2.5 days in Kauai sadly got cut to 1.5 days when the FAA shut down all travel in February 2023. But some panic purchased tickets for a different flight and quick re-arranging of some other travel plans, I was able to salvage 1.5 days of adventures on Kauai. Our original plans were changed, but we accomplished a lot in a day and half. Two people are on a mission to have an adventure makes a difference. So… without any further rambling I give you the itinerary and details for my 1.5 days on Kauai.
Hiking the Na Pali Coast – Kauai
Anyone who has spent time researching the Hawaiian Islands knows the iconic NaPali Coast is a must see for hikers. So on the one full day we had on Kauai, this was the obvious choice for an activity. To get there you have to venture to the far north side of the island and up Waimea Canyon. The drive is well worth the views of the canyon, and even more worth the views on top of the cliffs of the NaPali Coast. We hiked the Awa’awapuhi Trail . Alltrails lists it as a moderate 6 mile hike with 2000 ft of elevation. However, we tracked it with my Garmin InReach at 4.6 miles. Either way – the hike took 3 hours – mostly because we spent probably 45 minutes at the end just taking photos and enjoying the view of the cliffs.
The parking area for the hike was more than enough off KoKee Road. There are NO amenities at the trailhead, just a simple dirt parking area.
Overall the trail was relatively easy. The hike keeps you on the ridgeline for almost the entire hike. Unlike many ridgeline hikes, this one is really well shaded. Hawaii does have a thing for my least favorite type of hike though. The trail drops down the full 2000 feet of elevation on the way to the viewpoint. Then you hike back up it to get back to the car. The hike is not one that I would call difficult but the elevation will definitely be a challenge if you are not prepared.
You can also take a boat around the north side of the island to see to coastline from the water. During the Winter/Spring season that ride would be a little rough on the stomach though. For the even more adventurous, and better planners, you can hike the 18 mile NaPali Coast Trail. This requires backpacking gear and a permit from the government before you can set out. But the secluded locations you get access too is 100% worth it. This hike also starts from Ha’ena State Park and is not accessible from Waimea Canyon.
After our hike we headed down to Hanapepe for lunch and beers at Kauai Island Brewing Company. The brewery of course did not disappoint, and neither did the people watching.
Diving Kauai
The NaPali Coast is definitely not the only thing to do on the island of Kauai. So of course, while on my trip there we also had to do some scuba diving.
Because of the travel delays and surface intervals for flying after diving, we literally went straight from the airport to Seasport Divers in Poipu to rent tanks and jump in the ocean. My friend had rented from them before and knew the diving the the area of Poipu was decent for this time of year. It also didn’t hurt that their prices for tank rentals were great.
We dove at Koloa Landing, which allowed us to explord Hanakaape Bay. The shore dive from here was really easy entry and exit on a boat ramp area. The coral is the area was healthy and there were plenty of colorful fishes and few sea turtles, one of which decided to hangout with me for a little near the surface.
By far our favorite part of this particular dive site was the whales. We could hear humpbacks singing the entire time we were diving. They were really just out of our view on the coral structure. When we got out of the water and looked back at where we had just been diving, a humpback breached. Sadly, we never did get to see one while we were in the water, just at a distance from shore. So that will remain on my bucket list.
Hanalei Bay, Kauai
Hanalei Bay is a cute area on the north shore of Kauai and was about an hour drive from our hotel. In our larger 2.5 day itinerary we had planned to spend more time here. Sadly we ended up just spending a few hours here. The bay is just west of one of the popular surfing spots. It is well known because it is the largest bay on Kauai. What did do was a little beach walk and went out on the historic pier in the bay, and walked around the town area. There were plenty of little shops and restaurants for a quick meals and we honestly wished we could have spent more time exploring.
Before you go
Hopefully when you visit Kauai you won’t have to deal with the same travel delays I did. There are direct flights from the mainland to Kauai Lihue Airport. However we opted to fly from Honolulu because it was cheaper on Hawaiian airlines and the flight times were better.
The roosters of Kauai are iconic, and fit right in with the lush landscape that gives the island its nickname – the garden isle. About 5 minutes on this little island and you will understand why. It is so lush and has completely different vibe than the other Hawaiian islands. The island overall is very laid back, with the hiking on the north shore Na Pali Coast being one of the most popular activities.
Accommodations
We opted to stay at the AMAZING Kauai Shores Hotel. Let me say, don’t get compensated in any way to hype Kauai Shores Hotel, but seriously this hotel was gorgeous! Their restaurant was really great – even though it was a bit pricey. The location was great, right next to a shopping area with more places to eat within walking distance and a short drive to even more. The only drawback was parking is a bit of a pain at the hotel – but the valet is free.
Where we went!
Check out more of my Travel blogs, including planning, things I would do differently, and more, here! Visit the archives page to see what else Winter and I have been up to in recent years!