Looking for Itinery Suggestions/Review What I have so far

Question

We have 9 full days in the area-with our last day having an 11pm flight.

Here is what I have- looking for ideas what to do in the North during the winter mainly since I think I have the other areas covered. Family of five- with three older teens. Would love any other suggestions. Maybe we add a garden?- which one?

Ideas for Days ( in no order- weather dependant)

Day 1: old koola town, poipu beach, shipwreck beach for sunset

Day 2: napali coast day- boat tour

Day 3: Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Day 4: Waimea Canyon

Day 5: Koke’e State Park ( we have no reservations for Haena)

Day 6: Beach Day and Zipliniing

Day 7: Kuilau Ridge Trail,

Day 8: Princeville/Up North- not sure what do do this day??

Day 9: Secret Beach Kayaking

Answer

Your itinerary looks fantastic, and you’ve covered many of Kauai’s top attractions! Since you're specifically asking for ideas for the North Shore during winter, as well as suggestions for additional activities (like visiting a garden), I'll give you some thoughts on each day and some extra recommendations for Day 8. Let's break it down!

Day 1: Old Koloa Town, Poipu Beach, Shipwreck Beach for sunset – This sounds like a great start! Old Koloa Town has a lot of charm with its historic buildings and small shops. Poipu Beach is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, while Shipwreck Beach offers dramatic coastal views and is a beautiful spot for sunset. Just keep in mind that Shipwreck Beach can be a bit rugged for swimming, but the sunset view is stunning.

Day 2: Na Pali Coast Day – Boat Tour – The Na Pali Coast is a must-see, and a boat tour is one of the best ways to experience its dramatic cliffs, caves, and secluded beaches. You might want to check out different types of boat tours (e.g., snorkeling tours or sunset tours) depending on your interests. Winter weather can sometimes affect boat tours, so make sure to confirm the weather conditions in advance.

Day 3: Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail – This is a great day hike, especially for families. The trail is relatively easy, offering beautiful views of the coastline, unique geological features, and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. It’s a fantastic way to explore Kauai’s southern coastline, and the views of the ocean and cliffs are breathtaking.

Day 4: Waimea Canyon – Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and it’s truly a breathtaking sight. The views from the canyon are incredible, and there are several lookouts along the way to stop and take in the scenery. If you're into hiking, the Canyon Trail offers a short but rewarding hike to a waterfall.

Day 5: Koke’e State Park – Koke’e State Park is another beautiful area, especially for hiking. It offers a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. You’ll get great views of the Kalalau Valley, which is especially stunning in the winter months when the area can be lush and green. Since you don't have reservations for Haena State Park, Koke’e is a great alternative for exploring Kauai's natural beauty.

Day 6: Beach Day and Ziplining – This day gives you the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You could consider a zipline tour at one of Kauai’s top spots, like the Kauai Backcountry Adventures or the Koloa Zipline. The beaches in the Poipu area are great for relaxing, snorkeling, and swimming, so this day will have a little bit of everything.

Day 7: Kuilau Ridge Trail – The Kuilau Ridge Trail is a fantastic hike that offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. It's a relatively moderate hike with lots of scenic beauty along the way. This hike is lush and often a little cooler, which can be a nice change from the warmer coastal areas.

Day 8: Princeville/Up North – This is the day you’re looking for some more ideas, so here are a few suggestions for things to do on the North Shore during the winter:

Hanalei Bay – Hanalei Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s a great spot for walking, taking photos, and, if the waves are calm enough, swimming or paddleboarding. You can also check out the charming town of Hanalei with its local shops and eateries.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve – If you’re interested in adding a garden visit, Limahuli Garden is a wonderful option. It’s a beautiful botanical garden located in the North Shore, showcasing native Hawaiian plants and offering incredible views of the mountains and coastline. It’s also a great way to learn about Kauai’s native flora and environmental conservation efforts.
Secret Beach – If you haven’t already planned to go, Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach) is a beautiful, less crowded spot on the North Shore. The beach is known for its isolation and stunning natural beauty, but it can require a short hike down a trail to reach it.
Napali Coast State Park – If you haven’t already explored the Napali Coast on Day 2 by boat, you can do it by land. The Kalalau Trail offers incredible views but is a very challenging hike (it’s about 11 miles one-way). If that sounds too long, you can do a shorter hike to Hanakapiai Beach.

Day 9: Secret Beach Kayaking – This sounds like a relaxing and adventurous day. Kayaking in the peaceful waters of Kauai is a great way to explore the coastline. Depending on the weather and tides, you could also consider kayaking around the Hanalei River, which is a calmer option for kayaking while surrounded by lush tropical beauty.

Additional Garden Suggestions: If you're still interested in adding another garden visit, here are a few more options besides Limahuli Garden:

Allerton Garden – This is located near Lawai Valley in the South Shore area, and it’s a beautifully designed garden with stunning plant life. The garden is known for its historical significance and its role in the development of Kauai’s agricultural history.
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens – Located on the North Shore, this expansive garden has a variety of themes, including tropical, desert, and woodland areas. It’s a great place to explore the diverse plant life of Kauai, and they also offer guided tours.

Overall, you’ve created a solid itinerary that mixes adventure with relaxation, and your family will surely enjoy exploring Kauai! The North Shore is definitely worth dedicating more time to, and adding a garden visit will give you a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique environment.

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