Two destinations, one unforgettable week: begin in Dallas, a city that remade itself from cattle trails and cotton to gleaming arts venues and destination dining. From the JFK story at Dealey Plaza to the big-hearted neighborhoods of Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum, “Big D” rewards curiosity with museums, murals, and mesquite-scented barbecue.

Then trade towers for trade winds in Lihue, Kauai—Hawai‘i’s “Garden Island.” Here, the Wailua River cuts through ferny valleys, the Na Pali Coast rises in cathedral cliffs, and plate lunches and poke bowls fuel days on the water. Lihue is both down-to-earth and dazzling, with local saimin shops, historic plantations, and beaches where turtles drift by at sunset.

Practical notes: Dallas is best explored by rideshare and on foot downtown; Kauai is most enjoyable with a rental car booked in advance. Pack layers for Dallas’ AC-chilled interiors and a light rain shell for Kauai’s passing showers. Flight times between Dallas and Lihue typically run 9.5–12.5 hours with one connection; aim for a morning departure to land on Kauai by mid-afternoon.

Dallas

Dallas blends frontier grit with cosmopolitan polish. The Arts District strings together world-class institutions, while Klyde Warren Park floats over a freeway with food trucks and lawn games. Deep Ellum’s music halls and murals tell a century of stories—now with some of the city’s best bites.

• Top sights: Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, AT&T Discovery District.
• Neighborhoods to wander: Bishop Arts (indie shops, creative kitchens), Deep Ellum (street art, live music), Downtown/Arts District (museums, parks).
• Dining snapshot: barbecue at Pecan Lodge or Terry Black’s; modern Japanese at Uchi; wood-fired spectacle and steaks at Town Hearth; handmade soba at Tei-An.
• Fun fact: Reunion Tower’s latticed sphere is 470 feet high and lights nightly in custom colors for city events.

Getting to Dallas: Fly into DFW or DAL. Search competitive fares and schedules on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Where to stay (Dallas): For hotels, compare options on Hotels.com or browse homes on VRBO. Specific standouts: The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas (polished Uptown service and spa), Omni Dallas Hotel (skybridge to Convention Center, rooftop pool), and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Downtown (good-value base near Dealey Plaza).

Lihue

Lihue is Kauai’s laid-back hub—home to the island’s main airport, historic Kilohana Plantation, and Kalapaki’s crescent of sand. It’s ideally placed for day trips north to Hanalei, south to Poipu, or inland to waterfalls and river valleys.

• Top sights: Wailua River and Falls, Kalapaki Beach, Kauai Museum, Kilohana Plantation Railway, Koke‘e State Park (via Waimea Canyon road).
• Signature experiences: kayaking to “Secret Falls,” a Na Pali Coast boat day, and an island-style lūʻau.
• Essential eats: Hamura Saimin (old-school noodle shop), The Fish Express (poke to-go), Mark’s Place (plate lunches), Duke’s Kauai (hula pie by the surf), Kauai Beer Company (island brews).
• Fun fact: Wailua was once a royal center; today it’s the only navigable river in Hawaiʻi offering easy access by kayak and outrigger.

Where to stay (Lihue): Compare hotels near Kalapaki and Lihue on Hotels.com, or find condos and homes (many with kitchens and ocean views) on VRBO.

Day 1: Arrive in Dallas + Arts District Stroll

Morning: Travel day. If flying in, check fares to DFW/DAL on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim to land by early afternoon.

Afternoon: Check in and shake off jet lag with a walk through Klyde Warren Park—food trucks, lawn games, and skyline views. Duck into the Dallas Museum of Art (free general admission) or the Nasher Sculpture Center for a compact, inspiring hour among Calder and Serra.

Evening: Dinner at Town Hearth (Design District), where 64 chandeliers glow over wood-fired steaks and buttery crab legs, or book Tei-An for handmade soba and delicate sashimi in a serene setting. Nightcap at Midnight Rambler (beneath The Joule): classics with Texas twists in a retro lounge.

Day 2: JFK History, Deep Ellum Bites, and Skyline Views

Morning: Fuel up at Cindi’s NY Deli (Route 77 plate: eggs, latkes, and bagel) or La La Land Kind Café for honey-lavender lattes and thick sourdough toast. Then dive into one of America’s pivotal stories on the JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House (about 3.5 hours, small group).

Afternoon: Lunch at Pecan Lodge—order “The Pitmaster” (slices of brisket, pork ribs, sausage) with bacon mac and collards. Wander Deep Ellum’s murals (look for the blues-honoring 42 Murals project) and vinyl shops; grab an espresso at Merit Coffee or a sweet at Emporium Pies’ Deep Ellum outpost if open.

Evening: Time your sunset for the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation, 470 feet up with 360-degree views and interactive city maps.

For dinner, choose Uchi for creative nigiri and cool tastings (try the hama chili and hot rock wagyu) or Javier’s for mesquite-grilled quail and tableside bananas Foster in a moody, old-Dallas den.

Day 3: Parks, Museums, and Bishop Arts Flavor

Morning: Grab kouign-amann and a cappuccino at Village Baking Co. on the Boulevard, then explore the Perot Museum—dinosaurs for kids-at-heart, gems for magpies, and a 55-foot T. rex. If you prefer fresh air, the Katy Trail makes a great urban jog or stroll.

Afternoon: Lunch at Terry Black’s BBQ (lean vs. moist brisket taste test) or Rodeo Goat for inventive burgers (the “Chaca Oaxaca” with avocado and pico is a local favorite). Continue to the AT&T Discovery District’s giant media wall and interactive art.

Evening: Head to Bishop Arts District. Start with cocktails at Botanist-style Bowen House (historic cottage bar, impeccable martinis). Dinner at Encina (seasonal Texas-Med—smoked fish dip, Akaushi strip) or Lucia’s sibling concept Macellaio for house-cured salumi. Save room for a slice of Emporium Pies (smooth bourbon pecan “Drunken Nut”).

Day 4: Fly Dallas → Lihue (Kauai) + Kalapaki Beach Sunset

Morning: Early flight to Kauai. One-stop itineraries (via PHX, LAX, or HNL) typically take 9.5–12.5 hours; expect ~$350–$800 one-way depending on season. Compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. On arrival, pick up a rental car at LIH.

Afternoon: Check in near Lihue or Kalapaki. Unwind at Kalapaki Beach—gentle waves, beginner-friendly bodyboarding, and views of cruise ships gliding past Nawiliwili Harbor.

Evening: Welcome dinner at Duke’s Kauai: start with poke tacos, then fresh island fish with macadamia nut crust. Toast your first island night with a barefoot stroll on the sand; if you wish, try Hualani’s (Timbers Kauai) for a quieter, farm-to-table oceanfront alternative.

Day 5: Wailua River Kayak to Secret Falls + Lihue Classics

Morning: Breakfast in Kapa‘a: Java Kai’s mac-nut latte and breakfast burrito or Kountry Kitchen’s macadamia nut pancakes. Then paddle the Wailua on the Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike—a guided kayak up Hawaiʻi’s only navigable river followed by a lush trail to Uluwehi (“Secret”) Falls for a swim.

Afternoon: Refuel at Mark’s Place (teriyaki beef or mochiko chicken plates, plus famous lilikoi chiffon bars) or The Fish Express (build-your-own poke with ogo seaweed and spicy mayo). Stop at Wailua Falls overlook—twin ribbons made famous on TV—then return for a swim at Lydgate Beach Park’s protected pond.

Evening: Casual night: Kauai Beer Company (Lihue) for a Local Buzz golden ale and smash burger, or Rob’s Good Times Grill for sports-on-TV and generous pupu platters. Dessert? JoJo’s Shave Ice (nearby in Kapa‘a) piled with haupia cream.

Day 6: Na Pali Coast Boat Day + Poipu Golden Hour

Morning: Light breakfast (Hamura Saimin opens later; try a papaya and malasada from a local bakery) before your Na Pali adventure. Book the Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K for sea caves (conditions permitting), dolphins, and cliff-lined amphitheaters that define Kauai’s wild edge.

Afternoon: Post-cruise recovery on Poipu Beach’s crescent; look for honu (sea turtles) resting on the sand. If you’re up for a short walk, the Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail offers fossil dunes and blowholes.

Evening: Sunset dinner options: Merriman’s Poipu (farm-driven island menu; fresh-catch pipikaula-spiced fish) or The Beach House (oceanfront, best just before dusk; order the wasabi-butter glazed fish and a lilikoi mai tai). For a cultural night another evening, consider Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation—fireknife dancing, imu (underground oven) unearthing, and a lavish island buffet.

Day 7: Doors-Off Views, Saimin Lunch, and Departure

Morning: Breakfast in Kapa‘a at Java Kai or a leisurely sit-down at Kountry Kitchen, then take to the skies on a “doors-off” flight for waterfall-and-valley panoramas (weather permitting). If you prefer to keep feet on the ground, visit the Kauai Museum for island history and royal artifacts. Note: leave ample time for airport lines.

Afternoon: Farewell lunch at Hamura Saimin—order the special saimin (homemade noodles in savory broth) and lilikoi chiffon pie for dessert. Pick up last-minute gifts (Kauai Kookie tins, lihing mui gummies), return your car, and check in for your afternoon flight.

Evening: Travel home. If connecting through Honolulu or the West Coast, browse flight choices and layover lengths on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Getting Around + Where to Sleep (Quick Picks)

• Dallas hotels: High-end: The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. Pool-and-views: Omni Dallas Hotel. Value downtown: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Downtown. Shop all on Hotels.com or find homes on VRBO.
• Lihue/Kalapaki stays: Oceanfront resorts and condos place you near the airport and mid-island day trips. Compare on Hotels.com or browse kitchens-with-a-view on VRBO.
• Intercity flight: Dallas → Lihue: plan on a morning departure with one connection (9.5–12.5 hours). Search options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Trip Recap: In one week you’ll sample Dallas’ defining stories and flavors—JFK history, museum-hopping, and barbecue—then shift to Kauai’s Wailua River valleys, Na Pali cliffs, and easygoing island kitchens. The contrast is the magic: a city that looks up to the skyline, and an island that draws your gaze to the sea.