Daniel, Chloe, Autumn & Gerard’s Kauai Adventure

Kauai Family Vacation

April 23rd – April 28th, 2025

Daniel
Dad
Chloe
Mom
14
Autumn
Daughter
3m
Gerard
Baby Boy

Accommodation

Waipouli Beach Resort F303 (Booked via Kauai Exclusive)

4-820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Check-in: Check with Kauai Exclusive / Check-out: Check with Kauai Exclusive
Specific unit F303. Resort amenities: Central location with heated salt water lazy river, slides, sand-bottom area, whirlpools, beach access, fitness room, spa, Oasis restaurant, free parking, walking distance to Foodland/Coconut Marketplace.

Flight Information

Your travel details for the journey

Outbound Flight

Checking status…
DEN
Denver International Airport
08:00 AM
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Mountain Time (Denver)
7h 46m
LIH
Lihue Airport, Kauai
12:00 PM
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Hawaii Time (Kauai)
United Airlines
Flight #UA2307
Checking flight information…

Return Flight

Checking status…
LIH
Lihue Airport, Kauai
7:26 PM
Monday, April 28, 2025
Hawaii Time (Kauai)
6h 59m
DEN
Denver International Airport
6:25 AM
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Mountain Time (Denver)
United Airlines
Flight #UA2308
Checking flight information…

Daily Itinerary

Your day-by-day plan for Kauai

Day 1 Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Arrival & Resort Relaxation

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Arrive LIH, Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Resort

Lihue Airport (LIH), 3901 Mokulele Loop, Lihue, HI 96766
Estimated Drive: ~15 mins (8 miles) to Waipouli Beach Resort
Duration: ~1.5 hours (Airport process + drive + check-in)
Check into F303, unpack. Don’t forget to get your car seat properly installed before departing the airport.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Settle In & Resort Exploration

Waipouli Beach Resort, 4-820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Familiarize yourselves with the pool area (heated salt water lazy river, slides, sand-bottom children’s area), beach access, and nearby shops (Foodland Farms/Kauai Village Shopping Center across the street).
7:00 PM onwards

Dinner

Keep it simple after travel.

Options:

Condo Meal

Quick meal using groceries from Foodland Farms (located across street from resort).

Foodland Farms, 4-831 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
Open 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily

Coconut Marketplace Takeout

Takeout from Coconut Marketplace (walkable, ~5 min from resort).

4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Most restaurants open 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Oasis on the Beach Reservation Recommended

Resort restaurant with ocean views ($$$$ Price Range)

4-820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746 (Located at Waipouli Beach Resort)
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (hours may vary)
Day 2 Thursday, April 24, 2025

East Shore Beach & Pool Fun

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Lydgate Beach Park Fun

Lydgate Beach Park, Leho Drive (off Kuhio Hwy), Kapaa, HI 96746
Protected lagoons (safe for baby Gerard, good snorkeling for others), playground, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, picnic tables.
Free admission and parking
Duration: ~3 hours
Estimated Drive: ~5-10 mins (2 miles from resort)
Recommended Departure: 8:45 AM
Ideal calm water for baby Gerard. Autumn can snorkel safely in the lagoon. Visit Kamalani Playground across the street.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch at Lydgate or Back at Condo

Lydgate Beach Park (picnic tables available) or Waipouli Condo
Use park picnic tables/grills or head back to condo for convenience, especially for baby Gerard’s nap schedule.
Duration: ~1 hour
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Resort Pool Time

Waipouli Beach Resort Pool Complex, 4-820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Two-acre black-rock fantasy pool complex with waterslides, lazy river, sand-bottom kids area, waterfalls, cave, and multiple hot tubs.
Duration: ~3 hours
Enjoy waterslides (Autumn), lazy river (all), sand-bottom kids area (Gerard). Heated salt water pool is comfortable for all ages.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Dinner Options

Choose One:

Pono Market (Local Favorite)

Authentic Hawaiian takeout – known for excellent poke and Kalua pork ($ Price Range)

4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
6:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Pick up early for dinner)
Estimated Drive: ~5 mins

Leong’s Road House

Casual dining with diverse menu ($$-$$$ Price Range)

4-971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Estimated Drive: ~7 mins

Cook at Condo

Prepare a meal with groceries from Foodland Farms

Full kitchen available in unit F303
Day 3 Friday, April 25, 2025

Wailua River & Luau

Reserve Now
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Smith’s Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto

Wailua Marina State Park, 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
~$35/Adult, $17.50/Child (2-12), Infant (<2) Free
Tour Time: 9:30 AM (Arrive 30 minutes before departure)
Duration: 1.5 hours (allow ~2 hours total with boarding)
Estimated Drive: ~10-15 mins
Recommended Departure: 8:45 AM (45 mins before cruise time)
Gentle boat ride suitable for all ages, including baby Gerard. Live music, storytelling, and scenic views of the Fern Grotto.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Lunch Options

Choose One:

The Garden Grille

American cuisine with Hawaiian influences ($$-$$$ Price Range)

3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 (Hilton Garden Inn Kauai)
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Estimated Drive: ~5 mins from river cruise

Return to Condo for Lunch

Ideal for baby Gerard’s nap schedule

2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Afternoon Relaxation

Choose One:

Resort Pool Time

Enjoy the resort amenities

Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path

Scenic paved path along the coast (accessible from resort)

Perfect for a stroller walk with baby Gerard
Reserve Now
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Hawaiian Luau

Estimated Drive: ~10-15 mins (both locations)
Recommended Departure: 30-40 mins before check-in time
Backup: If River Cruise canceled, consider Kauai Museum in Lihue (check hours/days).

Choose One:

Smith Family Garden Luau Reservation Required

3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 (Wailua River State Park)
$150/Adult, $45/Jr (7-13), $35/Child (3-6), Infant (<3) Free
Check-in: 5:00 PM, Imu Ceremony: 5:15 PM, Dinner: 6:00 PM, Show: 7:00 PM
Operates Mon/Wed/Fri (Tue/Thu seasonally)

Family-run, garden setting, includes Imu ceremony, buffet, Polynesian show.

Luau Ka Hikina Reservation Required

650 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI 96746 (Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort)
$189/Adult, $115/Jr (7-13), $75/Child (3-6), Infant (1-2) Free
Check-in: 5:00 PM, Event: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Operates Tue/Thu only

Oceanfront, known for food, includes buffet, open bar, show.

Day 4 Saturday, April 26, 2025

Waimea Canyon Exploration

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Drive to Waimea Canyon & Scenic Lookouts

Waimea Canyon State Park, Hwy 550, Waimea, HI 96796
$5/person (non-res, >3 yrs) + $10/vehicle (non-res) for park entry
Duration: ~3-4 hours exploring
Estimated Drive: ~1 hour 15 mins to main lookout
Recommended Departure: 7:30 AM to avoid crowds
Stop at Waimea Canyon Lookout (MM 10, accessible), Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (MM 13.5), potentially Kalalau Lookout (MM 18, weather dependent). Consider the Iliau Nature Loop Trail (0.3 miles, potentially stroller-friendly). Dress in layers – can be cooler/windier.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Lunch Options

Choose One:

Picnic at Waimea Canyon

Bring lunch from condo to enjoy at scenic spots

Jo Jo’s Shave Ice & Lunch

Local favorite for shave ice and casual meals ($ Price Range)

9872 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Optional Stop: Salt Pond Beach Park

Salt Pond Beach Park, Lele Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
Estimated Drive: ~10 minutes from Waimea town
Family-friendly beach with shallow, protected swimming areas. Amenities include picnic tables, lifeguards, restrooms and showers.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Dinner Options

Choose One:

Napali Brewing Company

Brewery with local flavors ($$-$$$ Price Range)

4-885 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Cook at Condo

Prepare a meal with groceries

Day 5 Sunday, April 27, 2025

Beach Day & Optional Surf

9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Choose Your Beach!

Free (Parking included)
Duration: ~4-5 hours (including travel & beach time)
Pack lunch/snacks or grab something near your chosen beach. Factor in drive time for departure.

Beach Options:

Lydgate Beach Park (East)

Familiar, safe lagoons, playground.

Leho Drive (off Kuhio Hwy), Kapaa, HI 96746
Estimated Drive: 5-10 min
Protected lagoons, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables

Poipu Beach Park (South)

Family-friendly, wading pool, lifeguards, potential seals/turtles.

2290 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Estimated Drive: 30-40 min (20 miles)
Natural wading pool, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, potential for monk seal and turtle sightings

Anini Beach (North)

Very calm/shallow, great for baby/snorkeling. No Lifeguards. Check conditions.

Anini Road, Kilauea, HI 96754
Estimated Drive: 20-30 min (13-14 miles)
Protected by one of Hawaii’s longest fringing reefs, very shallow and calm water, excellent snorkeling, shaded by trees, restrooms, picnic tables, NO lifeguards
Reserve Now
Flexible (1.5-2 hours)

Optional Surf Lesson (Teen + 1 Adult)

Book well in advance. Daniel goes with Autumn while Chloe stays with baby Gerard.

Surf School Options:

Poipu Beach Surf School Reservation Required

Coordinate with Poipu Beach day

2125A Poipu Rd (Located at the beach), Koloa, HI 96756
$150+ per person (semi-private lesson)
Various times available, 1.5 hour lessons
Small class sizes, ages 6-76 welcome, all equipment provided

Hawaiian Surf Adventures Reservation Required

Coordinate with Anini Beach day (Hanalei is nearby)

5-5070 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
$175+ per person
Various times available, 1.5 hour lessons
Expert instructors, equipment provided, shuttle service to/from beach
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Farewell Dinner

Options:

Oasis on the Beach Reservation Recommended

Special oceanfront dinner at resort ($$$$ Price Range)

4-820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746 (Located at Waipouli Beach Resort)
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Farm-to-table dining, ocean views, fresh seafood

Another Kapaa Restaurant

See previous day options

Cook at Condo

Prepare a special farewell meal

Day 6 Monday, April 28, 2025

Departure

Morning (until check-out)

Final Morning Relaxation

Waipouli Beach Resort – Pool, Beach Walk, Condo Breakfast
Check-out time: Check with Kauai Exclusive (typically 10 AM or 11 AM)
Enjoy last moments at the resort. Pack up belongings. If Tuesday/Thursday, visit Coconut Marketplace Farmer’s Market (9 AM – 1 PM).
Depends on flight time

Check Out & Drive to Airport

Waipouli Beach Resort to Lihue Airport (LIH)
Estimated Drive: ~15 mins (8 miles)
Confirm check-out procedures with Kauai Exclusive before departure.
2 hours before flight

Return Rental Car & Depart

Lihue Airport (LIH), 3901 Mokulele Loop, Lihue, HI 96766
Flight Departure: 7:26 PM
Allow at least 2 hours at the airport before departure time for check-in, security, etc. (especially with baby gear). Recommended arrival at airport: 5:30 PM.

Reservation Manager

To Be Booked

Smith’s Wailua River Cruise

Friday, April 25, 2025
9:30 AM (Arrive by 9:00 AM)
2 Adults, 1 Teen, 1 Infant
3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
~$35/Adult, $17.50/Child (2-12), Infant (<2) Free
To Be Booked

Hawaiian Luau

Friday, April 25, 2025
Check-in: 5:00 PM
2 Adults, 1 Teen, 1 Infant
Choose either Smith Family Garden Luau (Mon/Wed/Fri) or Luau Ka Hikina (Tue/Thu)
Smith Family Garden Luau
3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
$150/Adult, $45/Jr (7-13), $35/Child (3-6), Infant (<3) Free
Luau Ka Hikina
650 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI 96746
$189/Adult, $115/Jr (7-13), $75/Child (3-6), Infant (1-2) Free
Only operates Tue/Thu
To Be Booked

Surf Lesson (Optional)

Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time depends on beach selection
Daniel & Autumn (1 Adult, 1 Teen)
Choose school based on beach selection (Poipu vs. North Shore)
Poipu Beach Surf School
2125A Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
$150+ per person
Hawaiian Surf Adventures
5-5070 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
$175+ per person
Optional

Oasis on the Beach Dinner

April 23 or April 27, 2025
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
4-820 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746 (at Waipouli Beach Resort)
Resort restaurant with ocean views, farm-to-table cuisine ($$$$)

Family Preferences

Daniel
Dad
Surfing, Hiking
Racecar driver, Pun master, Unsatiable appetite for chocolate
Chloe
Mom
Beach Relaxation, Cultural Activities
Swimming in all the places, Finding all the cool fun stuff, Always warm and happy attitude
14
Autumn
Daughter
Swimming, Wants to Try Surfing, Drinking Hawaiian smoothies, Eating spicy Cheetos
Helping with baby Gerard, Japanese boy bands, Anime
3m
Gerard
Baby Boy
Gentle Water Play, Stroller Rides
Regular naps, Lots of cuddles, Occasional binge eating for fun

Important Reminders

Flexibility

This is a template. Adjust daily based on Gerard’s schedule (naps, feeding) and everyone’s energy levels.

Reservations

Book Luaus, River Cruise, and Surf Lessons ASAP. Consider reservations for Oasis on the Beach, especially for dinner on arrival or farewell night.

Sun Protection

Use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing for everyone, especially baby Gerard. Stay hydrated.

Baby Gear

Bring/Rent stroller and/or baby carrier. Pack essentials for Gerard (diapers, wipes, food, meds). Check if condo has high chair/portable crib.

Car Seat

Ensure you have an appropriate, correctly installed car seat for Gerard meeting Hawaii regulations.

Costs

Prices are estimates and subject to change. Factor in meals, gas, souvenirs, and tips. Using condo kitchen for some meals can help save money.

Wildlife

Maintain a respectful distance (at least 100 ft recommended for seals, 10 ft for turtles) if you see them on beaches. Do not disturb them.

Weather

Hawaii’s weather can change quickly. Always have a light rain jacket handy and check forecasts, especially for Waimea Canyon visits (which can be foggy).

Time Zone

Hawaii Standard Time (HST) is 4 hours behind Denver during Daylight Saving Time. Plan for jet lag adjustment, especially for baby Gerard’s schedule.