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 methods to plan the right 3-7 days in Kauai itinerary!
Beloved for its majestic pure magnificence, Kauai is stocked stuffed with impeccable landscapes, wealthy tradition, historical 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.”
A few of 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 setting, and impeccable views make for an undeniably fulfilling journey that can spotlight in your recollections endlessly.
Our Kauai itinerary is a masterfully organized checklist of one of the best 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 in an effort 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 checklist of the 21 Finest Issues To Do In Kauai!
Methods 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 one of the best 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 stunning island, you possibly can simply modify by including the really useful five-day or seven-day itinerary to the core three days!
One of the best ways to get round is to hire a automotive and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Cars, which has the most important vary of automobiles for one of the best 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 consists of standard factors of curiosity you don’t need to miss out on.
From the attractive seashores of Kauai, together with Kalalau Seashore, to the highest parks stuffed with affluent plant and animal life, like Polihale State Park, you possibly can expertise one of the best of one of the best 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 automotive and begin exploring! Hike by means of 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 lovely Kalalau Seashore. 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 essentially 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 dwelling to endemic Hawaiian species of forest birds, together with the moa, the ‘apapane, and ‘iwi.
A hike by means of Koke’e State Park’s trails presents a valued alternative for trekkers to glimpse these uncommon species and obtain rewarding sights of the wilderness after they go to Waimea Canyon.
Contained in the park is the Koke’e Museum, which homes displays devoted to showcasing academic info on the native species contained in the park and Waimea Canyon. The museum presents help and data on climate and path situations that may be useful earlier than heading out into the park.
Be a 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 offered 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 of some of the difficult trails on the Hawaiian Islands, the 11-mile Kalalau Path is just not for the inexperienced hiker, because it heads above towering sea cliffs, previous roaring waterfalls, and thru 5 valleys. Sadly, the one different approach to attain Kalalau Seashore is by kayaking.
Kalalau Seashore 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 Seashore on the north coast to expertise a distant getaway surrounded by lush forests, the mild crash of the ocean’s waves, and the starry night time 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.
One of the vital standard trails on the park is the Kalalau Path, although there are many different protected and beginner-friendly path choices to think about as a substitute.
The park has picturesque sceneries of rugged cliffs, towering mountains, dashing waterfalls, and thriving forests. As soon as upon a time, historical Hawaiians lived within the valleys throughout the park, sustaining harvested objects 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 possibly can go to the Na Pali Coast with out a 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 fully rewarding ultimately, 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 are not 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 fast drop off into deep water, and the rip currents are infamously sturdy.
As an alternative, for water-based actions, it is suggested 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 checklist 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 automotive, 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 known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the Waimea Canyon is the preferred characteristic in Waimea Canyon State Park!
Nestled on the west coast of Kauai, Waimea Canyon State Park turned 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 high 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 finest 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 had 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 right approach 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 among the most unimaginable seashores for swimming, snorkeling, and browsing, and it’s nice for teenagers! It is a very family-friendly seashore in Kauai attributable to its fascinating shallow waters which can 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 in an effort 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 seashore stops alongside the way in which are standard seashores for browsing, sunbathing, and sightseeing the beautiful coastal ocean views of the island.
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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 Conflict II Liberty Ship, a Nineteen Forties oil tanker that beached on the coral reef of Kaiolohia Bay. It turned a well-known landmark till it was later eliminated.
This seashore itself is just not a really useful space for swimming or snorkeling. That is because of the intense rip currents and waves that energy by means of the waters right here, which could be a perilous security danger.
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 prolong your Kauai journey, you must take a look at our Kauai itinerary for five days trip. We’ve made it easy so as to add these two further days of really useful sights and actions to our core three-day itinerary of the Backyard Island!
Day 4 in Kauai
Snorkel the waters or discover ways 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 important family-friendly attraction, Kalapaki Seashore is settled on the east shore of Kauai with the Kauai Marriott Beach Resort at its again.
Take pleasure in some seashore time listed below are strive some water sports activities! A sturdy break wall protects a portion of Kalapaki Seashore, heading off essentially the most violent waves that journey from the open ocean.
As a consequence of this characteristic, water actions reminiscent of swimming, paddle boarding, and boogie boarding are standard at Kalapaki Seashore, together with browsing classes for novices.
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 undoubtedly seize one once 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 might 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 Highway.
One of the vital rewarding sights might be gifted in case you time it proper within the morning when often a rainbow trickles throughout the dashing waterfalls by means of the mist!
Day 4 Night – Lu’au Kalamaku
Stuffed 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 ebook 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.
- Deal with: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
- Cellphone Quantity: (877) 622-1780
Take into account island hopping over to Maui subsequent! Right here is our checklist of one of the best issues to do in Maui once 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 some of the iconic sights on Kauai on the Queen’s Bathtub.
Then, go online or kayaking at Hanalei Bay for an energetic day spent savoring the impeccable setting of the tropical paradise of Kauai!
Day 5 Morning – Hanalei Valley Lookout
The Hanalei Valley Lookout is a fast and standard spot for panoramic observational factors of the sprawling valley.
As some of the 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.
- Deal with: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
Day 5 Afternoon – Queen’s Bathtub
The Queen’s Bath is among 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 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 tug 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 procuring 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 standard due to its spectacular sought-out waves within the winter.
Kauai Itinerary 7-Days
In case you have the time to spend 7 days exploring Kauai, you gained’t be disillusioned! 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 degree.
Day 6 in Kauai
Start the day on the iconic Lumaha’i Seashore to dip your toes within the mushy white sand. Then, swim at Ke’e Seashore, a protected and distinctive swimming and snorkeling spot. Lastly, take your decide of sights at Haena State Park, the place historical 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 seashore’s scenic setting has been featured in lots of postcards, work, and images.
Although Lumaha’i Seashore presents a incredible 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, that 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, some of the well-known areas of Kauai and Hawaii for its breathtaking magnificence.
The swimming situations at Ke’e Seashore are superb and protected for swimmers to savor the colourful blue waters of Kauai. The crescent-shaped seashore is just not 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 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, reminiscent of a group of sea caves which can be calculated to be over 4,000 years previous.
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 superb swimming situations. And from Haena State Park, the wild and untouched expanse of the NaPali coast might 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 Seashore on your final day in paradise on Kauai.
Subsequent, scour the crafted displays of native species on the Limahuli Garden and Preserve to study extra about native vegetation, tradition, and historical past. Lastly, snorkel within the waters with sea turtles at Tunnels Seashore for a memorable approach 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 area 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 chill out. Pack lunch for an energizing picnic at Hanakapi’ai Seashore earlier than exploring the close by sea caves.
As a security notice, swimming at Hanakapi’ai Seashore is just not suggested. It’s notorious for its harmful waters which have resulted in various 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 National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Limahuli Backyard and Protect is among the high sights on the island that has established itself on the footprint of its Hawaiian ancestors.
A stroll by means of 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 position 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 Seashore
Tunnels Seashore is essentially the most sought-out spot for snorkeling in Kauai, which is the right approach to finish your journey to Kauai!
Snorkel by means of 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.
One of the vital widespread sightings at Tunnels Seashore 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 approach to Hawaii? Test our our checklist 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 methods to spend wherever from 3 to 7 days on Kauai.
Now let’s focus on one of the best time to go to, methods to get across the complete island, and the place to remain once you go to the wildest and most rugged of all of the Hawaiian Islands!
When is the Finest Time to Go to Kauai, Hawaii
One of the best 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 superb 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
On the subject of getting round Kauai, you don’t essentially want a automobile 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 high sights within the space.
When you’re extra inclined to be answerable for transportation, rental automobiles can be found on Kauai. Renting a automotive permits you full flexibility to discover the island nevertheless you select!
One of the best ways to get round is to hire a automotive and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Cars, which has the most important vary of automobiles for one of the best 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 price range scattered across the island. Listed here are our high suggestions!
Finest Low cost Resort in Kauai
Kauai Seashore Home Hostel was once one of the best low cost lodging on Kauai, nevertheless it has sadly closed. Kauai Palms Hotel is the following most suitable choice! It’s not a hostel, nevertheless it’s some of the reasonably priced resorts on the island. It’s situated proper subsequent to Lihue Airport and has stunning mountain views.
Finest Mid-Vary Resort 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 Resort in Kauai
The place world-class service welcomes you, The Lodge at Kukui’ula presents company stylish celeb therapy with unequalled lodging, options, and repair. Sink into luxurious on the spa middle, savor chef-driven dishes on the resort’s restaurant, burn extra energy within the fitness center, or sweat all of it out on the sauna!
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