So much to do, so little time, is a common lament among visitors who think they can see Kaua'i in a day or two. To get a good sample of the highlights, try some of the following one-day itineraries.
Waimea Canyon & Koke'e State Park.
Start early, pack a picnic, and head up the mountain for some of the loveliest scenery on the island. Stop at the scenic overlooks and peer into the colorful chasm of Waimea Canyon, then continue on to the cool forests of Koke'e. Spend the afternoon hiking, then cruise down to Salt Pond Beach Park and watch the sunset.
Wailua River & Kapa'a.
Whether you rent a kayak, take a guided tour, or board one of the motor boats, spend the morning traversing the Wailua River. You'll pass through lush tropical foliage and wind up at the Fern Grotto. Afterward, drive up Kuamo'o Road to '.paeka'a Falls, then head into Kapa'a for lunch and a bit of shopping in one of the many boutiques and galleries on the northern edge of town.
Sweet History.
Start at the Kaua'i Museum in Lihu'e for an overview of island history, then tour Grove Farm Homestead to get a feel of country life in bygone days. As you head west on Kaumuali'i Highway, stop in at Kilohana Plantation and check out the mansion. Continue on to Kaumakani, the dusty little camp town on the west side, where you can take a guided tour of the island's last sugar plantation, owned by Gay & Robinson. After viewing the fields and seeing how cane is processed into granulated sugar, head east to Koloa town, site of Kaua'i's first plantation. Browse the shops in the historic buildings that line the charming main street, or zip over to Po'ip. Beach, where you can wash off the dust with a refreshing swim before dinner.
Beaches & Birds.
Load up the kids and head for Lydgate State Park on the East Side, where they can enjoy Kamalani Playground and everyone can swim and snorkel. For lunch, grab a bite to eat as you drive north through Kapa'a. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you continue to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where you can watch seabirds soar and perhaps spot whales and dolphins cavorting offshore. Continue north to Hanalei Bay, where you can swim, boogie board, or jog on the beach. If the waves are huge, stay out of the water and check out the surfing scene. As the sun sinks and the mountains turn rosy, pick up a pizza and drive back to your hotel while the kids snooze in the back seat.
Ways to Save
Save on produce and flowers by shopping at the farmers' markets held on different days of the week all around the island.
Stock up on gas and groceries in Kapa'a and Lihu'e if you're staying on the North Shore or South Side, as prices go up farther from town. Book guided activities, such as Na Pali Coast boat tours, on the Internet. Individual outfitters' Web sites usually offer discounts for those who book on-line.
Reserve the smallest car for your needs to save money on gas and rental fees.