Kauai movie tour

How to get to Waimea Canyon

To begin your exploration of Waimea Canyon, I recommend taking Highway 550, also known as Kokee Road.

This scenic road winds through Waimea and Kokee State Parks, offering spectacular panoramic views at every turn. Be prepared to witness the magnificence of the scenery as you head into the heart of Kauai's interior.

Tour the viewpoints

Once in Waimea Canyon, you'll have to pay an entrance fee of around €5 per person. You'll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Head to Pu'u Hinahina, Waipo'o and Pu'u o Kila overlooks for the best panoramic views of the canyon and its surroundings.

From here, you can capture the grandeur of the landscape in breathtaking photographs, plus if you've signed up for the Hollywood movie tour, guides share interesting details about the area and how it became the film sets for movies like "Pacific Rim Adventurer", "Honeymoon in Vegas" with Nicolas Cage and Bruno Mars or how it was portrayed in the Disney classic "Lilo & Stitch".

Hiking Adventures and Beach Visit

If you're looking for a more immersive experience, I invite you to explore the trails of Waimea Canyon State Park.

From the Canyon Trail, which takes you deep into the heart of the canyon, with a couple of routes available: the more demanding Kukui Trail, at 4km, accessed from the east side of the canyon, is suitable only for experts who are compensated by Waipo'o Falls; and to the west you'll find the Iliau Nature Loop, a short 500m trail, set on the eastern side of the canyon.

If you choose the Kukui Trail, you can walk down to Waipi'o Black Sand Beach, a black sand beach at the mouth of the Waimea River. While the trail is demanding, the scenery and the beach dip are charming enough to make it one of the must-visit stops in Hawaii to immerse yourself in the Aloha State

For dinner

I recommend a visit to one of the restaurants along the canyon, such as Keoki's Paradise or the Waimea Plantation Cottages (formerly known as Waimea Brew Pub), both in the heart of the volcano. Their ambience denotes the island's tropical traditions.

The variety of seafood delicacies is often fresh and reasonably priced, and the cocktails are perfect for rounding off the day.

On the third day of your Kauai adventure I invite you to explore the Na Pali Coast State Natural Park, a 26km stretch of unspoilt coastline on the Garden Isle.

From the remote beaches of the west to the rugged cliffs of the north, a tour of this natural paradise is among Kauai's best day trips and excursions

Hike the Kalalau Trail

Start your day early with an adventure on the Kalalau Trail, one of Hawaii's premier hiking trails. This 18+ km trail takes you through lush landscapes and spectacular scenery, including Hanakapi'ai Valley and Mākara Peak and its waterfalls.

You can go mountain biking or walking, but be prepared for a challenging hike that will reward you with beautiful views and an intimate connection with nature.

Explore the beaches and waterfalls of Na Pali

By the end of the trail, you'll have made your way along the island's north shore to explore some of Kauai's best beaches.

Start at Ke'e Beach, where you can relax on the fine sand and take a dip in the turquoise waters. Continue to Haena Beach, ideal for swimming, and book a day of rafting and snorkelling on Kauai, not least because of the barrier reef that sits in the area.

On the other hand, you can also explore the Hanalei waterfall and reef at Nu'alolo Ka, a pristine coral reef reserve.

Enjoy Hanalei's gastronomic offerings

After an adventurous day, relax and enjoy a delicious dinner on a food tour in Hanalei, where you'll find a variety of charming restaurants and cafes.

Sample the best of local cuisine, from fresh fish to seafood and traditional dishes such as Saimin and Musubi. End the evening with a tropical cocktail as you watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

With a paradisiacal feel, many filmmakers find a natural muse here.

You can take a day bus tour, and if you prefer to see it all from above, helicopter or light aircraft rides are also available to tour those film sets or inspirational spaces, although the natural beauty is reason enough to make the trip. In any case, I suggest a fourth day of film. Action!

Bus tour

On this overland trip, a guide will take you through Kauai' s breathtaking scenery while offering interesting commentary on the films shot on the island. You'll be able to visit around 15 film locations throughout the day. Which films?

Places like Ahukini State Recreational to relive scenes from films like Pagan Love Song and Donovan's Reef. Jurassic Park and its famous dinosaur egg exchange scene filmed in Kapaa. Lydgate State Park, the setting where the eternal King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley filmed Blue Hawaii and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Plus, explore iconic locations such as Opaekaa Falls, Kalalea, and Kilauea Point Nature Preserve, the archipelago's largest wildlife refuge, while learning about its cinematic history.

Tour from above

If you prefer an aerial perspective of Kauai's movie sets, book an aerial tour of Kauai, either by helicopter or light aircraft, for the perfect way to fully appreciate these iconic locations.

Enjoy a thrilling and scenic experience as a professional pilot takes you on a flight around the island. From the air, you'll marvel at spectacular views of cliffs, beaches, lava fields and waterfalls, while recognising iconic landmarks such as Waimea Canyon and the Anahola Mountain Range.

On Day 5 of your itinerary on Kauai's "Garden Isle" I invite you to cruise the Wailua River to Old Koloa Town, visit Spouting Horn, Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls and other natural scenery on the south shore.

Old Koloa Town Tour

Get to know Old Koloa Town, the charming town on Kauai's south shore that carries centuries of sweet local history.

Explore its cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in its rich history of sugar cane plantations. Discover its iconic buildings such as The Tao Building and The Asashi Soda Building. Most date back to the late 18th century. The relaxed atmosphere of this quaint village and its well-preserved structures will allow you to contrast Kauai's past and present.

Carla's Traveller Tip

If you visit Kauai in July, attend the annual 10-day Kōloa Plantation Days Festival.

Learn about the Spouting Horn Blowhole

Continue your day with a visit to the spectacular Spouting Horn Blowhole, a natural spectacle where ocean water flows through an opening in the lava and reaches up to 15 metres high.

Marvel at this unique phenomenon as you watch the water splash and hear the legends of the area from your expert cruise guide.

Explore Fern Grotto

Your day culminates with a visit to Fern Grotto, a natural cave on the Wailua River adorned with hanging ferns.

Nestled in a tranquil setting, the grotto functions as a natural amphitheatre. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this place as you walk through the cave and watch the stream flowing through it, and with a little luck, you can enjoy live performances of beautiful Hawaiian music.

Take a moment to absorb the serenity of this natural environment before heading back to the mainland.

The sixth day of your itinerary is spent in Princeville, an area known for its cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, but perhaps what makes this area most famous is its variety of bars, terraces and things to do in Kauai at night.

For those looking for spectacular sunsets and picturesque beaches in Kauai, make this one a point on your itinerary. In addition to its natural beauty, Princeville offers a variety of activities to connect with nature and explore the local community.

Get up close to the Queen's Bath

There is a great trail in a North Shore neighbourhood that leads to a waterfront area called Queen's Bath.

In this area there is a large tidal pool carved out of the dark lava rock. It is a natural infinity pool that is very nice to see. However, it is important to note that you will need some dexterity and water shoes to get in. Once inside, relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. You can also climb up the rocks and take a dip in the pool. A visit here is a must-see classic, the best way to spend a morning in the area.

Downtown Princeville

This is the place to experience Kauai' s fine cuisine and explore the local shops. Here you can eat lunch, the food is the island's benchmark. Surrounded by Princeville Ranch and the sea cliffs, the centre offers a wide range of shopping, dining and even outdoor activities such as horseback riding.

Downtown Princeville is located between Punahele and Ka Haku Streets. It is accessible from different parts of town, and offers a variety of products from local artists and island businesses.

Visit Hideaways Beach

Hideaways Beach is known for being a great place to snorkel, especially in the summer. Although it requires a hike, the beach offers a serene setting with cliffs and lush palm trees.

A short walk of about 20 minutes or a short drive from the town centre, Hideaways Beach, this beach has all the necessary (and not so necessary) amenities for a relaxing or luxurious day by the sea.

Al Tiki Iniki and the local market

Tiki Iniki is a bar-restaurant that boasts of its popularity for excellent food, local drinks and top-notch service at reasonable prices in Princeville. Locals and tourists often gather here to end the day.

Another highlight is a visit to Fish Eye Kauai art gallery where emerging talents meet.

If it's the second weekend of the month, tradition takes you to the Princeville Night Market, especially if you're looking for things to do in Kauai in December, when local artisans, jewellers, sculptors and other artists bring their best work to the market.

To bid farewell to Kauai I invite you to explore the beautiful beaches of the Kapaa and Lihue area. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

Visit the Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)

Nounou Mountain is a mountain formation between Wailua and Kapaa that gets its name from its resemblance to a giant lying down - in fact, that's how it's portrayed in Hawaiian myths and legends.

For hiking enthusiasts, there are opportunities to hike moderately difficult trails to the top of the mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the ocean.

Get close to the beaches of the Coconut Coast

Continue your journey to the "Coconut Coast", where you'll find a series of spectacular beaches along 8 kilometres of coastline:

• Kapaa Beach Park: A popular place to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery.
• Kealia Beach: Perfect for surfers and bodyboarders due to its consistent waves.
• Burros Beach or Paliku Beach: Once the most famous nudist beach in the area, it has become a quiet haven to enjoy a day in the sun and sea and remains so to this day.

Carla's Traveller Tip

If you visit Lealia Beach in winter, you can enjoy whale watching - whales are often spotted in the area each year.

Go zip lining

To say goodbye to Kauai, say goodbye from the heights as you zip through the treetops on **Kauai'**s longest zip line, Lihue's.

Book a zip line adventure and take the time to feel the adrenaline rush as the rainforest draws a breathtaking landscape in front of your eyes. Dare to try acrobatic stunts accompanied by the experts, and hands free shout "Flyin' Kauai'an" to say so long Kauai.