Hi! I'm spending around 4 days in kauiai pretty soon. For the first 2 days we're planning to stay in the Lihue area for a counter-clockwise drive up to the famous Hanakapi`ai falls / small bit of kalaulau trail.
After that I'd like to do some hikes on the west side of the island - ones like waimea canyon, Awa'awapuhi Trail near Kลkeสปe State Park, etc.
Where would you stay for this? Would it make sense to sleep in Waimea city south of this rather than returning to Lihue? Poipo is another option but further than Waimea. I suppose I could camp, but not sure that my travel partner would be up for that.
General schedule looks something like this:
Day 1: Arrive at noon from HNL, do some day hikes nearby lihue like sleeping giant
Day 2: Drive up to ke'e beach, then do the Hanakapi`ai falls hike. Maybe stop at the secret beach on the way back. Drive back to lihue and sleep there a 2nd night.
Day 3: Wake up early and drive out to Waimea canyon/Koke park area, do a day of hikes there. Return to... waimea?
Day 4: Flexible day. Could return to Waimea area and do more hikes there(Awa'awapuhi/Kalepa). Open to other ideas. On finish, return to Lihue for flight next day
Day 5: Do whatever in the morning, head to airport around 3pm for a flight to Kona
Thoughts on where to stay days 3&4? Or other itinerary changes you'd make?
I'm visiting with a toddler so I wouldn't be going on any tours but would still like to stop by one of these places for the views. Wanted to get some feedback on which one to visit since I don't have time to visit both.
Edit: Thanks all for the suggestions! Based on comments Waimea Valley wins out but hopefully I can make time to take the movie tour.
