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A Review of The Grand Hyatt Kauai

When visiting Kauai, there are endless options of places to stay. Planning to splurge for vacation? You will be hard-pressed to find a better resort than the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Immediately upon arrival, we were met with warm, genuine customer service and stellar views of both the resort and the coastline. Throughout our stay here, we savored everything they had to offer: from delicious food to poolside relaxation to refreshing spa treatments. The Grand Hyatt is a luxurious reflection of Kauai’s essence. Our detailed review will help you decide if this is the resort experience you’re looking for.

For some, planning a trip can be a headache, while for others it’s a delight to pour over all the options and craft the perfect itinerary. If you’re considering staying at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, we’ve comprehensively outlined all the amenities, facilities, and dining options, as well as things to consider before booking.

A Warm Welcome

The immediate bellhop service, a beautiful orchid lei, and outstanding customer service at check-in are all awaiting you upon arrival at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Due to a change in flight, we ended up arriving a couple hours earlier than anticipated, so our room wasn’t quite ready yet. The front desk staff stored our bags, comped us each an appetizer and drink, and invited us to explore the property while we waited for our room. Once it was ready, a bottle of champagne and chilled glasses inside were a sweet surprise. All in all, a 10/10 first impression.

Complementary Resort Activities

The resort offers a handful of complementary activities. If you have even been intrigued by lei making, learning to play the ukulele, or secretly wanting to learn hula, all you have to do is reserve a spot through the concierge desk. If you’re more in the mood to experience rather than learn a new skill, you can participate in Koi fish feeding, a parrot talk, or wander with the hydroponic garden tour. Check out the schedule to see which activities are offered which days! 

Concierge 

Some people thrive on the excitement of planning their vacation and others just want someone else to handle the details. If you fall in the latter category, the concierge knows how to take care of you. Blue Hawaiian Activities can organize air tours, snorkeling, sunset cruises, surfing, fishing, and so more. The amenities of the resort can make it feel difficult to leave, but endless adventure beckon on Kauai. You are certain to miss out if you don’t go exploring. 

Anara Spa 

Looking to treat yourself at the Anara Spa? Your options are endless! They offer massages, facials, body polishes, and float therapy. There’s also a full service salon, offering manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup styling. Not only does your treatment include services rendered, but any 50 minute treatment also grants the recipient use of the Anara Spa facilities. This includes a lap pool, locker areas, showers, a sauna, and a steam room. They are the largest spa on the island, so you won’t find a better set-up anywhere else!

Fitness

The gym is located in the Anara Spa, and it’s open to guests 24/7. The two-room open set up features a room of cardio equipment (including two Peloton bikes) and a room of free weights, machines, and a squat rack. Additionally, daily fitness classes are offered, from Zumba to Pilates Yoga Fusion to Cardio Burn and so many more. 

If you’re more interested in lifestyle fitness, from 6am to 7pm, bikes are available for guests to use for local exploration. For up to three hours, you can adventure around with the wind in your hair on one of their cool blue bikes. 

If hiking is more your speed, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail starts right by the Grand Hyatt and is a relatively flat, easy 4-mile hike. Check it out for beautiful views of the coastline. Looking to stay on the paved, beaten path? Stop by the front desk at the Anara Spa, where they have maps of local running and walking paths. 

Poipu Bay Golf 

A complimentary shuttle will bring you to the prestigious Poipu Bay Golf Course. This 210 acre property stretches along a rugged coastline featuring 85 bunkers and five water hazards. Distractions abound with humpback whales breaching in the distance and countless tropical plants acting as an inspired backdrop. Due to its oceanfront location trade winds can vary suddenly, making this a most intriguing golfing experience. 

Dining 

The food you eat can make or break your vacation adventure as food is a unique way to appreciate a new culture. The dining options available are perfectly curated to maximize the guest’s experience. From casual poolside dining to a romantic, upscale dinner, the Grand Hyatt delivers. 

Tidepools

The romantic thatched-roof bungalows stand above the lagoon, teeming with colorful koi fish. This dreamy date-night spot features a locally sourced menu, heavily influenced by modern Hawaiian cuisine. A local tour guide mentioned it was known for being an awesome dinner spot, even outside of resort guest clientele. Reservations are recommended to ensure you can snag a table here. 

Stevenson’s Library 

Whether you’re seated at the gorgeous koa wood bar or outside in the open-air lanai, the ambiance exudes an air of cultivated relaxation, with sweeping ocean views. The fresh sushi alone is worth going stopping by for. If you’re in the mood for a drink, dive into their chapter book of inventive martinis, tropical cocktails, and both classic and creative whiskey drinks. They also have sake, beer, and wine… something for everyone! 

Just a heads up, if you know you want to check this spot out, make a reservation. If you make a last minute decision to head there for dinner, make sure you arrive early as it’s not uncommon for there to be a line 5-10 parties deep waiting for the doors to open. 

Hale Nalu

Conveniently located poolside, this vintage surf shack has quite the selection: burgers, poke bowls, salads, and more. Anything you might want after frolicking around in the ocean or pool for hours! We were big fans of both the food and drink menu. Kalua Pork Nachos makes the perfect afternoon snack, and the Mango Green Dream cocktail will have you swearing there’s no way your health smoothie could possibly have rum in it! 

Captain’s Bar

An outdoor, open air bar area, right next to the adult pool is the ideal spot to catch the football game, with a cold cocktail (or beer) in hand. From its perch on the upper deck, you have a prime view to take in all the pools and lagoons below as well as the sparkling ocean. Besides the beers on tap, the menu offered here is the same as that at Hale Nalu. 

Ilima Terrace

We actually snagged breakfast at the Grand Club every morning, but we heard awesome things about the amazing, fresh breakfast options at Ilima Terrace. It also never hurts to start the day with spectacular views. 

Seaview Terrace

The Seaview Terrace is open for breakfast as well as dinner, making it an easy spot to swing by at almost any point in the day. While the food is certainly tasty (the skewers were surprisingly small but quite delicious), the nightly live music is what sets this spot apart. They have a different group there every night, keeping it interesting for guests with a keen ear for groovy tunes. 

Share the Stars 

Celebrating something special? You can indulge in an exclusive five-course beachside dining experience under the starry Hawaiian sky. The waves will be your only company as the moon rises over the cliffs. This romantic candlelight dinner is guaranteed to be an unforgettable date.

Luau 

The Grand Hyatt Kauai hosts luaus on Wednesday and Saturday from 5:30-8pm. The price of admission includes an all you can eat buffet, an open bar, and cultural entertainment. You can check out the full menu here (oh yeah, there’s Ahi poke Imu, Style Kalua Pig, and so much more). The show they put on tells the story of a fantastic journey through the rich cultural history of the Hawaiian people. What better way to discover the stories of Hawaii and its people than through ancestral music and dance. Are you sold yet? You can check it out more here.

Pool 

From fun to relaxation, the pool deck shows out. A saltwater lagoon with its own sandy shoreline? It’s like relaxing in the ocean, without worrying about being swept away. Need a moment away from the kids? The adult pool on the upper deck is free of splashing cannon balls. Or perhaps you’re in the mood to float down the lazy river. The slide is fun for children and adults alike, winding an exciting 150 feet before shooting you into the lower deck pool. Taking an evening dip? There’s not one but two jacuzzis to relax in while you look up at the stars. 

The ambiance is perfect for couples as well as families. Adults and kids alike had a blast on the slide, but anyone looking for a child-free zone could relax by the adults only pool. So much fun for families, but also quite enjoyable for a honeymooning couple.

review is in on the pool at Grant Hyatt Kauai: it's amazing with ample palm trees and various pools gently sloping down towards the ocean
Cabanas 

A cozy slice of privacy along the pool or beach, there are six different cabana styles to choose from. Ranging from $150 to $1,000, these cabanas are perfect for anyone looking for a shaded home base for the day. If you’re interested in snagging one of these luxe cabanas, be sure to do so in advance to ensure availability. You can explore all six options here. 

It’s worth noting while the cabanas are beyond lovely to have, there are loads of shaded lounge chairs, hammocks, and swings throughout the property, so a cabana is not your only option if you’re hoping to escape the sun a bit. 

Departure Lounge 

Included in the resort fee is use of the departure lounge. If you have a late morning or early afternoon check-out time, but an evening flight out, the departure lounge is a wonderful amenity to help make the most of your last day. Hoping to fit in one last hike? There are showers available to ensure everyone is nice and clean for take off. 

Room With a View

Salvador’s had his Hyatt card for years and was rather pleased when he made it to the Explorist tier of membership last year. Explorists receive an upgrade to the best room available (excluding suites), which is how we found ourselves on the six floor, with a fantastic view of both the resort and the ocean.

In summary, the room was a nice size for us to spread out in during our time there. The bed was fantastically comfy, the bathroom was more than spacious, and the toilet was equipped with a bidets. Between the resort and the adventures that await outside the property, we did not spend much time in our room, but the time we were there, it was lovely and fit our needs perfectly.

As would be expected the resort offers daily housekeeping services; however, in the spirit of conservation, guests that elect to omit their housekeeping for the day may receive either a $10 dining credit or 500 points credited to their World of Hyatt account.

Any Cons?

We truly had a lovely time, and I have recommended this resort to friends and family, that too, have only had lovely things to say. Any negatives are pretty mild in nature. The resort is pretty spread out, so if you struggle with mobility impairments this could be a potential frustration; however, as fit, active young adults, we didn’t feel the walking required was excessive.

If you are looking for children-free resort, this is not it. One of the pools has signs up stating it’s adult only, and this was largely respected, but there were kids that would unknowingly come play in there before eventually moving on. Couples and honeymooners, don’t take this to mean it’s an environment catered to entertaining children. We enjoyed the Grand Hyatt Kauai as a couple and found it to be perfectly relaxing; however, if you’re looking for an environment completely devoid of children, it will not be here. Inversely, for families, this would certainly be a resort the whole crew would enjoy. We saw ‘kids’ of all ages going down the slide and floating along the lazy river.

The Best For Last

The best part about our stay here? It was completely free. We booked our room with points through Salvador’s World of Hyatt account, for a very reasonable 25k points per night. The Chase points we transferred are usually valued around 1.8 cents/point. At this conversion, the 25k point room cost us about $450 in “points”. That may seem like a hefty nightly cost, but a night at this resort usually goes for $600-$1000 per night. If you have Hyatt points to spend, this an excellent category 6 hotel to cash your points in on. New to the points game and curious how to score this room ASAP? Check out our blog post on making the most of your Hyatt points.

The 30-Second Skinny

Overall, we felt the Grand Hyatt Kauai was a lovely place to stay. The very nature of Kauai resort accommodations can be spendy, but the resort maintains beautiful facilities, excellent customer service, and endless opportunities for relaxation— providing a good value for money (or points) spent. Outside of the larger amenities detailed above, the resort also offered complimentary use of washers and dryers, samples of sunscreen, and a bottle of champagne upon arrival as a nod to our celebration. The small, thoughtful amenities go a long way to make a place stand out. There were no drawbacks to our time here, and we confidently recommend staying here throughout your Kauai vacation adventure.

While the Grand Hyatt is hard to leave, Kauai has too many gorgeous views and enticing adventures to spend your whole trip pool-side. While it’s not a large island, nature shows off in a big way here. If you’re looking to make the most of your time on Kauai, check out our action packed four-day itinerary.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes. 

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Preparing for A Day Hike On The Kalalau Trail

Kauai is known for being home to one of the most beautiful and recognizable coastlines in the world: the Nāpali Coast. It’s a breathtaking combination of rugged cliffs and steep valleys that abruptly drop off into the ocean. The grandeur of the topography is memorable in and of itself, but what really makes the Nāpali Coast dazzling is the palette of glittering greens and blues, in stark contrast to the neutrals of the underlying foundation. From a day hike to a multi-night backpacking trip, this choose-your-own-adventure trail should be at the top of your to-do list when visiting Kauai.

While going on a hike seems simple enough, you would find some unforeseen obstacles if you’d hoped to just show up the day-of. Below we’ve detailed everything you need to know to ensure you actually make it on the Kalalau Trail. Cheers to enjoying this beautiful gem of Kauai!

Walk It Out

Kauai does not have a road that circles the perimeter of the island as they were unable to carve out a path through this beautiful but tenuous coastline. As a matter of fact, one of the only ways through the Nāpali Coastline by land is via the Kalalau Trail. This trail is a 22-mile round trip hiking adventure, not designed for the faint of heart. The trail crosses through five valleys before ending in the Kalalau Valley. Experienced backpackers will tackle the trail in its entirety, but visitors looking to explore a more palatable 4-mile hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach make the trek in spades every day. 

Reservations

The Kalalau Trail extends predominantly through the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park; however, the trail starts in Hāʻena State Park. Both Hāʻena State Park (HSP) and the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park (NCSWP) were closed for over a year from 2018- 2019 due to severe flooding throughout the north shore of Kauaʻi. Upon reopening the parks, the quantity of visitors permitted each day was limited.

In order to gain admission to the parks, advanced reservation is required. For most, that means making a HSP Entry Reservation. Hikers with this reservation are granted access as far as the Hanakapi’ai Valley. If you plan to hike farther or do any camping, you must acquire a NCSWP camping permit. This will grant you admission into the park as well as the right to camp in authorized areas, for up to five days.

Reservations for both HSP entry and NCSWP camping become available at midnight 30 days prior. These reservations go extremely quickly. With a 4-hour time difference between Hawaii and Wisconsin, we assumed we could wake up at 6am and book our reservation without issue. By 2am (HAST) all the ‘parking + entry’ passes had been sold out. We had flexibility in our trip, and were able to wake up and secure the passes the following morning; however, we were shocked at just how fast the passes went. 

What’s a Gal to Do

Your HSP entry reservation will provide access to Ke’e Beach, which requires no hiking to reach. There’s a short (< ½ mile) walk from the parking lot to the beach, but this is easily reached by anyone without profound mobility impairments. Along the Kalalau trail, you will be permitted as far as the Hanakāpīʻai valley, but even with this boundary, there’s still a couple spots to adventure to. Most popular, the hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach is 4-miles round trip. You can also make the longer trek to Hanakāpīʻai Falls, which is a longer 8-mile round trip adventure. Due to time constraints we just hiked to the beach and felt we saw a gorgeous slice of the coast. 

Tips & Recommendations 

Tip #1

When you’re making your reservation, the ‘parking + entry’ is going to be the preferential option for most people; however, the shuttle + entry is a good back-up option. It will require a bit more planning and flexibility, but at the end of the day still affords the same adventure experience.  

Tip #2

If you already own hiking poles and you have room whilst packing, you won’t regret bringing them with you. If you don’t, there’s a collection of 30-40 walking sticks that people borrow and return to the trailhead. The nature of the trail is quite muddy, so even if you consider yourself to be above-averagely fit, I would recommend grabbing a walking stick. 

Tip #3

Right before you reach Hanakāpīʻai Beach, there’s a small stream that must be crossed. When we were there, it was possible for bold hikers to hop across a handful of rocks to cross without soaked shoes (actually hopping was involved, it wasn’t the easiest of crossings). The level of the stream could change the feasibility of this. A more popular option was changing into a pair of water shoes and fording the river.

While it’s a little cumbersome to carry the extra weight of shoes throughout the hike, we actually recommend crossing in a pair of water shoes as the cool water feels extremely refreshing after the warm hike. Ensure to pack a small towel as well to dry your feet off before putting your boots back on. 

Tip #5

For hikers that stop to admire the surf at Hanakapi’ai Beach, it can be tempting to think about going for a swim. This is HIGHLY discouraged as drownings have happened here in the past. Instead take a dip in the stream previously aforementioned as its an equally cool but much safer alternative. The ankle to mid-thigh depth water may not be ideal for swimming but it’s quite refreshing with a much lower risk of drowning.

Tip #6

Cell phone service is pretty terrible even as you approach Hāʻena, so you’ll want to ensure you screenshot your reservation in advance. In that same vein, if you are visiting the park with a group that plans to split up, agree on a specific time and place to meet back up to mitigate any future concerns.

Tip #7

The full 22-mile hike was a bit more adventure than we were looking to get into for this vacation adventure, but there’s loads of awesome resources to help backpackers prepare and pack for the journey.

just crushed a day hike on the Kalalau trail in Kauai
Final Notes

The Nāpali Coast is the crown jewel of Kauai, and we so hope you are able to enjoy exploring the coastline and views. Unfortunately, the Kalalau Trail AllTrails page has become less reviews of the trail and more desperate hikers trying to score reservation tickets. Make sure you set a reminder to ensure you can snag reservations! We wish you all the best in your hiking endeavors.

Looking for what’s next on the itinerary? Curious about what else there is to do in Kauai? Check out our perfect, action packed four-day itinerary to maximize your time on Kauai. Hiking the Nāpali Coast is one thing, but seeing it by boat or plane is a whole other exhilarating experience.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes. 

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The Best Four-Day Trip to Kauai

Excited to spend 4 days exploring Kauai? Between the five of us sisters, we’ve visited a handful of times, and throughout our explorations, we’ve curated the perfect itinerary. From can’t miss sights to splurge-worthy treats to niched local stops, our four-day itinerary is the perfect way to maximize your time on Kauai.

Each of the Hawaiian islands has its own charm, and Kauai invokes a rather ethereal natural beauty. Kauai has been nicknamed the Garden Island, and one look at the lush landscape will tell you why. Nature’s bounty abounds in this tropical haven of outdoor adventure. From hiking through the dazzling Nā Pali Coast coast to wandering through the immense Waimea Canyon, the magnitude of Kauai is impressive– especially for being such a relatively small island! 

While Kauai is not immune to the heavy tourism the Hawaiian islands experience, you will find it less populated and a bit more rural than its neighboring islands, such as Oahu or Maui. This generally lends itself to less shopping and late night dining options and more steal-your-breath hikes and outdoor adventures, allowing for more natural, unmarred Hawaiian beauty.

Despite Kauai being relatively small, there is no circumferential road around the island. This is due to the immense topography of the northwest region. Efforts have been made in the past to try and connect the loop, but they have all been in vain. Some areas are just meant to remain untouched! While this might mean a little extra driving time, the views in Kauai are nothing short of spectacular, so get excited for a little extra time in the car taking in the scenery.

You wouldn’t have amazing canyons, emerald cliff coastlines, and astounding waterfalls without the terrain Kauai is known for. The island is our favorite because of its rugged charm, not in spite of! At the end of four days, you’ll already be trying to plan your next trip back!

DAY ONE

Due to the spread out nature of Kauai, a rental car is a must if you really want to see what the island has to offer. Last time we visited we rented from Budget, and loved our ride. When we were picking our car up, we were offered an inexpensive upgrade to a convertible mustang, and jumped on it. While a convertible isn’t always the most practical choice, we found it afforded us panoramic views of the scenery whenever we were driving. Additionally, when we drove at night, whichever one of us was the passenger was able to recline and have a truly fantastic view of the stars.

We’ve also rented a through Turo a couple times in the past, and had great success with that as well. Regardless who you rent from, don’t forget to sunscreen-up if you’re driving with the top down!

Big Love for Hyatt

Time to ditch the bags and start exploring! While there’s thousands of options to choose from, we recommend staying on the south side of the island— at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, if you’re looking to splurge. If you arrive in the morning, they’ll store your bags for you, so you don’t miss out on any adventuring time. It’s by no means guaranteed, but they actually comped us each an appetizer and drink, while we waited for our room to be ready. Can you say amazing customer service?!

The sprawling property and ample restaurants to chose from are a great way to stretch your legs and grab a bite after your flight. The Captain’s Bar is pool-side, making it an easy stop. The drinks are amazing, and the nachos disappear quickly!

Birds Eye View

Heading back to the airport so soon? Get excited for an airplane tour with AirVentures. This tour is an INCREDIBLE way to start the trip, and it can actually help shape your plan for the subsequent days, if you catch a glimpse of anything particularly enticing. From your perch in the sky, you’ll see whales breaching, gorgeous Waimea Canyon, the lush Hanalei Valley, and Manawaiopuna Falls (from Jurassic Park). Not to mention the crown jewel: a dazzlingly Nā Pali Coastline. You’ll be able to enjoy the coastline from a few different vantage-points while in Kauai, but this one is almost guaranteed to be the most amazing. 

Pro trip #1: Try to snag the co-pilot seat if you can. This will have the best view as it’s the least obstructed and best for taking photographs.  

Pro tip #2: While they have a handful of different time slots throughout the day, in the winter-time, the mid-afternoon is the most ideal for the perfect Nā Pali Coast views. The coastline is on the west side of the island, so if you go too early in the day, the breath-taking views are still illustrious but a little shadowed. 

Back at the Ranch 

Returning to the resort, hop into your bathing suit and enjoy some relaxing pool time. There are so many pools to choose from… or perhaps floating through them all on the lazy river is more your style. Just before the sun sets, make your way towards the ocean, and watch the daylight slip away, from your cozy vantage point on a swing or bench. Shipwreck Beach, the beach behind the Hyatt Grand, doesn’t get a view of the sunset, BUT depending on the time of year, you might get lucky enough to spot whales playing out in the ocean. (As a note, Shipwreck Beach is a public beach, so even if you aren’t staying there, it’s an option for exploration.)

Finish your evening at the Seaview Terrace for some dinner and drinks. As you might imagine, the tables are set up on a terrace overlooking the property and ocean, and with nightly live music, it makes for a groovy ambiance. The fresh air and delicious skewers are a delightful end to your first day.

DAY TWO

The Kalalau Trail 

Today’s big adventure? Hiking the gorgeous Nā Pali Coast. From the south part of the island, it takes a little under two hours to make it up to Haena State Park, where the trail starts. You’ll want to head out early to make it to the Haena by mid-morning, making this a perfect morning to catch the sunrise before heading out. 

The Kalalau Trail is a 22 mile round trip stretch of hiking through the Nā Pali Coast. Determined hikers and backpackers may conquer this in its entirety; however, due to limited time on the island, we only recommend tackling a 4-mile loop of the trail. Many avid hikers may consider a 4 mile hike easy peasy, but the elevation in conjunction with the muddy nature of the trail makes a 4 mile trek moderately difficult, even for experienced hikers. 

Pro tip #1: A limited number of people are allowed into Haena State Park each day, so you must make reservations in advance to be admitted into the park. The tickets for daily admission go VERY quickly. They become available 30 days prior, so if you are hoping to visit Haena State Park, you should be ready to purchase your ticket early in the morning 30 days out. Spots go quickly! For more information, check out our blog post on The Kalalau Trail.

Pro tip #2: Don’t forget to screenshot your reservation before going. There is no cell service at the guard shack. 

Beach Bum 

Depending on how much daylight you have left to burn after you’re done hiking, there’s a couple options for exploration in the north part of the island. If you’re tuckered out from the morning, head to Hanalei Beach for some well-earned relaxation. There’s a long pier that stretches into the bay, providing a top-notch view of a memorable landscape, as the sandy beach stretches out to a mountainous backdrop. 

Either on your way to or from the beach, swing by the Ching Young Village. There’s shops and loads of casual restaurants that make grabbing a snack or meal super easy. We snagged a dole whip from Aloha Juice Bar and found it quite refreshing. 

Bottoms Up

If you have any interest in craft distillery tours, stopping by Hanalei Spirits is an absolute MUST. You will be blown away by the heart and the history behind their spirits. You will not find a better Kauai souvenir than a bottle of their traditional Hawaiian Okolehao. Tours are done by appointment only with Vindi, who is as warm and kind as she is knowledgable about using the land to create their spirits. Be sure to schedule in advance if you’re hoping to hear their story and sample all their local spirits!

Pit Stops

On the way back south, you’ll pass through the quaint town of Kappa. As you drive through, there’s a stretch of shops and restaurants, each more intriguing than the next. If you haven’t tried ‘lau lau’ yet, the Kahula pork lau lau at Pono Market is worth. pulling. over. for. 

If you’re in the mood for a little pick-me-up, Kauai Juice Company sells a wide array of curated juices and kombuchas. While they are a little spendy, we tried four juices and a few different kombuchas while we were there, and wished we’d bought more!  So refreshing after a day outside. 

While you’re in Hawaii, you have to try a shaved ice at some point. A local recommended Wailua Shave Ice Kauai to us, and we were so delighted with our frozen treats. Two people could easily share one; however, with such diverse flavors on the menu, it’s hard not to pick your own.

DAY THREE

Ahoy Mates 

Prepare yourself for a day jam-packed with nature’s beauty. Setting sail with Captain Andy’s Na Pali Coast Tour means an early start and a lovely day out on the boat. Happiness is the feeling of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair as you lounge on a 65-foot sailboat. While the main objective is views of the Nā Pali Coast, visiting in winter almost guarantees a whale sighting or two. We’ve been lucky enough to encounter a pod of dolphins and some sea turtles as well. 

As with any tour, the crew and captain are nothing short of amazing. From keeping everyone safe, well-fed, and happy to providing local recommendations, everyone goes above and beyond to make it a lovely trip out on the water. The tour includes breakfast, fresh juice, lunch, and drinks. Chef Dion is a rockstar, and so everything will be delicious! 

Pro tip: throughout the winter months, the ocean tends to become more choppy later in the day, so if you’re visiting December through February, your best bet will be getting out in the morning. If you are visiting in late spring, summer, or early fall, you might be better off going on an afternoon tour. By mid-afternoon, the sun has swung to the west side of the island, pulling the Nā Pali Coast from the shadows and putting it on prominent display.

It’s amazing how much time of day affects the color palette of the coastline.
Canyon ‘O Canyon

Waimea Canyon State Park has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and once you catch a glimpse, you’ll understand why. This immense canyon is shaded in hues of green and orange, making it quite the sight to behold. While you’re driving through the park, there are a myriad of viewpoints and overlooks, so if you miss one, there will be another! The sheer quantity of lookout points means you do not have to go hiking to “earn” a fantastic view; however, there are ample hiking trails to discover throughout the park. 

Note: It can get a little chilly and windy up here, so be sure you have a jacket or wind-breaker to keep you warm.

Waimea canyon is a must on a four-day trip
Sunset

Maximizing your views during daylight hours means catching the sunset at MacArthur Beach (also called Kekaka Beach Park). A less touristy beach spot, this is the perfect place to come dig your toes into the sand as you watch the sun slip away. Plus, depending on when you depart, this may be your last chance to catch a Hawaii sunset.

Big Brewski

After a long day, rest your weary bones at Kauai Island Brewing Company to enjoy some good food and drinks. So close to the ocean, it’s hard not to enjoy the seafood. We both ordered fish (delish), but heard good things about their pizza from multiple sources. Their beers more than hit the spot.

DAY FOUR

Power Start to the Day

The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is about a four-mile loop round trip, but this trail is far less of a hike and more of a scenic walk. Starting at Shipwreck Beach, this makes for an easy departure as The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is right on Shipwreck Beach. There’s nothing like knowing you have an imminent flight to make you want to stretch your legs a little extra! 

Big Chillin‘

Perhaps you’re less keen on long walks and more preferential towards passively soaking up the sun. Take in the relaxing sunny warmth and lull of the ocean poolside or with your toes in the sand. Grand Hyatt Kauai has no shortage of pools to enjoy—  plus a fun saltwater lagoon. Hammocks, swings, and jacuzzis really provide endless opportunities to bask in the sun.

The Anara Spa is on the grounds, and it’s a perfect way to unwind luxuriously. From massages to facials, and everything in between, the Anara Spa delivers calming, tropical healing in spades. A spent unwinding at the Grand Hyatt Kauai flies by… check out our blog post reviewing the property for everything there is to do!

Sushi Please 

Stevenson’s Library is one of the restaurants on property at the Hyatt. Whether you’re seated at the gorgeous koa wood bar or outside in the open-air lanai, the ambiance exudes an air of cultivated relaxation, with sweeping ocean views. Even if you aren’t staying at the resort, the sushi is worth going out of your way for. If you’re in the mood for a drink, dive into their chapter book of inventive martinis, tropical cocktails, and both classic and creative whiskey drinks. They also have sake, beer, and wine… something for everyone! 

Just a heads up, if you know you want to check this spot out, make a reservation. If you make a last minute decision to head there for dinner, make sure you arrive early as it’s not uncommon for there to be a line 5-10 parties deep waiting for the doors to open. 

Beer Me 

Kauai Beer Company has a perfect pre-departure location as it’s less than 5 minutes from the airport. With excellent food and beer options, it’s a perfect way to indulge in one last local fix before you head home. 

Kauai in Review

If you’re looking for staggering feats of nature and abounding luscious landscapes, Kauai should be at the top of your travel bucket list. That being said, you will not find extensive night life or high-end shopping here. Kauai is not immune to the reflections of tourism; however, Kauai is inviting to visitors so enthralled by her natural beauty, the tawdry of mainstream tourism isn’t found here .

When visiting the Hawaiian Islands, it’s not uncommon to try and fit in visits to more than one island. As such, this can mean figuring out how to allot your days. In our opinion, four days/three nights is the minimum you should set aside for Kauai. While it’s not a large island, nature shows off in a big way here. Our four-day agenda is rather action packed, so you could spread this out over six days if you have more time and desire a bit slower pace.

Considering heading to Big Island? Check out our six-day itinerary to maximize your time adventuring around this large, diverse isle.

All photographs contained in this blog post were taken by the sisters of Five Wandering Soles, unless otherwise noted.

written by Hannah 

Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest.  Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin,  Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes. 

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travel

The Best Seven Day Trip to Kauai

Excited to spend 7 days exploring Kauai? Between the five of us sisters, we’ve visited a handful of times, and throughout our explorations, we’ve curated the perfect itinerary. From can’t miss sights to splurge-worthy treats to niched local stops, our one week itinerary is the perfect way to maximize your time on Kauai.

Kauai, fondly referred to as the Garden Island, is a lush, tropical haven, with breathtaking views everywhere you look. If you live for outdoor adventures, the bounty of nature’s beauty, and delicious local snacks, we have the perfect week long agenda for you. From the Nāpali Coast to Shipwreck Beach, your seven day jaunt in Kauai will fly by in a whirlwind of beauty.

If you’re looking for staggering feats of nature and abounding luscious landscapes, Kauai should be at the top of your travel bucket list. That being said, you will not find extensive nightlife or high-end shopping here. Kauai is not immune to the reflections of tourism; however, Kauai is inviting to visitors so enthralled by her natural beauty, the tawdry of mainstream tourism isn’t found here.

Despite Kauai being relatively small, there is no circumferential road around the island. This is due to the immense topography of the northwest region. Efforts have been made in the past to try and connect the loop, but they have all been in vain. Some areas are just meant to remain untouched! While this might mean a little extra driving time, the views in Kauai are nothing short of spectacular, so get excited for a little extra time in the car taking in the scenery.

You wouldn’t have amazing canyons, emerald cliff coastlines, and astounding waterfalls without the terrain Kauai is known for. The island is our favorite because of its rugged charm, not in spite of! At the end of the week, you’ll already be trying to plan your next trip back!

DAY ONE

Depending on when you arrive, your first day isn’t usually a full first day. Once your wheels touch down, grab your bags and scoot on out of the airport. Where to first? We’re headed to the southern part of the island to start our adventure… but first coffee!

The Aloha Roastery is pretty close to the airport and makes for a nice pick-me up, especially if you’re feeling a little jet-lagged. They do close at 3pm though, so don’t plan on stopping by day one if you have a later afternoon or evening flight. 

The Ninini Point Lighthouse is a simple, peaceful stop, with a beach access point close by. It makes for a nice day-one sunset view, with your toes in the water. 

You can’t go wrong with dinner at Duke’s Barefoot Bar. You get both a view of the beach AND tasty food (shoutout to the tasty tacos)! 

Unless you’re island hopping to Kauai from elsewhere in the archipelago, it’s not a bad idea to plan for an early bedtime, because chances are, you’re going to be tired. 

Jet-lag pro tip: If you’re worried about jet-lag affecting your sleep/wake cycles, it’s never a bad idea to take a Zquil before bed to help make sure you don’t wake up at 2am ready to start your day. Not for everyone but sometimes it’s a helpful travel tip. 

DAY TWO

Salty Air, Wind in Your Hair

Nothing like starting the day with a nice little walk or run. The fresh air on Kauai is the perfect kick-start to get you going, but if you need a little more oomph, Little Fish Coffee Co. has coffee and all kinds of breakfast goodies to start the day off right. The lines will be long in the 8 o’clock to 9 o’clock hours, so plan to swing by earlier rather than later. The food and drinks are really good though, so they’re worth waiting in a bit of a line for. 

If you’re looking for max Hawaii vibes, you can take your breakfast on the less-than-10-minute walk down to the beach, to enjoy with your toes in the sand. 

Next up Poipu Beach! Stop by Spouting Horn on your way there to check out a unique oceanic plume. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend largely driving out of your way to see it, but it’s a fun 10-15 minute stop to check out. 

What is a Hawaiian vacation without big chillin’ on the beach?? Bring a book and your sunnies and just take in paradise on Poipu Beach. Rather unique, this beach has a small sandbar island not too far out from the sand. The tide can affect how safe it is to venture out to this little adventure point, so check with the lifeguard before you head out! 

Once you’ve sufficiently enjoyed the beach bum life for a couple hours, head on over to Makauwahi Cave to check out this historic sinkhole area. As a plus, there’s a tortoise sanctuary nearby. Some of the turtles were relocated to the sanctuary because they outlived their original owner!  

Kauai… The Snack Island

On to Old Kōloa Town for some food! You have options! We bought a couple different things and split them, which is, in our opinion, the best way to go. Koloa Fishmarket sells some delicious poke (a traditional Hawaiian cuisine). Perfect to fill you up if you’re hungry from your morning adventures. Shaved ice is also popular in Hawaii and we LOVED The Fresh Shave! The PERFECT treat on a warm day. We recommend the coconut pineapple one!! After your belly is full, Old Kōloa Town has some fun shops to wander around and check out. 

If you have any interest in coffee, the Kauai Coffee Co should be your next stop! They have a free self-guided walking tour that is pretty interesting—  especially if you don’t know much about the process that goes into coffee making. 

What pairs better with coffee than chocolate? Your next stop should be the Kauai Chocolate Company. If you love a tasty chocolate snack, they have chocolate for you! 

To finish a full day with a full meal, head to Da Crack for some amazing Mexican food. Large, reasonably priced bowls will hit the spot. With your belly full, there’s nothing left to do but hit the hay. 

A couple notes: 

Kauai is not known to have much of a nightlife scene, so if you go to bed early, you won’t be missing out on much. 

When you’re driving around on Maluhia Road, there’s a one mile stretch of overarching eucalyptus trees that have grown together, to make the Tree Tunnel. Keep your eyes peeled… if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you could drive right through it, without realizing it!

DAY THREE

Breakfast options for every kind of morning person. If you need a little kickstart to get you moving in the morning, head to the Eden Coffee food truck in Old Kōloa. A fantastic cup of coffee to start your day! If you rise with the sun and are looking for something a bit more refreshing, stop by Kauai Juice Co. It’s so hard to pick a juice with all their tasty combinations, but I can personally shout-out the Akala… it’s I-could-drink-five-no-problem delicious. 

Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach has it all… sand, waves, hiking, and cliff jumping! The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail starts near Shipwreck Beach, so if you’re the hiking type, you can start your day with this beautifully scenic hike. It clocks in at just under 4 miles— the perfect morning walk distance. It’s a lovely way to combine a little morning exercise with Hawaii coastline views. 

When you’re ready to cool off, you can do it with big style points by cliff diving down into the ocean from a cliff mere steps from the beach. Time of year can affect the conditions of the water, so jump carefully, but generally speaking, this is one of the most popular cliff diving spots on Kauai. 

seven day adventure in Kauai

Once you’ve settled down from your adrenaline rush, you can take a fat nap on the beach. There’s nothing like drifting off to the sound of waves. 

If you visit Shipwreck in the winter, it’s not terribly uncommon to spot whales from the shore. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled!! 

Nāpali Coast Views

For a late afternoon and early evening adventure, throw on your cutest I-don’t-mind-if-this-gets-a-little-wet outfit and get excited for the best views of your trip. The Nāpali Coast is breathtaking and simply must be taken in. There are a few companies that offer Nāpali Coast tours, and while I am sure the view is stunning from any boat, we were rather impressed with Captain Andy’s sunset tour. The Nāpali Coast is the crown jewel of natural beauty in Kauai, so this is a must-do when you’re visit. The open bar doesn’t hurt either. Options include a sneaky tiki cocktail, a couple white and red wines, and some assorted canned beers. Worth every penny!! 

Best Seven Day Trip to Kauai

If you find you went hard on the open bar during your sunset cruise, everyone can grab some appetizers and all but the designated driver can enjoy some libations at the Kauai Island Brewing Company. The garlic fries were good, but especially delicious with some guava ketchup. 

DAY FOUR

Waimea Canyon

Exploring Waimea Canyon, fondly referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is the mission objective for day four. Before you hit the road to head out there, you won’t regret stopping by Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Co. Not only was their coffee good, but they had some excellent gluten free options…. if you eat carrot cake for breakfast, can you call it a carrot muffin??  

When you arrive at Waimea Canyon, we recommend you drive all the way to the Pu’u o Kila Lookout. We found it was a bit easier to drive to the end and stop at various lookouts (the Kalalau Lookout is a must-stop!) as you back-track. Your camera is not ready for all the action it’s about to get. 

We had hoped to hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail, and if a 6 miles hike is up your alley, it looks like the view is certainly worth the hike. The weather at the higher elevation was a little rainy when we visited, so we backtracked all the way to 6b on the map (red arrow) and took the Cliff Trail to Canyon trail to find a mystical waterfall. Really beautiful for a plan B hike. 

Good Eats

When your camera is chock-a-block full with pictures, and you feel the views of Waimea canyon are sufficiently immortalized in your brain forever,  it’s time to head to the farmer’s market in Waimea. Don’t leave until you’ve tasted some Li Hing dried mango (Li Hing means it’s been dusted with some plum powder)! I now understand the term “nature’s candy”. 

A firm believer that there’s not such a thing as too many treats, a stop by Jojo’s Shave Ice will be the perfect final stop before you hit the road. We’re not saying Berry Berry is the best one, but we’re not, not saying it either. 

Once your legs are tuckered out, and your car is full of snacks, get ready for the drive up to Princeville. It should take about 2 hours to get from Waimea Canyon to Princeville, on the northern side of the island. When you arrive into town, head to Hideaways Pizza Pub for a slice of ‘za’. Their salads are good too! One of the only places to find pizza in Princeville, this restaurant also maintains later hours if you happen to roll into town a bit later. 

As a note: You’ll want to bring a rain jacket or windbreaker when you’re in Waimea Canyon. It can get chilly up at higher elevation, and it’s not uncommon for transient light rains to roll through. 

DAY FIVE

Start your day with breakfast at The Spot with their mouth-watering assortment of breakfast bowls. A great way to power start your day! 

Ha’ena State Park

Once you have been filled with sustenance, throw on your bathing suit and head to Ha’ena State Park. The drive here may take a bit longer than anticipated due to one way bridges and island time pace of life, so don’t let this surprise you. Once you’re there, you won’t have to wander far to find Ke’e beach. If you’re not looking for back-to-back hiking adventure days, this is a choose your own adventure kind of park. Chilling on the beach is a definite option.

If you’re looking to muddy your boots, wander on over to the Kalalau Trail. The trail goes for 22 miles and you do need additional permits if you plan to hike farther than about 4 miles out, but if you go 2 miles into the trail, you will find a second, even more beautiful beach (pictured below)! The hike does get a bit muddy, but the views along the way make it WELL worth it. 

Once you’re back at Ke’e Beach, there are showers and hoses you can use to return your shoes to their original color. While the nature scenes are picturesque, the cell service is spotty. If your group decides to split up, ensure you have a plan for when and where you plan to meet back up. 

Just Keep Swimming

Snorkeling is the next ocean exploration on the list. For this, you head to Tunnels Beach. In order to get here, park at Ha’ena Beach (this is a different spot than Ha’ena State Park) and enjoy the ten minute walk to Tunnels Beach. You pass the Maniniholo Dry Cave on your way there, which is fun to check out. Once you’re at the beach, strap your snorkel on and get to swimming! 

If you’re not too pooped, wander on over to Hanalei Bay next. There’s lots of shops to explore. There’s the usual tourist traps you’d expect, but there’s some local artists worth checking out as well. Not to mention lots of tasty looking dinner options. We chowed down at Chicken in a Barrel, and we can confirm it was finger-licking good. 

On your way home, drive by the Wai’oli Hui’ia Church. Not necessarily something you need to get out of the car for, but it’s charming to see. 

Important note: If you plan on visiting Ha’ena State Park, they currently require you to have a permit for the day and window of time you wish to visit. We recommend you set a reminder on your phone for exactly one month prior to the day you plan on going, so you can ensure you are able to purchase passes. They can be found here.

DAY SIX

Power Start

Vibe check for the last full day in Kauai? A little bit of everything! Start your day at Queens Bath to explore this tidal pool surrounded by igneous rock. Mentally prepare yourself to get a little or a lot muddy, but the view is powerfully beautiful. Beware! This spot can be a little dangerous in the more wintery months, so if there’s any signs warning you not to venture this way, it’s likely in your best interest to head their warnings. 

For some breakfast and beach snacks, Healthy Hut Market and Cafe is your next stop. The cafe sells all sorts of tasty smoothies and juices, but they also sell groceries as well. I would liken it to a local Whole Foods. If you end up starting your day a bit late and it’s closer to lunchtime by the time you’re in Kilauea, Paco’s Tacos is right next door to Healthy Nut and is also a delectable stop. 

Secret Beach

Kauapea Beach or Secret Beach is an amazing, not-terribly-secret spot 10-15 minutes east of Princeville. This beach features some fantastic views as well as some fun tide pools to see crabs and small fish in. Full disclosure, the short but steep path to this beach is best suited for able bodied persons. Some people have difficulty finding the trailhead, but this should help. The things that make it harder to access help keep this spot a bit more secluded. While there’s much to enjoy here, this is not a recommended spot for swimmers. The surf can get pretty rough, and there’s no lifeguard on duty here.

Sweet Sunset

What to do for your last night in Hawaii? One last beach experience, taking in your final Hawaii sunset at the Hanalei Pier. Once the image has been sufficiently saved into your memory forever, head to Ama Restaurant for oodles of noodles. Also, if you haven’t had a Mai Tai yet, this is a must as it is the classic Hawaiian cocktail! The ramen is delicious and if you make it there before the sunlight slips away completely, the views are perfect for a last night spot. 

DAY SEVEN 

Saving the Best for Last

Departure day has arrived, but do not dismay! Depending on when your flight is, you just might have time to sneak in one last lifelong memory. Since you will already need to drive back down to Lihue, arrive a couple hours early and do the Big Kahuna Kauai Air Tour with Air Ventures. With only six passengers per plane, no middle seats, and an extra large viewing window for everyone aboard, this hour long flight is the perfect way to reflect on the week you just had, while taking the whole island in one last time. 

As a note: If you are renting a Turo or car that requires a pre-return cleaning, check out Sudz Car Wash in Lihue. They offer a reasonably priced exterior wash as well as quick do-it-yourself vacuums to make a quick cleaning job easy. 

The Nitty Gritty of Paradise City

Transportation

We used this Turo (Turo is a service similar to Airbnb, except for cars) for our wheels. We rather enjoyed having a truck, because the bed afforded us abundant space for luggage. Plus we felt a bit more like locals in this ride.

Sleeps

Southern Kauai: This Airbnb was centrally located as was a perfect spot for three of us to comfortably share. They provided beach gear, which was super convenient.

Northern Kauai: We stayed at this Airbnb in Princeville, and we were also pleased with how close we were to everything. They also provided beach and snorkel gear, which was clutch— especially since we’d planned to go snorkeling at Tunnels beach.

A Word to the Wise

The north side of the island was far rainier than the south when we visited, so definitely don’t forget to pack a rain jacket. If you’re not big on toughing it out in the rain, you might want to consider a large portion, if not all of your stay being on the souther region of Kauai. This week-long agenda was mapped out to best hit all the best highlights for a week-long stay, but one’s deference to the weather must be accounted for when planning. That being said, even if your hotel/Airbnb is in the south, the Kalalau Trail at Ha’ena State Park is worth driving up and enduring a bit of muddiness for.

The farmers market scene in Kauai is definitely worth checking out— especially if it’s Saturday! If you see a farmer’s market while you’re driving around, I promise you won’t regret stopping.

If you’re island hopping to Big Island, be sure to check out Hawai’i Volcano National Park. It’s a completely different topography than that of Kauai, but amazingly beautiful nonetheless!

written by Kayla

A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in Tacoma, Washington. When she’s not fixing up tiny humans on the peds floor, she is likely to be found running, walking, or hiking outside— or crushing a home improvement project, as she has very recently purchased her first home! Since moving to Washington, Kayla has maintained a plant-based diet— a feat largely unattainable by any other sister, but she makes it look *almost* possible with her I-can’t-believe-these-are-vegan chocolate chip cookies.

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