Kauai Itinerary

Here’s a detailed 30-day itinerary for your stay on the island of Kauai, tailored for a small family or a couple. This itinerary includes visits to major attractions in Kauai, complemented by various activities and dining options suitable for a moderate budget, ensuring a memorable experience of the island’s natural beauty and unique culture.

Week 1: Getting Acquainted with Kauai

• Day 1: Arrival
  • Check-in and explore the resort.
  • Evening stroll on the beach.
• Day 2: Relaxation Day at the Resort
  • Enjoy the resort amenities, pool, and spa.
  • Casual dinner at the resort’s restaurant.
• Day 3: Kauai Sightseeing
  • Start with a sightseeing tour to get an overview of the island.
  • Visit popular spots like the Kilauea Lighthouse.
• Day 4: Waimea Canyon Adventure
  • Explore the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” on a guided tour.
  • Picnic lunch with scenic views.
• Day 5: Helicopter Tour
  • Experience Kauai from above with a helicopter tour, covering the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
• Day 6: Hanalei Bay and North Shore
  • Relax at Hanalei Bay, snorkel and enjoy the beach.
  • Dinner at a local eatery in Hanalei.
• Day 7: Leisure Day
  • Free day to enjoy any activities missed or particularly enjoyed during the week.

Week 2: Exploring Kauai’s Rich Culture and Nature

• Day 8-14: Plan for a mix of cultural, recreational, and relaxing activities:
  • Luau Experience: Attend a traditional Luau to experience Hawaiian culture, food, and dances.
  • ATV Tour: Go on an ATV adventure through Kauai’s backcountry.
  • Hiking: Take a hiking tour through one of Kauai’s lush trails.
  • Ocean Activities: Spend a day snorkeling or surfing.
  • Zipline Adventure: Experience the thrill of a zipline tour.
  • Romantic Getaway: For couples, enjoy a romantic sunset cruise.

Week 3: Deep Dive into Local Experiences and Adventures

• Day 15-21: Intensify your exploration:
  • Luxury Day: Splurge on a luxury tour that could include a private guide.
  • Family Activities: Engage in family-friendly activities, like beach days or visiting local farms.
  • Inter-Island Day Trip: Consider a day trip to another island like Maui or Oahu.
  • Snorkeling Tour: Explore marine life on a snorkeling expedition.
  • Explore Local Cuisines: Sample different local restaurants and food trucks around the island.

Week 4: Wrapping Up with Memorable Experiences

• Day 22-28: Balance your last week with a mix of relaxation and last-minute adventures:
  • Photography Tour: Capture your memories with a photography tour.
  • One-of-a-Kind Tours: Look for unique experiences only available on Kauai here.
  • Last Visits: Revisit any places you loved or activities you want to experience again.
  • Shopping Day: Collect souvenirs and local art to remember your trip.

Day 29-30: Departure Preparations

• Day 29: Leisure day at the resort, packing, and enjoying the property for the last time.
• Day 30: Check-out and depart for the airport.

This itinerary ensures a rich blend of adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, and memorable dining experiences across Kauai, making the most of your 30-day stay at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort.

your way around the Hawaiian Islands efficiently, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the diverse landscapes and activities each island offers.

Transportation Tips for Kauai

Rental Car

Highly recommended for flexibility and convenience. A rental car is essential for accessing Kauai’s diverse attractions such as Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and remote beaches.

Public Transit

The Kauai Bus offers public transportation services around the island. While it covers most major communities, the schedules might not be ideal for tourists wanting to maximize their day or reach less accessible attractions.

Car Rentals

Renting a car in Kauai allows you to explore the island’s lush landscapes and beautiful coastlines at your own pace. Here are some recommended car rental options available on the island:

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Provides a wide range of vehicles and is conveniently located at Lihue Airport. Visit Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Hertz – Known for reliable service, Hertz is available at Lihue Airport, offering a variety of cars to suit different traveling needs. Visit Hertz
• Alamo Rent A Car – Offers competitive pricing and excellent customer service, located at Lihue Airport. Visit Alamo Rent A Car
• Budget Car Rental – Provides affordable rental options and is found at Lihue Airport. Visit Budget Car Rental
• Turo – This peer-to-peer car rental service lets you rent unique cars directly from their owners on the island, often at prices lower than traditional agencies. Visit Turo
• National Car Rental – Known for quick service and a quality selection of cars, available at Lihue Airport. Visit National Car Rental

Airlines for Inter-Island Travel

When traveling between the Hawaiian Islands from Kauai, here are the key airlines:

• Hawaiian Airlines – The largest provider for inter-island flights, offering extensive services including frequent flights to and from Lihue. Visit Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines – Known for competitive pricing and a generous baggage policy, Southwest provides flights between Kauai and other Hawaiian islands. Visit Southwest Airlines
• Mokulele Airlines – Operates smaller aircraft and serves smaller airports, ideal for reaching destinations not covered by the larger airlines. Visit Mokulele Airlines

Airports on Kauai

• Lihue Airport (LIH) – The main airport on Kauai, located on the southeast coast of the island. It serves as the primary gateway for both international and inter-island travelers. More about Lihue Airport

Tips for Inter-Island Travel

• Booking in Advance: It is advisable to book your flights in advance to secure the best rates and ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
• Airport Arrival: Due to the relatively quick flight durations and smaller scale of airport operations, arriving 1 to 1.5 hours before your flight is usually sufficient.

These transportation tips for Kauai are designed to help you navigate the island efficiently and comfortably, enabling you to enjoy the island’s spectacular scenery and attractions with ease.