Ideal Itinerary: a perfect week on Kauai

Want one wonderful week on Kauai? My ideal Saturday-to-Saturday itinerary takes in highlights of all four compass points on the Garden Island, and will leave you ready to return for more exploration. Call it six perfect days and two good ones, since plane time takes up part of the trip. This agenda assumes you're staying on the central east side, but can be easily adapted for those staying to the south or north.

Saturday arrival: Coming from the Bay Area, you can fly nonstop to Lihue, arriving just in time for lunch. Nearby options include Hamura's Saimin Stand for local flavor, a burger with an ocean view at the Kalapaki Beach Hut or a slightly fancier beachfront meal at Duke's in the Kauai Marriott. If you're staying in a condo, or just want to stock your mini-fridge with Hawaiian fruit juices and snacks, swing by the Star Market in Kukui Grove Center or the Costco in Lihue, or the well-stocked Safeway in Kapaa. You'll also want to pick up snorkel gear at Snorkel Bob's in Koloa or Kapaa. By now, it should be close to check-in time, so for the rest of the day, enjoy exploring the grounds of your resort or condo (check our Lihue/Coconut Coast lodging suggestions) and splurge on a dinner close to your room. The Marriott's poolside Kukui's restaurant, for example, serves a Pacific crab and prime rib buffet every Friday night that will leave you well fortified for the week ahead.

Sunday: The time-zone difference means you'll awaken before many of the residents. Take advantage by going for a sunrise stroll on the eastern shoreline, or driving up to the "Fantasy Island"-featured Wailua Falls, a few minutes up Highway 583 near Lihue. Early morning brings the most sunshine to the falls, and the parking lot may well be empty — just you and some of Kauai's famous chickens. Even if you're not a churchgoer, you might also want to stop by Lihue Lutheran Church on the way back from the waterfall. It's an intriguing replica of an 1881 church built by German immigrants using ship imagery inspired by their six-month journey by sea: The lights are ship lanterns, the slanted floor is like a ship's deck, the ceiling looks like a hull, etc. Or you could hear Hawaiian hymns at the First Hawaiian Church in Kapaa, where you'll have your choice of brunch spots after the service. (Hearty appetites on a budget will appreciate the Wailua Family Restaurant.)

Since you're still feeling the affects of the plane trip, keep it simple in the afternoon, walking off lunch on the miles of beach in front of the Wailua Municipal Golf Course or relaxing at your resort — or someone else's (you don't have to be a guest to enjoy a poolside cocktail.) For dinner, try one of the many ethnic restaurants in Kapaa — just call ahead or ask your concierge to confirm your choice is open, since Sunday nights are quiet on Kauai.