Planning a getaway to the Backyard Isle of Kauai? Try our information for how one can plan the right 3-7 days in Kauai itinerary!
Beloved for its majestic pure magnificence, Kauai is stocked filled with impeccable landscapes, wealthy tradition, historical historical past, and scorching points of interest to hit up on your journey to Kauai!
Infamous for its untouched landscapes, regal mountain backdrops, roaring waterfalls, world-famous seashores, and sprawling valleys have tagged the island the nickname “Backyard Isle.”
Among the most well-known points of interest on the island embrace the long-lasting Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu Seaside. Its lush forests, clear air, untouched surroundings, and impeccable views make for an undeniably fulfilling journey that may spotlight in your reminiscences ceaselessly.
Our Kauai itinerary is a masterfully organized listing of the perfect issues to do in Kauai for a core three-day journey. Plus, we’ve offered the choice of small expansions to five-day and seven-day journeys as a way to take advantage of out of your trip to the naturally beautiful Hawaiian Island of Kauai!
Don’t neglect to take a look at our full listing of the 21 Greatest Issues To Do In Kauai!
The way to Spend As much as 7 Days in Kauai Itinerary
With this completely compiled 3 to 7 days in Kauai itinerary, you possibly can assure you’ll hit the perfect points of interest on the island for an unforgettable trip. Our Kauai 7-day itinerary begins on the island’s northwest coast, touring west to south to loop round to the island’s northern coast.
The core three-day Kauai itinerary begins on the north shore and travels to the south shore.
Nonetheless, if you wish to spend extra time on this stunning island, you possibly can simply modify by including the really helpful five-day or seven-day itinerary to the core three days!
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of autos for the perfect worth available on the market.
Core 3-Day Kauai Itinerary
Our 3 days in Kauai itinerary will function the core mixture of issues to do. It contains common factors of curiosity you don’t need to miss out on.
From the attractive seashores of Kauai, together with Kalalau Seaside, to the highest parks filled with affluent plant and animal life, like Polihale State Park, you possibly can expertise the perfect of the perfect on this distinctive and vibrant Hawaiian Island with our three-day Kauai itinerary!
Day 1 in Kauai
In your first day in Kauai, seize your rental automobile and begin exploring! Hike by Koke’e State Park for alternatives to see distinctive animal and plant species.
When you dare, trek the dangerously rewarding hike of the Kalalau Path to the distant and beautiful Kalalau Seaside. Wander the place historical Hawaiians as soon as thrived within the valleys of Napali Coast State Wilderness Park for a tremendous begin to your journey to Kauai!
Day 1 Morning – Kokee State Park
Honing almost 45 miles of climbing trails thought-about probably the most sought-after in Hawaii, Koke’e State Park is a land of pure surprise!
Thriving with the wealthy vegetation of dense jungles and native vegetation, the park can be dwelling to endemic Hawaiian species of forest birds, together with the moa, the ‘apapane, and ‘iwi.
A hike by Koke’e State Park’s trails presents a valued alternative for trekkers to glimpse these uncommon species and obtain rewarding sights of the wilderness once they go to Waimea Canyon.
Contained in the park is the Koke’e Museum, which homes reveals devoted to showcasing academic info on the native species contained in the park and Waimea Canyon. The museum affords help and knowledge on climate and path situations that may be useful earlier than heading out into the park.
Be part of an journey on this Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Non-public Tour! Expertise the fantastic thing about the Nā Pali Coast, the Waipo’o Falls, Waimea Canyon Lookout, and Koke’e State Park with informational highlights of the tradition and historical past of those pure points of interest offered by your native information on this one-of-a-kind tour.
Day 1 Afternoon – Kalalau Seaside
Situated on the north shore of Kauai, Kalalau Seaside is the rewarding vacation spot on the finish of the Kalalau Path.
Thought-about one of the crucial difficult trails on the Hawaiian Islands, the 11-mile Kalalau Path just isn’t for the inexperienced hiker, because it heads above towering sea cliffs, previous roaring waterfalls, and thru 5 valleys. Sadly, the one different solution to attain Kalalau Seaside is by kayaking.
Kalalau Seaside rests on the base of Kalalau Valley on the Nā Pali Coast and incorporates a rugged however serene escape many yearn to achieve.
Many individuals camp at Kalalau Seaside on the north coast to expertise a distant getaway surrounded by lush forests, the mild crash of the ocean’s waves, and the starry evening sky.
Day 1 Night – Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Stuffed with climbing trails and alternatives to witness the glory of Kauai’s magnificence firsthand, Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is among the core actions to expertise when visiting Kauai.
Probably the most common trails on the park is the Kalalau Path, although there are many different secure and beginner-friendly path choices to contemplate as a substitute.
The park has picturesque sceneries of rugged cliffs, towering mountains, speeding waterfalls, and thriving forests. As soon as upon a time, historical Hawaiians lived within the valleys inside the park, sustaining harvested gadgets like taro and fishing in affluent waters.
Quite a few helicopter excursions soar from above so guests can view the breathtaking sights of the shoreline. This air tour is certainly one of them, touring alongside the Na Pali Coast and thru the Waimea Canyon!
Although you possibly can go to the Na Pali Coast with no tour, a guided Na Pali Coast tour is the easiest way to see this rugged and distant space with ease. A ship tour is one other various to a helicopter tour, and this one will get nice evaluations!
Day 2 in Kauai
Peer at towering sand dunes on the untamed beachside of Polihale State Park. Relish in picturesque viewpoints of the majesty of Kauai on the Kekaha Lookout. Then, witness the splendor of the sprawling Waimea Canyon at Waimea Canyon State Park!
Day 2 Morning – Polihale State Park
A little bit of a problem to entry however utterly rewarding in the long run, Polihale State Park is a seven-mile distant seashore favored for its tranquil, untouched setting. The sand dunes on the seashore are tremendous spectacular, some stretching as much as 100 toes within the air.
Because the seashore at Polihale State Park is wild, there aren’t any lifeguards or safety from the open ocean, so taking precautions is suggested. Many don’t advocate swimming or browsing right here as there’s a speedy drop off into deep water, and the rip currents are infamously robust.
As a substitute, for water-based actions, it is strongly recommended to move over to the Queen’s Pond at Polihale State Park. It may be discovered on the southern level of the park and is among the safer areas to swim in.
- Deal with: Decrease Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
- Hours: 5:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Discover extra enjoyable actions with our listing of the 25 finest issues to do in Hawaii!
Day 2 Afternoon – Kekaha Lookout
A fast however worthwhile cease, the Kekaha Lookout is present in Pu’u ka Pele Forest Reserve. The roadside vista opens as much as views of the Hawaiian Island of Ni’hau, the ocean, and the Waimea Canyon.
To achieve the Kekaha Lookout, no trekking is required. Step out of your automobile, take a couple of steps, and also you’re there! From the Kekaha Lookout, awe-inspiring sights of Kauai open up earlier than you, making for a spectacular sightseeing and photo-taking spot to recollect your journey by.
- Deal with: Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796
- Hours: Open 24 Hours
Day 2 Night – Waimea Canyon State Park
Notoriously often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon is the most well-liked function in Waimea Canyon State Park!
Nestled on the west coast of Kauai, Waimea Canyon State Park grew to become rather more famously identified after the American explorer John Wesley Powell visited the island in 1869.
Many climbing trails attain a few of the park’s prime points of interest, together with the Waimea Canyon Path, which heads to the canyon for rewarding viewpoints of the spectacular landmark. Plus, there are handy lookouts, just like the Puu Hinahina Lookout, the place guests can relish the breathtaking sights of Waimea Canyon State Park.
This full-day Waimea Canyon & Wailua River tour is a memorable alternative to cruise down the Wailua River with distinctive viewpoints of Waimea Canyon, Opaeka’a Falls, and the legendary Fern Grotto!
Day 3 in Kauai
Sink into the luxurious tropical paradise of certainly one of America’s finest seashores at Poipu Seaside. Bask within the refreshing air and views climbing the scenic Maha’ulepu Heritage Path.
And, in fact, go to the long-lasting Shipwreck Seaside, the place rusted ships had been as soon as deserted on its shores, for an impactful trip in Kauai’s paradise!
Day 3 Morning – Poipu Seaside
Discovered on the south shore of Kauai, Poipu Seaside is the right solution to begin the day on this tropical paradise!
Beforehand named America’s Greatest Seaside by The Journey Channel, Poipu Seaside is beloved for a lot of causes.
It is among the most unimaginable seashores for swimming, snorkeling, and browsing, and it’s nice for youths! This can be a very family-friendly seashore in Kauai as a consequence of its fascinating shallow waters which are protected against robust rip currents and crashing waves.
Day 3 Afternoon – Maha’ulepu Heritage Path
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Path is a rejuvenating coastal trek that traverses alongside the final stretch of undeveloped shoreline alongside the south shore of Kauai. The 2-mile path, 4 miles out and again, is a quaint stroll with handy entry as a way to savor the pure fantastic thing about the island with ease.
Starting at Shipwreck Seaside, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Path winds alongside the scenic shoreline to achieve Maha’ulepu Seaside. Each of those seashore stops alongside the best way are common seashores for browsing, sunbathing, and sightseeing the beautiful coastal ocean views of the island.
Learn subsequent: The 21 Greatest Issues To Do In Waikiki, Hawaii
Day 3 Night – Shipwreck Seaside
On the south shore is the well-known Shipwreck Seaside, the place deserted ships as soon as littered its shores. One such ship was the World Warfare II Liberty Ship, a Forties oil tanker that beached on the coral reef of Kaiolohia Bay. It grew to become a well-known landmark till it was later eliminated.
This seashore itself just isn’t a really helpful space for swimming or snorkeling. That is because of the intense rip currents and waves that energy by the waters right here, which could be a perilous security danger.
Even with this, skilled surfers like to check their luck at Shipwreck Seaside, although we extremely advise not following go well with.
5 Days In Kauai Itinerary
If you wish to lengthen your Kauai journey, you could take a look at our Kauai itinerary for five days trip. We’ve made it easy so as to add these two additional days of really helpful points of interest and actions to our core three-day itinerary of the Backyard Island!
Day 4 in Kauai
Snorkel the waters or learn to swim at Kalapaki Seaside. Witness the brilliance of Wailua Falls from afar or up shut and private. Then, be taught extra about Kauai’s wealthy tradition and historical past with a tour and efficiency on the Lu’au Kalamaku! Your exploration of Backyard Island continues!
Day 4 Morning – Kalapaki Seaside
An ideal family-friendly attraction, Kalapaki Seaside is settled on the east shore of Kauai with the Kauai Marriott Seaside Resort at its again.
Get pleasure from some seashore time listed here are strive some water sports activities! A sturdy break wall protects a portion of Kalapaki Seaside, heading off probably the most violent waves that journey from the open ocean.
Attributable to this function, water actions akin to swimming, paddle boarding, and boogie boarding are common at Kalapaki Seaside, together with browsing classes for newcomers.
Close by are rental lodging for water-based actions, plus shave ice to chill off from a scorching day spent within the solar! Shave ice is a basic Kauai deal with, so positively seize one if you’ve completed up your seashore time!
Day 4 Afternoon – Wailua Falls
Featured on the hit tv sequence Fantasy Island, the 173-foot Wailua Falls are discovered on the Wailua River. These dramatic falls are beautiful as they cascade into the waters beneath.
The Wailua Falls could be seen from the roadside in case you’re content material with sightseeing. When you’re extra inclined to stand up shut and private, a three-mile hike is required from Ma’alo Street.
Probably the most rewarding sights could be gifted in case you time it proper within the morning when sometimes a rainbow trickles throughout the speeding waterfalls by the mist!
Day 4 Night – Lu’au Kalamaku
Stuffed with tradition and historical past, Lu’au Kalamaku is a dinner theater positioned on a plantation that mixes native delicacies, hula dancing performances, and native crafts for a one-of-a-kind expertise!
Guests are welcome to e-book a guided tour of the plantation or a cultural demonstration of native arts as crafters assemble enigmatic creations made out of the island.
Afterward, friends can sit again and benefit from the present as fireplace and hula dancers carry out to share Kauai’s story, historical past, and tradition.
- Deal with: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
- Cellphone Quantity: (877) 622-1780
Think about island hopping over to Maui subsequent! Right here is our listing of the perfect issues to do in Maui if you get there.
Day 5 in Kauai
Begin day 5 of your final Kauai itinerary with a fast cease at Hanalei Valley Lookout for impactful views of Hanalei Valley from above. Subsequent, see one of the crucial iconic points of interest on Kauai on the Queen’s Tub.
Then, go online or kayaking at Hanalei Bay for an lively day spent savoring the impeccable surroundings of the tropical paradise of Kauai!
Day 5 Morning – Hanalei Valley Lookout
The Hanalei Valley Lookout is a fast and common spot for panoramic observational factors of the sprawling valley.
As one of the crucial photographed spots in Hawaii, a go to to the north shore to achieve this lookout could be extraordinarily fruitful.
The valley has taro fields, luscious forests, mountain peaks, and cascading waterfalls. Inside Hanalei Valley are distinctive species just like the Hawaiian coot that may be pictured above of their pure habitat.
- Deal with: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
Day 5 Afternoon – Queen’s Tub
The Queen’s Tub is among the most well-known points of interest on Kauai’s north shore. It solely takes a brief hike to achieve the Queen’s Tub the place pure tide swimming pools, the open ocean, and lava rock mix for a spectacular sight.
This pure attraction is a favourite summertime exercise of vacationers and locals, although you will need to proceed cautiously when visiting this spot.
Some people will attempt to swim within the rock swimming pools, which can appear interesting initially, however sudden rip currents and harmful crashing waves are notorious right here, identified to pull folks out within the open ocean.
Day 5 Night – Hanalei Bay
Two miles lengthy, Hanalei Bay is a crescent-shaped stretch that traverses from the Hanalei River to the Waipa Stream.
Named among the best seashores in America, Hanalei Bay boasts breathtaking glowing waters, a mountain backdrop, and entry to close by buying and consuming points of interest.
From Hanalei Bay is entry to the Hanalei River, which many attain by paddling on rental kayaks. On the Bay, browsing is common because of its spectacular sought-out waves within the winter.
Kauai Itinerary 7-Days
When you have the time to spend 7 days exploring Kauai, you received’t be dissatisfied! This seven-day itinerary could be added to the core three-day and five-day itinerary to assist take your Kauai journey to the subsequent stage.
Day 6 in Kauai
Start the day on the iconic Lumaha’i Seaside to dip your toes within the tender white sand. Then, swim at Ke’e Seaside, a secure and distinctive swimming and snorkeling spot. Lastly, take your choose of points of interest at Haena State Park, the place historical Hawaiian sea caves could be adventured firsthand!
Day 6 Morning – Lumaha’i Seaside
Settled on the north shore of Kauai, Lumaha’i Seaside is splendidly nestled on the mouth of the Lumaha’i River. This white sand seashore’s scenic setting has been featured in lots of postcards, work, and pictures.
Although Lumaha’i Seaside affords a implausible setting excellent for pictures, sunbathing, and sightseeing, you will need to proceed with warning within the waters of this seashore. The waters are uncovered to the open ocean, which means swimmers are uncovered to robust rip currents.
Learn subsequent: 21 Greatest Issues To Do In Honolulu
Day 6 Afternoon – Ke’e Seaside
The beloved Ke’e Seaside on the north shore of Kauai is adored for its beautiful white sands and glowing blue waters. Its location can be conveniently close to the legendary NaPali Coast, one of the crucial well-known areas of Kauai and Hawaii for its breathtaking magnificence.
The swimming situations at Ke’e Seaside are supreme and secure for swimmers to savor the colourful blue waters of Kauai. The crescent-shaped seashore just isn’t solely wonderful for swimmers however for snorkelers too, the place guests of Ke’e Seaside can catch sightings of sea turtles of their pure habitat!
Day 6 Night – Haena State Park
Continuously known as the tip of the street, Haena State Park is the ultimate level of the Kuhio Freeway on the north shore of Kauai.
From Haena State Park is entry to historical Hawaiian websites, akin to a set of sea caves which are calculated to be over 4,000 years previous.
There are different vital points of interest at Haena State Park to take a look at. Kee Lagoon is one such attraction, beloved for its dazzling surroundings and supreme swimming situations. And from Haena State Park, the wild and untouched expanse of the NaPali coast could be skilled firsthand!
- Deal with: 6CC9+8R Wainiha, Hawaii, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
- Cellphone Quantity: (808) 274-3444
- Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Day 7 in Kauai
Sink into the sand and laze within the solar at Hanakapi’ai Seaside on your final day in paradise on Kauai.
Subsequent, scour the crafted reveals of native species on the Limahuli Backyard and Protect to be taught extra about native vegetation, tradition, and historical past. Lastly, snorkel within the waters with sea turtles at Tunnels Seaside for a memorable solution to finish your journey to Kauai!
Day 7 Morning – Hanakapi’ai Seaside
Just a few miles from the Kalalau Path, Hanakapi’ai Seaside is a secluded hotspot on Kauai’s north shore!
The golden-sanded Hanakapi’ai Seaside has loads of area to quiet down within the sand because the solar’s rays heat your pores and skin and the crash of the waves lulls you to chill out. Pack lunch for an energizing picnic at Hanakapi’ai Seaside earlier than exploring the close by sea caves.
As a security notice, swimming at Hanakapi’ai Seaside just isn’t suggested. It’s notorious for its harmful waters which have resulted in quite a lot of drownings.
Day 7 Afternoon – Limahuli Backyard of the Nationwide Tropical Botanical Backyard
A nature protect and botanical backyard, the Limahuli Backyard and Protect on the north shore of Kauai is among the 5 gardens included within the Nationwide Tropical Botanical Backyard.
Limahuli Backyard and Protect is among the prime points of interest on the island that has established itself on the footprint of its Hawaiian ancestors.
A stroll by the Limahuli Backyard and Protect opens the doorways to the varied life that has made its dwelling on Kauai. Limahuli Backyard and Protect is dwelling to quite a few native species which have performed a big function in Kauai’s tradition and historical past!
- Deal with: 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Cellphone Quantity: (808) 826-1053
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:15 PM (Tuesday-Saturday), Closed (Sunday-Monday)
Day 7 Night – Tunnels Seaside
Tunnels Seaside is probably the most sought-out spot for snorkeling in Kauai, which is the right solution to finish your journey to Kauai!
Snorkel by the crystal-clear waters whereas basking within the vibrant range of the marine life that thrives in its waters and the coral reef nestled close to the shoreline.
Probably the most frequent sightings at Tunnels Seaside is Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles, as they prefer to laze about on the seashore’s sandy shores or hunt for meals in its waters.
Stopping in Cali in your solution to Hawaii? Examine our our listing of the 25 finest issues to do in California!
Kauai Hawaii Journey Information
From a ship tour or a helicopter tour over the Na Pali Coast to exploring the seashores of Kauai’s south shore, you now know how one can spend wherever from 3 to 7 days on Kauai.
Now let’s focus on the perfect time to go to, how one can get across the whole island, and the place to remain if you go to the wildest and most rugged of all of the Hawaiian Islands!
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Kauai, Hawaii
The perfect time to go to the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the months of April, Could, August, September, and October.
These months are thought-about shoulder season, and they’re supreme journey occasions as they’ve fewer crowds, extra fascinating climate for adventuring the outside, and the costs aren’t as excessively excessive as they aren’t “peak” vacationer months.
Getting Round Kauai, Hawaii
In terms of getting round Kauai, you don’t essentially want a car for transportation. There are bike leases, strolling guides, shuttle service, rideshares, public transportation, and space shuttles to get across the island to achieve the totally different prime points of interest within the space.
When you’re extra inclined to be in command of transportation, rental automobiles can be found on Kauai. Renting a automobile permits you full flexibility to discover the island nonetheless you select!
One of the simplest ways to get round is to lease a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of autos for the perfect worth available on the market.
The place to Keep in Kauai, Hawaii
When you’re questioning the place to remain in Kauai, there are some nice choices for each funds scattered across the island. Listed here are our prime suggestions!
Greatest Low-cost Lodge in Kauai
Kauai Seaside Home Hostel was the perfect low-cost lodging on Kauai, but it surely has sadly closed. Kauai Palms Lodge is the subsequent most suitable choice! It’s not a hostel, but it surely’s one of the crucial reasonably priced accommodations on the island. It’s positioned proper subsequent to Lihue Airport and has stunning mountain views.
Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge in Kauai
Solely a four-minute stroll to Nukoli’i Seaside Park, Kauai Seaside Villas is a beachfront keep serving fascinating lodging. On-site is a restaurant and bar serving refreshing drinks and American delicacies, an out of doors swimming pool, a terrace, and a backyard to unwind at.
Greatest Luxurious Lodge in Kauai
The place world-class service welcomes you, The Lodge at Kukui’ula affords friends elegant movie star therapy with unequalled lodging, options, and repair. Sink into luxurious on the spa middle, savor chef-driven dishes on the lodge’s restaurant, burn extra energy within the health club, or sweat all of it out on the sauna!
DISCLAIMER: Among the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests in case you e-book lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no additional value to you. These commissions assist us preserve creating extra free journey content material to assist folks plan their holidays and adventures. We solely advocate the perfect lodging, excursions and merchandise, and usually overview these. Thanks on your assist, form buddy!
