The Best 3 Days in Kauai Itinerary for Your First Time
This guide will show you how to plan the perfect 3 days in Kauai itinerary full of gorgeous beaches, gushing waterfalls and red canyons on Hawaii’s Garden Island.
Dramatic coastal cliffs soaring thousands of feet above the crashing waves, lusciously green valleys and rainforests, dusty red canyons stretching for miles — the Garden Island has some of the best scenery in Hawaii. And this 3 days in Kauai itinerary will make sure you don’t miss out on any of it, whether you’re into waterfall hikes or golden beaches.
A nature lover’s playground, Kauai is less than an hour by plane from Oahu and Maui, so it’s easy to include this on a longer Hawaii itinerary. I first visited by island hopping over from Oahu and spent a few days hiking and exploring.
Since it can be challenging to pack a whole island into a short visit, this Kauai 3-day itinerary will point you to the top sights and best things to do in Kauai for your first visit. Plus, I’ll recommend one epic way to cover lots of ground in just one afternoon.
Keep reading for how to spend 3 days on Kauai and scroll to the bottom for tips on where to stay and what you can’t forget to bring!
How to Spend 3 Days in Kauai Itinerary
This 3 day Kauai itinerary focuses on a different part of the island each day so that you can maximize your time. The Kauai map below color codes the activities by day so you can see where you’ll be. Click on the map to open a Google map that you can save or edit as you plan your Kauai itinerary.
Day 1 — North Shore Hiking and Beaches
Home to the breathtaking cliffs of the Napali Coast, the North Shore calls to adventurous trekkers and low-key hikers alike. Princeville, one of the top places to stay, is just 30 minutes away, but if you have to drive further, the road coastal road trip makes for some epic sightseeing. If you want to follow the bucket-list Kalalau Trail, get an early start on day 1 of your 3 days in Kauai and hit up these other attractions on the way back instead.
Kilauea Point
Jutting out on an elevated peninsula as you round the corner to the northern coast of Kauai, the postcard-perfect, red-roofed Kilauea Point Lighthouse contrasts against the ocean blue. The 1913 beacon opens for tours just a couple times a week, allowing guests to climb up the narrow stairwell to a watch room.
For a fee, you can also visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge here Tuesday through Saturday to observe local seabirds and snap photos of the lighthouse even when it’s closed.
North Shore Beaches
If you prefer beach-hopping to hiking, the northern coast has quite a few to choose from, though some are easier to reach than others. Known as the Secret Beach, Kauapea requires a steep hike down an unmarked trail, which keeps the wide swath of sand more peaceful and remote. Bayfront Hanalei Beach is much more family-friendly and situated near a small village with brightly painted shops and eateries.
Be aware that ocean conditions on the North Shore can get rough in winter and are often not suitable for swimming. Stick to beaches with lifeguards and follow directions and signs to stay safe from riptides and pounding waves.
Princeville
The upscale Princeville resort area is also on the way to the Napali Coast and full of polished golf courses to take a swing at. You’ll also find a shopping center and plenty of breezy eateries here.
Kalalau Trail
If you’ve come to Kauai for the great outdoors, the Kalalau Trail is likely on your bucket list. To follow the entire 11-mile, one-way path requires overnight camping, a permit, and some dangerous cliffside scooting, but day hikers can take on just a section to get their fix.
The first two miles of the trail lead to the remote Hanakapiai Beach, a popular day hike at around four miles total. On the way, you’ll get epic vistas of the Napali Coast cliffs as you wind up and down the shoreline.
For an easier walk of less than a mile, turn around before the half-mile point when you reach a wide ledge with a photo view of the coast. Or, to go all-in, hike 2 miles beyond Hanakapiai Beach up to Hanakapiai Falls for a total of 8 miles round-trip.
There are daily visitor limits in place, so be sure to reserve a spot 30 days in advance. The trail starts at Kee Beach, a stunning stretch of soft sand that non-hikers won’t mind kicking back on for a few hours.
Day 2 — Sightseeing, Flightseeing and Coconut Coast
With roadways primarily along the coast of the island, most of the untouched interior of Kauai can only be glimpsed from above. If you’re trying to see Kauai in 3 days, I recommend a sky tour to take in the most scenery, or a boat tour for a different view of the cliffs and sea caves. You can end this day with a Kauai luau full of delicious food and entertainment.
Kauai Helicopter Tour
Kauai helicopter tours ring the island to show passengers the stunning Napali Cliffs and crisscross the interior, which is full of canyons, waterfalls and lush valleys. The journey typically starts near the airport in Lihue, where you’ll board with a small group into a window-heavy craft ideal for snapping aerial photos.
Kauai Boat Tour
For a different perspective of the coastal cliffs, consider a boat tour of the Napali Coast. On these half-day or longer excursions, you’ll be able to spot hidden coves, lava tubes and caves only seen from the sea. Some trips focus on activities like snorkeling or focus on whale-watching in the winter season. Shorter sailing trips include sunset outings and dinner cruises.
Wailua River State Park
With any hours left today, take some time to explore the eastern side of the island and its interior landscapes. Wailua River State Park shelters picturesque waterfalls and verdant valley landscapes. You can kayak on the river here or simply drive to scenic lookouts of Opaekaa and Wailua falls. There are also trails in the area.
Coconut Coast
For beach time, dinner and shopping, head to the the Royal Coconut Coast on the east side of the island. This area is home to Kauai’s two largest towns — Kapaa, with an oceanfront district of food trucks and little boutiques, and Lihue, which has the airport, the Kauai Museum, and the island’s few big retail chains.
Day 3 — West Kauai Parks and South Shore Beaches
The western side of Kauai packs in everything from sandy beaches along the coast to lush rainforests in the hills to deep canyons painted in shades of red. You’ll have to pick and choose your favorite experiences to crunch it all into just a day of your Kauai itinerary, but if you self-drive, you can at least sightsee quite a few different landscapes.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Head straight for the mountains and forests with a drive through Waimea Canyon State Park and neighboring Kokee State Park. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon’s epic scenery includes rusty gorges dotted with patches of greenery and waterfalls.
You can take in the view from roadside lookouts, but hiking paths will get you even closer. For a quick stroll, hit the easy Iliau Nature Loop. The Kukui Trail will take up more of your day, as it includes a 2,000-foot drop to the canyon floor over 2.5 miles.
Kokee State Park
Continue uphill to bump into Kokee State Park, which hosts a handful of muddy trails and some of the best Napali Coast views from this side of the island. Stop at one of two overlooks near the end of the road for an easy stroll to a scenic vista. A trail starting at the end of the pavement covers some swampy grounds with occasional coastal scenery.
Hanapepe
Back down at sea level, pop by the small town of Hanapepe to grab a bite at one of the locally owned cafes. The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-village is famous for its handicraft shops and art galleries.
South Shore Beaches
Koloa is a popular place to stay on this side of the island, and the community has everything from a historic shopping street to sweeping golf greens to sandy beaches. Stop at Poipu Beach for some late afternoon lazing before the sunset, or head over to Shipwrecks Beach to meander the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail that follows the wave-lashed coastline.
Tips for Visiting Kauai
This guide for spending 3 days in Kauai includes tips for where to stay, when to go, and how to save on your Hawaii vacation budget.
How to Get to Kauai
Lihue Airport is on the southeast side of Kauai and has flights from the mainland and other Hawaiian Islands on major carriers like Southwest, Delta, United, Hawaiian and more.
From Kauai, it takes less than an hour to fly to Oahu, Maui or the Big Island.
This is how to spend a week on Oahu
Where to Stay on Kauai
Along the Royal Coconut Coast on the East Side, you'll find a mix of budget and luxury options in towns like Kapaa and Lihue. This zone is ideal if you're planning to explore every inch of the island, as it's about midway between the two ends of the main highways. You'll have to drive about an hour to reach the Kalalau Trail or Waimea Canyon State Park. The airport is also near here, so arriving, departing and boarding helicopter excursions from here will be a quick drive.
If you'd rather stay on the South Shore a bit closer to state parks like Waimea Canyon and Kokee, look into the Koloa resort hub. There's everything from swanky hotels to apartment vacation rentals available here. The town has quicker access to more remote beaches along the southern shore but is still close to Lihue for shopping and the airport.
What to Pack for Kauai
This Hawaii packing guide includes a free checklist full of everything you need to bring for your 3 days in Kauai.
Do You Need a Car on Kauai?
While there is some bus service on Kauai, renting a car is by far the best way to get around on the island if you plan to leave your hotel or resort during your vacation. Otherwise, you will need to book individual tours, which can add up.
How Many Days Do You Need in Kauai?
I recommend at least 3 days in Kauai if you are island hopping in Hawaii. This amount of time allows you to check out the most popular hikes, parks and beaches on Kauai. With more time, you’ll be able to relax on the beach or explore at a more leisurely pace.
When is the Best Time to Go to Kauai?
Kauai has warm temperate weather, averaging in the 70s and 80s year-round. Ocean temps are typically between 71 to 81 degrees.
There are essentially two seasons on Kauai — rainy and dry — though microclimates also exist here with one of the wettest spots on earth in the island's remote interior.
Kauai’s dry season falls in spring, summer and early autumn and temperatures are slightly warmer during this time. The wet season starts in late fall through winter.
Summer and winter are the busiest seasons to visit due to school vacations and folks looking to escape snowy weather. Spring and fall are generally the best time for lower prices and fewer crowds, as long as you avoid school holiday times like spring break.
Is Kauai Expensive?
How much you spend on Kauai will depend on what type of vacation you are planning, ranging from tent camping on the beach to a luxury resort stay. To save money on a 3 day Kauai itinerary, I recommend picking a modestly priced hotel, since you’ll likely be spending most of your time outdoors and beaches are free.
You can also save big on meals by following these Kauai budget tips for food.
