Trip
Overview
Lodging
Detailed Itinerary
Reserve early for the best available price. More Info
All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
Kapaa, Hawaii/Lihue, Hawaii
Geological Wonders, Kayak, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Snorkel, Swim, Tropical/Winter Sunshine, Water Activities
Call: 800-462-2848
or 510-527-1555
Fax: 510-527-1444
E-mail us
801 Cedar St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
Business Hours:
7 days a week
from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time
Or contact your travel agent
With scenery so lush it's almost beyond belief, Kauai more than lives up to its nickname "The Garden Isle." Let Backroads treat you and your family to this paradise at its most beautiful and diverse. Our journey begins on the East Shore, known as the "Coconut Coast," with its sugar-fine sand beaches - perfect for walking or beachcombing. Explore the Wailua River Valley, which features one of only three navigable rivers in Hawaii (Kauai boasts all three!). Then it's on to the wild and rugged North Shore, one of Hawaii's most spectacular landscapes, where precipitous emerald cliffs plunge like blades into turquoise waters. Heading to the island's sunny southwest side, marvel at Waimea Canyon, an enormous river-scoured gorge once described by an awestruck Mark Twain as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Of course, Kauai is also beloved for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, historic towns, postcard-perfect sunsets and warm aloha spirit - all of which you'll enjoy to the fullest.
View other trips in Asia & the Pacific
Meet in Kapaa 
Paddle up the Wailua River to the trailhead for our hike Trek to Secret Falls, a natural amphitheater featuring a stunning waterfall that plunges into a freshwater pool Dine on Hawaiian specialties and watch graceful dancers at a traditional luau 
A hike along the Na Pali coast offers one of the world's most stunning ocean views Descend into the Hanakapiai Valley, where tropical flora and a pristine beach await Walk through lava terraces at Limahuli Gardens, a National Tropical Botanical Garden set in a verdant peak-rimmed valley.
Learn to surf in Hanalei Bay Visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, an important nesting site for native seabirds Exquisite vegetation and birdlife, waterfalls, montane forests and canyon vistas set the stage for a highland hike in Kokee State Park Marvel at Waimea Canyon, whose exposed layers of lava reveal Kauai's geologic history Stop at the Kalalau lookout before trekking through the forest Embark on a leisurely ride along the coast Toast a memorable week during a festive dinner under the stars.
Route Rating What's this? Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Each offers options for more or less activity, so you can decide exactly how much you want to do day by day.
Lodging What's
this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.
Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic
regional flair.
Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the
areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and
proximity to our activities.
Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every
camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Our leaders were beyond the pale fabulous with my daughter, Vivian. They showed endless patience and willingness to just play - which is all an 11-year-old wants anyway. I've been on two previous Backroads Solo trips and thought they were outstanding. But the quality, sensitivity, and just plain fun of this family trip has made me a true Backroads believer. We will be back! p.s. From Vivian (11): "It was really, really, really, really fun!"- Alexandria, VA
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Hawaii tour experts. For multisport tours in Asia & the Pacific, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Asia & the Pacific multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific walking and hiking tours click here.
Princeville (2 nights): Nestled above spectacular Hanalei Bay, this resort offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa services, tennis courts, restaurant and sunset bar.
Waimea (2 nights): Authentic sugar plantation homes, set amid a coconut grove on a black-sand beach, welcome us with period-inspired décor, hammocks and an oceanfront pool.
1 Route Option Available
3 Route Options Available
2 Route Options Available
2 Route Options Available
2 Route Options Available
On this Family Trip, liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking |
||
| 1 | 2-3 hours |
10-20 miles |
2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours |
21-30 miles |
5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours |
31-40 miles |
7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours |
41-55 miles |
9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours |
56-75+ miles |
11-13+ miles |
