A Week on Kauai

Hawaii's oldest island, ringed with white-sand beaches, is small and easy to circumnavigate in a week. But there are so many wonderful things to do and see that you may find yourself wishing you had more time.

Day 1: Arriving & Making Beach Time

After settling into your hotel, head for the beach. If you're staying on the south side, Poipu Beach is your best bet; on the east in the Coconut Coast area, go to Lydgate State Park; and if you're on the North Shore, try Anini, Haena, Hanalei, or Kee beaches.

Day 2: Touring the North Shore

It rains often on the Garden Isle of Kauai, so on your first sunny day, head out for the North Shore. Drive all the way to the end of the road to Kee Beach. Plan to hike a little on the famous Kalalau Trail in Na Pali Coast State Park -- bring hiking shoes or closed-toe tennis shoes. A half-hour on the trail will give you an idea of the spectacular coastline. The hearty may want to hike all the way to Hanakapiai Beach, a 2-hour trip one-way. After your hike, take a look at Ka Ulu O Laka Heiau at Kee Beach. Head into Hanalei for lunch, and then drive down to Hanalei Bay for a quiet afternoon on the beach, or book a tour at Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens to see one of Kauai's most beautiful (and whimsical) gardens. Plan to have dinner on the North Shore.

Day 3: Seeing Kauai from the Air on a Helicopter Tour

Book a helicopter tour, but not until 10 or 11am at the earliest, to avoid the bumper-to-bumper commuter traffic. After your tour, head to the Coconut Coast area for lunch. Learn about Hawaiian history at Wailua River State Park. And since you're already in the area, book a luau at the ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Makaiwa.

Day 4: Hiking Kokee State Park & Waimea Canyon

Get an early start and drive up to the 4,640-acre Kokee State Park, where you will find a range of trails to fit every ability. Birders, hikers, and sightseers will love wandering around this park. You can get lunch at the Kokee Lodge Restaurant, open from 9am to 3:30pm. Be sure to stop by the Kokee Natural History Museum, which is full of great information as well as trail maps. In the afternoon, stop at the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon, with more great hiking. After you've had your fill of hiking for the day, don't miss the Kiki a Ola (Menehune Ditch) and the Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park on your way out of Waimea town. Tip: Friday is a great day to plan this trip to Kokee and Waimea. Since you'll already be on the west side, you can attend Hanapepe's Friday Art Night, and the terrific Hanapepe Cafe & Espresso Bar will be open for dinner.

Day 5: Enjoying a Beach Day

Kauai has the best beaches in Hawaii, so you should devote at least a day to them. If you're not the type to just lie around, you can book a kayak or snorkel tour (I particularly recommend a tour of the Na Pali Coast). If you've had enough sun to last a while, reserve a tour at Allerton Garden of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. On your way back from the garden, stop and marvel at the very unusual Spouting Horn.

Day 6: Getting out of the Rain (or Sun)

It's best to plan for at least one rainy day on Kauai, but my rainy-day suggestions are just as much fun even when it's not rainy. Hawaii Movie Tours takes you to some of the many spots on Kauai where films have been made. The Kauai Museum, in Lihue, is filled with treasures. And shoppers will enjoy Kauai's many unique markets.

Day 7: Indulging in a Spa Day

A treatment at a rejuvenating spa is a great way to end your trip. Kauai's best spa is the ANARA Spa, at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort. In addition to the fabulous menu of treatments, it has a great area to relax, take a steam or a sauna, or just hang out in the hot tub. On the North Shore, try the Princeville Health Club & Spa, at the Princeville Resort, which is small but very good.