MULTI-ISLAND ITINERARY · 2 ISLANDS

Big Island + Kauaʻi Itinerary

7-day beach plan with water quality checks

Trip Overview

Duration	7 days
Islands	Big Island, Kauaʻi
Flights	1 inter-island flight(s)

Day-by-Day Plan

Big Island

Day 1

Morning

Hapuna Beach

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

A-Bay (Anaehoomalu, sunset views over palm-fringed beach)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try A-Bay (Anaehoomalu) or: Volcanoes National Park

Day 2

Morning

Mauna Kea Beach

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

A-Bay (Anaehoomalu, sunset views over palm-fringed beach)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try Kua Bay or: Volcanoes National Park

Day 3

Morning

A-Bay (Anaehoomalu)

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

A-Bay (Anaehoomalu, sunset views over palm-fringed beach)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try Spencer Beach or: Volcanoes National Park

Day 4

Morning

Kua Bay

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

A-Bay (Anaehoomalu, sunset views over palm-fringed beach)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try Richardson Beach or: Volcanoes National Park

Kauaʻi

Day 5

Morning

Poipu Beach

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

Poipu Beach (consistent afternoon sun on the south shore)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try Hanalei Bay or: Waimea Canyon (viewpoints above the clouds)

Day 6

Morning

Anini Beach

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

Poipu Beach (consistent afternoon sun on the south shore)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try Tunnels Beach or: Waimea Canyon (viewpoints above the clouds)

Day 7

Morning

Hanalei Bay

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

Poipu Beach (consistent afternoon sun on the south shore)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try Lydgate Beach or: Waimea Canyon (viewpoints above the clouds)

Day 8

Morning

Tunnels Beach

Check water quality → live data

Afternoon

Poipu Beach (consistent afternoon sun on the south shore)

IF BROWN WATER IS ACTIVE

Try Salt Pond Beach or: Waimea Canyon (viewpoints above the clouds)

⚠️ The 72-Hour Rain Rule

After heavy rain, wait at least 72 hours before entering the ocean. Check each beach's water quality page.

FAQ 1

How many days do I need for 2 Hawaiian islands?

We recommend at least 4 days per island. This 7-day itinerary gives you enough time to experience the best beaches on each island without rushing.

FAQ 2

What is the best order to visit Hawaiian islands?

Start with the most urban/accessible island (Oʻahu), then move to resort islands (Maui), and end with the most remote (Kauaʻi or Big Island). This lets you ease into the relaxation.

FAQ 3

How much do inter-island flights cost?

Inter-island flights on Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest typically cost $60-150 one way. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best prices. Flights are 30-45 minutes between islands.

Island Guides

Oʻahu Beaches → Maui Beaches → Big Island Beaches → Kauaʻi Beaches →

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, any entity mentioned on this page, or any government agency or hotel brand. Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.

Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.

When in doubt, donʻt go out. 🤙