9-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kauai

  • Day 1: Kauai Coffee Company Plantation
    15 minutes (9.9 miles) from Lihue

    Kauai Coffee Company Plantation is the largest coffee plantation in the United States. In this activity, you will get to see how coffee is processed and sample different coffee flavors. You can also pick a blend to take home for souvenirs.

  • Day 2: Hanalei Bay Beach
    45 minutes (26.6 miles) from Lihue

    Hanalei Bay Beach is a two-mile-long beach where you can swim or surf. You can also take a walk to the pier or enjoy food from food trucks nearby. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins or turtles in the bay.

  • Day 3: Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
    1 hour and 15 minutes (37.5 miles) from Hanalei Bay Beach

    Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park features towering cliffs, steep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. You can choose to hike, take a boat tour, or helicopter flight to see the breathtaking views. You can also visit the archaeological sites in the area.

  • Day 4: Limahuli Garden and Preserve
    23 minutes (10.9 miles) from Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

    Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a botanical garden that showcases different plants and ferns. You can take a guided tour or explore the garden at your own pace. You can also learn about the history and significance of native plants and how they are preserved.

  • Day 5: Kilauea Lighthouse
    25 minutes (15.2 miles) from Limahuli Garden and Preserve

    Kilauea Lighthouse is located on Kilauea Point, where you can see different seabirds and humpback whales during the winter months. You can also visit the museum to learn about the lighthouse and its history.

  • Day 6: Poipu Beach Park
    40 minutes (20.6 miles) from Kilauea Lighthouse

    Poipu Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can also see different marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish. You can also take a stroll on the beach or relax under a tree.

  • Day 7: Wailua Falls
    35 minutes (15.3 miles) from Poipu Beach Park

    Wailua Falls is a double waterfall known for its beauty, which has been featured in movies and television shows. You can take a short hike to reach a viewing area or go on a helicopter tour for an aerial view.

  • Day 8: Kilohana Plantation
    18 minutes (7.1 miles) from Wailua Falls

    Kilohana Plantation is a historic plantation that has been converted into a shopping and dining center. You can take a train tour or a horse-drawn carriage ride around the plantation. You can also enjoy food and drinks from different restaurants and bars.

  • Day 9: Hanapepe Art Night
    5 minutes (2 miles) from Kilohana Plantation

    Hanapepe Art Night is a weekly event where local artists showcase their work in the streets. You can also enjoy live music, food from local vendors, and a variety of souvenirs.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kauai Coffee Company Plantation (30 min, free)
  • Hanalei Bay Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (4 hours, varies on activity)
  • Limahuli Garden and Preserve (1-2 hours, $20 admission fee)
  • Kilauea Lighthouse (1 hour, $10 admission fee)
  • Poipu Beach Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Wailua Falls (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kilohana Plantation (2 hours, free entry, additional cost for tours and food)
  • Hanapepe Art Night (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $30-$150+ per activity, depending on selected activities

Transportation

During the trip, you will need to rent a car or hire a taxi to travel around the island. Car rental starts at around $50 per day, and a taxi ride can cost around $2.50 per mile. Expect traffic during peak hours, especially near tourist spots.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other attractions such as Waimea Canyon State Park, Ke'e Beach, and Spouting Horn. For less time, you can skip some activities or choose one of the suggested locations to visit per day.

Airports

Kauai's main airport is Lihue Airport (LIH). It is located in Lihue, about 2 miles away from the city center. It offers direct flights to Honolulu and inter-island flights to other Hawaiian islands.

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