A Note on Weather
This weather resource splits the island into sections. Remember that you can switch all of these days around in mostly whatever order you want based on weather, and that you should specifically keep an eye on your north shore day (since that'll be the rainiest).
A Note on Working Out
This site has all the best and most interesting running trails. Do your best to keep up with your 15 minutes of yoga per day.
DAY 1
Fly from SFO to LIH + Sunset on the Beach
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Fly from SFO to Hawaii! Land, get your car, upgrade to the BMW :) Have a nice conversation with the man outside the rental car place; Airbnb check in allows you to come early. Meet your host Lorna, pop upstairs, drop everything off. Check out Warehouse 3540 and Lawai Market (local grocery). Go to Safeway for some staples, then back to the Airbnb to regroup. Drive to Poipu Beach to watch the sunset (and see the sea turtles laying on the beach!). There is a parking lot with lots of space people say. Eat sushi at Monster Sushi Food Truck (two rolls and a soft shell crab, I don't like the crab but the rolls are tasty!). Head home for the night.
Fly from SFO to Hawaii! Land, get your car, upgrade to the BMW :) Have a nice conversation with the man outside the rental car place; Airbnb check in allows you to come early. Meet your host Lorna, pop upstairs, drop everything off. Check out Warehouse 3540 and Lawai Market (local grocery). Go to Safeway for some staples, then back to the Airbnb to regroup. Drive to Poipu Beach to watch the sunset (and see the sea turtles laying on the beach!). There is a parking lot with lots of space people say. Eat sushi at Monster Sushi Food Truck (two rolls and a soft shell crab, I don't like the crab but the rolls are tasty!). Head home for the night.
DAY 2
North Shore + Oceanview Hike + Tortoises + Sunset on the Beach
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Drive to the north shore. It's raining, so you look for sun, but that doesn't work out. Two coffee spots. Lunch at Colab Cafe (macadamia nut Caesar salad, the best pupusa Mike has ever had, egg salad toast on seedy bread, sandwich for Mike, all amazing!). Went for a hike at Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail (flat, 5 miles out and back). Saw tortoises and went into a cave! So cool. Went and sat in chairs on Lawai Beach. Smoothies from Lawai Market (pineapple mango one for me, more savory acai for Mike, both so good!). Back to Shipwreck Beach for the sunset. Sat on chairs and enjoyed the view. Then over to the nearby shopping plaza for Mike to get a water bottle; he also got a kale salad inside the grocery at Living Foods. Home after that!
Drive to the north shore. It's raining, so you look for sun, but that doesn't work out. Two coffee spots. Lunch at Colab Cafe (macadamia nut Caesar salad, the best pupusa Mike has ever had, egg salad toast on seedy bread, sandwich for Mike, all amazing!). Went for a hike at Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail (flat, 5 miles out and back). Saw tortoises and went into a cave! So cool. Went and sat in chairs on Lawai Beach. Smoothies from Lawai Market (pineapple mango one for me, more savory acai for Mike, both so good!). Back to Shipwreck Beach for the sunset. Sat on chairs and enjoyed the view. Then over to the nearby shopping plaza for Mike to get a water bottle; he also got a kale salad inside the grocery at Living Foods. Home after that!
DAY 3
Attempt the Canyon + Snorkeling + Sunset Pictures Pizza & Wine
Monday, January 22, 2024
Beautiful sunrise out of our Airbnb today; drove to Shipwreck Beach and started the day with a sunrise workout, then headed to Dark Horse for iced lattes (plus their almond cake, which was amazing). We attempted to drive up to Wimea Canyon Lookout, but it was too foggy to see; we waited around for an hour before giving up and driving back. Stopped through a cute little town on our way home and got a mango coconut smoothie from Coconut Corner (really good and such a cute spot!), plus a second acai bowl from right across the street at J's Juicebar (also very good). Stopped to snorkel at Salt Pond Beach on the way home; saw lots of fish, and it was warm! Brought our chairs, hung out for a while. Came home to shower, then went for sunset photography at Shipwreck Beach again (and finally got Mike involved, loved the way the shots turned out). Dinner after at Koloa Pizza Kitchen & Bar (we got a salad with added chicken, a pizza done two ways, plus wine but they accidentally brought me an extra. All soooo good and the server complimented my bag :) ). Stopped by Koloa Mill Ice Cream after for shaved ice, but the guy talked us out of it and we got Dole whip instead (good but not amazing). It was a great day!
Beautiful sunrise out of our Airbnb today; drove to Shipwreck Beach and started the day with a sunrise workout, then headed to Dark Horse for iced lattes (plus their almond cake, which was amazing). We attempted to drive up to Wimea Canyon Lookout, but it was too foggy to see; we waited around for an hour before giving up and driving back. Stopped through a cute little town on our way home and got a mango coconut smoothie from Coconut Corner (really good and such a cute spot!), plus a second acai bowl from right across the street at J's Juicebar (also very good). Stopped to snorkel at Salt Pond Beach on the way home; saw lots of fish, and it was warm! Brought our chairs, hung out for a while. Came home to shower, then went for sunset photography at Shipwreck Beach again (and finally got Mike involved, loved the way the shots turned out). Dinner after at Koloa Pizza Kitchen & Bar (we got a salad with added chicken, a pizza done two ways, plus wine but they accidentally brought me an extra. All soooo good and the server complimented my bag :) ). Stopped by Koloa Mill Ice Cream after for shaved ice, but the guy talked us out of it and we got Dole whip instead (good but not amazing). It was a great day!
DAY 4
Explore the North Side + Caves
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Hike Sleeping Giant. Spam musubi at Musubi Truck and salad and things at Shakalafel!
Drive to Wailua Falls. Pretty falls nearby that you can see without hiking. Also nearby is Opaekka Falls. If you're in the mood, you can also hit up Wailua Shaved Ice on the way home (comes recommended).
If weather is good on the way home you can hit Lydgate Beach Park (very highly rated, 2k+ reviews, good for snorkeling).
- cut up and eat your fruit
- kayak
- do a hike
- more snorkeling
- find spam musubi
- eat poke
- eat that pie
- rent bikes
Hike Sleeping Giant. Spam musubi at Musubi Truck and salad and things at Shakalafel!
Drive to Wailua Falls. Pretty falls nearby that you can see without hiking. Also nearby is Opaekka Falls. If you're in the mood, you can also hit up Wailua Shaved Ice on the way home (comes recommended).
If weather is good on the way home you can hit Lydgate Beach Park (very highly rated, 2k+ reviews, good for snorkeling).
- cut up and eat your fruit
- kayak
- do a hike
- more snorkeling
- find spam musubi
- eat poke
- eat that pie
- rent bikes
DAY 5
Big Hike + Pop Up Market + Hunt for Sea Turtles
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
MORNING / Ran out of time to plan, figure it out!
6:45 A.M. / Another opportunity for sunrise photography, this time at Makahuena Light, which is a rocky formation near Shipwreck Beach (people say it's a great spot for sunrises and sunsets). You can park at Shipwreck Beach and walk 15 minutes down a trail to get there. Sun rises at 7:19 AM.
8:00 A.M. / Stop by Eden Coffee Poipu on the way home. Bring one for Mike (assuming he didn't join you). They also have smoothies and shakes if you need something more.
8:30 A.M. / Back to the Airbnb. Do a morning workout if you're feeling that (go for a run + lunges), then get ready for the day.
Midnight Bear Bakery, (remember you'd need a knife though, or see if they do precut). Look for fresh fruit & interesting snacks.
Walk around The Shops at Kukui'ula (highly rated). Look for Christmas ornaments and things you don't need.
On Wednesdays, the Shops at Kukuiula become filled with local vendors selling everything from produce to beef jerky, creating one of the best farmers markets on Kauai.
MORNING / Ran out of time to plan, figure it out!
6:45 A.M. / Another opportunity for sunrise photography, this time at Makahuena Light, which is a rocky formation near Shipwreck Beach (people say it's a great spot for sunrises and sunsets). You can park at Shipwreck Beach and walk 15 minutes down a trail to get there. Sun rises at 7:19 AM.
8:00 A.M. / Stop by Eden Coffee Poipu on the way home. Bring one for Mike (assuming he didn't join you). They also have smoothies and shakes if you need something more.
8:30 A.M. / Back to the Airbnb. Do a morning workout if you're feeling that (go for a run + lunges), then get ready for the day.
Midnight Bear Bakery, (remember you'd need a knife though, or see if they do precut). Look for fresh fruit & interesting snacks.
Walk around The Shops at Kukui'ula (highly rated). Look for Christmas ornaments and things you don't need.
On Wednesdays, the Shops at Kukuiula become filled with local vendors selling everything from produce to beef jerky, creating one of the best farmers markets on Kauai.
DAY 6
Happy Birthday!
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Check out Break + Feast for breakfast. (I think it might be new, looks good).
surfing lessons
rent bikes
snorkel adventure
ATV tour kipu ranch
Do The Tasting Room for dinner.
Check out Break + Feast for breakfast. (I think it might be new, looks good).
surfing lessons
rent bikes
snorkel adventure
ATV tour kipu ranch
Do The Tasting Room for dinner.
DAY 7
Last Full Day!
Friday, January 26, 2024
11:00 A.M. / Lunch at The Greenery Cafe on the east side of the island (20 minutes away). Perhaps you'd also like to hunt down some spam musubi? A few nearby places include Mark's Place and The Musubi Truck. Could also be a chance to see the main east area.
11:00 A.M. / Lunch at Kauai Juice Co. then back to the Airbnb to regroup.
12:30 P.M. / Drive west to Kikaka Lookout, Ni'ihua Lookout, Red Dirt Falls, Hohonu Awawa Lookout, and Wimea Canyon Lookout, I'm thinking more pictures, scenic, all well rated. Farthest point is 40 minutes away; you'll be back this way for a big hike, but if you'd like something short do Iliau Nature Trail Loop (0.4 miles, no elevation, beautiful views people say).
3:30 P.M. / If it's not too cold or rainy, you could hit up Talk Story Bookstore (local authors, highly rated) and Salt Pond Beach Park to snorkel on your way home (people say it's scenic and calm and lots of fish to see). The Airbnb has snorkel gear and beach towels shared by all units; you're playing it safe though and also bringing your own. If you need it, Boss Frog Rentals is the place to get gear (flippers for $1.50/day, masks for $14).
Hawaii is home to a special species of turtle known as the Hawaiian green sea turtle – or honu – that can only be found here. Some of the best places to see them are Brennecke’s Beach, Lawai Beach, Poipu Beach, and Anini Beach. Yes, they're here year round!
PREP FOR TOMORROW: Pack your granola to eat breakfast on the go. Lay out your morning outfit. Upload photos and clear your memory card. Weather dependent, book tomorrow's kayak rental.
*The north shore gets the most rain. Keep an eye on the weather and do this on a day when it looks the driest.
6:45 A.M. / Yet another opportunity for sunrise photography. You don't have to go every day, but maybe you've scoped something out, have been waiting for better weather, or would like to try retaking your prior photos.
7:30 A.M. / Coffee and breakfast (sitting on the beach?), then head to the north shore. It's a 1.5 - 2 hour drive.
10:00 A.M. / *Pack your workout gear for the way home. Head for Waikanola and Waikapalae Wet Caves. This website gives instructions on how to get there, but you can start by putting in directions for Haena Beach Park. It's supposed to be an easy walk from there. Bring your head lamps. After, you can cross the street to Maniniholo Dry Caves (you can drive up to these and go inside them).
12:00 P.M. / Lunch! Maybe Saenz Ohana Breakfast (casual walk up) or The Sandbox (bowls & salad, looks very tropical, I think it's in a hotel), etc. There are a lot of options around.
1:00 P.M. / A few more options on the north shore in order from west to east include:
2:45 P.M. / Start driving back. If you wanted to work out on your way home, you could run Ke Ala Hele Mekalae (4 miles one way, flat, near water, meant for walking and running.
5:00 P.M. / Home. Rest. Computer time. How are you feeling? Probably do something easy for dinner tonight.
12:00 P.M. / Drive over to Wailua River boat launch, which is the drop off point for Kayaking In Kauai ($75 for a tandem all day rental). Review their instructions, it's not straightforward. From there, you can kayak down the Waiula River Trail, check out the Fern Grotto, park the kayak, and hike one mile to Secret Falls. This is a fairly popular route and is supposed to be lush and beautiful.
3:00 P.M. / Back to shore! Return the kayaks.
3:30 P.M. / Optional: drive to Wailua Falls. Pretty falls nearby that you can see without hiking. Also nearby is Opaekka Falls. If you're in the mood, you can also hit up Wailua Shaved Ice on the way home (comes recommended).
4:30 P.M. / Back to the Airbnb to shower, change and have a rest.
5:30 P.M. / Sunset photography :)
6:30 P.M. / I've marked some places on Google maps for dinner. I'm thinking do something cheaper and casual; there's a lot of that around, food truck style stuff, though you can likely find some greens too. Depends on if you want to stick around home or drive farther.
11:00 A.M. / Lunch at The Greenery Cafe on the east side of the island (20 minutes away). Perhaps you'd also like to hunt down some spam musubi? A few nearby places include Mark's Place and The Musubi Truck. Could also be a chance to see the main east area.
11:00 A.M. / Lunch at Kauai Juice Co. then back to the Airbnb to regroup.
12:30 P.M. / Drive west to Kikaka Lookout, Ni'ihua Lookout, Red Dirt Falls, Hohonu Awawa Lookout, and Wimea Canyon Lookout, I'm thinking more pictures, scenic, all well rated. Farthest point is 40 minutes away; you'll be back this way for a big hike, but if you'd like something short do Iliau Nature Trail Loop (0.4 miles, no elevation, beautiful views people say).
3:30 P.M. / If it's not too cold or rainy, you could hit up Talk Story Bookstore (local authors, highly rated) and Salt Pond Beach Park to snorkel on your way home (people say it's scenic and calm and lots of fish to see). The Airbnb has snorkel gear and beach towels shared by all units; you're playing it safe though and also bringing your own. If you need it, Boss Frog Rentals is the place to get gear (flippers for $1.50/day, masks for $14).
Hawaii is home to a special species of turtle known as the Hawaiian green sea turtle – or honu – that can only be found here. Some of the best places to see them are Brennecke’s Beach, Lawai Beach, Poipu Beach, and Anini Beach. Yes, they're here year round!
PREP FOR TOMORROW: Pack your granola to eat breakfast on the go. Lay out your morning outfit. Upload photos and clear your memory card. Weather dependent, book tomorrow's kayak rental.
*The north shore gets the most rain. Keep an eye on the weather and do this on a day when it looks the driest.
6:45 A.M. / Yet another opportunity for sunrise photography. You don't have to go every day, but maybe you've scoped something out, have been waiting for better weather, or would like to try retaking your prior photos.
7:30 A.M. / Coffee and breakfast (sitting on the beach?), then head to the north shore. It's a 1.5 - 2 hour drive.
10:00 A.M. / *Pack your workout gear for the way home. Head for Waikanola and Waikapalae Wet Caves. This website gives instructions on how to get there, but you can start by putting in directions for Haena Beach Park. It's supposed to be an easy walk from there. Bring your head lamps. After, you can cross the street to Maniniholo Dry Caves (you can drive up to these and go inside them).
12:00 P.M. / Lunch! Maybe Saenz Ohana Breakfast (casual walk up) or The Sandbox (bowls & salad, looks very tropical, I think it's in a hotel), etc. There are a lot of options around.
1:00 P.M. / A few more options on the north shore in order from west to east include:
- Hanalai Valley Lookout (scenic lookout, drive up)
- Princeville Botanic Gardens Tour & Chocolate Tasting ($100/person, I mean probably not lol)
- Kalihikai Park & Anini Beach (beach along the water, could take a walk)
- Kileuea Point National Wildlife Refuge & Lighthouse ($11/person)
2:45 P.M. / Start driving back. If you wanted to work out on your way home, you could run Ke Ala Hele Mekalae (4 miles one way, flat, near water, meant for walking and running.
5:00 P.M. / Home. Rest. Computer time. How are you feeling? Probably do something easy for dinner tonight.
12:00 P.M. / Drive over to Wailua River boat launch, which is the drop off point for Kayaking In Kauai ($75 for a tandem all day rental). Review their instructions, it's not straightforward. From there, you can kayak down the Waiula River Trail, check out the Fern Grotto, park the kayak, and hike one mile to Secret Falls. This is a fairly popular route and is supposed to be lush and beautiful.
3:00 P.M. / Back to shore! Return the kayaks.
3:30 P.M. / Optional: drive to Wailua Falls. Pretty falls nearby that you can see without hiking. Also nearby is Opaekka Falls. If you're in the mood, you can also hit up Wailua Shaved Ice on the way home (comes recommended).
4:30 P.M. / Back to the Airbnb to shower, change and have a rest.
5:30 P.M. / Sunset photography :)
6:30 P.M. / I've marked some places on Google maps for dinner. I'm thinking do something cheaper and casual; there's a lot of that around, food truck style stuff, though you can likely find some greens too. Depends on if you want to stick around home or drive farther.
DAY 8
Fly Home
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Fly home.
Fly home.