Things to do in Kauai: A 3-Day Kauai Travel Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Hawaii and looking for the best things to do in Kauai? From where to stay, what to do, and where to eat this three-day Kauai itinerary is your go-to guide to answer that question.

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Kauai Travel Itinerary: How to Get There

Lihue Airport (LIH) is Kauai’s only airport. Hawaiian Airlines is the official airline of Hawaii, but the other major carriers like United, Delta, and American also fly to Kauai. Traveling between the Hawaiian islands is easy and affordable, with flights connecting islands like Maui and Kauai, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to Kauai can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting this beautiful Hawaiian island. With so many incredible attractions and activities to choose from, it’s essential to create a well-structured itinerary to make the most of your time on the Garden Isle.

Best Time to Visit Kauai

Kauai is a year-round destination, thanks to its tropical climate, which keeps temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 30°C) throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Kauai depends on your preferences and what you want to do.

The dry season, from April to October, is ideal if you prefer sunny weather and minimal rainfall. This period is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. It’s the perfect time to explore the South Shore’s sunny beaches or hike the trails of Waimea Canyon State Park.

On the other hand, the rainy season, from November to March, offers fewer crowds and lower prices. While you might encounter occasional rain showers and potential flooding, this season provides a more tranquil experience. It’s a great time to visit the lush North Shore or enjoy the dramatic views from Hanalei Valley Lookout without the hustle and bustle of peak season tourists.

Creating a Kauai Itinerary

Crafting a Kauai itinerary can seem daunting with so many amazing things to see and do. Here are some tips to help you create a well-structured plan:

1. Determine Your Interests: Think about what you want to do and see on your trip. Are you interested in hiking the trails of Waimea Canyon, snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, or simply relaxing on the South Shore’s sunny beaches?
2. Set a Budget: Decide how much you want to spend on your trip and allocate your budget accordingly. This will help you make informed decisions about accommodations, activities, and dining.
3. Choose Your Accommodations: Decide where you want to stay on the island. Whether it’s a high-end resort on the South Shore or a cozy cottage on the West Coast, book your accommodations in advance to secure the best options.
4. Plan Your Activities: Research and book your activities and attractions ahead of time to avoid sold-out situations. Whether it’s a helicopter tour over the Na Pali Coast or a boat tour to explore sea caves, planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out.
5. Leave Room for Spontaneity: While it’s good to have a plan, don’t overschedule your itinerary. Leave some room for spontaneous adventures and flexibility. You never know when you might stumble upon a hidden gem or decide to spend an extra day exploring Waimea Canyon.

Where to Stay on Kauai

The island of Kauai can be divided into four main sections and each area has pros and cons in terms of lodging.

North Shore (Princeville area)

The North Shore is rainy, which means it’s incredibly lush, but it’s also, well, rainy. It’s a stunning area to base yourself in for your trip and features high-end resorts like The Westin Princeville and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

East Side (Wailua)

The East side is relatively close to Lihue airport and has more affordable accommodations and a greater selection of restaurants. Hotels in the area include the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort and the Aston Islander on the Beach.

South Shore (Poipu)

The South Shore of Kauai is the sunny side of the island, which means it’s home to an impressive number of resorts and high-end restaurants. The Grand Hyatt Kauai is my favorite Poipu lodging, but there’s also the Sheraton Kauai.

West Side (near Waimea Canyon State Park)

Waimea is the most remote section of the island and is ideal for people who want to spend much of their time outdoors thanks to its easy access to Waimea Canyon. Accommodations are simpler than the rest of the island, but Waimea Plantation Cottages is a standout.

Do you need a car when visiting Kauai?

Unless you plan to do nothing but stay at your resort, you absolutely want a rental car on Kauai. Uber and taxis are very hard to come by and Kauai is a large enough island that you’ll need a car to get between the various areas.

Where to eat on Kauai?

On Kauai, I tend to eat in the area that I’m staying in, so with that in mind, here’s a list of mix-and-match food options that you can slot into any day of the itinerary. The vibrant food truck scene in Kauai offers a range of local cuisine options, from sushi to BBQ. Specific food trucks such as The Nom Kauai Food Truck and Trucking Delicious provide a unique dining experience.

Breakfast

On the North Shore, locally owned Hanalei Bread Company is the go-to spot for breakfast, pastries, and coffee. While you’re there, grab their pre-packed beach picnic for a day of island exploration.

Over on the East Side, Kountry Kitchen serves up American classics with an island twist. Give their Carmelized Pineapple French Toast a go and you won’t be sorry!

If you’re in the Poipu area, Little Fish Coffee features locally grown fruits in veggies in their acai bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies. There will be a wait, but it will be worth it. Pro tip: place your order in advance on their website and pick it up at the counter.

Stop at Gina’s Anykine Grinds Cafe in the Waimea area for a bountiful brunch featuring local favorites like Loco Moco.

Lunch

Healthy and locally grown are two of my favorite things and Nourish Hanalei on the North Shore delivers! Pair one of their salads or wraps with a refreshing glass of hibiscus plantation iced tea for a satisfying mid-day meal.

On the East Side Hamura Saimin is a no-frills noodles restaurant known for its saimin (a Hawaiian noodle soup dish). Open since 1952, the restaurant is located in a converted army barracks and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

In the Poipu Area, Puka Dog is my go-to lunch spot. The Hawaiian-style hot dog is made with Polish sausage that’s inserted into a freshly baked bun that’s been toasted from the inside. Slather it in your choice of sauce (I’m a pineapple fan myself) and top with passion fruit mustard.

Homemade tortillas and seafood, what’s not to love? Try the Crunchy Cajun Mahi tacos at Waimea’s Island Taco and you’ll not be disappointed!

Dinner

Head to Hanalei’s Bar Acuda on the North Shore for a delicious dinner of Spanish-style Tapas. The large wine list and extensive small plate offerings make this an indulgent experience.

Duke’s Restaurants are a Hawaii classic-and with good reason! Named after the “Ambassador of Aloha”, Duke Kahanamoku, Duke’s features a fabulous menu with offerings from the land and sea and daily live music.

Fine dining at its finest! With its oceanfront dining and its locally sourced menu, the Beach House in Poipu is a Kauai favorite for dinner. And that means you will need a reservation so be sure to plan ahead and make it for sunset. 

If you’re staying in the Waimea Area and looking for fine dining, head to Poipu. If you want something a little more laidback, try Chicken in a Barrel BBQ. Featuring Kauai’s only self-serve beer wall and smoked BBQ meats it’s a low-key and tasty option.

The Best Things to Do in Kauai Itinerary

Kauai, known as the “Garden Isle,” offers a plethora of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the breathtaking Na Pali Coast to the serene beaches of Poipu, there’s something for everyone. One of the best things to do in Kauai is to explore the island’s diverse landscapes and natural beauty. The variety and beauty of hiking trails available for exploration in Waimea Canyon and the North Shore offer stunning views and unique experiences, making them a major attraction for tourists.

Day 1: By Air

Start your day off with a doors-off helicopter tour of the island with Jack Harter Helicopters. They offer a doors-on tour, but doors-off flights are better for photo ops, and trust me, you’ll fill your camera roll with pictures and videos on this fantastic flight! Each flight is unique due to the ever-changing weather on the island, but you could get to see things such as Jurassic Falls (aka Manawaiopuna Falls in Hanapepe Valley), the North Shore beaches, and of course, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast. It’s an exhilarating experience that really gives you a lay of the land before you explore it from ground level. 

Note that flights are weather dependent for safety and please be sure to read their FAQ thoroughly. There are some highly specific do’s and don’ts for safely flying with doors off. My best personal tip is that if you have long hair, braid it! I thought I was safe with a ponytail, but I spent three hours post-flight getting tons of tiny knots out of my hair. Lesson learned!

Day 2: By Land

Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is arguably Kauai’s largest tourist attraction. At 10 miles long and more than 3,000 feet deep, the canyon gets its unusual reddish color from sediment and erosion caused by the Waimea River.

Start your day by gassing up and packing snacks at a local farmer’s market before embarking on the 26-mile round-trip scenic drive through Waimea Canyon State Park. The Canyon is open during daylight hours, so start early and enjoy the scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and lush greenery throughout the canyon.

Day 3: By Sea

By now you’ve seen the Na Pali Coastline from ground level and from above, but today is really going to give you a sense of just how towering this 17-miles of shoreline is! The razor-sharp ridgeline towers over the Pacific and nowhere is that more evident than when you’re cruising along the coastline for a snorkel tour with Capt Andy’s. Yachts and sailboats are cool, but for seeing the Na Pali, rigid hull rafts are cooler. They’re smaller and more nimble, allowing you to dart into sea caves along the coastline. As an added bonus, you’ve got fewer guests, which means no hordes of people splashing and scaring away the sea life while you’re snorkeling. The trade-off is a slightly rougher ride than bigger boats, but it’s well worth it. 

Safety and Precautions

Kauai is a relatively safe island, but it’s always important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being during your visit.

General Safety Tips

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always pay attention to your environment and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
2. Respect the Ocean: The ocean around Kauai can be unpredictable. Be cautious when swimming or snorkeling, and always check the current and wave conditions before entering the water. Remember, the North Shore can have strong currents, especially during the winter months.
3. Watch for Wildlife: Kauai is home to many wild animals, including sea turtles and monk seals. Keep a safe distance and never feed or touch them. Enjoy observing these beautiful creatures from afar.
4. Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be quite warm, so drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when engaging in physical activities like hiking or exploring Waimea Canyon.
5. Bring Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun’s strong rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF. Reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating.

By following these safety tips and being mindful of your surroundings, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Kauai, making the most of your days in Kauai while exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the Garden Island.

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