Your vacation time is precious, you only have so many days, and you don't want to waste one of them. That's where I come in. I've included ideas if you have 1 week or two, are traveling with kids, or want a more active vacation.
The number-one thing I would suggest is don't max out your days. This is Hawaii; allow some time to do nothing but relax. Remember that you most likely will arrive jet-lagged. Ease into your vacation. Your first day you most likely will be tired -- hitting the pillow at 8 or 9pm will sound good. Don't be surprised if you wake up your first morning in Kauai before the sun comes up. Your internal clock is probably still set 2 to 6 hours earlier than Hawaii.
Finally, think of your first trip as a "scouting" trip. Kauai is too beautiful, too sensual, too enticing to see just once in a lifetime. You'll be back. You don't need to see and do everything on this trip. In fact, if you find something and just fall in love with it, go back again. It's your vacation. I've included general, sample itineraries.
One last thing -- you will need a car to get around. Kauai does have a local bus system, but it does not go to the resorts . . . so plan to rent a car. But also plan to get out of the car as much as possible. This is Hawaii; don't just view it from your car window. You have to get out to smell the sweet perfume of plumeria, to feel the warm rain on your face, to hear the sound of the wind through a bamboo forest, and to plunge into the gentle waters of the Pacific.
