Ultimate 10-Day Maui and Kauai Itinerary [2026]

Maui and Kauai are our favorites of the Hawaiian Islands. If we don’t get to at least one of them each year, we feel less relaxed, and we find ourselves longing to return. If you plan on visiting both on your first or next trip to Hawaii, we recommend visiting both islands and spending at least 10 days, five days on each. Here are our recommendations on what to do on each island. First Maui, and then Kauai.

Introduction

• Pairing Maui + Kauai works so well, as Maui is polished with a variety of activities, and Kauai is wild and raw in its beauty.
• This itinerary works well for couples and retirees.
• The itinerary is active, but there is plenty of time for relaxation and downtime.

At a Glance: 10-Day Maui & Kauai Itinerary

• Days 1–5: Maui (West + Upcountry + Road to Hana)
• Days 6–10: Kauai (South Shore base with North Shore day trip, or the opposite)
• Inter-island flight logistics (short, easy, frequent)

Planning Your Trip

Here are a few tips for planning your trip to the two stunning islands.

When to Visit Maui & Kauai

• Best time to go is April–May and September–early October for both Maui and Kauai — reliable weather, thinner crowds, and shoulder-season pricing
• Whale season (Dec–April highlight)

How to Get Between Islands

• Flight options (Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest)
• Timing tips (morning flights, rental car logistics)

Where to Stay

• Maui: Wailea vs. Kaanapali (luxury vs. lively)
• Kauai: Poipu (sunny) vs. Princeville (lush, dramatic)
• Tips for choosing based on travel style

Maui (Days 1-5)

When you ask American tourists which Hawaiian island is the best place to visit, Maui is often the answer. Cos and Robin got married on Maui in April of 2021. Pictured below are photos from their wedding dinner that night at the Four Seasons’ Spago Restaurant in Wailea.

Day 1: Arrival in Maui + Settle In

• Arrive at Kahului Airport
• Pick up a rental car
• Check into hotel (Wailea or Kaanapali)
• Sunset dinner recommendation (oceanfront, relaxed first night).  If staying in Wailea, you might want to have dinner at one of the great restaurants at the beach resorts where you’re staying (Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, and the Fairmont are the high-end options). In Kaanapali, try Monkey Pod, or visit Meriman’s in Kapalua.

Day 2: Beach Day + Wailea Coastal Walk on the South Side of the Island or Whale Watching

Depending on where you have decided to stay, spend your morning at either Wailea Beach or Kaanapali Beach. One great spot is to walk the Wailea Beach Path. Snorkeling and paddleboarding options are available in both parts of the Island. Food trucks are also available in both locations.

Whale Watching

If driving to Kaanapali during the November to April timeframe, consider stopping at a scenic pullout along the way and seeing if you can spot humpback whales. Whale watching can either be done from the side of the road or by taking a whale watching boat trip. Here is the whale-watching tour we took. You can book it at GetYourGuide.

Day 3: Ronad to Hana Adventure

One of the fun things to do on Maui is to travel the road to Hana. It is a windy road that takes you past some magnificent waterfalls and ends up in a beautiful, scenic part of the island. However, it is a very windy road with many, many switchbacks, and you can feel somewhat of a superstar if you complete the journey. 

If you continue beyond Hana, you will reach Haleakalā National Park, which offers great hikes and views. Beyond this park is the grave site of Charles Lindberg, a peaceful setting next to the Palapala Ho’omau Church. Robin is a fan of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, so this was a must-do.

Continuing on the road past Hana is the less-traveled route, which offers gorgeous scenery. It’s quite a treat.

Another great stop on the trip is the Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. You will find it just before you reach Hana.

Trip Option #1: Main Route or Circular Returning

The main route to Hana starts in Pa’ia and follows a curvy two-lane road along the Northern Coast to Hana. Most trips to Hana are round-trip on this main route. An alternative is a circular route that passes through Haleakala National Park and follows an extremely challenging route around the South-eastern coast of the island. The circular route winds along the mountainside as it returns from Hana. We have made the trip both ways. The circular route is now much improved compared to when Cos first did it in 1978, when it was unpaved on his first visit to Maui.

Trip Option #2: Drive vs. Guided Tour

We made the trip to Hana on several occasions. Since we have a rental car, we normally drive. However, the drive can be quite a challenge for both the driver and the passenger, so venturing out with a driver or joining a tour is an option.

We recently hired a private tour with a driver and spent the full day driving the road to Hana. We were especially looking forward to having someone else drive this rugged road, and we were pleasantly surprised that our guide was a native Polynesian. She shared many local stories and customs. We also did the road in reverse, which made for a much more pleasant experience with little traffic and frequent beautiful stops. However, the day was long, starting at 6:15 a.m. and returning at 3:45 p.m. We recommend starting early to avoid the traffic in the late morning and early afternoon.  If you are interested in exploring guided tours, click the link below:

Trip Option #3: Return Same Day or Stay Overnight

There are several hotel options in Hana that can make a trip last multiple days.  We normally make the trip the same day, but we did an overnight stay on one occasion and stayed at the Hyatt resort.  This is a good option if you want to spend additional time visiting the places just past Hana.

Day 4: Upcountry Maui + Haleakalā

Sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā National Park is an outstanding way to enjoy Maui from the highest peak. While you are in Upcountry, visit the town of Makawao, where you can find a winery tour or a farm-to-table lunch.

Day 5: Snorkeling + Leisure + Departure to Kauai

• Visiting Iao Valley State Park or
• Relaxation morning
• Fly to Kauai
• Check into a Poipu or Princeville Hotel

Other Maui Scenic Drives

A lesser-known but equally hair-raising road is Highway 340 (Kahekili Highway), which ends at Highway 30. This trip, which starts just past Kapalua at the northern end of Maui, is beautiful. It will show you some amazing sights. One that we thoroughly enjoyed was the blowhole just past Honu’ula.

For more information about Road Trips, please visit our Road Trips Post.

Other Fun Activities on Maui

Two specific fun activities you might want to consider are the Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Farm Tour or Tasting and Helicopter Rides.

Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate

Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate offers farm tours and tastings of their premium chocolates grown in the hills above Lahaina. This local product has achieved remarkable award-winning success, including the 2021 Cocoa of Excellence Gold Award for the Asia-Pacific region.

What makes it special is that they actually grow cacao on Maui and produce “tree-to-bar” chocolate locally, which is still relatively rare in the chocolate world. A nice detail: the company says it donates 100% of net profits to Maui nonprofits, which has resonated strongly since the Lahaina fires.

Helicopter Rides

Another fun thing to do on Maui is to enjoy a helicopter ride. One path takes you over the northern part of the island of Maui and gives you a bird’s eye view of the Island of Molokai.

Kauai, the Garden Isle

Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” due to its lush landscapes and abundant greenery. Let’s understand why you should visit Kauai.

Kauai is a beautiful island in Hawaii known as the “Garden Isle” because of its lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island. While Kauai is a small island compared to the other larger Hawaiian Islands, there is still plenty to do on Kauai. Also, you can easily see the entire island in three days.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Visiting Kauai:

1. Natural Beauty: Kauai is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in Hawaii, including Waimea Canyon, the Napili Coast, and the Wailua River.
2. Beaches: Kauai has some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, including Poipu Beach Park, Hanalei Bay, and Tunnels Beach.
3. Outdoor Activities: Kauai offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling.
4. Small-Town Charm: Kauai has maintained a small-town feel while catering to many tourists yearly. Hanapepe Town and Waimea Town are great spots to grab a meal, shop, or explore.
5. Least Developed Island: Kauai is the least developed of the four main islands that most people visit in Hawaii.
6. History and Culture: Kauai has a rich history and culture. It can be explored through its museums, historic sites, and cultural events.

How to Get to Kauai, Hawaii

To get to Kauai, you can fly into Lihue Airport (LIH), which is Kauai’s main airport. Several airlines offer direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Phoenix. Once on the island, renting a car is the best way to explore, though shuttles and guided tours are also available. If you’re island-hopping from another Hawaiian island, inter-island flights are the primary mode of transportation.

Other Options on How to Get to Kauai, Hawaii

Two other options are available regarding “How to get to Kauai, Hawaii.”

1. Fly to Honolulu (HNL) from a city either in the United States or another country that doesn’t fly direct into LIH and connect for the short flight from HNL to LIH.
2. Take a cruise that either travels around the Hawaiian Islands or does a trans-Pacific route from the US West Coast.

Cruise ships visiting Kauai typically dock at Nawiliwili Harbor, located near Lihue on the southeastern coast of the island. This is Kauai’s primary cruise port, offering easy access to the island’s stunning landscapes and attractions. One of the most frequent cruise ships stopping in Kauai is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which docks at Nawiliwili Harbor as part of its Hawaiian itinerary. Other major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, also use Nawiliwili Harbor, though in rare cases, ships may divert to Port Allen if weather conditions make Nawiliwili inaccessible. If you’re planning a cruise stop in Kauai, you’ll find rental car services and excursions available right from the port, making it easy to explore the island’s breathtaking scenery.

Getting Around Kauai

With a visit to Waikiki on Oahu as the only exception, exploring all the Hawaiian Islands requires a car rental. I would even consider getting one in Waikiki unless you don’t plan to leave the downtown area. We love renting a convertible on our recent and previous visits to Kauai. Here is a picture of our most recent rental.

Our favorite place to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They will connect you with almost all the island car rental agencies and get you a reasonable price.

Things to Avoid on Kauai Hawaii

While there are many things to do on Kauai, two things to avoid are traffic and chickens.

Traffic

Unlike most large cities, Kauai is primarily a rural landscape; even the central town, Lihue, is not very crowded. Nevertheless, virtually all the roads on Kauai are two-lane and can get busy during rush hour. The one road that has three lanes in some sections is Kuhio Highway. However, to handle the morning rush-hour traffic, they placed cones along a couple of miles of the Kuhio Highway to reverse traffic in the third lane. In addition, some trucks are moving around the island that you don’t want to follow. We got out from behind this one as soon as we took the picture.

Chickens

Kauai’s wild chickens are a fascinating result of history and nature. Hurricanes Iwa (1982) and Iniki (1992) destroyed domestic chicken coops, releasing the birds into the wild. These chickens then interbred with the red junglefowl that Polynesian settlers brought to Hawaii. With no natural predators on the island, their population has grown significantly. They’ve become a unique part of Kauai’s ecosystem and culture, amusing tourists but sometimes frustrating locals with their crowing and foraging.

Drive-Along Guide

One of the best ways to find all the great beaches and other places to visit while driving around the island is to get a drive-along guide from Shaka Guides. We used them on our last visit. There were four different tours around Kauai, and it helped us find “What to do in Kauai Hawaii.”  You purchase the App, download the tour you want on your phone, and connect your phone to the car radio. The Shaka Guide will help you find all the great places to visit on the island and tell you a lot about the island’s history. Because it’s a GPS-based app, the commentary is always related to your current position. You can get the Shaka APP here.

What to Do in Kauai Hawaii – Top Ten Things to Do

1. Napali Coast: The Napili Coast is a 17-mile expanse of rocky, steep, and oh-so-gorgeous cliffs that stretch along Kauai’s North Shore.
2. Waimea Canyon: Aptly nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon should be at the top of every traveler’s itinerary.
3. Poipu Beach Park: A popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is located on Kauai’s sunny south shore and offers plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and lifeguards.
4. Kilauea Lighthouse: The Kilauea Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse on Kauai’s North Shore. It was built in 1913 and is now part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.
5. Wailua Falls: Wailua Falls is a beautiful waterfall near Lihue on Kauai’s east side. The falls are easily accessible by car and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Hanalei Bay: Hanalei Bay is a beautiful crescent-shaped bay on Kauai’s North Shore. It offers plenty of activities, such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
7. Kalalau Trail: The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along Kauai’s North Shore. The trail offers stunning views of the Napali Coast and is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Hawaii.
8. Koke’e State Park: Koke’e State Park is located on Kauai’s west side and offers plenty of hiking trails that lead through some of Hawaii’s most beautiful landscapes.
9. Limahuli Garden and Preserve: Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a botanical garden on Kauai’s north shore. The garden features native Hawaiian plants and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
10. Hanapepe Town: Hanapepe Town is a charming town on Kauai’s south shore. The town features art galleries, shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Here are our personal recommendations of “What to do in Kauai, Hawaii.”

Days 6–10: Kauai Hawaii Itinerary

Cos made his first visit to Kauai in 1978, and he has returned a number of times since then. His last visit was in 2024. Here is his recommended Itinerary for the second half of your “Ultimate Maui and Kauai 10-Day Itinerary.”

Other Fun Activities on Kauai

There are two other activities that we suggest you consider:

• Hindu Monastery
• Golf

Hindu Monastery

You might ask, “What is a Hindu monastery doing on Kauai?” There is a long story about how this came about, and we’ll save it for another day. However, if you want to visit the monastery, you must go before noon, as the temple is only open in the morning. It is in the Wailua Falls general area and is reached from Kuamoo Road.

Golf

Kauai is a great place to play golf. The Poipu Bay Golf Club is an excellent course on the southern side of the Island. From 1994 to 2006, it was home to the Grand Slam of Golf. Tiger Woods loved the course, as he won the tournament seven times.

Best Food on Kauai Hawaii

Kauai has some great places to get delicious food. One of our favorite experiences is Merriman’s in Poipu, which has the best Mai Tais in Hawaii. But other great places also exist. Next door to Merriman’s is Eating House 1849, a history-minded Hawaiian spot by Roy Yamaguchi. The butterfish is a big hit there. There was also a great sign there from a gentleman named Peter Fernandez. Translated to English, it means “Happy Wife, Happy Life”. Helped me work on my Spanish.

There are also some great places to have a lighter meal, such as lunch. Our favorite place was Kalypso in Hanalei, near Princeville, at the island’s northern end.

Best Coffee in Hawaii

Everyone has heard of Kona Coffee on the Big Island, but believe it or not, Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee plantation in Hawaii. It is a great place to visit on the South Shore.

Shopping on Kauai, The Garden Island

There are plenty of places to go shopping in Kauai. The shops focus mainly on tourist gifts. One of our favorites is Hawaiian Dirt Shirts, which came about when the store selling white T-shirts was flooded out and the red dirt from the Waimea Canyon turned the shirts red.

Final Thoughts: Maui vs. Kauai Hawaii

• Maui = variety, polish, accessibility
• Kauai = raw beauty, slower pace
• Combining both creates the “ultimate” Hawaii experience

Other Hawaiian Posts You May Enjoy

While this post was focused almost exclusively on Maui and Kauai, we have much more to say about Hawaii, given how many times we have been there. Therefore, you might want to visit some of our other posts.

• https://cosguide4travel.com/2019/01/03/things-to-do-in-hawaii-for-couples/
• https://cosguide4travel.com/2023/09/16/best-10-day-hawaiian-itinerary/

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