Kauai Travel Itinerary: 3, 5, & 7 Days
A good Kauai travel itinerary has a mix of beaches, lush nature, and delicious meals. These 3, 5, and 7-day Kauai itineraries have all those things and more!
Kauai is easily my favorite Hawaiian island and one I’ve explored quite a bit. I’ve lovingly created these Kauai travel itineraries to ensure you see the best of the island without completely overloading your days.
When planning a Kauai travel itinerary, it’s best to schedule each day by region. You don’t need to painstakingly plan every hour (you’re on Hawaiian time, after all!), but knowing which region you want to visit each day will make the trip easier and more fulfilling.
Some activities absolutely need to be booked ahead of time, like a visit to Ha’ena State Park or an air tour. Other things, like beaches, can be visited without any prior plans or reservations.
The best thing about Kauai, and the Hawaiian islands in general, is the variety of landscapes and activities! Even if you aren’t sure what to do next, there’s likely a beach nearby you can go to and relax while you decide your plans for the rest of the day.
Whether you’re visiting Kauai for 3, 5, or 7 days, these itineraries will help you plan your trip and ensure you enjoy the gorgeous island of Kauai to the fullest!
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7-Day Kauai Itinerary
With a full week in paradise, you can explore the whole island one region at a time. This way you can immerse yourself into each area without jumping around too much. You even have time to go back to your favorite region for a second full day if you want to!
Although 10-12 days would be ideal to truly see everything and more, 7 days is the perfect sweet spot to explore the majority of the island and the sights/activities it has to offer.
7-day Kauai Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Kauai
Day 2: North Shore
Day 3: East Side & Kapa’a
Day 4: South Shore
Day 5: Ha’ena State Park
Day 6: West Side or You Choose
Day 7: Travel Home
There are three main regions to stay in Kauai: North Shore, East Side, and South Shore. Each area has pros and cons, but my favorite area is the North Shore because of the green, lush landscape and laid-back beachy vibes.
With a 7-day Kauai itinerary, you have more time to drive a bit longer to explore the other regions compared to a 3-day or 5-day itinerary. This means you could stay on the stunning North Shore, even if it means a bit of extra driving to explore other regions.
You could even spend 3 nights on the North Shore and 3 nights on the East Side or South Shore!
If you’re undecided and want more information about each region before booking, I have a full guide about where to stay in Kauai to help you choose.
My top recommendations by region:
North Shore: 1 hotel Hanalei Bay (5-star resort)
East Side: Waipouli Beach Resort (4-star hotel)
South Shore: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (5-star resort)
West Side: Waimea Plantation Cottages (3-star hotel)
Day 1: Arrive in Kauai
The first day of your 7-day Kauai itinerary can be a slow and relaxing one. You’ll arrive at the airport, check in to your hotel (or drop off your bags), get some lunch, and familiarize yourself with the area where you are staying for the next seven days.
Explore Near Your Accommodation
Once you arrive at the Kauai Airport in Lihue, you’ll need to pick up your rental car (you can usually take a quick 5-minute shuttle to the rental car place) and head to your accommodations.
If you’re too early to check in, most hotels will allow you to drop off your luggage to get a jump start on exploring the island. I recommend staying within the region of your accommodation to get a lay of the land — especially if this is your first time in Kauai!
Whether you’re staying in Hanalei, Kapa’a, or another region, you’ll find plenty of beaches, restaurants, and activities. Take a walk along the closest beach and grab some lunch (or breakfast, depending on how early you arrive) before heading back to the hotel to settle in.
Places to Eat
If you’re staying on the North Shore and need an immediate meal, or you’re staying in/near Kapa’a and want something nearby, Tiki Tacos and Java Kai are both incredible options!
For some places on the South Shore even closer to the airport, The Fish Express has incredible poke bowls with the best poke I’ve ever had. There are also two cafes for some fresh and healthy meals: Aloha Craft Cafe and The Greenery Cafe. Just be sure to check hours beforehand to ensure they’re open!
Staying on the North Shore and can wait for a meal until you’re there (it’s about a 45-minute drive from the airport)? There are tons of food trucks in Hanalei that have some of the best food on the island!
Dinner & Sunset
After you check in to your hotel, unpack, and settle in, take your time enjoying the area. No matter where you’re staying, you’re likely within walking distance or a 5-minute drive to a nice beach.
Get dinner in the area or at your hotel/resort and make sure to catch sunset! It won’t be directly over since it sets on the west side, but it will still be pretty.
Get a good night’s rest for a full day of exploring the North Shore on day two!
Day 2: North Shore
I recommend spending at least one full day on the North Shore! For those staying on the North Shore, this will be an easy day two of your Kauai itinerary with limited driving.
Breakfast in Hanalei
Grab breakfast and coffee/tea at Wake Up Delicious in Hanalei to start your day. You can grab it to go or eat there, but I recommend getting it to go and heading straight to the beach!
Hanalei Pier & Beach
One of the best beaches in Kauai is Black Pot Beach in Hanalei. It has a wide beach that stretches far along the coast, with plenty of space even on crowded days.
The surrounding landscape is grand mountains covered in lush greenery that makes for an epic backdrop to the gorgeous ocean and beach.
There’s a large grassy area if you prefer to picnic, with access to bathrooms and outdoor showers. The parking lot nearby is large, though you may still need to do a lap or two to find a spot if you come after 10am on a busy day in summer.
The pier here is long and is a popular spot for fishermen in the mornings and kids jumping off the edge in the afternoons. It also makes for a pretty great photo spot!
Lunch & Botanical Gardens
After a couple of hours enjoying the beach, head back into downtown Hanalei for lunch! The aforementioned food trucks near Hanalei Liquor Store are my top recommendation for the best and quickest meal.
You can reverse the order of activities and make your way straight from the beach to Limahuli Botanical Gardens, north of Hanalei. These are some of the most beautiful gardens with views of the ocean and native Hawaiian plants. It’s strongly recommended to make reservations in advance.
Take in the Views
With a full belly and a completed visit to the botanical gardens, hop in the car to explore a few of the best sights on the North Shore!
On your way from Hanalei to Princeville, pull over at the Hanalei Valley Scenic Overlook to see the perfectly manicured taro fields. With the Napali Coast serving as the backdrop, this view is as green and lush as it gets.
Continue down the highway to reach the lookout point for Kilauea Lighthouse. There are a few parking spots and you can walk out to view the lighthouse from above. It’s a gorgeous view!
Dinner & Sunset
From the lighthouse, drive into the town of Kilauea for dinner. There’s a small shopping center with some delicious, fresh poke bowls and sushi rolls at a food stand called Sushigirl Kauai.
After eating and checking out the shopping center, catch sunset at Anini Beach before heading back to your accommodation for the night.
If you want dessert before the night ends, I recommend finding an ice cream or shaved ice place near your accommodation!
Day 3: East Side & Kapa’a
The East Side, also referred to as the Coconut Coast, is another great area to stay. It’s centrally located between the North Shore and South Shore, making day trips from here a breeze.
The Coconut Coast is where you’ll find Kapa’a, a cool beach town with local shops and restaurants. This region is lively since many of the island’s locals live here and it is home to a few of the larger resorts on the island.
Breakfast in Kapa’a
Start your day with breakfast at Java Kai, a trendy coffee shop in Kapa’a with incredible bagel sandwiches and flavorful chai lattes. There’s also a cute mural on the side of the building that’s the perfect spot for a quick photo.
Take an Air Tour
This may not be for everyone, and if that’s the case I have an alternative activity for you below! Kauai is one of the best islands for an air tour because of the beautiful Napali Coast and otherwordly Waimea Canyon. There’s just so much to see!
There are a few options to choose from:
AirVan tour (small plane) that flies over the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls in Hanalei Valley, and the crater below Mount Waialeale. Max 6 people.
Doors-on helicopter tour that flies over the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Jurassic Falls. Max 6 people.
Doors-off helicopter tour that flies over Jurassic Falls, Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast, and Mount Waialeale. Max 4 people.
Alternative: Lydgate Beach
Skip the air tour and head straight to the beach! Lydgate Beach Park has a protected area of water that prevents larger fish and waves from reaching it. This makes it perfect for kids, people who aren’t comfortable swimming in the ocean, or people who want to snorkel without the fear of sharks.
There is also a non-protected area directly next to the protected part of the beach if you want to splash in the waves. This is not for weak swimmers and we have seen someone who had to be rescued from the non-protected area.
Down the beach near the parking area, you can swing on a rope swing with views of the beach and ocean.
Lunch in Kapa’a
In a small, unassuming shopping mall there is a delicious restaurant called Tiki Tacos. They have ahi tacos in a large, almost pita-like tortilla with a generous amount of fish. These are unlike any tacos I’ve had before and I loved them!
It may not be fancy, but most places with the best food in Kauai aren’t. There are a few tables outside with umbrellas for shade, which is perfect for a sunny day.
If tacos aren’t your thing, Kapa’a has tons of options for lunch. All you need to do is walk down the main street and choose one!
Shopping Downtown
This is the time to get any gifts or souvenirs! The shops in downtown Kapa’a have every kind of trinket, swimsuit, and Hawaii souvenirs for tourists.
These shops are also great to grab anything you may have forgotten or didn’t think to pack, like hats, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. Take your time walking around and enjoying the beach town of Kapa’a!
Waterfalls
If you have extra time before you start getting hungry for dinner, there are two waterfalls on the East Side that you can easily visit: ‘Ōpaeka’a Falls and Wailua Falls. Both falls can only be viewed from above at the specified viewing areas, as the trails down to the base are unsafe and illegal.
Dinner, Sunset, and Dessert in Kapa’a
Staying within Kapa’a, have dinner with ocean views at Lava Lava Beach Club! This is the typical touristy dinner spot with overpriced cocktails, but it’s a cool location and the food is good.
They even have live music on some nights! Plus, the ocean views are pretty great and you’re just steps away from the sandy beach. If you time it right, you may get to watch sunset from your dinner table.
After dinner, walk across the parking lot to Coconut Marketplace to get dessert at JoJo’s Shave Ice. Check their hours to make sure they’re open! Hours vary depending on the season, but the latest they’re open in summer is typically 9pm.
Day 4: South Shore & Hanapepe
The South Shore has some of the most stunning beaches on the island and is where most of the luxury resorts are located.
It’s easy to spend a full day just relaxing on the beaches here, and that’s totally an option! If you get antsy and want a balance between beach and exploration, then I’ve got you covered.
Breakfast in Hanapepe
Start your day in the quaint and quiet town of Hanapepe, which served as the inspiration for Lilo & Stitch!
There’s a great spot called Midnight Bear Breads where you can grab some baked goods or a tartine (open-faced sandwich). I haven’t tried their full food menu, but their baked goods and iced tea are wonderful.
They’re closed Sunday-Thursday, so keep that in mind depending on what day of the week you visit. If they are closed the day you plan to visit the South Shore, grab some breakfast near your accommodation before you head to Hanapepe.
Hanapepe Town
Explore Hanapepe for a bit — it likely won’t take more than an hour as it’s such a tiny town! Check out the Lilo & Stitch mural, walk across the swinging bridge, and pop into a few of the stores (the bookstore had a store kitty when we visited!).
Koloa
Your next stop is Koloa, a historic region where some of the most popular beaches and attractions are in Kauai! Koloa is unincorporated and includes the town of Poipu, where many of the resorts can be found.
Since you probably can’t fit everything into one day on the South Shore, choose between a visit to a cave reserve or a botanical garden for your next activity.
The Makauwahi Cave Reserve has wild tortoises that live in the area and is the largest limestone cave in the state of Hawaii. This is about 30 minutes/15 miles from Hanapepe.
Allerton Garden is a lovely botanical garden with native Hawaiian plants and plenty of walking trails. You can even book a guided walking tour of it! Prior reservations are required to visit. This is about 25-30 minutes/13 miles from Hanapepe.
Although they look far apart on the map, the time and distance to each one from Hanapepe are about the same.
Lunch
There are surprisingly not a ton of great restaurant options on the South Shore, despite its popularity with tourists. But you can find a few restaurants in the outdoor shopping mall called The Shops at Kukui‘ula.
Some get better reviews than others, but I’ll let you decide which restaurant sounds best while you’re there!
Beach & Sunset
Head to one of the lovely South Shore beaches to close out the afternoon. The most popular one is Poipu Beach since it has a protected bay where you can safely snorkel — similar to the one at Lydgate.
Enjoy a few hours at the beach swimming in the ocean, spotting sea turtles (keep your distance!), and walking up and down the long coastline.
The Marriot is on the West Side of Poipu Beach and has a beach bar called Honu Bar for those over 21 who want to walk down the long beach to grab some local beers or fancy cocktails.
This beach is a great spot for sunset if the timing works out!
Dinner
If you don’t mind driving back to Hanapepe, I cannot recommend Japanese Grandma enough! It’s a low-key sushi restaurant with a “secret” back patio where they have live music. The sushi was amazing and we had such a great time having dinner here.
If you don’t want to backtrack to Hanapepe, then I recommend finding a place near or on the way back to your accommodation.
Staying on the South Shore? Explore Poipu for some dinner options. If you’re staying at one of the resorts, most conveniently have on-site restaurants.
Staying on the East Side? Try Aina Kauai Restaurant for a very fancy Japanese meal or El Taco Feliz (The Happy Taco) for some laid-back Mexican food.
Staying on the North Shore? Make your way back to Hanalei for dinner at Postcards Restaurant.
Day 5: Ha’ena State Park (North Shore)
Plan for an almost full-day excursion to the gorgeous Ha’ena State Park on the North Shore! Visiting the state park requires advanced reservations — ideally before you even arrive in Kauai.
Park at the Waipa Park and Ride, then catch the shuttle into the park. Ensure you book tickets for the shuttle when you make your reservation online. You can also book tickets for parking if you want to drive into the park yourself, but these tickets are extremely limited and not recommended.
Kalalau Trail
If you want to hike the Kalalau Trail, start with the hike as the very first activity as early in the morning as possible to beat the heat and high UV! This is a long and grueling hike, not for beginners. Ensure you’re wearing proper hiking shoes and have plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
Most people opt for the approximately 3-mile round trip hike to Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach and back. The ocean at this beach is not safe to swim in. This is a steep and difficult hike and can take 3-4+ hours to complete.
The full trail is 11 miles along the coast (22 miles round trip) and is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. A camping permit is required for hikes further than Hanakāpīʻai Valley.
Ke’e Beach
After the hike, or if you want to skip the hike altogether, enjoy a picnic at Ke’e Beach. This is one of the prettiest beaches I’ve seen in Kauai and it was fun to snorkel in the shallows and hang out on the beach.
Pack a lunch, drinks, and snacks for the day in a cooler backpack. Watch for sneaky chickens on the beach — one tried to snatch my sister’s sandwich right out of her hands! Haha
Visiting this beach requires reservations for Ha’ena State Park.
Caves
On the way back to Hanalei, you’ll pass Maniniholo Dry Cave just across the road from Ha’ena Beach Park. It’s an easy visit and you don’t need to walk far to get a good look inside.
A bit further up, there’s a short hiking trail to check out Waikanaloa Cave and Waikapale Cave. Waikapale Cave was used as a Pirates of the Caribbean filming location for On Stranger Tides!
You do not need a reservation at Ha’ena State Park to visit these caves!
Beaches
Aside from Ke’e Beach, which can only be visited with a valid reservation for the state park, there are a few other beaches in this area that you can visit on your own without a park reservation!
Tunnels Beach is one of the most popular because of how beautiful it is. The parking is extremely limited and often fills up early in the morning. Your best bet is to park at Ha’ena Beach Park and walk down the beach to Tunnels.
Day 6: West Side
If you loved an area you already visited, whether it was the North Shore, South Shore, or Coconut Coast, use this day to go back to one (or multiple!) of those regions. There is so much to see and do in Kauai, and most regions need a few visits to see almost everything.
If you want to explore a new region, put on your best hiking shoes, pack a lunch and lots of water, and head to the remote West Side for a day exploring Waimea Canyon.
This canyon has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of Hawaii for its striking similarities to its much larger Arizona sister. It’s a deep canyon with brownish-red dirt, waterfalls, and plenty of hiking trails.
The West Side is a much more remote region than the other areas on the island, so bring everything you need for the day, and don’t expect to find many shops or restaurants. There are a few in town, but once you start hiking you’re on your own.
If you want to see the canyon without hiking, you can drive Waimean Canyon Drive and stop at the lookouts along the way! You can drive as far as you want, or just stop at a couple of lookout points and turn around.
Day 7: Travel Home
On your last day, you’ll head to the airport and fly home. If you have some time in the morning, you can grab one last coffee/breakfast at a local coffee shop near your accommodation or make a stop at Java Kai in Kapa’a before you arrive at the airport in Lihue.
5-day Kauai Itinerary
With 5 days in Kauai, you still have time to visit most areas of the island without overloading your days. You may not get to see it all, but you can easily spend a full day in each of the main regions.
5-day Kauai Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Kauai
Day 2: North Shore
Day 3: East Side & Kapa’a
Day 4: South Shore & Hanapepe
Day 5: Travel Home
I recommend staying on the North Shore because it’s the prettiest in my opinion, but the East Side is a great option for a more convenient base for exploring the whole island.
With just four nights, I wouldn’t recommend staying in multiple regions, but this is an option as well.
North Shore Accommodations
Luxury: 1 hotel Hanalei Bay (5-star resort)
Mid-range: Two-bedroom Townhome (ocean views)
Budget: Hale Moi #103B (two-bed suite)
Day 1: Arrive in Kauai
Spend your first day exploring the region where you are staying for the next 5 days.
Check out the local beaches
Walk around the main town
Have lunch/dinner at your hotel or nearby
Visit some of the attractions within a close driving distance
Day 2: North Shore
The North Shore is a perfect area to spend your first full day in Kauai! Pack a backpack with your swimsuit (or better yet, wear it under your clothes!), bring a Turkish towel or beach towel, and an extra change of clothes — always nice to have!
Have breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company or Wake Up Delicious
Relax on the Black Pot Beach at Hanalei Bay
Check out the less crowded Kahalahala Beach
Visit Limahuli Botanical Gardens
Have lunch at one of the Hanalei food trucks
Take a photo of the pretty Wai’oli Hui’ia Church
Pull over at the Hanalei Valley Lookout
Look out over Kilauea Lighthouse
Have dinner at Sushigirl Kauai
Day 3: East Side & Kapa’a
Spend a day on the East Side exploring the town of Kapa’a and the lovely beaches.
Get breakfast/coffee at Java Kai in Kapa’a
Walk around downtown & visit the shops
Visit the two waterfalls: Opaeka’a Falls & Wailua Falls
Have lunch at Tiki Tacos
Swim in the protected bay at Lydgate Park Pools
Watch “sunset” at one of the beaches (being on the East Side you won’t see the sunset over the water, but instead the opposite side of it)
Grab dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club
Day 4: South Shore & Hanapepe
Visiting the stunning South Shore beaches is a lovely way to spend your last full day on the island.
Grab breakfast/coffee near your accommodation
Explore Hanapepe, the town that inspired Lilo & Stitch
Beach hop along the South Shore - Salt Pond Beach Park, Glass Beach, Baby Beach, Poipu Beach, and Shipwreck Beach are all great options.
Get lunch at one of the restaurants in The Shops at Kukui’ula
Continue beach hopping or visit Allerton Garden
Have dinner at one of the restaurants at Grand Hyatt Resort
Tip: Get a ResortPass for the day to swim in the pools here!
Day 5: Travel Home
Grab some breakfast near your accommodation or on the way to the airport and fly home! If you have a later flight, you can spend some time at the beach near your accommodation before saying goodbye to Kauai.
3-day Kauai Itinerary
With only 3 days on Kauai, you’re limited to just a couple of regions unless you really pack your days full from sunrise to sunset!
3-day Kauai Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Kauai / Kapa’a
Day 2: North Shore (optional to add South Shore)
Day 3: Travel Home (optional to add South Shore)
I recommend staying on the East Side/Coconut Coast if you only have three days in Kauai so you have quicker access to both the North Shore and South Shore. This will be the most efficient way to ensure you see as much as possible with such a short amount of time on the island.
Places to Stay on the East Side
Luxury: Waipouli Beach Resort (one-bedroom / two-bedroom)
Mid-range: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Budget: Kauai Shores Hotel
Day 1: Arrive in Kauai / Kapa’a
You’ll arrive at Lihue Airport and have a short drive to your accommodation in Kapa’a. From here, you can drop your luggage (if it’s too early to check in and your accommodation allows it) and head out to explore! You can fit your hotel check-in anywhere within this itinerary.
I’ve kept this day lighter since it’s your arrival day, but you can reference day 3 on the 7-day itinerary above if you want to add in more activities. If you want to get the most out of the day, you can also visit the South Shore (see day 4 on the 7-day itinerary).
Grab breakfast/lunch at Java Kai
Walk around downtown Kapa’a
Swim in the protected Lydgate Park Pools
Have lunch/dinner in downtown Kapa’a
Watch sunset at one of the beaches
Day 2: North Shore
Explore my favorite area of Kauai: the North Shore! Even on a short visit to the island, the North Shore is a must-see region.
Get breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company or Wake Up Delicious
Visit Limahuli Botanical Gardens
Explore North Shore beaches: Black Pot Beach/Hanalei Pier, Kahalala Beach, Lumaha’i Beach, and Tunnels Beach
Have lunch at the Hanalei food trucks
Hike to Queen’s Bath (do not swim unless conditions are perfect in summer)
Head to Black Pot Beach/Hanalei Pier for sunset
Stop at Sushigirl Kauai for dinner on the way back to Kapa’a or get dinner in Kapa’a
Day 3: South Shore & Travel Home
Check out the South Shore if you have some time in the morning before your flight home and didn’t get a chance to visit this region on your first day. You won’t be able to do it all with limited time, but these are a few options to pick from:
Visit Allerton Garden
Explore the Makauwahi Cave
Hang out on Poipu Beach
Check out the town of Hanapepe
Other Hawaiian Islands
While you’re on Kauai, you might as well visit a few other Hawaiian islands if you have time! The major islands are Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Island of Hawaii (often called the Big Island).
If you’re not sure which additional islands to add to your itinerary, I have a full breakdown of each major Hawaiian island to help you decide!
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