5 day Kauai Itinerary Feedback

Question

Hi there, we are a family of 5 heading to Oahu and Kauai over Christmas. I'm looking for help/advice re: the Kauai portion of our trip. My youngest is 5 and the oldest is 15. They are adventurous, but hikes need to be relatively easy for the littlest. I would like to do a hike everyday (it'll most likely just be me + my oldest hiking) and a water activity every day. Not interested in tours or boat rides (husband & daughter get sea sick).

Day 1: Waikiki beach day - evening flight to Lihue.

Day 2: Snorkel at Lydgate Park Pools, Ho'opi'i Falls Trailhead (is this a good hike for the whole family?), Beach House in Poipu for dinner.

Day 3: Hanalei town in the morning. Surf lessons (maybe). Check out Tunnels beach.

Haena state park midday. Daughter and I may do the hike to the beach or we may just hike to the first viewpoint, since most of my family isn't interested in this. We do have parking reservations.

Day 4: Kayak to Wailua Falls, Kalapaki beach/ surf, Kilohana plantation happy hour (is this worth a stop?). Sunset at Poipu.

This is a Friday, so I was thinking we'd check out the Hanapepe Art Night after it gets dark.

Day 5: Waimea Canyon in the morning. Don't think we will hike. Relax at the resort/pool the rest of the day.

Day 6: Our flight leaves at 9pm, so we have the whole day, but nothing planned. I was thinking we'd probably head back up to Hanalei or Princeville and explore more up there.

Answer

Your Kauai itinerary looks fantastic! It’s well-balanced between outdoor activities, beach time, and relaxation. Here are a few suggestions to help refine your plan, especially considering the needs of your family, and some additional tips for making the most of your trip:

Day 1: Arrival & Waikiki

Your first day sounds great with some time to relax at Waikiki before the evening flight to Lihue. Just a note: depending on your flight timing, the travel day can be a bit tiring, so it’s good to keep things low-key and give everyone a chance to adjust to the time zone.

Day 2: Snorkeling at Lydgate & Ho'opi'i Falls

Lydgate Park Pools are fantastic for a family-friendly snorkeling spot. It’s protected by a rock barrier, which makes the water calm and safe for younger kids. Your 5-year-old can enjoy the shallow parts while the older ones snorkel around the protected pool area. As for the Ho'opi'i Falls Trail, it's a moderate hike that could work for your family, though it can get muddy, so I’d recommend sturdy footwear. The hike is only about 1 mile each way, but it can be slippery in places. If the youngest one finds it too much, you could always turn around before the falls, or explore the nearby area around the trailhead.

Alternatives: If Ho'opi'i Falls feels too challenging, consider the Kapa'a Stream Trail, which is an easy, flat walk, or the Sleeping Giant Trail for a bit more of a challenge, but still manageable for families.

For dinner, Beach House in Poipu is a great choice! The ocean views are stunning, and the food is delicious, especially for a special evening meal.

Day 3: Hanalei, Surf Lessons & Haena State Park

Hanalei is a beautiful spot to explore. The kids will love the vibe of the town and its charming shops. Surf lessons in Hanalei Bay could be a fun experience for your older kids. The bay is calm enough for beginners, but still offers some great waves. If they’re interested, I’d suggest checking with local surf schools about family-friendly options for lessons.

If you decide to skip the surf lessons, Tunnels Beach is an excellent alternative for snorkeling or just playing in the water. The beach has a lovely coral reef, though be aware that it’s best for experienced swimmers due to currents.

Haena State Park is absolutely worth the visit! If your family isn’t up for the full hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach, I think hiking to the first viewpoint is a great option. It’s a beautiful and relatively easy walk with panoramic views of the coastline.

Day 4: Kayak to Wailua Falls & Kilohana Plantation

Kayaking to Wailua Falls sounds like a fantastic plan! The river is calm and beautiful, and it’s a nice way to explore the area. For your family’s interests, you could make this a half-day trip, with lunch afterward at one of the nearby spots, like the Wailua Marina Café or Opaekaa Falls Overlook.

Kalapaki Beach/Surfing: Kalapaki is a good spot for beginners or for just relaxing and enjoying the beach. If your kids are into surfing, it’s a great place to try, but I’d suggest checking the surf conditions before heading out. Surfing is fun, but the waves can be intense at times!
Kilohana Plantation: The Kilohana Plantation is a lovely stop with a bit of everything—train rides, shopping, and a chance to learn about Kauai’s history. The happy hour could be a nice way to unwind in the evening. It’s not a must-see, but it’s definitely enjoyable for families with its laid-back vibe.

As for the Hanapepe Art Night on Friday, that’s a must-do! It’s a local tradition with galleries, live music, and street vendors. It’s a fun and relaxed way to experience Kauai’s artistic side, and the kids will enjoy the artsy atmosphere.

Day 5: Waimea Canyon & Resort Relaxation

Waimea Canyon is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and it’s absolutely breathtaking. The lookout points along the canyon rim are spectacular, and even if you’re not up for hiking, you can still enjoy the views. The weather can be cool and windy, so bring layers for the canyon visit.

If you decide not to hike, the Waimea Canyon Drive is scenic and offers several lookout points where you can stop and enjoy the views. You could also consider visiting Koke'e State Park for more views or a light stroll.

After a busy few days, relaxing at the resort or pool is a perfect way to wind down and recharge. It will also give your family some time to just enjoy the resort amenities.

Day 6: Last Day Exploration

If you’re looking to fill your last day, I think heading back up to Hanalei or Princeville for more exploration is a great idea. You could visit the Princeville Botanical Gardens, explore the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, or spend more time at Hanalei Bay. For a more relaxed vibe, you could visit the nearby beaches or enjoy a leisurely brunch in Hanalei before heading to the airport.

Overall, your itinerary looks well-balanced with a good mix of activities that should be fun for the whole family. Be sure to keep in mind that Kauai’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have some flexibility in your plans, especially for outdoor activities and hikes. Enjoy your trip, and I’m sure your family will have an amazing time on Kauai!

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