If you’re island hopping or heading to Kauai for a long weekend, then you’ll need to be efficient with your 3 day Kauai itinerary. The Garden Isle is wild, lush, and absolutely gorgeous but there’s a lot to see and experience so you have some tough choices to make!
Of course, you could just spend three days basking on the beautiful sandy beaches—you’ll find them along most of the coastline here.
But if you’re looking for a more active vacation that hits the highlights on this lush island, keep reading for my recommendations. I’ll include alternatives for each day.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, see my posts on bucket list things to do in Kaui and also the one on how to spend 5 days or one week in Kauai.
The Best Kauai 3 Day Itinerary
Where to stay in Kauai
With just three days to explore the island, my recommendation is to consider basing on the east side of the Kauai near Kapa’a. This will save you so much drive time on a short visit.
You can check hotel options on booking.com here or vacation rentals on VRBO here.
For longer stays, I typically split my accommodation with half on the north shore and half on the south shore.
However, for a shorter visit, you’re going to want to minimize drive time among sites north, south, and east.
A stay near Kapa’a splits the difference so it’s an easy jaunt to north shore beaches and a shorter (but not short!) drive to visit Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
While Waimea Canyon is geographically quite close to the famous Kalalau Trail on the north shore (more on that below), the challenge is there is no through road so you’ll need to wind your way all the way back south and west to access it.
That’s nearly a two hour drive—each way—from Princeville on the north shore!
However, if your goal is mostly beach time in Kauai, stay in either Hanalei or Princeville on the north shore or in Poipu in the south.
North Shore beaches are wild and pristine but often require a hike down a muddy hill to access them.
Poipu beaches have easy-to-access tidepools and are great for young families and many older adults who prefer to skip the hike and big waves.
You’ll also find more resorts on the south shore.
3 Days in Kauai
As long as you’re not planning a trip during the winter rainy season, definitely allot one of your precious itinerary days to exploring the scenic north shore.
It feels remote and untouched and is my favorite place in the whole state of Hawaii!
Day 1: Hike the Kalalau Trail
Hiking the Kalalau Trail is my #1 recommendation for things to do in Kauai. It’s an 11-mile trail that meanders along the breathtaking Nā Pali Coast.
But you don’t have to do the whole 11 miles! In fact, you’ll get a big pay-off with just 30 minutes hiking here so don’t let the length of the hike deter you.
Just be aware that you’ll be scrambling upwards for the first hour.
The coastal views make every moment worthwhile. You’ll even see orchids blooming wild along the trail.
I highly recommend trekking poles here. Expect other hikers to eye yours with longing. If you don’t own them, you can grab a pair on Amazon here.
Because this hike is extremely popular, Hawaii instituted a permit system a number of years ago.
If you plan to do the whole hard core hike and/or camp overnight, be sure to make a reservation for either a permit or day use to hike the trail past Hanakapi’ai Beach many months ahead of your trip to Kauai.
And, if you make it to Hanakapi’i Beach—easy on a day hike as it’s just a mile in—be vigilant for big waves. A rogue wave nearly washed away 40 people here in January 2020!
But even if you just want to snorkel at nearby Ke’e Beach (in Hā’ena State Park) or walk the first mile of the Kalalau trail, be aware that you will still need an advance reservation (available up to 30 days ahead).
You can reserve parking if you’re driving but you’ll likely find more availability if you choose the shuttle option…which works great! In either case, you’ll want to make this reservation at least a week ahead.
Yes, you’ll need a car in Kauai.
Of all the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is the island where you’ll most need a rental car to get around.
My top two recommendations are:
1. Discover Cars has no hidden fees, 24/7 customer service, and free cancellation. They search all the major rental car companies so you don’t have to.
Check price and availability on rental cars here.
2. Turo is like Airbnb for cars. It saved us $$$ during the pandemic on our Hawaii rentals when rental car prices were sky high.
Map of Kauai for Planning Your Kauai Itinerary
If you’re here in spring or summer, take a morning dip at Ke’e Beach before or after you explore the Kalalau Trail.
While you’re here, consider stopping in at the nearby Limahuli Garden & Preserve.
It’s not a must-see but it is an absolutely gorgeous place to wander that is close to Tunnels Beach.
It’s one of just five gardens in the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Tickets are $30 to enter.
If you’re driving or want to take a guided tour, be sure to make an online reservation. Otherwise, if you’re touring it on your own, there’s no need.
As one of the most biodiverse valleys in Hawaii, it’s spectacular. I particularly loved exploring the canoe gardens here.
They showcase the plants that Native Hawaiians brought with them originally from French Polynesia as they thought about how best to make life on a new island.
Option for Day 1: Whale Watching or North Shore Beach Time
Are you visiting in winter? I recommend spending more time south near Poipu as the north shore can be very rainy (unless you don’t mind the rain…it can sprinkle on and off.)
However, winter is a fantastic time for a whale watching tour.
The humpback whales migrate nearly 6,000 miles from Alaska between November and March, with peak whale watching season in January and February. Don’t miss this.
I’ve personally only been whale watching on Maui but appreciate eco-friendly sustainable tour operators and so am linking you to one below.
You can book a whale watching tour here.
If you’re still in the planning phase of your Kauai visit, consider shoulder season—April or September—when flights and accommodations are less expensive and there are fewer crowds with still good weather and warm ocean temps.
In spring, fall and summer, the north shore offers idyllic swimming and snorkeling conditions.
Head to Ke’e Beach if you have just one day for snorkeling. Or nearby Makuna Beach, also known as Tunnels.
Several of my other favorite north shore beaches are Anini Beach, Secrete Beach, and beautiful Hanalei Bay.
And remember: The Hawaii sun is much stronger than you’re likely used to. Wear a rash guard to avoid burning your back while you’re snorkeling and reef-safe sunscreen.
I also really like Keen shoes for Hawaii travel as you can wear them in the water to avoid sharp coral as well as on hikes and river crossings.
You can find all these items on my ultimate Hawaii packing list here.
If you find yourself near Hanalei Bay, be sure to stop in “downtown” Hanalei! at Tahiti Nui i for one of their famous Mai Tais.
There may well be a line but it moves fast and is worth the wait. It’s also a great place to grab a delicious dinner.
See the Na Pali Coast by boat.
This is my #2 recommendation for things to do in Kaui on a short visit.
If you decide to skip the reservation required to get into Haena State Park, this is a great day to take a boat and snorkel trip instead.
The best snorkeling cruises are small catamarans for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Check price and availability on the Napali Coast snorkel tour here.
Expect to see spinner dolphins and Hawaiian green sea turtles.
You’ll snorkel among the colorful fish in the clear turquoise water and maybe even explore the incredible sea caves here.
Stay fueled with breakfast and a buffet lunch on board.
Or, if you’ve spent time on the Kalalau Trail on day 1, consider an evening sunset dinner cruise.
Think champagne, appetizers and a spectacular sunset for a memorable evening out!
Check price and availability on the sunset cruise here.
Read more on Kauai travel:
• What to pack for Kauai
• How to spend 5 or 7 days in Kauai
• Which Hawaii island should I visit?
• My best Hawaii travel tips
Day 2: Beachtime in Poipu
Ready to explore Kauai’s south shore? If you’re stay near Kapa’a on the east side of the island, it’s just a short drive to explore the stunning south shore.
This area is dryer than the north shore and you’ll see lots of the black volcanic rock along the beaches here.
En route south, I highly recommend an hour-long stop at Lydgate Farms for a chocolate tour and/or tasting.
This is chocolate paradise and more delicious than most chocolate I’ve tasted around the world. Truly!
In fact, Lydgate Farmas hs placed in the top 50 for best cacao beans in the world three yeas now.
You can book a pricey farm tour (reserve ahead at link above) but you can also just swing by with no reservation for a free chocolate tasting!
This is what we did. We couldn’t understand how it could be free since the tasting lasted over 30 minutes and featured lots of delicious chocolate and detail about the beans.
I think it has something to do with all the chocolate you’ll likely be tasting before you leave. I challenge you to leave without buying something!
Head to Poipu beaches. Poipu is a truly fantastic area to catch a spectacular sunset.
My Poipu beach recs are: Baby Beach if you’ve got young children in tow due to its protective cove.
Popipu Beach Park has a lifeguard and lots of sheltered coves for swimming and snorkeling
Head to Shipwreck’s Beach for golden sand and a scenic hike along the coast. The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is several miles long and begins here.
Lawai Beach offers great snorkeling from a narrow patch of sand near a resort.
You know who would really love to spend the day at the beach with you here? One of Kauai’s shelter dogs!
You can take advantage of the field trip at Kauai’s Humane Society by arriving to pick up your assigned dog in the morning. He or she comes complete with a harness and treats.
We had the best time with our rescue dog! These are dogs that don’t get out for walks much unless volunteers like you step up. They are so appreciative.
Just book online at the Kauai Humane Society. And remember…If you fall in love, you can even take your dog home with you!
Day 2 Option: Helicopter Tour
Seeing the Garden Isle from the air is an experience you’ll never forget!
The dramatic green spires of the Na Pali coast…cascading waterfalls, and the vast Waimea Canyon.
I suggest you make this your big splurge. Whatever you do, be sure to choose a company that can demonstrate its commitment to safety.
Blue Hawaiian has earned the FAA’s Certificate of Excellence, or Diamond Award so you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience with confidence.
Plus, their Eurocopter Eco-Star helicopter reduces flight noise by 50 percent. You’ll also be able to communicate with the pilot by two-way radio.
On this tour, you’ll explore stunning Manawaiopuna Falls (known as Jurrasic Falls), fly over views of the Olokele Canyon, and weather permitting, fly over Mount Wa’ale’ale, the second wettest place on earth.
This helicopter tour out of Lihue has nearly 2,000 five star reviews from happy customers.
Guest review: “Awesome staff and beautiful scenery. Well worth the trip. We felt safe and were able to see amazing sights that could only be seen by air.” —Scot T.
Check price and availability on the Kauai ECO adventure helicopter tour here.
Day 3: See Waimea Canyon: “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
Keep going past Poipu and wind your way clockwise back around towards the top of the island.
If the road went all the way through, it would be easy to zip over here from the north shore.
But since it doesn’t, you can expect to drive just under two hours (without stops) to arrive at Waimea Canyon, as mentioned earlier.
This wonderland of a canyon stretches over 10 miles and is a mile wide.
Be sure to stop at the Kalepa Ridge Trailhead to snap a photo at the Kalalau Lookout like the one below.
Fingers crossed there’s a rainbow like there was for us! You don’t need to hike to see this view.
Hikers will find one-of-a-kind vistas here. Try the Canyon Trail and take it all the way to Waipo’o Falls, a 800-foot waterfall that plunges into the canyon below.
Or the Awa-awapuhi Trail which offers both canyon and coastal views.
But even if you’re not hiking, you’ll find this a scenic drive with lots of easily accessible lookout points.
Day 3 Option: Head to South Shore Beaches and See Waterfalls
Poipu’s Beaches are wide and sandy and often feature spectacular sunsets. With young children, try Baby Beach with its protective cove.
Or Popipu Beach Park for sheltered areas for swimming and snorkeling (as well as a lifeguard).
Head to Shipwreck’s Beach for golden sand and a scenic hike along the coast. The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is several miles long and begins here.
Think ocean views, sinkholes, and limestone caves!
Lawai Beach offers great snorkeling from a narrow patch of sand near a resort.
Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls
It’s just a 30-minute drive from Poipu to Wailua Falls, just south of Wailua…which is just north of Lihue Airport.
If you’ve got an afternoon flight home, this makes a great morning stop en route.
It’s a bit off the beaten track as there’s not much nearby but absolutely gorgeous. The wild boars we saw nearby were a fun bonus, too.
These falls, which were originally featured in the TV show “Fantasy Island” drop 80 feet. Morning visits often come with rainbows!
Opaeka’a Falls is nearby but requires a 20-minute circuitous drive to get there if coming from the south.
It’s a steeper drop than Wailua Falls at 151 feet and cascades into a hidden pool. It’s also one of Kauai’s most accessible waterfalls.
Plus, you’ll find parking and restrooms here. If you visit during a rain, you can watch the water run red from the orange soil here!
Visit Kauai.
Whether you choose to chill out on a beach or spend three days of snorkeling, hiking, and helicopter rides, your Kauai adventure is sure to be memorable.
Whatever you choose to do, it will be a spectacular trip.
FAQ
1. How many days do you need in Kauai?
If you’re short on time, see the sites I’ve listed in this post! I think three days is the minimum. Otherwise your flights in and out just eat up too much time.
With 5 to 7 days, you’ll be able to fit in more beach and snorkeling time while still hitting the highlights above!
Spend more time here if you like the idea of hiking in tropical wilderness and remote beaches.
2. How long does it take to drive around Kauai?
To drive from Princeville on the north shore to Poipu on the south shore takes about one hour.
You’ll need an hour more to get to Waimea Canyon State Park from Poipu…which is why I highly recommend you stay on the east side of the island rather than the north shore for a short visit. It saves you at an hour of drive time!
Be aware that you cannot drive *all* the way around the island.
The road north ends at Waimea Canyon so the only way to get to the North Shore is to head south and go counterclockwise around the whole island until you reach it.
3. What is the best month to go to Kauai?
As noted earlier, I love traveling in fall and spring to save on flights and accommodations and skip the crowds.
Expect higher prices and more people if you’re visiting over the holidays or while school’s out in the summer.
Be aware that the north shore is windy and very rainy in winter…and even in fall.
4. What should you not miss on Kauai?
Search for Hawaiian green sea turtles! They’re often sunning on the beaches near Poipu at sunset.
It’s possible to encounter them while swimming or snorkeling anywhere though.
Just remember to keep your distance. They’re an endangered species and it’s illegal in Hawaii to approach any wildlife.
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