Arrive at the Lihue Airport (LIH) any time before about 3 p.m. Settle into your gorgeous oceanfront eco-hotel on the north part of the island close to Hanalei and Kilauea towns. Take a dip in the pool or grab some fresh fruit at the Lobby Farmstead before joining the group for our Farm & Forest Welcome Dinner. You’ll learn about the robust local food system on the island using agroforestry while experiencing the grounds and enjoying a locally sourced meal. Try fare including locally ranched meats, seasonal greens, roasted purple sweet potato and taro, island spices and ginger blossom tea.

Meals: D, daily food credit

We’ll kick off our Hawaiian cultural experience with one of the most cherished local traditions: lei po’o making. Using seasonal foraged flowers, you’ll get hands on with the craft while learning about Hawaii’s complex past and how locals are forging the path toward a sustainable future. You’ll also be sure to pick up some local lingo, which will aid in our next adventure: The farmer’s market!

We’ll hop in the van to head to one of the island’s most celebrated monthly events where you’ll find dozens of art vendors, local produce and tropical fruits and a diverse array of cuisine from the island’s many roots including Polynesian, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese among many more.

We’ll round out the afternoon with a stop at one of our favorite smoothie shops to fruits special to Kauai, like lilikoi, dragon fruit, Hayden mango and sugar loaf pineapple.

Enjoy a free evening at the hotel for on-site dining, ocean activities or perhaps a wellness treatment.

Meals: Daily food credit

Today is “choose your own adventure day”! Here is just sampling of what you can experience:

Daily on-site offerings

Exact day’s schedule provided on arrival. Many activities such as yoga classes are included in your stay, and others can be added for a fee with the hotel.

• Mind & movement wellness classes like yoga, fitness and Pilates

• Outdoor activities including local hikes, surfing classes, snorkeling and SUP

• Hawaiian dance classes

• Artist in residence art sessions

• Wellness spa with treatments that relax & rejuvenate

• Volunteer activities such as ocean clean up and walking local dogs

• Tee times at Makai Golf Course with discounted green fees & preferred times

Premier add-on options

Customize your trip with us with one of these add-ons. See pricing below. All premier add-on options must be added no later than 45 days prior to departure.

• A helicopter tour with stunning views of the island

• A full-day intermediate hike such as the Kalalau Trail - 11 miles with a local guide

• A poke cooking class to learn the surprising history of this popular dish + feast on the results of your labor!

• Ocean-based activities: Scuba diving, windsurfing & kayaking

Meals: Daily food credit

This morning we’ll head deeper into the island’s stunning natural beauty through a half-day hike. Due to the island’s rain falls, we’ll have several options at hand and decide the night before which is best suitable for the weather and the group. One popular option is the Waipoo Falls Trail leading to Wailua Falls, the most famous waterfall on the island. Other options include the Okolehao Trail or a hike to Hanakapiai Falls. On all the trails, you’ll be sure to experience Kauai’s lush vegetation and stunning views.

Enjoy your last afternoon back at the hotel grounds before our farewell: A Sunset Sail along the Nāpali coast complete with a Hawaiian feast of the island’s best land and sea specialties paired with local craft beers and drinks. We’ll say farewell to our island visit and travel companions as we watch the sun go down and say mahalo, until the next time!

Meals: D, Daily food credit

Depart any time today from LIH or opt to add on extra nights at our exclusive rate.

Meals: Daily food credit

Domestic or international airfare

Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed

Tips to your local guides and drivers

Alcohol or other drinks, unless specified

Required travel + medical insurance

$4995 per person, based on double occupancy Mountain View room

$1295 “my own room” option

+$195 per room per night, upgrade to Ocean View room

Additional nights, starting at $795 per room per night. Exclusive pricing for Traverse Journeys guests!

Customize your trip with us here! All add-on pricing is confirmed on booking and is dependent on final group size. All add-ons must be secured 60 days prior to trip start. Prices below are per person.

Helicopter Tour with stunning views of the island, starting at $495

Poke-making class, starting at $150

Ocean-based activities: Surfing, scuba diving, windsurfing & kayaking, pricing on request

A full-day hike 8-10 miles with a local guide, pricing on request; dependent on group size

Kaua’i has an abundance of seasonal fare, and it’s easy to get vegan, vegetarian and gluten free foods. The food partners we work with also cater to visitors who eat gluten-free or have other dietary restrictions. We’ll collect dietary restrictions in advance to prepare for your arrival.

Most definitely! Lots of travelers come on our trips solo and leave with new friends.

We’ll spend lots of time immersed in nature where you’ll be likely to see all kinds of endemic fauna like myriad bird species, turtles, or migrating humpback whales (depending on the season) - and even chickens!