How long is the Kauai: Canyon, Coast and the Na Pali North Shore route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 5 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Lihue to Hanalei in Kauai, Hawaii, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October: drier, calm north shore.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Beach, Nature, Adventure.

Kauai: Canyon, Coast and the Na Pali North Shore

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The route · 5 stops

4 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

On the way

Lihue
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: Kauai's airport town and the trip's natural starting point. It is more practical than pretty, but it sits minutes from Kalapaki Beach and the Kauai Museum, and a short drive from Wailua Falls, the twin cascade from the old Fantasy Island opening titles. Stock up on groceries and fuel here before the resort prices of Poipu and Hanalei.Worth a stop on the drive: Kauai's airport town and the trip's natural starting point. It is more practical than pretty, but it sits minutes from Kalapaki Beach and the Kauai Museum, and a short drive from Wailua Falls, the twin cascade from the old Fantasy Island opening titles. Stock up on groceries and fuel here before the resort prices of Poipu and Hanalei.
Recommendations

On to Poipu

Poipu

2 nights

The sunny, sheltered south shore and the best base for Kauai's dry side. Poipu Beach is calm enough for families and good for snorkelling, Hawaiian monk seals haul out on the sand, and the Spouting Horn blowhole fires sea spray through a lava tube just along the coast. Two nights leaves time for the beaches plus a day trip up to Waimea Canyon.The sunny, sheltered south shore and the best base for Kauai's dry side. Poipu Beach is calm enough for families and good for snorkelling, Hawaiian monk seals haul out on the sand, and the Spouting Horn blowhole fires sea spray through a lava tube just along the coast. Two nights leaves time for the beaches plus a day trip up to Waimea Canyon.

Recommendations

On to Waimea & Koke'e

Waimea & Koke'e

1 night

The wild west side, where the road climbs to Waimea Canyon, a 14-mile gorge over 2,500 feet deep with red and green walls and ribbon waterfalls. Higher up, Koke'e State Park opens onto the Kalalau Lookout and its view down the Na Pali cliffs to the sea. Stop in arty Hanapepe below for the swinging bridge and the Friday night art walk.The wild west side, where the road climbs to Waimea Canyon, a 14-mile gorge over 2,500 feet deep with red and green walls and ribbon waterfalls. Higher up, Koke'e State Park opens onto the Kalalau Lookout and its view down the Na Pali cliffs to the sea. Stop in arty Hanapepe below for the swinging bridge and the Friday night art walk.

Recommendations

On to Kapaa & Wailua

Kapaa & Wailua

1 night

The green, local-feeling east side, sometimes called the Coconut Coast. Kayak or cruise up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, hike the Sleeping Giant ridge for an easy summit view, and chase Opaekaa Falls and the river overlooks. Kapaa town has the island's best run of casual cafes and food trucks, plus a flat coastal bike path.The green, local-feeling east side, sometimes called the Coconut Coast. Kayak or cruise up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, hike the Sleeping Giant ridge for an easy summit view, and chase Opaekaa Falls and the river overlooks. Kapaa town has the island's best run of casual cafes and food trucks, plus a flat coastal bike path.

Recommendations

On to Hanalei

Hanalei

2 nights

Journey's end on the lush north shore, under fluted green mountains that pull in the rain. Hanalei Bay is a wide crescent of sand and surf, the taro fields at the Hanalei Valley lookout glow after a shower, and the road runs west to Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau Trail, the start of the Na Pali coast. Give it two nights to slow right down.Journey's end on the lush north shore, under fluted green mountains that pull in the rain. Hanalei Bay is a wide crescent of sand and surf, the taro fields at the Hanalei Valley lookout glow after a shower, and the road runs west to Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau Trail, the start of the Na Pali coast. Give it two nights to slow right down.

Recommendations

Kauai: Canyon, Coast and the Na Pali North Shore

The route · 5 stops