Curator’s statement
Kauai, the garden island, is known for its natural beauty. It's rugged landscapes and pristine beaches make for a very unique vacation. Teens especially will love the unique adventures that can be found around every corner here.
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Where to stay
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is a breathtaking Hawaiian resort set on 50 oceanfront acres in Poipu, featuring lush gardens, pristine pools, authentic island dining and a world-class spa, all with a backdrop of the stunning Kauai coastline.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Timbers Kauai - Ocean Club & Residences
Set on an expansive oceanfront property on Kauai, this luxury resort offers nearly everything you could need while on a tropical vacation.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Welcome treat in room on arrival.
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Upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.
Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club
A tropical beachfront resort designed with island-chic rooms and villas set next to Poipu Beach.
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
Surrounded by lush gardens, this resort on Kauai features studios and villas with three outdoor pools and near Poipu Beach.
Hilton Vacation Club Point at Poipu
Hilton Vacation Club The Point at Poipu Kauai is a tropical paradise, nestled along the stunning Poipu Beach in Kauai, offering spacious accommodations, world-class amenities, and unforgettable Hawaiian experiences.
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Day 1: Arrive in Kauai
Arrive at Lihue Airport. Head to the car rental counter to pick up your rental car. Check into your hotel, I recommend the luxe Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, in Poipu and then grab some lunch.
Da Crack is a favorite of both locals and tourists. Da Crack serves some of the best Mexican grinds you will ever have!
Once you're done head over to Baby Beach where you can enjoy the calm, shallow waters and soak up the sun. Don't forget to pack your reef safe sunscreen and umbrella.
Head back to your hotel and get ready for dinner. I recommend Beach House Restaurant. You can enjoy the beautiful views and if you choose to go around sunset you can watch the rose-ringed parakeets roost for the evening which is quite the sight (and sound).
Day 2: Mountain Tubing Adventure
Grab some breakfast at Little Fish Coffee Poipu. Try one of their freshly made acai bowls or smoothies.
Hop in your car and head to Kauai Backcountry Adventure for a mountain tubing adventure. Your adventure includes a 4WD ride to the irrigation ditches. Here you'll put on your helmet, and hop into your tube where you'll float through a series of flumes and tunnels carved into the mountain. Everyone in your party will enjoy this fast paced tubing adventure. A light lunch is served before heading back to the check in spot.
On your way back to your hotel I recommend a stop at Waikomo Shave Ice, real fresh ingredients and local honey make these ices a special treat!
Relax a bit at your hotel and clean up for dinner. I recommend Eating House 1849 Koloa for dinner. This Hawaiian seafood restaurant serves up some tasty locally sourced foods.
Day 3: Waimea Canyon State Park
Grab some breakfast. I recommend Anuenue Cafe for a hearty breakfast.
Pack a light lunch, hop in your car and head to Waimea Canyon State Park, aka the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, to check out some of those dramatic landscapes Kauai is known for.
If hiking is your thing, you can choose from several hikes here at varying difficulty levels. I recommend the Canyon Trail. This trail is moderately difficult and will take about 3 hours to complete but you will be rewarded with stunning views of an 800ft waterfall.
Head back to your hotel to relax a bit and treat yourself to dinner at Keoki's Paradise. Here you can enjoy typical Hawaiian dishes in a fun, tropical setting. Make sure to save room for dessert, you have to have some Hula Pie at least once in your life!
Day 4: Napali Coast
You have several tour options to view the Napali Coast: helicopter, catamaran, yacht or zodiac boat. I recommend a zodiac boat so that you can get up close to the dramatic cliffs and maybe even inside the sea caves (depending on the tides and weather). Many tours are combined with snorkeling and picnics so you can easily spend your entire day here. If you prefer you can spend the morning relaxing beach or poolside and then choose a catamaran or yacht dinner cruise!
Day 5: Wailua River Kayak & Hike Tour & Luau
After breakfast at your hotel, spend your afternoon paddling up the Wailua River to the village of Kamokila where you will see a replica of an ancient Hawaiian village. Paddle past the village to the trailhead where you will hike through the lush rainforest to the 120' secret waterfalls. A light lunch is provided.
Get ready to enjoy the evening at one of the longest running Luau's on the island, the Smith Family Garden Luau at Fern Grotto.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer DiDonna
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Kauai.