Last updated: . This update checks current access and closure information for selected Kauaʻi sites; the family’s itinerary remains historical. Date information added October 28, 2026.
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This is a sample guideline to get your planning started. Modify depending on where you are staying or how long you are visiting.
Planning note (October 26, 2026): This sample itinerary was first published May 19, 2021. It is a historical planning example, not confirmation that any business, trail, beach, or park is open. In its October 23, 2026 notice, Hawaiʻi State Parks said camping on Kauaʻi was closed and other Kauaʻi parks were closed except those specifically listed for limited reopening. That notice does not establish that the Kalalau Trail is open. Recheck Kauaʻi County park notices and Hawaiʻi lifeguard and ocean-safety information before using this route. Ocean conditions, road access, reservations, venue hours, and provider rules can change.
Arrival at Lihue Airport. Depending on your arrival time, either check into your home or hotel or hit Lydgate State Park Beach. It has a playground and Morgan’s Ponds, a rock-enclosed swimming area. Check current Kauaʻi County park notices and lifeguard and ocean-condition information before your visit.
Head north to Princeville. The 2021 guide suggested zip-lining at Princeville Ranch, but the operator’s current homepage lists horseback-riding lessons. Confirm whether zip-lining is currently offered before planning it. You can also look into an ATV tour or watch the sunset from Hanalei Beach. Check current ocean conditions before entering the water.
Enjoy Hanalei Beach once more (it is our favorite beach in the world!) The 2021 route then continued to Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park; treat that as a past itinerary stop, not a current open-park recommendation. DLNR’s October 23 notice listed broad Kauaʻi park and camping closures, so check current Kauaʻi State Parks notices before planning a visit. When the trail is open, normal Kalalau Trail entry through Hāʻena State Park requires day-use and parking reservations; hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley separately requires a valid overnight camping permit. Review DLNR’s current Kalalau Trail requirements and closure notices before making plans. The 2021 route also mentioned beaches such as Tunnels Beach; check current conditions and access before adding any stop.
The original guide suggested the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail, from Hāʻena State Park toward Hanakāpīʻai Beach. This is a strenuous, exposed route. The Oct. 23, 2026 closure notice takes priority; do not assume the trail is open, and follow current access rules and posted closures.
Last day up north. The 2021 itinerary included Secret Beach; check current access and ocean conditions before considering a visit, and do not swim where local warnings advise against it. The old guide also mentioned Dragon’s Belly as a destination, but do not use a reef-side scramble to reach it. With littles, the guide suggested enjoying the beach and river outlet with tadpoles, if access is open.
Another option in the 2021 plan was Queen’s Bath in Princeville. Access can close seasonally; check Kauaʻi County’s current park notices before planning a visit. The shoreline can be hazardous, so stay out of the water and do not pass a closed gate.
Hideaways Beach near St. Regis also is a short, difficult hike down, but stunning.
Hit up one of the restaurants and ice cream in the Princeville Shopping Center.
Watch our original family video: Hiking to Kauai’s “Secret” Beach. This records our past visit; use the current access and ocean-safety notes above for planning.
Time to travel south to Poipu. We love staying somewhere on the beach, but that can be expensive. Enjoy the pool or one of the many beaches: Shipwreck Beach, Brennecke’s Beach, or Poipu Beach.
Drive to view Wailua Falls. Use the public viewing area only, and follow posted gates, closures, and access instructions. Do not pass a gate to reach an unofficial trail.
You can use AllTrails to pick a quick hike. We opted for Makawehi Bluff for the sunset over Shipwreck Beach. The Cave looked interesting in the original guide; check the venue’s current hours and access before planning a stop.
If your flight leaves later in the day, keep the last morning flexible and let the kids get some energy out with one more pool or beach stop, if access and conditions allow. Our 2021 plan suggested boogie boards at Brennecke Beach, but do not assume every flight is a red-eye or that larger waves are right for children. Check current access, lifeguard guidance, and your flight timing.
We absolutely love Kauaʻi!
The printable below is the original itinerary from this older guide. Keep the current access and safety notes above alongside it, and confirm hours, reservations, and closures before traveling.
Open the original printable Kauai itinerary (PDF). This is the older planning example; use the current access and safety notes above alongside it.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE:
As a full-time traveling family, we chose to buy travel insurance, and we love World Nomads for our family’s travel insurance. Availability and coverage depend on residence, destination, plan, and policy terms; check current eligibility, limits, and exclusions before deciding whether it fits your trip.
TRAVEL NECESSITIES:
For a comprehensive list of all the 7 Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves, Click Here.
Tip: When we’re already shopping for something online—airline tickets, hotels, clothing, or other planned purchases—we like to check whether the store has a current Rakuten offer. Cash-back eligibility, rates, and tracking vary by store and program terms, so review the offer before buying.
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