5-Day short break on Kauai
KAUAI, HAWAII
Kauai is one of the oldest Hawaiian islands and its moniker, ‘The Garden Isle’, is an understatement really. The most verdant views of this tropical rainforested paradise are accessible only by boat, the forested interior is like a natural adventure park, and the canyon and cliff trails are colossal. This is a luxury Hawaii holiday for those who want to be immersed in Kauai’s natural heritage, be it bird or dolphin watching, botany or biodiversity. All with expert local guides who know Kauai’s best kept secrets.
Responsible tourism on a luxury holiday in Hawaii is at the heart of everything we do. For that reason, each of your Kauai adventures supports important leaders of conservation, cultural heritage or social responsibility on the islands.
DAY 1
Arrival, Check-in and Chill
You will be met at Lihue Airport and transferred to your chosen luxury accommodation. Enjoy the rest of your first day readjusting the senses to all the beauty in Kauai’s garden.
DAY 2
Private Kauai boat trip,
Nā Pali Coast State Park
Your private boat charter will meet you at either Anini or Hanalei, two of Kauai’s top beaches on the North shore, where you will throw off your shoes and stresses, to head off on a 4-5 hour private boat trip. This is one of the best ways to see Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast State Park, which is inaccessible by car so that you can gain perspective of the nā pali themselves, which translates as high cliffs. Natural highlights on this Kauai boat tour include a 100-foot-waterfall into the ocean, Waihuakua sea cave, just one of several sea caves along the Nā Pali Coast, the Queen’s Bath, and the sea arch with Pohakuao Falls in the background.
Today’s Kauai itinerary includes a visit to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge which, for any keen naturalist, is one of the best things to do on Kauai. In particular, this is the best place to learn about our state bird, the nene, or Hawaiian goose, which was brought back from near extinction. Kilauea is considered one of the best places for bird watching in Hawaii where, depending on the season, you can see albatross, red-footed boobies, brown boobies, shearwaters, and plovers. This clifftop location is also a perfect spot to do some land-based whale-watching, the season for which is November to May.
Today’s activities contribute to a conservation organization, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
DAY 3
Hanalei town and the National Tropical Botanical Garden
Hanalei is many things. It’s hipster and it hangs loose. It’s surfy and it’s foodie. But most of all, it’s one of those towns that is enveloped by such biodiverse beauty you can’t help but be envious of people who actually live here. Enjoy it in whichever way appeals, starting with breakfast at the Bread Company, taking a guided paddleboard trip along the Hanalei River down to the ocean, or hit the waves with one of Hanalei ‘s best surf instructors. Fresh fish poke bowl with a side of freshly made poi lunch is one of the best foodie experiences in Hanalai for many of our guests.
You will then be driven further west along the coast to the National Tropical Botanical Garden, for a guided tour by the Executive Director around one of Hawaii’s most biodiverse valleys. Beyond the team’s work, traditional practices and archeologically important sites, the views are spectacular from its clifftop location.
Today’s activities contribute to the ongoing work of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. As well as protecting the region's flora and fauna, one of its vital research projects is the Breadfruit Institute, which promotes the conservation, study, and use of breadfruit for food and reforestation, in response to our island's food security issues.
DAY 4
A day of guided hiking on Kauai
Supported by expert local walking guides, explore some of Kauai’s best walking trails, depending on your abilities and interests. You are spoilt for choice hiking on Kauai, with Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Parks almost next to each other, and both proffering some of the best treks in Hawaii. One of the most popular hiking tours on Kauai is the iconic and gently ascending Sleeping Giant, or Nounou Mountain Trail. As you can imagine, you could walk every day here and we are happy to organize a tailor-made walking holiday on Kauai if you would like a more active itinerary.
Today’s activities contribute to a group we have identified as an essential sustainable tourism partner, the Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships. These organizations work tirelessly to preserve the islands’ elevated regions where rainwater gathers and is stored. This watershed partnership ensures that when the water reaches the ocean it is pollution-free and therefore doesn't harm the coral reefs.
DAY 5
Departure
Enjoy your last few hours on Kauai chilling out at your luxury accommodation, taking one more glimpse of the ocean and inhaling some of Kauai’s tropical and natural goodness. Come back soon.
If you have questions, or are interested in booking
