Trip ideas for January 2026

Question

Family of 5 (parents in mid 50's and 3 twentysomething kiddos) will be visiting for the first time in January from MN. We are staying near Poipu beach and I am trying to set some sort of a basic itinerary for our 6 days there. We like to hike and love waterfalls, shells, sea glass, and anything animal/nature. We know we would like to go to Secret Falls, probably helicopter Napoli Coast, Poipu beach for the seals and turtles. We are staying in an Airbnb and aren't huge foodies but we do plan to eat a couple nicer meals out.

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer

Visiting Kauai for the first time in January is a fantastic choice — the island is lush, the waterfalls are full from the winter rains, and the beaches are beautiful. Staying near Poipu gives you easy access to both south and west coast attractions as well as manageable drives to the north and east sides.

Here’s a suggested 6-day itinerary that balances hiking, waterfalls, beach time, and unique nature experiences:

Day 1 – Arrival & Poipu Beach: Settle into your Airbnb, explore Poipu Beach Park, watch the Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. Relax on the beach and get acclimated.
Day 2 – Waimea Canyon & Koke’e State Park: Drive up to Waimea Canyon (“The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”). Hike one of the shorter trails for waterfalls and views, like the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls. Stop at Koke’e State Park for birdwatching and scenic overlooks.
Day 3 – Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls): Take a guided hike or kayak trip up the Wailua River to Secret Falls. Enjoy swimming at the base and exploring the lush jungle surroundings.
Day 4 – Helicopter Tour & Napali Coast: Schedule a helicopter tour of the Napali Coast for breathtaking aerial views. Many tours also fly over waterfalls and hidden valleys that are otherwise inaccessible. If time allows, spend the afternoon at a nearby beach or exploring small shops in Hanalei or Kapa’a.
Day 5 – North Shore Exploration & Shell Collecting: Drive to the North Shore, exploring beaches like Hanalei Bay or Tunnels Beach. Walk along the shore looking for shells, sea glass, and tide pools. Optional short hikes in the area can offer more waterfall sightings.
Day 6 – Relax & Enjoy Local Nature: Spend your last day enjoying Poipu Beach again, snorkeling, or visiting nearby botanical gardens (like Allerton Garden or McBryde Garden). Finish with a nice dinner at a recommended restaurant in Poipu or Koloa to celebrate your trip.

Additional Tips:

Book guided tours (Secret Falls, helicopter tours) in advance, especially during January which is a popular travel time.
Pack rain gear and water shoes for hikes — trails to waterfalls can be muddy and slippery.
Consider starting hikes early in the day to avoid crowds and midday heat.
Use Poipu as a base for south-side activities and plan longer drives (like to the North Shore) in the morning to maximize daylight.

This itinerary gives a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, allowing everyone in your family to experience Kauai’s highlights without feeling rushed.

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