Breakfast

Cost: $5.50

Start the day right with the delicious and plentiful macadamia nut pancakes at Tip Top Motel in Lihue, the island’s largest town (3173 Akahi St.; 808-245-2333).

Morning

Cost: Free

Hike the 6.5-km section of the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach and soak in the views of the vast Pacific beyond (kalalautrail.com).

Lunch

Cost: $6.50

Eat up some local flavour by picking up a tub of poke—marinated yellow fin tuna tossed with seaweed, salt and soy sauce—at Pono Market for an impromptu picnic (4–1300 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa; 808-822-4581).

Afternoon

Cost: $5

Drive to Kilauea and the lighthouse at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. It’s one of the best places in Hawaii to spot wildlife, including the largest population of nesting seabirds in the state. The lighthouse is open, but still undergoing renovations this summer, so call ahead for hours of operation (end of Kilauea Road, Kilauea; 808-828-1413; fws.gov/kilaueapoint).

Dinner

Cost: $7

Saimin—broth and noodles garnished with an impressive list of toppings—is the quintessential Kauai meal, and it doesn’t get better than Hamura Saimin, the locally loved diner (2956 Kress St., Lihue; 808-245-3271).