Kauai: Waimea Canyon & The NaPali Coast

Distance: 4 miles

We’ll assemble in Lihue mid-morning of Day 1 and head directly to Poipu Beach, a no-nonsense approach to quality beach time from the “get-go”. We’ll walk the coastline of Poipu along the Shiprock Beach Trail and climb a promontory for an incredible panoramic view of the cinder cones and lava tubes that extend into the ocean as evidence of Kauai’s most recent volcanic activity. Later that afternoon, we’re headed to our accommodations in the village of Waimea.

Distance: 6 miles

Magnificent Waimea Canyon is our plan for Day 2, along the Kukui Trail. The route drops 2,000 feet to the canyon floor for a lunch spot like no other. The hike back up gives us a new perspective on the unique flora of the area.

Distance: 6.5 miles

Day 3 is a spectacular hike to the cliff’s edge on the southern NaPali Coast. From the ridge that forms Koke’e State Park, we take the Awa’awapuhi Trail west to the edge of the world. The incredibly steep ribs that fan out to the ocean look like flying buttresses, and in the deep blue waters below you can spot sail boats and sometimes whales.

Distance: 5 miles

Day 4, we’ll head across the island beyond Hanalei to enjoy a kayak afternoon in Wailua River State Park. We’ll spend the afternoon kayaking on the Wailua River, the only navigable river on the island, which flows from Mt . Waialeale. In the afternoon we continue our drive counter clockwise around the island, to Princeville township, a north shore community that started off as a sugar plantation. Our resort is nestled high into the cliff terrain of the area, offering views of both the inland mountains and the Pacific to the north.

Distance: 8 miles

Day 5, is a unique opportunity to discover the interior of Kauai from the north. We’ll follow a trail that was cut to allow access to the power lines that bring life to the north shore. The hike literally cuts through the island and gives you a spectacular view of the islands interior as well as distant sweeping ocean views, as it follows the eastern boundaries of Halelea Forest Reserve. This is an out and back trail and we will return to Princeville with time to explore the world famous beaches hidden near the community.

Distance: 4 miles

Day 6 we make our way back around to the east side of the island for a final hike on the Sleeping Giant. Many legends exist about how the giant came to rest in this place, but we are happy that his chin and nose provides us with some last sweeping views of Kauai’s mountains and coastline. Our tour concludes back in Lihue where you can return stateside, or stay and enjoy the island life for a few more days!