Kauai Itinerary Feedback

Question

My family (me, husband, 3 teenage boys) is headed to Hawaii in June of '25. We will spend 5 days on Maui, followed by 4 days on Kauai. Would love some feedback on the current plan. Hoping to make reservations for the big tours in the next week or so. Staying in Princeville, renting car.

Day 1: Land on Kauai 12:35pm. Pick up rental car. Drive to Koloa Zip Line for 3pm tour. (Is this a bad idea, given that we will have all our luggage in the car? We can also drive to the hotel and chill, do Zipline later in the week).

Day 2: Morning Helicopter Tour from Princeville (hopefully 8 or 9am), snorkel at Tunnels or another local beach, explore Hanalei. (We could Zipline in the afternoon instead)

Day 3: Waimea Canyon hiking (leave Princeville by 6:30am) Not sure of what hikes--we're all pretty fit and love hiking,

Day 4: Na Pali Coast Boat Tour (morning) , chill and explore in afternoon

Day 5: Depart

I am trying to keep things flexible for weather and mood purposes. Biggest question is whether we should not go ziplining with luggage in the car. If we shouldn't, which day should we add that to? Thanks for any feedback. if there is anything you think I need to add, please share. Kids are 19, 16, 13.

Answer

Your itinerary for Kauai looks like a fantastic mix of adventure and relaxation, and it sounds like you're planning some great experiences! Here are a few suggestions and feedback based on your current plan:

Day 1: Arrival and Koloa Zip Line You’re arriving at 12:35 pm, so the timing for the 3 pm Koloa Zip Line tour could be a bit tight, especially considering you’ll need time to pick up your rental car and get to Koloa. Additionally, having all your luggage in the car could be a hassle—leaving it in the car during the zipline tour isn’t ideal, as you won’t be able to secure it, and some places might not allow bags. I would recommend taking it easy on Day 1 to avoid rushing. You could either drive straight to your hotel in Princeville and relax or do a smaller activity nearby (like exploring Hanalei or visiting a local beach). If you want to do the ziplining, it might be better to plan it for later in the week when you have more flexibility.

Day 2: Helicopter Tour, Snorkel, and Hanalei This is a great plan! The helicopter tour in the morning (hopefully around 8 or 9 am) is a fantastic way to see the island from above, and it’ll give you a good idea of where to head afterward. Afterward, you can hit the beach for snorkeling—Tunnels Beach is excellent for this, but also consider Ke’e Beach if the weather conditions are better there. Exploring Hanalei is a wonderful idea, as the town is charming and has a great vibe. Just be mindful of the weather; if it's a rainy day on the north shore, you might want to swap out snorkeling for another activity, like visiting the Na Pali Coast viewpoint or hiking a shorter trail.

Day 3: Waimea Canyon Hiking This sounds like an amazing day! Waimea Canyon is often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and it's a stunning place to hike. Since you mentioned that you and your family are fit and enjoy hiking, you can do some of the more challenging trails. Here are a few suggestions:

Waimea Canyon Trail: This is a moderate to strenuous trail, about 3 miles round trip, and offers incredible views into the canyon. It’s a popular hike with amazing photo opportunities.
Cliff Trail: This is a relatively short but beautiful hike, which takes you along the rim of the canyon with some fantastic views. It's easy to fit into a morning itinerary and gives you a taste of the canyon’s beauty.
Alakai Swamp Trail: If you’re up for something a bit more challenging and adventurous, the Alakai Swamp Trail is a unique experience that leads you through a high-altitude bog. It’s about 7 miles round trip, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Leave early as planned (6:30 am) to ensure you get the best hiking weather and to avoid midday crowds. You’ll likely need a few hours to complete the hikes, so you can relax afterward in the afternoon or explore the south shore.

Day 4: Na Pali Coast Boat Tour This will be an unforgettable experience! The Na Pali Coast by boat is breathtaking, and you’ll get a chance to see sea caves, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. Morning tours tend to be less windy, so that’s a great choice. Afterward, you can chill and explore—consider heading to Polihale State Park or another less crowded beach if you have time, or visit the town of Waimea for a laid-back afternoon.

Day 5: Departure Since your flight is in the afternoon or evening, you might have a little extra time in the morning. If you’re not too tired, you could do a short walk around Princeville, visit the Makai Golf Club for views of Hanalei Bay, or take a final dip in the ocean before heading to the airport.

Regarding Ziplining If you decide to skip ziplining on Day 1, I recommend doing it on Day 2 after your helicopter tour (if you don’t mind the busy day) or on Day 4 after your Na Pali Coast boat tour if you're still up for an adventure. This way, you avoid the hassle of lugging your bags around and can enjoy ziplining without rushing. If the weather is questionable, Day 4 might be a good backup option, as you’ll have a bit more flexibility. Alternatively, you could reserve the zipline for a "rest day" during the middle of the week, depending on how the family feels after a few days of adventure.

Other Suggestions A few ideas for small additions or adjustments:

Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Consider adding a morning of kayaking or paddleboarding on the Wailua River or along the coast—this could be a fun family activity and is a bit more relaxing after a few days of hiking and boat tours.
Explore the South Shore: If you have some extra time, check out the beaches and towns on the south shore, like Poipu Beach and Koloa Town, which offer a nice break from the more tourist-heavy areas in the north.
Wailua Falls: This is a short stop along the road, but Wailua Falls is a beautiful waterfall you can easily add to your itinerary on Day 2 or Day 3 if you’re exploring the area.

Overall, your itinerary is well-balanced and covers a great mix of active exploration and relaxation. Just be sure to allow flexibility for weather, and make reservations for popular tours and activities as soon as possible—June can be busy on Kauai! Enjoy your trip!