In my most recent post I discussed the need for change, in case you missed it: How to Let Go of Everything to Find It All: A Manual from a Girl Wondering.
Chickpeameatball has always primarily been a space for travel content. I’m proud of my work, but I can admit when things aren’t in alignment anymore. My writing style has changed. My interest and passions have shifted. I will always be a traveler at heart. Still, moving forward, I’m pivoting travel guides (and, therefore, travel) to focus on another aspect I’m passionate about connecting with our environment and the animals in it.
As always, it’s important for me to share content that brings value to your life. I want to reach deeper for both my experience and yours.
Enough introduction. Let’s dive into my 4 DAY KAUAI ITINERARY.
4 Day Kauai Itinerary
Highlight of the trip: Field Trips for Shelter Dogs + Kauai Animal Education Farm
Book Pairing: Why Fathers Cry at Night by Kwame Alexander
Before You Travel:
Day One
– Kauai Juice Company
– Coastal Drive + Shops
– Hanalei
– Wishing Well Coffee & Tea
– Kauai Animal Education Farm (KAEF)
Day Two
– Java Kai Bar Coffee Roasters
– Waimea Canyon State Park
– Pihea Hike
– Da Pizza Place
– Talk Story Bookstore
Day Three
– Kīlauea
– Sushigirl
– Hunter Gatherer
– Mākua (Tunnels) Beach
– AMA Ramen
Day Four
– Sunrise Coffee + Donuts
– The Tree Tunnel
– Field Trip with Shelter Dog
– Keahua Arboretum
– Kapa’a Town
Full Kauai Itinerary
DAY ONE OF THE 4 DAY KAUAI ITINERARY
KAUAI JUICE CO.
Location: 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa’a
Category: Juice, Kombucha, Tonics, Delicious
Tell me more about Kauai Juice Co.
COASTAL DRIVE + SHOPS
Kuhio Highway is similar to the Kamehameha Highway on Oahu – a gorgeous scenic coastline drive with varying views from tropics to the Pacific. From the airport (or Kapa’a, our hotel location) to the ending point at Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, you’ll experience one-of-a-kind views and plenty of towns to stop, shop, eat, and enjoy.
HANALEI
Hanalei is a small town on the north shore of Kauai. If you’re heading toward Nā Pali Coast you’ll definitely want to stop in and check out the shops and restaurants.
WISHING WELL COFFEE & TEA
KAUAI ANIMAL EDUCATION FARM (KAEF)
Location: 1234 Uilama Rd, Kapa’a
Category: Education, Environment, Animals
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Kauai Animal Education Farm (KAEF) is doing great things for the human and animal communities on Kauai. They are partnered with the local humane society, providing a safe space for the more “exotic” species needing homes.
KAEF advocates for people, animals, and the Hawaiian islands. The fact of the matter is species like chinchillas, sold as pets, are not remotely close to being in an environment that is safe for them. Large chain pet stores, such as Petco, are introducing these animals into environments, causing harm to both the animals and the ecology.
Note: Chinchillas are just one of the exotic “pets” routinely sold at pet stores in Hawai’i, but Chinchillas are native to the Andes mountains in western South America. When exposed to tropical climates, they can develop skin infections.
Additionally, traditional farm animals, such as chickens, roosters, pigs, goats, etc., are often purchased irresponsibly. Problems arise for new and/or inexperienced owners, such as unwelcome animals in residential neighborhoods, limited rehoming options, and the animal becoming more work than initially perceived. Other factors can contribute to the need to rehome animals, such as natural disasters destroying homes (Maui fires).
KAEF seeks to provide a safe space for the animals and educate the community on the impact of their choices on both animals and the environment, as well as the level of responsibility that accompanies bringing home that cute baby bunny or freshly hatched chick.
It’s not solely about education or the animals. KAEF recognizes the therapeutic benefits of animals, but they also pride themselves in being ‘āina (land) based, working to build a sustainable and holistic environment that aligns with the community’s needs.
TEMPEH TACOS and FURIKAKE TATERTOTS
Location: Kapa’a
Category: Food (vegetarian/vegan ✔)
Tots, which were just out of this world delicious, are from Johnny’s Wingz N Tingz. No picture; sorry, I ate them too fast; you’ll just have to trust me.
Tempeh Tacos (pictured below) from Sleeping Giant Grill. Both spots were located next to our hotel, and on the first day of travel, we were too tired to explore further for dinner. The food and customer service (both locations) were delicious.
DAY TWO OF THE 4 DAY KAUAI ITINERARY
JAVA KAI COFFEE ROASTERS
Location: 4-1384 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa’a
Category: Coffee, Breakfast, lunch
Java Kai offers a surprisingly good menu. I say “surprisingly good” because they’re more known for the coffee. Seating inside and out, the ambiance is hipster, surf-shack chic with a bit of punk on the side – Java Kai or Die!!
WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARK
Location: Waimea
Category: Recreation
Reservation not required
Fee for non-residence or residence without state ID.
Rightfully nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is truly a sight to behold. According to gohawaii.com, the canyon measures 1 mile wide, 14 miles long, and more than 3,600 feet deep – not as large as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which measures 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, but it is awe-inspiring.
Heading to the Grand Canyon? I got you covered. Travel guide: Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.
Waimea State Park is the perfect location for all travel types: those who wish to see wild beauty without too many steps involved (scenic drive) or those who love to be in the thick of it (hiking trails).
I’m a hiking gal, so naturally, Greg and I opted for the latter. Depending on where your search leads you online, there are 2-5+ trails in the park.
The two listed on Hawai’i State Park Website – Iliau Nature Loop (0.4 mile – loop) & Kukui Trail (2.5 miles – one way). Once you’re in the park, you’ll find plenty of trails to choose from.
Note: You have limited to no cell service inside the park, so have a game plan. You can use the map to spot trails, but I always advise knowing what’s in store. AllTrails is a great resource.
KŌKEʻE LODGE
The Kōkeʻe Lodge was not on my radar before our visit, and what a delightful surprise it was. We stopped in the lodge to buy water after our hydros ran out post-hike, but the lodge would make a great pre-hike stop, too (or both, because their house-made tea was life-giving after Pihea Hike).
There was live music, board games, plenty of places to sit, and a great menu. The cottage-core atmosphere reminds me of a place you would see in the mountains of Washington state. Large grass area in the from perfect for picnic.
PIHEA HIKE
Pihea hike is the last trail you’ll encounter. It’s located at the north-most point of the scenic drive, just past Kōkeʻe Lodge.
To say this trail is stunning would be an understatement – walking through clouds (literally) and seemingly prehistoric earth picked straight from a movie (like Jurassic Park). Pihea hike is the one I’d recommend if you only have time for one.
We started a few trails on the way to Pihea. But we stopped because we didn’t know how long they were (research first), and they (without meaning to sound spoiled) looked very similar to the hiking trails we’d done on Oahu.
Now, you may be thinking, duh because Hawai’i is Hawai’i, but that’s just not true. Every island has it’s own unique qualities, and I was searching for a trail uniquely Kauai. Pihea hike is definitely it.
ʻŌhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha)
Note: You will get muddy and good luck getting red mud out of anything. Where something you don’t mind dying.
DA PIZZA PLACE
Location: 400 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea
Category: Food (vegetarian ✔)
TALK STORY BOOKSTORE
Location: 3785 Hanapepe Rd, Hanapēpē
Category: Shop
Talk Story Bookstore is the westernmost bookstore in the United States. The shop really is a charmer. The outer walls are covered in murals (photographed below) that you have to see for yourself. They carry a great selection of books, including local authors and many Hawaii-based stories (fiction and nonfiction). I loved the books, and Greg loved the vintage video games.
If you do any shopping while on Kauai make it Talk Story Bookstore.
KAUAI JUICE CO. (round 2)
Location: 5460 Koloa Rd, Kōloa
Category: Juice, Kombucha, Tonics, Delicious
If you haven’t gathered by now, you will very soon. I love Kauai Juice Co. I stumbled upon their shop during my first trip to Kauai in 2016, and not meaning to sound dramatic, have been dreaming of their juices since. It was the one thing I most looked forward to (ask my husband; I didn’t shut up about it). We went to every location during our 4-day trip.
While researching for this post I read The Story of Kauai Juice Company – inspiring!
NIGHTCAP MOVIE | WE WATCHED: Joyride
We did the hiking and the scenic drive, ate copious amounts of (honestly unexpected) delicious food from Da Pizza Place, shopped for books, explored Hanapēpē and Kōloa, and then closed it out with juice cheers.
Now it’s time to relax (this is a vacation, after all!)
I have yet to come across a travel guide that encourages what I like to call “passive relaxation” (i.e., movie watching, doing nothing). It makes sense. When we travel, we want to make the most of our experience and money. But you spend money on the hotel room, right? So, wouldn’t it make sense to utilize it? All I’m saying is, don’t feel guilty if you need to relax on your vacation (that’s what it’s for).
DAY THREE OF THE 4 DAY KAUAI ITINERARY
SUSHIGIRL
Location: 2484 Keneke St, Kīlauea
Category: Food (vegetarian/vegan ✔)
I first went to Sushigirl in 2016, and that’s when they were located on the side of the road heading towards Na Pali Coast. This was also back when I was a pescatarian. I no longer eat fish, but I recommend the sushi burrito for those who do (like my husband).
For the veggies like me, they off veggie rolls and house-made miso soup (best miso I’ve ever had).
HUNTER GATHERER
Location:Suite I-1, 4270 Kilauea Rd, Kīlauea
Category: Shop
This shop is pricey but fun. They have some really unique items: crystals, incense, and books. They also sell handcrafted, locally curated art and ceramics. One of my favorite shops on the island second to Talk Story Bookstore. Located just a block away from Sushigirl and Kauai Juice Co. (Kīlauea location), it is worth the pop-in.
MĀKUA(TUNNELS) BEACH
Location: 5-7710 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
Category: Recreation
Tunnels Beach is known for its clear coastline and vibrant coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling. We opted to spend the day at the beach with our Sushigirl and Kauai Juices (round 3). The sunset at Mākua Beach is prime.
Few things make me as angry as seeing people (most often, tourists, sorry, not sorry) walking on the coral.
Why You Should Never Walk on Coral Reef:
Corals are animals. They are fragile and vital.
Please Read: Coral Etiquette 101 brought to you by NOAA
Know that whenever I see a person walking on the reef, I say a tiny prayer that the coral reaps its revenge by cutting your foot open, wedging a piece inside for it to incubate and grow, perhaps spawning something akin to the clicker of the Last of Us.
Now, that may sound dramatic to some, but of all the things we could do or not do when visiting a place – the very least we could do for our oceans is not destroy habitats because we’re too comfortable being uninformed about their ecosystem.
Note: If this is your first time to Kauai (or even if it’s not), the Na Pali Coast is an absolute must. Unless you are a resident of Hawai’i with state ID, you will need a reservation.
AMA RAMEN
Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
Category: Food (vegetarian/vegan ✔)
My favorite thing about AMA Ramen was actually the mocktails (drinks). The ramen itself was good, not the best I’ve had. I would still recommend this restaurant to those looking for a nice atmosphere (fire-pit and outdoor seating), great for date night.
NIGHTCAP MOVIE | WE WATCHED: Barbie
DAY FOUR OF THE 4 DAY KAUAI ITINERARY
SUNRISE COFFEE + DONUTS
Location: 3-3716 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue
Category: Coffee, breakfast
FIELD TRIPS FOR SHELTER DOGS
Location: Kauai Humane Society
Category: Recreation, Animal Care
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Undoubtedly, it is one of the coolest things we’ve done on any vacation.
Field trip with shelter dogs is a Kauai Humane Society program is exactly what it sounds like, an opportunity for you to take a shelter dog out got the day.
We picked up our dog first thing, 10 am and headed to Keahua Arboretum.
Warning… you will probably fall in love with your shelter dog. We did. And suppose you’re in the position to adopt your shelter dog (even visitors from the mainland can adopt). In that case, that’s a bonus of the program.
One of the many wonderful things about the program is they provide everything you’ll need for an excursion, including water, poop bags, treats, etc. They also offer a list of places you can take your shelter dog, which means even more ideas for your travel plans.
For lunch, we went to Java Kai (again, I know), but we needed a dog-friendly spot, and they had outdoor seating. The wait staff even offered bacon to our pup (he couldn’t have it because there’s a no feed rule) so thoughtful. We already had their breakfast, and I can attest that Java Kai is an excellent spot for either.
It was hard to say goodbye, but the experience (for both you and the dog) is worth the challenge of saying goodbye. The dogs get the opportunity to be socialized, and you do something good for the community – win, win.
Book your field trip with shelter dog.
NIGHTCAP MOVIE | WE WATCHED: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Novel I Read During Trip
Why Fathers Cry at Night by Kwame Alexander
Perfect vacation book. The chapters are short. You will feel inspired. You can get lost and found again.
I stumbled upon Why Fathers Cry at Night by Kwame Alexander when browsing the poetry section at Barnes and Noble. I flipped through the pages and couldn’t put the book down. This collection is stunning. As I read through, I found myself revisiting passages and poems. Alexander pours his heart on the pages – it’s potent, relatable, and yet wholly his own. This book is a squeeze of the heart; it’s a warm hand on your shoulder. I’ve never read anything quite like it – it rounded out my 2023 as one of my favorite books for the year.
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