Planning Your Trip to Kauai

We have your Go-To Guide for planning your trip to Kauai: planning tips, local secrets, and practical advice.

Do I Need a Rental Car on Kauai?

Yes, it is recommended that you rent a car when you are visiting the Garden Isle of Kauai! Although we only have one major “highway” on the island, it takes approximately 3 hours to drive from one end on the North Shore to the opposite end on the West Side (i.e. from Haena to Kekaha). A car is necessary to drive to many picturesque towns, beaches, and waterfalls. You don`t want to miss out on the scenic drive up to Waimea Canyon and the Kokee lookout!

There is public transit available; however, the bus routes are limited and time-consuming when trying to explore all the beauty that Kauai has to offer. Rental scooters are available; however, many of the roads do not accommodate bicycles or scooters safely.

If you prefer not to drive, tour buses are available and are a great way for informative, guided tours of the island`s main attractions! There are taxis, Lyft and Uber. The Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu has rental cars through Avis.

To find the best price for a rental car, we suggest checking hotwire.com often so you learn to recognize the good deals when they appear. It is highly advisable to book your rental car well in advance if visiting the island during the peak season as cars do sell out and the rates can skyrocket! Check out local car rental companies for deals, too. You can try aloharents.com or hawaiidiscountcarrental.com as well.

Also, Turo.com is very popular on Kauai and you will likely get a better deal through them.

There are car rentals in the Poipu area and Speedi Shuttle offers a shuttle service between the Lihue airport and Poipu.

The Perfect 7 Days on Kauai

Escape to Kauai and explore breathtaking beaches, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the island. From tranquil mornings by the ocean to exhilarating hikes through lush landscapes, each day is filled with incredible experiences that will leave you longing for more.
Day 1
Hit the Beach
Start your ultimate 7-day vacation at Poipu Beach Park, where you can relax, swim, snorkel, and spot turtles. Rent equipment at Nukumoi Surf Co and satisfy your cravings with lunch and a refreshing shave ice from Brennecke’s Deli. As the day winds down, head to the Beach House Restaurant for a delightful dinner, stunning sunset views, and some casual surfer watching.
Day 2
Get Outside
Begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise hike on the Mahaulepu Coast Trail then treat yourself to a delicious breakfast at Kauai Poke, overlooking the picturesque Poipu Bay Golf Course. For a cultural experience, explore local stores like Sueoka’s for grocery shopping. Don’t forget to visit the Koloa Fruit Stand on the bypass road and savor a cocktail at the Honu Bar at the Marriott before enjoying a relaxing dinner at your vacation rental.
Day 3
Check Out Town
Embark on a memorable adventure to the North Shore, offering an array of beaches, attractions, shopping, and golfing options. As you make your way back to Poipu, savor a delectable dinner at Hukilau Lanai.
Day 4
Catch Some Waves
Get ready for some water excitement with a surfing or paddleboarding lesson at Kauai Surf School. Enhance your day by exploring the National Tropical Botanical Garden with a guided tour. Cap off the evening with a delightful dinner at ocean-front RumFire, located at the Sheraton.
Day 5
Take a Hike
Venture west for a day of hiking at Kokee, a visit to the Kokee Natural History Museum, and relaxing stops at Polihale Beach and Salt Pond Beach. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the visitor’s center at Kauai Coffee. For a satisfying lunch or dinner, indulge in the flavors of Japanese Grandma’s Cafe. If it’s a Friday, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hanapepe’s Art Night.
Day 6
Explore Poipu
Dive deeper into the wonders of Poipu with a Kauai Cart rental, offering convenient transportation to must-visit spots like Kaneiolouma, Spouting Horn, and the enchanting orchid and cactus gardens at Kiahuna Plantation. Refuel at The Cabana, located at the Poipu Beach Athletic Club, where you can enjoy a scrumptious lunch or dinner.
Day 7
Soak Up the Sun
On your final day, take a leisurely walk along the Hapa Trail to Koloa, where you can explore charming shops and indulge in delightful dining experiences. Spend the afternoon at Sheraton’s Beach, soaking up the sun and the beauty of the surroundings. For a grand finale, immerse yourself in the spirit of Hawaii with a luau dinner and captivating entertainment.

Packing Essentials For Kauai

Kauai, with its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and adventurous activities, is a paradise for travelers. To ensure you make the most of your trip, packing the right essentials is key. Whether you’re exploring the Na Pali Coast or lounging on Poipu Beach, here’s a guide to what you should bring along.

Clothing

  1. Lightweight Layers: Kauai’s tropical climate is warm year-round, but evenings can be cooler. Bring lightweight layers like a cardigan or a long-sleeve shirt.
  2. Quick-Dry Clothing: Ideal for hikes and water activities, quick-dry shorts and shirts keep you comfortable all day.
  3. Swimwear: Pack at least two swimsuits so one can dry while you use the other.
  4. Wide-Brimmed Hat: Essential for sun protection during hikes or beach days.

Footwear

  1. Hiking Shoes: Kauai’s trails, like the Kalalau Trail, are often rugged and muddy. Durable hiking shoes are a must.
  2. Flip-Flops: Perfect for the beach and casual strolls around town.
  3. Water Shoes: Great for activities like snorkeling or exploring tide pools.

Accessories

  1. Sunscreen: The Hawaiian sun is intense, so bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and marine life.
  2. Insect Repellent: To keep mosquitoes at bay, especially near hiking trails or during dusk.
  3. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste. Many areas on Kauai offer refill stations.
  4. Waterproof Phone Case: Protect your phone during water activities while capturing stunning shots.

Gear

  1. Snorkel Gear: While rentals are available, bringing your own ensures a comfortable fit and cleanliness.
  2. Beach Essentials: Pack a lightweight beach towel, a beach umbrella, and sand-free mats for added comfort. Many properties provide beach gear and towel so check first before you pack.
  3. Daypack: A small backpack is handy for hikes and day trips, holding snacks, water, and other essentials.

Extras

  1. Map or GPS Device: Cell service can be spotty in remote areas. A map ensures you won’t get lost.
  2. Camera: Capture Kauai’s stunning beauty, from waterfalls to sunsets.
  3. Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix are perfect for hikes or between meals.
  4. Guidebook: Learn about Kauai’s history, flora, and fauna to enrich your visit.

Pro Tips

  • Travel Light: Kauai’s vibe is casual, so there’s no need to pack formal attire.
  • Local Shopping: If you forget something, you can often find essentials at local stores or markets.
  • Plan for Rain: A lightweight rain jacket or poncho can be a lifesaver during unexpected showers.
  • Red dirt is prevalent on Kauai and does not come out of clothes or shoes so keep that in mind if you are going to be hiking or going to remote areas.

Packing wisely will help you embrace the spirit of adventure that Kauai offers. With these essentials, you’ll be ready to explore, relax, and immerse yourself in the island’s beauty. Aloha!

Late Flight? What to do?

Many flights leave Kauai late in the day or late in the evening. Late checkouts are not always available last minute. You might want to consider reserving a late checkout when you make your reservation. It is half nights rate and you can stay until you leave for the airport. Having a place to stay on the last day is a lot less stressful and truly gives you another day of vacation!

If you depart late at night you can check with the Kauai Beach Resort, Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort, Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, or the Grand Hyatt Kauai about a day pass as long as rooms are available. You can secure a booking where you can shower, rest up, and relax as you prepare for your flight. Here is the contact information for resort passes at the hotels.

If you have just stayed at Kiahuna Plantation or at a property with a membership to the club, you are eligible to purchase a departure pass. So, play some basketball, work on your tennis serve, put in work at the fitness center, then lounge around the pool to cool off, have a drink and a meal at The Cabana, and make good use of the shower and locker area. For more information: http://poipuclub.com/departure-pass-program/.

Need a place to store your luggage? Elite Baggage, in Kapaa, 808-639-6756.

Schedule an activity! There are short tours that will not take up much of the day and you can head straight to the airport afterward without worrying about having to clean up and change clothes. Take, for instance, the 2-hour sunset sail with Holo Holo Charters or Captain Andys. You will get to sail the south shore, food and drinks are provided, and you may even be surprised by sightings of humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins along the way. Other tours I recommend are the Mahaleupu Beach horseback rides with CJM stables, the Wiki Wiki Zipline with Just Live, and the full circle tour with Island Helicopters.

Last-minute shopping? We may not be known for our shopping centers, but there is certainly something for everyone. I am not suggesting a shopping spree, but maybe gifts to take home to friends and family members. Or, how about some local food to bring on the plane? If you are staying on the south shore one place that is worth a stop is Aloha Exchange. They are located in the small town of Kalaheo and their locally based products make for great remembrances.

One of the best things you can do as a family, a group of friends, or if it is just you and your partner, is to go out for dinner or lunch together. Talk about your stay, reminisce on the adventures, and look forward to the next one! Some of the best places I recommend going to are Keokis Paradise, Dukes Restaurant, Merrimans Restaurant, Gaylords, or Hualanis; all are great spots for serving parties of all sizes.