The Ultimate 5-Day Kaua‘i Adventure Honeymoon Itinerary

• Driving time: Around three hours total

Start your honeymoon strong with a full day of North Shore exploration—the most lush and romantic part of the island.

Morning

From Kapa‘a, drive about 50 minutes to Hanalei Bay. Paddleboard, surf, or simply swim in the calm morning waters. Then grab breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company—think fresh smoothies, avocado toast, and local coffee that’ll ruin Starbucks for you forever.

Midday adventure

Head five minutes up the road to the Okolehao Trail, a steep but rewarding climb that offers panoramic views of Hanalei Bay. After your hike, refuel with poke bowls and shave ice from Wishing Well Shave Ice—a beloved local food truck.

Afternoon

Drive 15 minutes to Queen’s Bath in Princeville (go only if the ocean is calm—high surf can make it dangerous). When conditions are right, this natural lava rock pool is a perfect spot for tide pool exploring or a daring cliff jump.

Next stop: Lumaha‘i Beach, another 15 minutes down the road. It’s wild, untamed, and ideal for a late afternoon swim or romantic photo session.

Evening

Wrap up the day with dinner at Bar Acuda in Hanalei—an intimate, farm-to-table restaurant perfect for honeymooners. Then wander over to Tahiti Nui, a laid-back tiki bar with live music and tropical cocktails.

Drive about 50 minutes back to Kapa‘a under a sky full of stars.

• Driving time: Around 4.5 hours total

Morning

Leave Kapa‘a early and drive 50 minutes to Hanalei Boat Harbor. Here, you’ll embark on a Na Pali Coast boat tour—a must for any adventurous couple.

Expect sea caves, snorkeling with tropical fish, and dolphins dancing alongside your raft. Raft tours are wilder (and wetter), while catamarans are smoother and more luxurious.

Afternoon

After the tour, head 15 minutes to Tunnels Beach—a stunning stretch of sand backed by jagged cliffs. Snorkel the reef or relax under the palms.

Ready for another thrill? Drive about an hour and 45 minutes south to Shipwreck Beach near Poipu, where brave souls leap from Makawehi Point into the turquoise surf below.

Evening

Treat yourselves to dinner at Merriman’s Fish House or The Beach House in Poipu—both offer incredible ocean views and sunset vibes. Then it’s an easy one-hour drive back to Kapa‘a.

• Driving time: Around 4.5 hours total

This is your epic adventure day, exploring the rugged western side of the island—home to “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Morning

Drive about an hour and 40 minutes to the Waimea Canyon Lookout, stopping at overlooks for sweeping views and rainbow photo ops. Then continue 15 minutes to the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls—a moderate three- to four-hour hike with incredible canyon and waterfall views.

Afternoon

From the canyon, drive an hour and 20 minutes (the last few miles are bumpy dirt road) to Polihale Beach—one of the most remote and breathtaking beaches on Kaua‘i. It’s wild, vast, and feels like the edge of the world. Bring snacks, water, and a sense of wonder.

Evening

Head back toward Waimea Town (one hour) for dinner at Porky’s Kaua‘i, a legendary food truck serving Hawaiian-style pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs. Then make the scenic 1.5-hour drive back to Kapa‘a.

• Driving time: Around one hour total

Today’s adventure is right in your backyard—the Wailua River, just 10 minutes from Kapa‘a.

Morning

Rent kayaks from Kayak Kauai or Wailua Kayak Adventures and paddle upriver for about two miles (roughly 45 minutes). Dock your kayak, then hike another mile through the rainforest to reach Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)—a magical 120-foot cascade where you can swim beneath the spray.

Afternoon

After your paddle back, visit Opaeka‘a Falls (10 minutes away) and Wailua Falls (15 minutes beyond). If you’re feeling bold, you can carefully hike down to the base of Wailua Falls for a dip—locals do it, but it’s unofficial and slippery, so proceed with caution.

Evening

Wrap up with dinner back in Kapa‘a at Sam’s Ocean View or Hukilau Lanai, both offering excellent seafood and sunset views. Then enjoy a nightcap stroll along the beach before calling it a night.

• Driving time: Around four hours total

Morning

Drive about 55 minutes south to Koloa Zipline or Outfitters Kauai for a thrilling half-day adventure soaring above jungle valleys and waterfalls. It’s the perfect blend of heart-pounding and honeymoon-worthy.

Afternoon

Cool off at Poipu Beach, just 10 minutes away. Swim, snorkel, or spot a Hawaiian monk seal sunbathing on the sand.

On your way back toward Kapa‘a, stop at Ho‘opi‘i Falls (about an hour and 10 minutes north) for a short hike and refreshing waterfall swim—cliff jumps optional but highly encouraged.

Evening

Finish your honeymoon with a romantic sunset dinner at The Beach House in Poipu, one of Kaua‘i's most scenic oceanfront restaurants. Toast to your new adventure together before making the one-hour drive back to Kapa‘a.