“Seven Perfect Days” in KAUAI
Day 1
North
- Hanalei Valley - The best way to enjoy Hanalei Valley is from the Hanalei Valley Lookout on the edge of Highway 56. On the valley floor is a one-way truss bridge that was constructed in 1912, a quaint reminder of Hawaii’s past and laid-back present. Across from the manicured, man-made Princeville Resort, the natural beauty of the valley is something to marvel at. Here taro patches, green leaves, and shimmering waters mix to create a scenic masterpiece. This is simply one of the most beautiful places on the island, so be sure to take your camera.
- Tunnels Beach - Tunnels Beach is an excellent snorkeling spot, famous for its clear waters and friendly sea creatures. Spanning over two miles, the center of the beach is a crescent-shaped reef that protects the water from currents and makes it perfect for viewing eels, turtles, and other sea life.
Day 2
North
- Na Pali Coast* - The name Na Pali refers to the series of pali, or cliffs, along a 17-mile stretch of coastline separated by lush river valleys. The cliffs rise up to 4,000 feet straight out of the ocean and can be viewed by air or by boat. However you do it, the incredible cliffs are a Kauai must-see. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful and pristine stretches of coastline in the world.
Day 3
North
- Na’aina Kai Botanical Gardens - Na’aina Kai, meaning “Lands by the Sea” in Hawaiian, is a unique and dazzling collection of gardens spanning over 240 acres. An amalgam of 13 different collections, this is a virtual cornucopia for plant lovers. Formal gardens, wild gardens, desert gardens, children’s gardens, and sculpture gardens await you in this incredible feast for the eyes. Bring the family as well because your children are sure to enjoy the gardens custom-tailored just for them.
- Kilauea Lighthouse - This promontory is the northernmost point in the state. Walk out to the lighthouse, and beyond, to feel the power of the Pacific. Back in the little village of Kilauea, stop in at the old general store, visit one of the fruit smoothie stands alongside the main road, and pop into one of the few tiny (but worthy) shops.
Day 4
East
- Kamokila Village - Once the village where Kauai’s last king, Kaumualii, had his home, Kamokila Village allows you to experience life in an ancient Hawaiian settlement. Besides the carefully preserved remains of the village, a number of thatched huts have been carefully recreated to provide an accurate look at life in pre-contact Hawaii. Demonstrations of ancient Hawaiian arts, crafts, and games bring the past alive.
- Fern Grotto - Only accessible by trip up the the Wailua River, the Fern Grotto is a lava cave that is completely covered by natural ferns. A nearby waterfall creates cooling mists. The spot’s idyllic beauty will captivate you, just as it long captivated Hawaiian royalty, who were once the only people allowed to visit this sacred spot.
- Lydgate Park - The ideal beach park for families with children, Lydgate Park, on Kauai’s Coconut Coast, also boasts some of the best snorkeling on the island. The huge playground is any kid’s dream, and two pools created from lava rocks provide protected swimming and snorkeling for both children and adults. The lava rocks that form the pool create almost an artificial reef, and you can see an impressive variety of fish.
Day 5
East – West
- Kilohana Plantation - A historic sugar cane plantation house that has been restored to include shops and a restaurant, Kilohana also offers horse carriage tours of the beautiful grounds of the plantation. The plantation house, built for Plantation owner Gaylord Wilcox in 1935, was the first mansion on Kaua’i. Besides shopping and the well-regarded Gaylord’s restaurant, art galleries at the plantation showcase fine art by prominent artists.
- Salt Pond Beach Park - A safe, usually calm beach that is also home to one of the only remaining, actively used salt ponds in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians still collect salt here using the traditional methods used by their ancestors. The beach itself is protected by rock outcroppings at either end, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and body surfing. Tide pools created by lava outcroppings and old salt pans are fascinating places to explore. Restrooms, showers, and well developed picnic facilities with tables and grills make this a great place to spend a day.
- Kauai Coffee Company - The largest coffee grower in the state of Hawaii is not on the famous Kona coast on the Big Island–in fact, the Kauai Coffee Company by itself produces more coffee than the entire Kona growing region. A visit to this 3,400 acre coffee plantation, once a part of the McBryde sugar plantation, will put you in touch with the rich land and heritage of Hawaii, as you learn about Kauai‚Äôs most famous and valuable export. Don’t worry, you get free coffee, too.
Day 6
West
- Waimea Brewing Company - Tucked away in a coconut grove on the western shore of Kaua’i, the Waimea Brewing Company offers eight different microbrews on tap and is known for its great seafood and excellent Hawaiian-style pupus. The brewery’s two mainstay beers are its flavorful Waimea Bay Pale Ale and the lighter Luau Lager, but its Wai’ale’ale Ale, named for the mountain in Kaua’i whose summit is said to be the wettest spot on earth, is also a favorite. Live music gently rocks this friendly, laid-back brewery several times a week.
- Waimea Canyon - The largest canyon in the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is certainly one of the most impressive natural features in the country. Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” its awesome cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and rich mix of lush green and deep purple hues certainly rival the splendor of Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
Day 7
South
- Koloa - Koloa is more than a collection of shops and eateries connected by an old wooden walkway. The wild west-like town is inextricably linked with sugar. After having lunch, check out the sugar history museum, the memorial to sugar plantation workers, the Jodo Mission (Japanese immigrants were integral to the industry), and the old sugar mill.
- Po’ipu Beach - Recently voted “America’s Best Beach,” Po’ipu Beach has something for everyone. Actually, Po’ipu is a collection of several beaches nestled together, forming an affluent beach community surrounded by excellent restaurants, shops, and other fun destinations. There is a myriad of activities available here, including horseback riding, snorkeling, windsurfing, and just about anything else that can be done on a beach. Make a visit to Po’ipu Beach–no Kauai vacation is complete without it!
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Hawaiian Air is currently running a promotion with some fun ideas for traveling on the different islands. This sample itinerary was sourced directly from here.