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. We’ve also included tips like where to stay, what to pack, and how to visit Kauai on a budget.
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.
8 Bucket List Things To Do in Kauai Hawaii
Kauai’s misty waterfalls, verdant valleys, soaring sea cliffs, and stunning beaches just say “paradise.” This guide to the top things to do in Kauai will make sure you don’t miss any of the bucket list activities here, from epic hikes to thrilling helicopter tours to the best locally sourced coffee.
From waterfalls to sea cliffs to coffee farms, these are some of the best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.
Misty waterfalls running down verdurous mountain walls, rainbows arching from deep valleys into endless blue skies, the sounds of a creek trickling over rocks to spill into the sea — sound like paradise? Welcome to Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Island.
When I drove by the greenest field I’ve ever seen and spotted two white horses peacefully grazing by a babbling brook, I thought I was imagining things. Nowhere can be THIS beautiful.
The northernmost of Hawaii’s major islands, Kauai also is the oldest geologically. Here a towering mountain peak holds one of the wettest spots on earth, while just a few miles away red canyons dip down thousands of feet. The island’s untouched interior contains hidden wonders that can only be surveyed from flights above, while secluded beaches and coves welcome persevering trekkers to enjoy the calm of crashing waves.
If you aren’t already head over heels for this fascinating island, below are eight experiences that will make you fall deeply in love with Kauai. And when you’re ready to start planning your vacation, check out this Kauai itinerary.
Chase Waterfalls
One of the best parts about Kauai’s waterfalls is the multitude of ways to encounter them. Some are easy to drive to (Wailua Falls), others require a strenuous hike (Hanakapiai Falls) and many can only be accessed via helicopter (Jurassic Park Falls). I utilized all of these methods and recommend doing the same.
It’s hard to pick the best cascade, but the magical “weeping wall” at Mount Waialeale makes a great case – imagine being enveloped by a green crater streaming with a hazy blur of falls rushing down thousands of feet to the base. OK, it’s a clear winner. Read on for how to get there.
Drive the Coast
Though public transit is available on Kauai, renting a vehicle allows you to get around easier. You can’t make a full loop of the island’s exterior, due to the rugged Na Pali Coast. Instead, the highway runs in a semicircle for 75 miles from North Shore Ke’e Beach to West Side Polihali Beach, about a two-and-a-half-hour jaunt.
Around towns, the main streets are no more difficult or scary to navigate than anywhere else, though the scenery is admittedly better. But I did manage to run into a few roads where I wanted to shut my eyes tight and hope for the best.
These were mostly limited to one-way bridges heading north, winding paths with steep drop-offs through Waimea Canyon State Park, and flooded back roads.
Fly Above the Island
With only about 10 percent of the island accessible by car, helicopter tours afford special views of the remote interior. I chose Blue Hawaiian for our outing and couldn’t have been more pleased.
As one who’s nervous of heights, I had all kinds of panicked thoughts about what the ride might entail, imagining the aircraft taking sudden dips and pulling stunts. Rest assured, the flight was calm and after take-off, I was too.
Words fail to describe the beauty you’ll encounter while hovering above the island – the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, the contrasting red and green hues of Waimea Canyon, and the ethereal beauty of Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on earth and only accessible in certain weather conditions (we got lucky).
I’m not usually the type to invest in excursions, preferring to explore on our own, but I recommend making room in your budget for this one, which lasts about 50-55 minutes. Through noise-canceling headphones, you’ll hear a mixture of informative narration from the pilot and epic movie soundtracks that fit perfectly with the scenery.
The chopper’s expansive windows also make it easy to snap remarkable aerial shots to take home – just be sure to wear dark colors to cut down on the reflection off the glass.
Hike the Kalalau Trail
After flying over the Na Pali Coast, you’ll definitely want to see more from ground level, so head to Ke’e Beach on the North Shore. From here, the challenging 11 mile (each way) Kalalau Trail leads to amazing isolated spots, but only seasoned hikers should take on the long, dangerous journey.
Luckily, one of the best views is from the half-mile marker, a relatively easy spot to reach as long as you can handle the uphill climb.
If you have a free day and are physically able, follow the path for 2 miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach, as far as you can go on the Kalalau without a camping permit. From there you can hop on a 4-mile round-trip route inland up to Hanakapi’ai Falls, a 300-foot tall cataract that flows all the way down to the ocean.
Start early, as it can be slow going and slippery in spots and you’ll want to get back before dark. There are a few other trails on the island with Na Pali Coast views, too. You read about those here.
Stare Into a Canyon
Spanning 14 miles with depths up to 3,600 feet, Waimea Canyon is a spectacular sight to behold. Waterfalls gush down rocky red walls, a river cuts through lush green valleys in perfect “s” formations, and rainbows often stretch across the sky, teasing onlookers to question whether what they’re witnessing is real.
While helicopter tours offer the best perspective on the magnitude of this geologic feature (called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), multiple lookout points along Highway 550 provide perfect panoramas.
Housed in a state park approached from the west, Waimea offers lots of hiking adventures, with trails leading to the canyon floor, falls and swimming holes. Carve out half a day or more for this area and the adjacent Koke’e State Park.
Walk in the Clouds
On the 19-mile drive up Highway 550 through Waimea and Koke’e State Parks, the contrasting landscape of a canyon on one side and the ocean on the other makes for a stunning display as you climb higher and higher. If you make it to the end you’ll run into another treat, a panoramic vista of the Kalalau Valley.
The road ends in a parking lot with an overlook, but if you have time to walk, follow part of the Pihea Trail that starts here instead. You’ll a run into several spots along the beginning of the path to stop and stare down toward the valley before heading into a forested area transplanted from a fairy tale. Beyond that, the going gets muddy and rough, with another view as a reward at the end.
Because of the elevation, cloud cover can be quite thick here, and it is advisable to go earlier in the morning – though some light clouds hovering along the route as you walk or breezing quickly through only adds to the whimsical feeling.
Dine by the Sea
I tried a couple of resort restaurants with lovely oceanfront dining rooms, but nothing compares to eating in the open air with a gentle sea breeze. So, when I passed a hub of food trucks steps from the beach, I knew I had to come back for lunch one day.
There are dozens of these establishments scattered around the island and the handy Best Kauai Food Trucks site sorts them by locale and cuisine.
Not far from our hotel in Kapaa, I found an eclectic mix of Southern fusion (think fried chicken and egg on a waffle), Thai curry, and fish taco vendors surrounding colorful picnic benches.
Sample Coffee
Kona on the Big Island may be the best-known spot for coffee farms in Hawaii, but Kauai Coffee Company’s estate on the Garden Isle is actually the largest, with 3,100 acres yielding more than 4 million trees. Free walking tours cover the growing, harvesting and roasting process, which takes place on Kauai.
The best part of visiting the plantation, though, is the free samples offered on the covered deck – the perfect way to test out as many fun flavors as your nervous system can handle.
My favorites so far are the banana nut cream, chocolate macadamia nut, and coconut caramel crunch, and since finishing off the bags I brought home with me, I haven’t stopped ordering more online. If I can’t live on the island, at least I can have a little taste of it every morning!
Ready to fall in love with more of Hawaii?
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5 Budget Tips to Save on Food in Kauai
When you think of a Hawaii vacation, do you immediately see dollar signs? Since it's the northernmost of the major islands (and therefore more remote), Kauai, in particular, can empty wallets pretty quickly. Just like anywhere else, though, exercising control over what you spend makes a huge difference.
When you think of a Hawaii vacation, do you immediately see dollar signs? Since it's the northernmost of the major islands (and therefore more remote), Kauai, in particular, can empty wallets pretty quickly. Just like anywhere else, though, exercising control over what you spend makes a huge difference.
I intended to write a post full of tips for how to cut costs on Kauai, but as I started making a list, I realized that most of the advice related to food. After all, some of the best ways to enjoy the island don’t cost a thing, thanks to no entrance fees at state parks here. Eating, on the other hand, can be pricey. If you want to allocate more funds to experiences (like a helicopter ride or Na Pali coast boat tour), or just find a way to stretch your budget far enough to reach this gem of a destination, then check out these tips on how to eat for less on Kauai.
Bring Food from Home
This suggestion might seem super obvious to some, but completely strange to others. I admit, thinking far ahead about meals might not seem very vacation oriented or relaxing, but it really doesn’t take too much planning since you can pick everything up during a regular grocery trip (or order from Amazon Prime Pantry).
If this is a completely foreign concept, let’s start with the basics. What do you like to eat in the morning? Pop-tarts? Mini-muffins? Breakfast bars? Oatmeal? All of these items can be packed and prepared with minimal effort in a hotel room that only has a coffee maker (for hot water).
Snacks? Bring things like trail mix, crackers, nuts, granola bars and pita chips. If you’re feeling adventurous (and want to save even more) pack PB&J supplies; sandwich thins won’t get smashed like bread, and small peanut butter and jelly pouches can even go in your quart-sized liquids bag – you may get some head tilts at security, but it’s allowed! Speaking of packing, anything that might crumble should be kept in your carry-on (have you ever watched luggage being unloaded? … yikes!).
You might be thinking that this sounds like a really boring (and unhealthy) way to eat on vacation, and I’m certainly not suggesting you chow down on stale pastries 24/7. But having these items on hand greatly reduces the amount of dining out you’ll need to do.
Before moving on, one note – even though Hawaii is part of the U.S., there are restrictions for transporting “plant material” from the mainland and all such items must be declared and inspected. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture says that most commercially processed foods are OK to bring (from the U.S.), but check their guidelines before you go.
“If your hotel room has a fridge and microwave or you’re staying in an Airbnb, a whole new world opens up ...”
Grocery Shop on the Island
Typically this would be my top piece of advice, but the high supermarket prices on Kauai put a damper on the savings (a loaf of plain white bread was something like $6). Nevertheless, picking up sandwich supplies, deli dinners or microwavable meals definitely costs less than a sit-down supper with gratuity. Tally what you’re throwing in the cart though. We found a pre-made sub platter at Safeway to be cheaper than buying all the ingredients to assemble it.
A hidden bonus to grocery store feasting is the time it saves. While dressing up and going out is fun some nights, at the end of a long adventure day you might be in a hurry to get to bed. Supermarkets provide an alternate quick option to a drive-through.
There are grocery stores in all of the major hotel areas, including a couple of Safeways on the east side, a Walmart and Costco in Lihue (near the airport), and some local chains called Big Save Market and Foodland scattered around.
If your hotel room has a fridge and microwave or you’re staying in an Airbnb, a whole new world opens up, and you might want to consider making a grocery run when you first arrive to stock up for the duration of your trip.
Limit Meals Out
Combined with bringing some of your own grub or popping into the store, eating at a restaurant only once or twice a day becomes quite easy. A filling brunch plus an early dinner works if you munch on snacks to bridge the gaps, while keeping picnic supplies on hand is useful for days when you want to be outside exploring from dawn to dusk and only have time to sit down for supper.
Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean depriving yourself either. When we found a fancy seafood buffet we wanted to try, we scheduled dinner early and ate a cheaper lunch.
“Fruits and veggies grown on Kauai can be purchased from Sunshine Markets ...”
Try Restaurant Alternatives
In addition to being a little cheaper, counter-service establishments reduce or eliminate the need for a tip, which can add up quickly. You’re not limited to drive-throughs either (though the typical burger, taco and chicken stops are all here), with options like food trucks, local fruit stands, pizzerias and farmers markets providing alternates.
Dozens of food trucks around the island offer just about every international flavor variety you could possibly crave (Thai, Puerto Rican, Filipino, Cajun, Italian, Indian … it’s all here), and juice and smoothie stands make for refreshing snacks.
Fruits and veggies grown on Kauai can be purchased from Sunshine Markets that pop up weekdays and Saturdays in various locals. Grab a bunch of apple bananas for breakfast or a sweet snack when you’re out on the trails.
Don’t Buy Drinks
Try to consume mostly water while dining out. Cutting alcohol cuts costs big time (you know it’s true), but eliminating sodas and coffees also reduces restaurant bills incredibly. You’re not only nixing $3-$5 per person for the drink but also the extra tax and tip on top of it. If you just can’t stand the taste of water, pack some flavoring packets to carry around.
I like to take full advantage of free hotel beverages as well. Yes, the coffee isn’t always the best, but pick up a flavored creamer at the store and it’s a lot more tolerable. Add up the costs of coffee out for two for a week and the potential savings hit $75 or more. Pro tip: Kauai Coffee Company on the southwest side of the island has free samples that taste way better than hotel brews.
