The Good Kauai Itinerary – 3, 5, and seven Day Kauai Itinerary Choices (2023 Information)
Planning a getaway to the Backyard Isle of Kauai? Take a look at our information for how you can plan the proper 3-7 days in Kauai itinerary!
Beloved for its majestic pure magnificence, Kauai is stocked filled with impeccable landscapes, wealthy tradition, historic historical past, and scorching sights 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 sights on the island embrace the long-lasting Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu Seashore. Its lush forests, clear air, untouched surroundings, and impeccable views make for an undeniably fulfilling journey that can spotlight in your reminiscences perpetually.
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 supplied the choice of small expansions to five-day and seven-day journeys so as to take advantage of out of your trip to the naturally beautiful Hawaiian Island of Kauai!
Don’t overlook to take a look at our full listing of the 21 Finest Issues To Do In Kauai!
Find out how to Spend As much as 7 Days in Kauai Itinerary
With this completely compiled 3 to 7 days in Kauai itinerary, you may assure you’ll hit the perfect sights 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.
Nevertheless, if you wish to spend extra time on this lovely island, you may simply regulate by including the advisable five-day or seven-day itinerary to the core three days!
One of the simplest ways to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Cars, which has the biggest vary of autos for the perfect worth in the marketplace.
Core 3-Day Kauai Itinerary
Our 3 days in Kauai itinerary will function the core mixture of issues to do. It consists of common factors of curiosity you don’t wish to miss out on.
From the attractive seashores of Kauai, together with Kalalau Seashore, to the highest parks filled with affluent plant and animal life, like Polihale State Park, you may 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.
For those who dare, trek the dangerously rewarding hike of the Kalalau Path to the distant and beautiful Kalalau Seashore. Wander the place historic 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 of 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 also be house 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 data on the native species contained in the park and Waimea Canyon. The museum provides help and knowledge on climate and path circumstances that may be useful earlier than heading out into the park.
Be part of an journey on this Waimea Canyon & Kokeʻe State Park Private 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 sights supplied by your native information on this one-of-a-kind tour.
Day 1 Afternoon – Kalalau Seashore
Situated on the north shore of Kauai, Kalalau Seashore is the rewarding vacation spot on the finish of the Kalalau Trail.
Thought-about one of the vital difficult trails on the Hawaiian Islands, the 11-mile Kalalau Path isn’t for the inexperienced hiker, because it heads above towering sea cliffs, previous roaring waterfalls, and thru 5 valleys. Sadly, the one different strategy to attain Kalalau Seashore is by kayaking.
Kalalau Seashore rests on the base of Kalalau Valley on the Nā Pali Coast and includes a rugged however serene escape many yearn to achieve.
Many individuals camp at Kalalau Seashore on the north coast to expertise a distant getaway surrounded by lush forests, the light crash of the ocean’s waves, and the starry evening sky.
Day 1 Night – Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Filled with climbing trails and alternatives to witness the glory of Kauai’s magnificence firsthand, Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is likely one of 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 protected and beginner-friendly path choices to think about as an alternative.
The park has picturesque sceneries of rugged cliffs, towering mountains, dashing waterfalls, and thriving forests. As soon as upon a time, historic 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 one among them, touring alongside the Na Pali Coast and thru the Waimea Canyon!
Although you may go to the Na Pali Coast with no tour, a guided Na Pali Coast tour is one of the simplest ways to see this rugged and distant space with ease. A ship tour is one other various to a helicopter tour, and this one gets great reviews!
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 ultimately, Polihale State Park is a seven-mile distant seaside favored for its tranquil, untouched setting. The sand dunes on the seaside are tremendous spectacular, some stretching as much as 100 ft within the air.
Because the seaside at Polihale State Park is wild, there are not any lifeguards or safety from the open ocean, so taking precautions is suggested. Many don’t suggest swimming or browsing right here as there’s a speedy drop off into deep water, and the rip currents are infamously sturdy.
As an alternative, 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 likely one of the safer areas to swim in.
- Handle: Decrease Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
- Hours: 5:30 AM – 7:45 PM
Discover extra enjoyable actions with our listing of the 25 greatest 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 succeed in the Kekaha Lookout, no trekking is required. Step out of your automobile, take just a few 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.
- Handle: 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 characteristic in Waimea Canyon State Park!
Nestled on the west coast of Kauai, Waimea Canyon State Park turned far more famously recognized after the American explorer John Wesley Powell visited the island in 1869.
Many climbing trails attain a few of the park’s prime sights, 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 one among America’s greatest seashores at Poipu Seashore. Bask within the refreshing air and views climbing the scenic Maha’ulepu Heritage Path.
And, after all, go to the long-lasting Shipwreck Seashore, the place rusted ships have been as soon as deserted on its shores, for an impactful trip in Kauai’s paradise!
Day 3 Morning – Poipu Seashore
Discovered on the south shore of Kauai, Poipu Beach is the proper strategy to begin the day on this tropical paradise!
Beforehand named America’s Finest Seashore by The Journey Channel, Poipu Seashore is beloved for a lot of causes.
It is likely one of the most unimaginable seashores for swimming, snorkeling, and browsing, and it’s nice for teenagers! This can be a very family-friendly seaside in Kauai because of its fascinating shallow waters which might be protected against sturdy 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 so as to savor the pure great thing about the island with ease.
Starting at Shipwreck Seashore, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail winds alongside the scenic shoreline to achieve Maha’ulepu Seashore. Each of those seaside 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 Finest Issues To Do In Waikiki, Hawaii
Day 3 Night – Shipwreck Seashore
On the south shore is the well-known Shipwreck Beach, the place deserted ships as soon as littered its shores. One such ship was the World Struggle II Liberty Ship, a Forties oil tanker that beached on the coral reef of Kaiolohia Bay. It turned a well-known landmark till it was later eliminated.
This seaside itself isn’t a advisable space for swimming or snorkeling. That is because of the intense rip currents and waves that energy by the waters right here, which generally is a perilous security threat.
Even with this, skilled surfers like to check their luck at Shipwreck Seashore, although we extremely advise not following swimsuit.
5 Days In Kauai Itinerary
If you wish to lengthen your Kauai journey, you must try our Kauai itinerary for five days trip. We’ve made it easy so as to add these two further days of advisable sights 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 Seashore. Witness the brilliance of Wailua Falls from afar or up shut and private. Then, study 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 Seashore
An ideal family-friendly attraction, Kalapaki Seashore is settled on the east shore of Kauai with the Kauai Marriott Beach Resort at its again.
Get pleasure from some seaside time listed here are strive some water sports activities! A sturdy break wall protects a portion of Kalapaki Seashore, warding off probably the most violent waves that journey from the open ocean.
Because of this characteristic, water actions corresponding to swimming, paddle boarding, and boogie boarding are common at Kalapaki Seashore, 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 traditional Kauai deal with, so undoubtedly seize one if you’ve completed up your seaside time!
Day 4 Afternoon – Wailua Falls
Featured on the hit tv collection 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 might be seen from the roadside if you happen to’re content material with sightseeing. For those who’re extra inclined to rise up shut and private, a three-mile hike is required from Ma’alo Street.
Probably the most rewarding sights might be gifted if you happen to time it proper within the morning when often a rainbow trickles throughout the dashing waterfalls by the mist!
Day 4 Night – Lu’au Kalamaku
Filled with tradition and historical past, Lu’au Kalamaku is a dinner theater situated 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 constructed from the island.
Afterward, company can sit again and benefit from the present as fireplace and hula dancers carry out to share Kauai’s story, historical past, and tradition.
- Handle: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
- Telephone 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 vital iconic sights on Kauai on the Queen’s Bathtub.
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 vital photographed spots in Hawaii, a go to to the north shore to achieve this lookout might 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.
- Handle: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
Day 5 Afternoon – Queen’s Bathtub
The Queen’s Bath is likely one of the most well-known sights on Kauai’s north shore. It solely takes a brief hike to achieve the Queen’s Bathtub 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 it is very important 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, recognized 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 finest seashores in America, Hanalei Bay boasts breathtaking glowing waters, a mountain backdrop, and entry to close by purchasing and consuming sights.
From Hanalei Bay is entry to the Hanalei River, which many attain by paddling on rental kayaks. On the Bay, browsing is common due to its spectacular sought-out waves within the winter.
Kauai Itinerary 7-Days
You probably have the time to spend 7 days exploring Kauai, you gained’t be disenchanted! This seven-day itinerary might be added to the core three-day and five-day itinerary to assist take your Kauai journey to the following stage.
Day 6 in Kauai
Start the day on the iconic Lumaha’i Seashore to dip your toes within the smooth white sand. Then, swim at Ke’e Seashore, a protected and distinctive swimming and snorkeling spot. Lastly, take your choose of sights at Haena State Park, the place historic Hawaiian sea caves might be adventured firsthand!
Day 6 Morning – Lumaha’i Seashore
Settled on the north shore of Kauai, Lumaha’i Beach is splendidly nestled on the mouth of the Lumaha’i River. This white sand seaside’s scenic setting has been featured in lots of postcards, work, and images.
Although Lumaha’i Seashore provides a improbable setting excellent for pictures, sunbathing, and sightseeing, it is very important proceed with warning within the waters of this seaside. The waters are uncovered to the open ocean, which means swimmers are uncovered to sturdy rip currents.
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Day 6 Afternoon – Ke’e Seashore
The beloved Ke’e Seashore on the north shore of Kauai is adored for its beautiful white sands and glowing blue waters. Its location can also be conveniently close to the legendary NaPali Coast, one of the vital well-known areas of Kauai and Hawaii for its breathtaking magnificence.
The swimming circumstances at Ke’e Seashore are ideally suited and protected for swimmers to savor the colourful blue waters of Kauai. The crescent-shaped seaside isn’t solely wonderful for swimmers however for snorkelers too, the place guests of Ke’e Seashore can catch sightings of sea turtles of their pure habitat!
Day 6 Night – Haena State Park
Steadily known as the top of the highway, Haena State Park is the ultimate level of the Kuhio Freeway on the north shore of Kauai.
From Haena State Park is entry to historic Hawaiian websites, corresponding to a set of sea caves which might be calculated to be over 4,000 years outdated.
There are different vital sights at Haena State Park to take a look at. Kee Lagoon is one such attraction, beloved for its dazzling surroundings and ideally suited swimming circumstances. And from Haena State Park, the wild and untouched expanse of the NaPali coast might be skilled firsthand!
- Handle: 6CC9+8R Wainiha, Hawaii, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
- Telephone 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 Seashore on your final day in paradise on Kauai.
Subsequent, scour the crafted reveals of native species on the Limahuli Garden and Preserve to study extra about native plants, tradition, and historical past. Lastly, snorkel within the waters with sea turtles at Tunnels Seashore for a memorable strategy to finish your journey to Kauai!
Day 7 Morning – Hanakapi’ai Seashore
A couple of miles from the Kalalau Path, Hanakapi’ai Seashore is a secluded hotspot on Kauai’s north shore!
The golden-sanded Hanakapi’ai Seashore has loads of house to calm down within the sand because the solar’s rays heat your pores and skin and the crash of the waves lulls you to loosen up. Pack lunch for an energizing picnic at Hanakapi’ai Seashore earlier than exploring the close by sea caves.
As a security observe, swimming at Hanakapi’ai Seashore 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 likely one of the 5 gardens included within the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Limahuli Backyard and Protect is likely one of the prime sights 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 various life that has made its house on Kauai. Limahuli Backyard and Protect is house to quite a few native species which have performed a major position in Kauai’s tradition and historical past!
- Handle: 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Telephone Quantity: (808) 826-1053
- Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:15 PM (Tuesday-Saturday), Closed (Sunday-Monday)
Day 7 Night – Tunnels Seashore
Tunnels Seashore is probably the most sought-out spot for snorkeling in Kauai, which is the proper strategy to finish your journey to Kauai!
Snorkel by the crystal-clear waters whereas basking within the vibrant range of the marine life that prospers in its waters and the coral reef nestled close to the shoreline.
Probably the most widespread sightings at Tunnels Seashore is Hawaiian inexperienced sea turtles, as they prefer to laze about on the seaside’s sandy shores or hunt for meals in its waters.
Stopping in Cali in your strategy to Hawaii? Verify our our listing of the 25 greatest 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 you can spend anyplace from 3 to 7 days on Kauai.
Now let’s talk about the perfect time to go to, how you 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 Finest Time to Go to Kauai, Hawaii
The most effective time to go to the Hawaiian island of Kauai is the months of April, Could, August, September, and October.
These months are thought of shoulder season, and they’re ideally suited journey instances 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
On the subject 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 completely different prime sights within the space.
For those who’re extra inclined to be answerable for transportation, rental vehicles 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 hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Cars, which has the biggest vary of autos for the perfect worth in the marketplace.
The place to Keep in Kauai, Hawaii
For those who’re questioning the place to remain in Kauai, there are some nice choices for each finances scattered across the island. Listed below are our prime suggestions!
Finest Low cost Lodge in Kauai
Kauai Seashore Home Hostel was the perfect low-cost lodging on Kauai, but it surely has sadly closed. Kauai Palms Hotel is the following most suitable choice! It’s not a hostel, but it surely’s one of the vital inexpensive resorts on the island. It’s situated proper subsequent to Lihue Airport and has lovely mountain views.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge in Kauai
Solely a four-minute stroll to Nukoli’i Seashore Park, Kauai Beach 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.
Finest Luxurious Lodge in Kauai
The place world-class service welcomes you, The Lodge at Kukui’ula provides company elegant celeb remedy with unmatched lodging, options, and repair. Sink into luxurious on the spa heart, savor chef-driven dishes on the lodge’s restaurant, burn extra energy within the gymnasium, or sweat all of it out on the sauna!
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