If you’re planning a trip to Kaua’i, or the “Garden Isle,” you’re in the right place! Kaua’i is the smallest of the four main Hawaiian Islands, and the oldest. It was formed about 5 million years ago and is known for its dramatic coastline, lush greenery and many waterfalls. You’ll generally find that this island is less visited than the larger islands, so you can enjoy fewer crowds. From the dramatic Na Pali Coast to the deep Waimea Canyon, there is no shortage of incredible views on Kaua’i.
If you enjoy hiking and scenic views, this Kauai itinerary is for you. It’s the perfect island for adventure, as it’s easy to get around and has an incredible variety. Plus, you’ll find options for epic views that range from easy to more intense.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Kaua’i, including a rafting tour, hiking to a tall waterfall, a doors-off helicopter tour and more. After visiting the four main Hawaiian Islands, Kaua’i is my favorite for its breathtaking views. This guide is based on my experience visiting in November 2024.
Things To Know Before Visiting Kaua’i
- It’s important to visit Kaua’i with respect and leave no trace. Make sure to pack out your trash, stay on the trails, wear reef-safe sunscreen, don’t approach wildlife, and leave this beautiful island better than you found it.
- I love using the Guide Along audio tours to explore, and they have a great tour for Kauai and all of the Hawaiian Islands. By listening to the tour, you’ll learn about the history and geology of the islands, and get recommendations and tips on things to do and see.
When to Visit Kauai
Kaua’i is very nice to visit year round! However, it’s the wettest of the Hawaiian Islands. Typically, the wet season is considered to be from November to April, and the dry season is May to October. The rainy season also brings rougher seas, and the dry season is better for calm snorkeling weather and the chance to go inside sea caves on a raft on the Nā Pali Coast.
Summer and the winter holidays tend to be the busiest times of year in Kaua’i, so you can enjoy slightly fewer people in the fall and spring.
Personally, I went in November and had very little rain, and great weather. However, I’d love to visit in the dry season someday so that I can have a calmer day out on the water exploring the Nā Pali Coast. (more on that below!)
Where to Stay in Kauai
Even though Kaua’i is relatively small, I stayed in two different places in order to maximize my time. I stayed in Princeville, on the north side of the island, so that I would be close to Hā'ena State Park. This was super helpful, as I booked the earliest shuttle into the park and had a full day to hike.
I spent the second half of the trip in Poipu, which is on the south side of the island. This was a great central location for visiting beaches, hiking in Waimea Canyon, taking a doors-off helicopter tour, taking a rafting tour to the Nā Pali Coast, and more.
If you don’t plan to hike in Ha’ena State Park, or you just prefer to stay in one place, I recommend Poipu or nearby as a great location on the island.
I stayed in two great Airbnbs during my trip (which I found to be much more affordable than hotels). I’ll link the Airbnbs below, along with some hotel recommendations in both areas.
Where to Stay in Princeville (north side of Kauai):
- Airbnb in Princeville (this was a a cute spot and within walking distance of the Princeville shuttle pick up to Ha’ena State Park)
- Club Wyndham Ka Eo Kai (mid-range)
- The Cliffs at Princeville (mid-range)
- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (luxury)
Where to Stay in Poipu (south side of Kauai):
- Airbnb right next to Baby Beach (where I stayed, more budget friendly and an amazing location)
- Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas (mid-range)
- Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection (luxury)
Getting Around Kauai
As I would recommend for all of the Hawaiian Islands, renting a car is the best way to get around on your own terms. If you’re unable to rent a car, there are options for shuttle services, rideshare and local buses.
How to Spend 4 Days in Kaua’i
How long should you spend in Kauai? If you’re an adventurous traveler who loves hiking, I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days so that you can properly explore the island. I spent 4 days on the island, but if you’re able to spend longer, or you prefer to take things slower, I recommend spending 5 or 6 days to see a little bit more.
Kaua’i Itinerary Day One
Go on an epic hike in Ha’ena State Park
Spend the Day Hiking in Ha’ena State Park
If you enjoy hiking, a visit to Ha’ena State Park is a must on your Kauai itinerary! However, a reservation is necessary, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Ha’ena State Park is located on the Kauai North Shore at the end of the Kuhio Highway. The park sits at one end of the Nā Pali Coast, and trails connect from here to the famous Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
There are a few trail options at this park. The most famous is the Kalalau Trail, which is 22-miles and typically done as a backpacking trip. Permits for this adventure are first given out in person to locals, and additional spots are released 30 days in advance.
Doing that entire hike is a big adventure that I won’t be covering here. However, day hikers have the opportunity to hike the first portion of the Kalalau Trail and enjoy some epic views.
In order to visit Ha’ena State Park for the day, you’ll need a reservation. There are two different types of reservations for most visitors: taking the shuttle or parking. The parking passes have a very limited availability, and I wasn’t able to snag one. So, I took the shuttle and it worked out well.
There are two different shuttle pick-up spots to reach the park. One leaves from the Waipa Park and Ride, and you can park your car here for free. The other leaves from Princeville and does not have parking, so this is generally for people who are staying somewhere in Princeville and are able to walk to the pick-up spot (this is what I did!).
Reservations go on sale 30 days in advance and sell out quickly, so make sure to mark your calendar!
Okay, so you’ve reserved your shuttle ticket or parking pass for the park, now what should you do there? When it comes to day hikes, you have a few choices on how far you might want to go on the trail. The further you go, the more difficult the trail becomes.
Pro Tip: The trail conditions here can vary A LOT depending on recent weather. After a heavy rain, the trail may be extremely slippery and difficult. Meanwhile, trail conditions may be much easier on a dry day. Make sure you’re prepared for mud, and know your limits if the conditions are too rough on the day you visit.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy viewpoint, I recommend hiking 1 mile round trip to the Kalalau Overlook. This offers a lovely view of the coast from above.
If you’re up for a more moderate adventure, hike out to Hanakapi'ai Beach. This trail is 3.6 miles and follows along the coast, with some amazing views along the way. To reach the beach at the end, you’ll need to do a river crossing, and the water level varies depending on rainfall.
At Hanakapi'ai Beach, there is a little cave and lovely views of the ocean. Keep in mind that swimming is very dangerous at this beach and not recommended. There are intense rip currents (which are worse in the winter) and drownings have occurred here. If you want to swim, you can do this at Ke'e Beach, which is a short walk from the parking lot.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can continue on from the beach to Hanakāpīʻai Falls. This hike is 8 miles round trip. This is where I hiked, and I highly recommend it for experienced hikers and those who aren’t afraid to get wet. The hike back to the falls includes several more river crossings, and conditions are often muddy and slippery.
When you reach the waterfall, you’ll be rewarded with a 300-foot waterfall cascading down into a canyon. You can swim at its base and admire the tropical landscape that surrounds you. This is an epic adventure to kick off your time in Kauai and to add to your Hawaii bucket list!
Enjoy the View at Tunnels Beach
Before you leave the Kauai North Shore, I recommend a quick stop at Tunnels Beach. From the beach, you’ll enjoy an incredible view looking towards nearby Ha’ena State Park.
This beach is famous for snorkeling and diving, and gets its name from underwater lava tunnels. The beach is calmer in the summer, and winter can bring strong waves and currents, so exercise caution when swimming.
Kauai Itinerary Day Two
Make your way from the North Shore to the South Shore with stops along the way, and take a helicopter tour.
Have Breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company
If you slept in Princeville the night before, Hanalei Bread Company is the perfect breakfast stop on your way out of town. It’s an organic bakery and coffee shop that serves pastries, breakfast items, lunch items and more. I really enjoyed their breakfast burrito and their outdoor patio.
Visit Kilauea Point
Kilauea Point sits high on an ocean bluff, 100’s of feet above the water. This breathtaking place is a National Wildlife Refuge. It was established in 1985 to protect migratory seabirds and endangered species, such as the nēnē, aka Hawaiian Goose. The refuge is also home to a historic lighthouse that was built in 1913.
As of this writing, the Refuge is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 3. They have a timed reservation system, so you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance.
If you visit outside of these hours or don’t snag a reservation, you can still enjoy a view of the lighthouse on the point. There is a small area to park just outside of the gate. Along with enjoying the view, we saw several nēnē here!
Take a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour is certainly a splurge, but I thought that it was very much worth it to see Kauai from above. Helicopter tours are popular on all of the Hawaiian Islands, but I think that Kauai is the best place to get up in the sky. This is because over 70% of the island is inaccessible by land, and the dramatic landscapes of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon are incredible to see from above.
I had an incredible experience doing a Doors-off helicopter tour with Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours. We saw one of the rainiest places in the world, hidden waterfalls and waves crashing against the shores on the Na Pali Coast. The helicopter went into canyons, flew closely over ridges and took us to places we couldn’t have seen any other way.
Personally, I really enjoyed having the doors-off, as it provided much better photo opportunities. However, if that makes you uncomfortable, you can still have a great experience with the doors on.
I went with Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, and they offer private helicopter tours for $359 a person. There are several other helicopter companies on the island, and you can find lower prices on shared tours. Some helicopters will also land at Jurassic Falls, an epic waterfall. No matter your goals, you can find a tour that works for you!
Book a private, doors-off helicopter tour
Have Lunch in Lihue
You’ll probably be passing through Lihue (near the airport) to leave for your helicopter tour, or just get around the island.
I enjoyed a meal at Kauai Island Brewing Company, which has an outdoor patio, great pizza and interesting beers, like the Lilikoi Ale.
And if you like ginger beer, I highly recommend a stop at Aloha Ginger Beer. They have a range of ginger beer flavors that are made in small batches using locally grown ginger, seasonal fruits and local honey. It’s a super cute place and the drinks are delicious!
Explore the Coast in Poipu
Spend the rest of your afternoon beach hopping, hiking or relaxing at some of the many beaches and parks in the Poipu area.
First, it’s worth taking the short drive to see the Spouting Horn, a blowhole that shoots seawater out of a natural lava tube. The water can fly up to 50 feet in the air and it’s fascinating to watch.
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach to relax at, Baby Beach is a great spot. It’s small, but feels hidden away and isn’t as crowded as other nearby beaches. It’s a peaceful place for swimming or watching the sunset.
If you’re looking for a hike, I enjoyed the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail from Shipwreck Beach. This route follows along the coast and has several viewpoints of rugged cliffs and hidden coves. You can hike as far as you’d like, so this can be a quick jaunt or a longer adventure.
However, if you visit one spot in this area, I recommend Poipu Beach for the sea turtles. This is a reliable spot to see green sea turtles basking on the sand, especially around sunset. Volunteers are often present to protect them, but make sure to keep your distance from wildlife. These creatures are beautiful to see, and I loved watching them make their way to and from the ocean and the beach.
Kauai Itinerary Day Three
Spend the day exploring Waimea Canyon.
Explore Waimea Canyon
A drive up into Waimea Canyon is a must-visit during your trip to Kauai! Waimea Canyon, which has earned the nickname “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” is a massive canyon that stretches 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and over 3,500 feet deep.
There are several overlooks that allow you to admire the canyon from different angles, and hiking trails where you can hike into parts of the canyon.
The best overlooks in Waimea Canyon:
Waimea Canyon Lookout
This is a fantastic viewpoint where you can appreciate the various reds, oranges, greens and browns that color the canyon walls. This is part of Waimea Canyon State Park, so you’ll need to pay a fee to visit ($10 per car, plus $5 per person).
You’ll walk a short distance via steps of a ramp to reach the view. I also saw feral goats from this viewpoint!
Pu’u Hinahina Lookout
This is a great view that displays a more narrow and green view of the canyon than the previous lookout. This is also where I started the hike to Waipo'o Falls, which I’ll share more about below.
Kalalau Lookout
Right before you reach the end of Kokee Road, the Kalalau Valley Lookout is a must-stop during your drive up to see Waimea Canyon. This viewpoint faces the coast and you’ll be about 4,000 feet above the Na Pali Coast and ocean below.
Hiking in Waimea Canyon
There are a few great hiking trails that allow you to hike into Waimea Canyon and enjoy waterfalls and canyon views.
I enjoyed the hike to Waipo'o Falls. There are a couple different places to start this trek, but I began at the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout and it was 2.7 miles round trip. This hike is downhill on the way to the waterfall, and uphill as you return, so you’ll need to be prepared to hike back out. The trail gets a little bit steep and can be muddy at times, so I recommend sturdy hiking shoes, along with plenty of water.
Waipo'o Falls is small, but still nice. You’ll also get to enjoy some beautiful views along the canyon along the way.
If you enjoy hiking, check out All Trails for other trail options in the area.
Kauai Itinerary Day Four
Admire the Na Pali Coast from the water.
See the Na Pali Coast from the Water
If you followed this itinerary, you’ve already seen parts of the Na Pali Coast via hiking, a helicopter and perhaps from the Kalalau Lookout. But there is one more angle that I recommend experiencing, and that’s the view from a boat.
There are a range of options when it comes to boat tours. You can go on a sunset sail with dinner served, enjoy a snorkeling excursion, and/or visit on a 24 foot raft. The rafts tend to be much more adventurous, as you’ll be hanging on tight as the raft glides over waves. The main benefit of the raft is that it can enter into sea caves along the coast.
I went on a raft, but was unable to go into any caves due to the conditions that day. It was a bumpy and intense ride, and I learned that this is very common in the winter. If you really want to go inside the sea caves, I recommend visiting during the summer.
However, it was still amazing to admire the coast from that angle. I saw huge waterfalls, towering cliffs, a monk seal and got to do some snorkeling.
Book a half day raft and snorkeling adventure
Have a Quintessential Hawaiian Treat
You can’t go to Hawaii without having shave ice! This treat is made of fine ice shavings and includes syrups and other toppings. I enjoyed shave ice a few times during my trip to Kauai, but I especially loved The Fresh Shave and Wailua Shave Ice.
The Fresh Shave uses natural ingredients in their syrups and has some amazing flavor combinations, including unique offerings such as chai tea and cold brew coffee, plus classics such as coconut, strawberry and pineapple. I loved their mint and lime combination.
Wailua Shave Ice also has delicious flavor combinations, and they serve acai bowls. I loved their lilikoi cream flavor.
More Things To Do in Kauai
- Kayak to Wailua Falls
- Walk through a tree tunnel to visit Donkey Beach, which is nice for sunbathing or surfing
- Visit Moloa'a Beach
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan an epic trip to Kauai! With the dramatic Na Pali Coast and epic hiking trails, it’s my favorite Hawaiian Island. Whether you visit to hike or just enjoy the views, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to this incredible island.
For more Island Travel Guides, check out these blogs:
- A Guide to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- A Guide to National Park of American Samoa
- The Perfect Channel Islands Itinerary
- A Guide to Visiting Isle Royale National Park
- An Adventurous Aruba Itinerary
- How to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
- A Fun Day Trip to Mackinac Island, MI
Thanks for Reading!
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