Itinerary help

Question

Hi there,

Coming at the end of May for 7 nights, after being in Maui for 5 nights and staying in poipu. Will be 5 of us, including our kids who are in their early 20’s. We love snorkeling, being on the beach, and (moderate) hiking. We welcome feedback on our itinerary (and any restaurant suggestions - haven’t made any reservations yet). Thanks so much - we can’t wait!

Thursday, late afternoon arrival, hang out at resort and dinner in poipu

Friday - am - go on atv adventure at Kipu ranch

Pm - resort

Evening - Hanepepe art walk

Saturday - am - Poipu Beach

Pm - hike Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Sunday - Captain Andy Napilli Sail and snorkel

Monday

Am - Waimea canyon

Pm - Salt Pond Beach

Tuesday -

Hanilea Bay

(May be park and shuttle available from Waipa at 11:30 - could book and then also go to Ke’e Beach)

Wednesday - tbd maybe kayak and hike to secret falls

Thanks!

Answer

Aloha! Your Kauai itinerary looks well balanced, mixing adventure, beach time, and sightseeing. Since you’re staying in Poipu and traveling with older teens/young adults, here are some detailed suggestions to help fine-tune your plan and add restaurant recommendations.

Thursday – Arrival

After your late afternoon arrival, relaxing at your resort is perfect. For dinner in Poipu:

The Beach House – oceanfront dining, great for sunset views and fresh seafood.
Merriman’s Fish House – upscale farm-to-table cuisine, good for a first-night treat.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler – casual, right by the beach, local favorites like poke and fish tacos.

Friday – Kipu Ranch ATV Adventure

Morning ATV is perfect for your adventurous group. After returning to the resort:

Enjoy the pool or beach at your leisure.
Evening Hā‘ena Art Walk sounds fun, but double-check the timing—Hā‘ena is on the North Shore, so if you meant Hanapepe (southwest Kauai), that’s closer to Poipu.

Saturday – Poipu Beach & Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Morning snorkeling at Poipu Beach is excellent; it’s very family-friendly and you can rent gear there. In the afternoon:

Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail – easy to moderate hike along the coast, beautiful cliffs, and secluded beaches. Good for an afternoon walk with photo opportunities.
Optional: Stop at Shipwreck Beach nearby for views and short beach walk.

Sunday – Captain Andy’s Napili Sail & Snorkel

This is a great pick. Napili Bay offers clear waters and a high chance of seeing turtles and tropical fish.

Morning/early afternoon cruise – book in advance.
Post-cruise: lunch at nearby Seascape Restaurant or enjoy a picnic at Napili Beach.

Monday – Waimea Canyon & Salt Pond Beach

Drive up to Waimea Canyon early to beat crowds and enjoy hiking viewpoints. Some moderate trails include Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls.
Afternoon at Salt Pond Beach for swimming and relaxation.
Dinner options in Waimea: Ishihara Market for poke bowls or Wrangler’s Steakhouse for casual dinner.

Tuesday – Hanalei Bay / Ke’e Beach

Consider using the parking & shuttle from Waipa to Ha‘ena State Park to access Ke’e Beach, which is the start of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach/Waterfall. A partial hike is moderate and very scenic.
Lunch in Hanalei: Hanalei Bread Company for sandwiches and baked goods, or Tahiti Nui for casual island dining.

Wednesday – Kayak & Secret Falls

Kayak up the Wailua River to Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) is a must-do. Book a guided tour for safety and ease.
Pack water, snacks, and shoes suitable for river hiking. Afternoon return allows for pool or beach time back at Poipu.

Additional Notes & Tips

Reservations: For popular restaurants like The Beach House, Merriman’s, and Captain Andy’s, book early to secure evening spots.
Snorkeling gear: Bring your own if possible, or rent locally to save time.
Driving: Kauai roads are slower than they appear; allow extra time for all day trips, especially to the North Shore.
Flexibility: Consider leaving Wednesday evening or Thursday morning flexible in case of weather changes; Kauai weather can vary significantly between south and north sides.

Overall, your itinerary is well-paced, mixing adventure, beach, and hiking. The late May timing is great, avoiding peak crowds and allowing for a relaxed yet active vacation for your group.

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