Active Kauai Adventures for Grown-Ups

We spend most of our time on this blog discussing the finer points of the ideal family getaway. And it’s our passion to help you have the adventure of a lifetime, even with little ones around. Whether you long to chase the Northern Lights on a dog sled in the Arctic Circle, visit polar bears in Churchill, Canada, or veg out on a beach in Spain or Portugal, we’ve got you covered with kid-tested, parent-approved itineraries. 

That said, we also realize there are those moments when you need to take a break and do a little adulting. While we craft our itineraries with care, ensuring that “adulting” moments are plentiful, everyone needs the occasional grown-ups-only trip. We get it, and we’ve got you covered with our upcoming itinerary showcasing active Kauai adventures. 

Why Visit Kauai

Few destinations offer the allure and attraction of the Hawaiian Islands. No passports needed! Of course, the archipelago also comes with an intimidating amount of ground to cover, which means deciding on the ideal destination to explore. Each island comes with unique offerings. For example, Kauai’s your ticket if you’re after uncluttered sites, a relaxed vibe, authentic cultural experiences, and pristine swathes of nature. 

Smaller than the other islands, Kauai is also more rural and boasts a modest population. The white sand beaches are pristine, and you’ll get your fill of stunning waterfalls, rugged mountain ranges, verdant sugarcane fields, and towering coastal cliffs. These landscapes invite visitors to indulge in exploration and outdoor activities, whether you’re into biking, hiking, surfing, snorkeling, or all of the above. (And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!) 

Kauai Adventures: What to Know Before You Go

© Martinmark | Dreamstime

Accompanying the less touristy feel of the island and the lack of crowds are vacation prices that prove more affordable than other islands. Since a visit to the Hawaiian Islands can be notoriously expensive, this is a happy sidenote for your wallet. Best of all, when you opt for our nine-day tour of the Nā Pali Coast by land, air, and sea, we’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the incredible scenery and experiences awaiting you. 

This is an active itinerary involving strenuous hikes with full packs, so prior backpacking experience is recommended. And you’ll need to pack the right gear: sleeping bag, tent, water filter, trekking poles, camp cooking essentials, snorkeling gear, etc. You’ll also need to feel comfortable with various forms of transportation around the island, including by boat, plane, and van. 

This flexible itinerary permits travelers to choose between backpacking only and non-backpacking options. Those interested in backpacking only will leave the tour group after completing the Kalalau Trail. And non-backpacking travelers will join up at this point for a more leisurely and luxurious exploration of Kauai. Or, if you’d like extra time discovering this incredible island, opt for both experiences. Upcoming dates for this tour are April 18 through 26, 2023. With these caveats out of the way, let’s take a look at the adventure awaiting you in Kauai.

Kalalau Trail: Hanakoa Falls, Kalalau Beach, and Hanakapiai Falls

© Alexander Demyanenko | Dreamstime

What to do in Kauai? One of the most spectacular ways to take in the Nā Pali Coast is by trekking the 22-mile round-trip Kalalau Trail hike. Along the way, you’ll marvel at panoramic views of one of the world’s most picturesque coastlines. Spend four days and three nights on the trail, breaking the journey into manageable daily hikes. During Day 1, you’ll hike six miles from the trailhead to Hanakoa Campground. After setting up camp, you may choose to take a two-mile, round-trip trail of discovery culminating in the stunning and secluded Hanakoa Falls. 

On Day 2, tackle five more miles to your next camping spot at Kalalau Beach. The beach is remote and rugged, and it has long been the haunt of seasoned hikers and those longing to get back to nature. It’s only accessible via the Kalalau Trail or by ocean, which makes visiting it a special treat. You’ll be amazed by the incredible scenery, including rugged mountains shrouded in thick vegetation and white clouds. This mystical Eden becomes your home for the night. 

The following day, begin your trek back along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakoa Campground. Along the way, you’ll have the option to visit Hanakapiai Falls, another breathtaking water feature. This 300-foot-tall waterfall is enveloped in bamboo forests punctuated by mountain apple trees. Take a dip in the pool created by the waterfall as a reward for reaching your destination. 

A Return to Civilization: Townhouses, Beaches, and Bays

© Andreanne Lemire | Dreamstim

After leaving the Kalalau Trail behind, it’s on to the creature comforts of Princeville Townhouse, for two nights of contemporary luxury. Then, on Saturday, April 22, we’ll head to the beach to pay homage to Earth Day by cleaning the beach with the Surfrider Foundation. Next, it’s on to Tunnels Beach for world-class Kauai snorkeling tours that take advantage of the area’s crystal-clear waters.

Continue the underwater exploration at Ke’e Beach before sitting back to enjoy a spectacular and leisurely sunset. A protected beach located in Hā’ena State Park, you’ll fall in love with the evening twilight as it transforms the rugged mountains facing the beach, making for a magical, unforgettable experience. Finish out the day at Hanalei Bay for another gorgeous sunset. You’ll also have the chance to explore Hanalei Pier, constructed in 1892 to export crops from the Hawaiian Islands. 

On Sunday, it’s on to one of the most fascinating destinations on the itinerary: the Queen’s Bath. This celebrated tidal pool is enveloped by igneous rocks and contains achingly clear blue water. At Anini Beach, choose between snorkeling the colorful reef off the coast or freediving if you’re after a little exhilaration. 

Savor the Quieter Side of Kauai in Poipu

© Nickolay Stanev | Dreamstime

Relocating to a condo in Poipu, spend three nights on the quieter south side of the island. Along the way, take a brief trek to Wailua Falls, where you’re invited to cool off with a swim beneath the cascading water before heading to Poipu Beach to explore the island’s sea life and take in another incredible sunset. 

During your time in Poipu, check out a unique red dirt waterfall while navigating to Waimea Canyon for further exploration. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon contains colorful gorges and rugged mountains, which make for breathtaking vistas. On a clear day, head to Ni’ihau Lookout, where the most eagle-eyed visitors will scope out “The Forbidden Island,” located 17 miles off the coast. And you won’t want to miss out on Pu’u O Kila Lookout and sweeping views of the verdant Kalalau Valley below. 

Enjoy chances to get your adrenaline flowing on a hike along the Kālepa Ridge to unforgettable views of Kauai and another sunset you’ll remember for a lifetime. During a Ni’ihau Island and Napali Coast Boat Tour, traverse the 17-mile Kaulakahi Channel for a tour of Lehua Crater, Ni’ihau (the so-called “Forbidden Island”), and the waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, where abundant marine life with enhance another round of snorkeling. The exclamation point on this amazing exploration of Kauai is a Doors Off Helicopter Tour, providing access to otherwise inaccessible spots of the island. 

And don’t forget to book a fun photoshoot with a professional through flytographer. Find out more about hiring a flytographer for your trip to Kauai.

Kauai for Grown-Ups

Our adults-only Kauai itinerary is ideal for those looking for a little break from the everyday on a short vacation jampacked with adventure. Nine days is the perfect amount of time for kids to visit the grandparents while you head out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Along the way, you’ll connect with nature, savor diverse accommodations from camping to luxury townhouses and condos, and get your fill of fun in the sun on Kauai’s beaches and bays. 

Ready to find out more or book your spot for Kauai adventures? We can’t wait to discuss this fantastic grown-up adventure with you.

Let’s chat!