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Oahu & Kauai Explorer

A perfect balance of Oahu's vibrant culture and Kauai's raw natural beauty. This route covers world-class surf, volcanic canyons, and the dramatic Na Pali cliffs.

7days
21stops
197km
DAY01

Diamond Head State Monument → Waikiki Beach

7 km · 25m driving · Overnight in Waikiki Beach
  1. 09:00
    Diamond Head State Monument· start
  2. 3 km · 10m
  3. 11:30
    Leonard's Bakery
  4. 4 km · 15m
  5. 13:30
    Waikiki Beach· overnight
Accommodation
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
Food
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food · Traditional kalua pig and poi in a no-frills setting.
Costs
Lodging
$350
Food
$80
Diamond Head Entry
$5
DAY02

Laniakea Beach → Sunset Beach Park

35 km · 55m driving · Overnight in Sunset Beach Park
  1. 10:00
    Laniakea Beach· start
  2. 18 km · 25m
  3. 12:30
    Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
  4. 12 km · 20m
  5. 14:30
    Waimea Valley
  6. 5 km · 10m
  7. 16:30
    Sunset Beach Park· overnight
Accommodation
Turtle Bay / North Shore
DAY03

Byodo-In Temple → Lanikai Beach

25 km · 40m driving · Overnight in Lanikai Beach
  1. 09:30
    Byodo-In Temple· start
  2. 10 km · 15m
  3. 11:30
    Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
  4. 15 km · 25m
  5. 14:00
    Lanikai Beach· overnight
Accommodation
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
DAY04

Lihue Airport → Koke'e

55 km · 1h 15m driving · Overnight in Koke'e
  1. 10:30
    Lihue Airport· start
  2. 45 km · 1h
  3. 13:30
    Waimea Canyon
  4. 10 km · 15m
  5. 15:30
    Koke'e· overnight
Accommodation
Poipu, South Shore Kauai
Costs
Flight
$120
Car Rental
$90/day
DAY05

Eleele / Port Allen → Poipu Beach Park

20 km · 35m driving · Overnight in Poipu Beach Park
  1. 07:30
    Eleele / Port Allen· start
  2. 15 km · 25m
  3. 14:00
    Spouting Horn
  4. 5 km · 10m
  5. 15:30
    Poipu Beach Park· overnight
Accommodation
Poipu, South Shore Kauai
Food
  • Puka Dog · Unique Hawaiian-style hot dogs with tropical fruit relishes.
DAY06

Hanalei Bay → Kilauea Lighthouse

37 km · 55m driving · Overnight in Kilauea Lighthouse
  1. 10:00
    Hanalei Bay· start
  2. 12 km · 20m
  3. 12:30
    Ha'ena
  4. 25 km · 35m
  5. 16:00
    Kilauea Lighthouse· overnight
Accommodation
Princeville, North Shore Kauai
DAY07

Wailua River → Lihue Airport

18 km · 35m driving
  1. 09:00
    Wailua River· start
  2. 8 km · 15m
  3. 12:00
    Wailua Falls
  4. 10 km · 20m
  5. 15:00
    Lihue Airport
Costs
Food
$60
Gas
$70
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Day 4Flight · Lihue Airport
Heads Up
  • Book Diamond Head and Ha'ena State Park months in advance
  • Rental cars are essential on both islands
  • Pack a rain jacket for Kauai's North Shore
  • 🛫 Route includes 1 flight + 0 rail segments. Map shows them as dashed lines (connection only, not real road).