Kauai, often called the “Garden Isle,” is one of my favorite Hawaiian islands, thanks to its lush landscapes, stunning coastlines, and untouched natural beauty. We spent five nights here in February, taking advantage of the off-season’s gorgeous weather and prime whale-watching opportunities. Though we only had four full days due to travel, we packed in as much adventure as possible, from hiking and snorkeling to sea kayaking.
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Kauai Itinerary:
Where to Stay in Kauai
We stayed on the North Shore at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, a stunning property with great amenities. However, if I were to go again, I’d recommend staying on the East or South Shore, where more activities, restaurants, and excursions are easily accessible. The North Shore is breathtaking but better suited for a day trip. For budget-conscious travelers, Kauai also has several campgrounds near the beaches and parks, a fantastic alternative to pricey resorts.
Highly Rated Hotels Around the Island:
- North Shore: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
- East Shore: Kauai Shores Hotel
- South Shore: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
- More Budget-Friendly: Islander on the Beach, Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
I’ve organized this Kauai travel guide by different areas of the island to make planning easier. We kind of bounced around during our trip, but you can map things out in a way that works best for you! Honestly, our itinerary was a little all over the place—we definitely could have planned our drives better—but hey, that’s part of the adventure!
There is a short breakdown of our trip at the bottom for you to check out!
North Shore: Exploring Kauai’s Lush Coastline
Hiking at Hā‘ena State Park – Hanakāpīʻai Falls & Nā Pali Coast Views
Hā‘ena State Park is home to some of Kauai’s most famous hikes, including the challenging yet rewarding trek to Hanakāpīʻai Falls. This roughly 9-mile roundtrip hike features four stream crossings and ends with a breathtaking 300-foot waterfall hidden deep in the jungle. If you’re looking for a shorter option, the 4-mile roundtrip hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach offers stunning Nā Pali Coast views with just one stream crossing.
The best views are on the return hike, but I got caught in a sudden downpour and couldn’t capture many photos—so be sure to pack a rain jacket! Afternoon showers are common in the mountains.
If hiking isn’t on your agenda, there’s still plenty to explore. A beautiful beach near the parking lot is popular with families, and the nearby taro fields offer a fascinating glimpse into Kauai’s agricultural history.
Important Tips for Hiking Hā‘ena State Park
- Parking permits open 30 days in advance and sell out quickly.
- Missed out on parking? Book a shuttle ticket for $40 per person—we secured one the day before, but booking early is best.
- Start your hike early—it takes longer than expected!
- Expect wet conditions—bring extra socks or wear hiking sandals for stream crossings.
Tunnels Beach
A picture-perfect beach where many movies were filmed. The water is crystal-clear, and the backdrop of towering cliffs is mesmerizing. Arrive early because parking is extremely limited!
Anini Beach – Where the Kamani Trees Meet the Sea 🌿🏝️
Hidden on Kauai’s North Shore, Anini Beach is a peaceful escape with golden sands, calm waters, and a unique canopy of kamani trees providing natural shade.
What makes Anini special? Hawaii’s largest barrier reef! This natural shield keeps the water calm, making it one of the safest beaches on the North Shore. It’s perfect for snorkeling, where you can spot vibrant fish and even honu (sea turtles) grazing on the seagrass.
Snorkeling in Kauai
- Since we were staying on the north side, we rented snorkel gear from Hanalei Surf Co. They had fantastic rental prices—just $16 for three days for a mask and fins!
Hanalei Bay
A breathtaking bay with a long sandy beach and shallow waters. It’s the perfect spot to learn how to surf, stroll along the pier, or simply relax with a view of the lush mountains surrounding the bay.
Kīlauea Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge
A must-visit for birdwatchers and whale lovers! This area is home to Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds, and seasonal Laysan Albatross. Winter is prime whale-watching season, and we saw multiple humpback whales off the coastline! If you have a National Park Pass, it works here. Reservations are required, but walk-up slots may be available—we got lucky and managed to stay for 30 minutes.
Hanalei Valley Taro Fields – A Cultural Gem
Driving through Hanalei Valley, you’ll come across the stunning taro fields, which have been cultivated for over a thousand years. These fields are not only beautiful but also play a vital role in Hawaiian culture and agriculture. Taro is a staple food in Hawaii, used to make poi, and the fields themselves are an essential part of the island’s ecosystem, supporting native birds and fish. Stopping at the Hanalei Valley Lookout provides breathtaking views of this lush landscape, offering a glimpse into Kauai’s rich cultural heritage.
Kauapea (Secret) Beach
A highly recommended hidden gem! Though I didn’t have time to visit, I’ve heard great things about this secluded paradise. To access it, park near the Kauapea (Secret) Beach Trail Head and take the short but steep hike down.
Places to Eat
- Sushigirl Kauai – Known for their sushi burritos, but even the veggie rolls are just as amazing as their ahi!
- Kilauea Bakery & Pizzeria – One of the best bakeries on the island! They have amazing pastries and a cute outdoor patio with bookshelves and tables.
East Shore Adventures: Kayaking & Sightseeing in Kauai
We didn’t get to spend too much time on the east side, as we were mostly passing through on the way to other spots. But we did squeeze in an unforgettable sea kayaking tour with Kayak Kauai, headquartered on the Wailua River—and wow, was it an adventure!
We did the Poipu: Winter Season Kayaking Tour, a 9-mile, 6-hour paddle along the coastline. If you’re visiting in the summer, they also offer the legendary Nā Pali Coast tour, which is 18.6 miles long and takes all day. That one’s off-limits in winter due to rough seas, but trust me—our shorter trip was still plenty intense.
Now to be real this was no leisurely paddle. Even though we kayak often in California, the ocean swells were no joke. If you’re prone to seasickness, take notes: Dramamine did NOT cut it for me, and I puked halfway through. The guides swear by Bonine, so definitely consider bringing that instead. Despite the queasiness, it was still an incredible experience—we spotted whales in the distance, a pod of dolphins, and a few turtles. There’s also a snorkeling stop midway through, but be warned: it’s in choppy water, and I’m pretty sure swallowing seawater didn’t help my situation. Plus, after snorkeling, you still have five miles left to paddle—so pace yourself!
Lunch was served around mile 8, but if you do the Nā Pali Coast tour, you won’t eat until mile 12 due to beach landing restrictions. Bring extra snacks and plenty of water! One thing I appreciated? The guides were super helpful—if you’re struggling, you can switch to the front of their kayak while they paddle. Apparently, this is common, so don’t hesitate to take their offer if needed.
If that all sounds like too much, there are gentler river kayak tours to Secret Waterfalls, or you can opt for a river cruise to the famous Fern Grotto, a once-sacred spot for Hawaiian royalty.
More Kauai Tour Options
For a totally different perspective, consider seeing the Nā Pali Coast by zodiac raft, sunset sailboat, catamaran, plane or even helicopter. Helicopter tours are pricey (around $400 per person), but from what we heard, they’re absolutely worth it. Kauai is 80% untouched wilderness, and while you can see about 10% of it by car, hiking and boating might get you to 20%—the rest is only visible from the sky!
Other East Side Highlights
- Lydgate Beach – Perfect for families, featuring a man-made pool where kids can safely swim and snorkel with tropical fish.
- Kuilau Ridge Trail – A 4-mile roundtrip hike near Kapa’a, offering lush Jurassic Park-like views of Mount Wai’ale’ale and the Makaleha Mountain Range. We didn’t get to hike it, but we’ve heard amazing things!
- Banyan Tree Tunnel – Located on the road to Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort and Spa, this spot makes for a quick and stunning roadside stop.
Where to Eat
With our packed schedule, we didn’t have time to explore too many restaurants, but we found an incredible deal at the Island Country Market Place food court: a massive portion of kimchi fried rice for just $13. It was exactly what we needed after a long day of adventuring! This spot is also great for stocking up on local snacks and drinks before your next big outing.
Also, if you’re flying out of Lihue Airport, there’s a Costco just 10 minutes away—a perfect stop to fill up your rental car before returning it.
South Shore: Poipu Beach, Tree Tunnel & Botanical Gardens
On the road to the south side of Kauai, you’ll drive through the stunning Tree Tunnel—a beautiful canopy of over 500 Eucalyptus trees and Cook Pine, Jacaranda, African Tulip Tree, and Hal. as you cruise through toPoipu. These towering trees line Maliuhi Road, shading the first mile of Highway 520, and creating a natural gateway to Kauai’s South Shore and the towns of Koloa and Poipu. The original 500 Eucalyptus trees were a gift from Pineapple Baron Walter McBryde to the community in 1911.
Poipu Beach: The Honu of Poipu Beach
Every evening, as the sun dips below the horizon, Poipu Beach transforms into a turtle sanctuary. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) glide onto the shore, gathering together in a way that’s rare for this usually solitary species. Before COVID, this wasn’t a common sight here—but when the beaches emptied, the turtles started coming up, and they’ve returned ever since. Now, the area is sectioned off each evening, with volunteers ensuring the honu rest undisturbed while sharing fun facts about these incredible creatures.
Sunset Snorkeling at Poipu Beach
Snorkeling at Poipu Beach around sunset is pure magic! The shallow, calm waters make it perfect for families, and just beneath the surface, there’s an underwater world full of life. I swam through schools of colorful tropical fish, their scales glowing in the golden light filtering through the water. But the real highlight? Seeing honu up close as they glided toward shore for the night. Watching them move between the ocean and the beach at sunset was absolutely unforgettable!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned snorkeler, Poipu is one of the best spots to experience Kauai’s incredible marine life—just don’t forget to give the turtles plenty of space and enjoy the magic from a respectful distance!
McBryde & Allerton Garden – A Local Favorite
This National Tropical Botanical Garden came highly recommended by several locals we talked to as one of their favorite places on the island. Located in the Lāwaʻi Kai area, Allerton Garden is a paradise, shaped over time by a Hawaiian Queen, a sugar plantation magnate, and later, an artist and an architect—Robert and John Gregg Allerton—who transformed it into a series of beautiful garden “rooms” in 1938.
You might also recognize the enormous Moreton Bay Fig Trees from Jurassic Park! Several sections of the garden have served as a backdrop for blockbuster films. The history is supposedly very dramatic and worthy of a movie itself, but we didn’t have time to visit. Tours must be reserved in advance, so plan accordingly!
West Side Wonders: Waimea Canyon & Epic Hiking Trails
Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon State Park is a must-see on Kauai’s West Side. We started by driving to the end of the road first and then working our way down in the afternoon to avoid parking issues. There’s actually a decent amount of parking at Kalalau Lookout at the end of the road. However, beyond this lookout, the road was closed—not sure if that’s seasonal or permanent.
There’s a $10 parking fee per vehicle and an additional $5 fee per person—just pay at one of the ticket machines near the parking lot.
🚨 Important Note: There’s no signal in the park, so do your research on hikes and lookouts beforehand! We didn’t know this and missed out on some stunning spots like the Waimea Canyon Overlook.
Kalepa Ridge Trail – My Favorite Hike on Kauai
This 4-mile roundtrip hike from Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park runs along the ridge line between Kalalau Valley and Honopu. The trail is unofficial, unmarked, and not maintained—it’s actually used by local hunters for pigs and goats. But wow, the views are insane!
It took us 3 hours roundtrip, but we stopped often to take photos and waited for the clouds to clear. The views of the Nā Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley are so stunning. However, be warned—the trail is steep in parts and can be dangerous when wet. If you’re afraid of heights, this might not be for you. Good footwear and hiking poles are highly recommended!
Finding the Kalepa Ridge Trailhead
The trailhead is a little hard to find. Walk from the Kalalau Lookout parking lot, and you’ll see a green fence on your left with bushes. There are signs saying the area is closed, and it’s an unofficial trail, so hike at your own risk. Go around the fence, follow the small path downhill, and after reaching a second silver fence, go right until you find a small gate leading through.
We also stopped at Pu’u Hinahina Lookout for stunning views of Waimea Canyon. We hiked the 2-mile trail down to another lookout, but honestly, the view from the main lookout point was better. There’s a waterfall further down, but we were too tired to continue!
If I come back, I’d stay closer to the park and spend more days hiking—there’s so much to explore!
Kauai Itinerary: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Our trip was a bit chaotic, but here’s a breakdown of what we did each day, including travel days. Use this as a guide to help plan your own adventure!
Day 1: Arrival & North Shore Check-In
- Arrived in Kauai late in the evening.
- Stopped by Island Country Market for delicious kimchi fried rice.
- Drove to the North Shore and checked in at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas.
- Checked the Hā‘ena State Park website and booked shuttle tickets for the next day.
Day 2: Hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Falls
- Took the 7 AM shuttle into Hā‘ena State Park.
- Hiked the Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail—it took longer than expected, and we got completely soaked on the way back! Finished around 4:30 PM.
- Spent the rest of the day relaxing and researching our next activities.
Day 3: Snorkeling & Wildlife Watching
- Started the morning by renting snorkel gear and heading to ʻAnini Beach for a few hours.
- Visited Kīlauea Lighthouse for bird and whale watching.
- Stopped in town for dinner.
- Spent the afternoon at Lydgate Beach Park and Poʻipū Beach—caught the sunset and watched sea turtles.
- Grabbed kimchi fried rice on the way back to the hotel.
Day 4: Waimea Canyon & Scenic Hikes
- Drove to the Waimea Canyon State Park on the west side of the island.
- Stopped to admire the sunflower fields along the way.
- Hiked the Kalepa Ridge Trail and explored a few other scenic spots in the park.
Day 5: Sea Kayaking & Hanalei Bay Sunset
- 7 AM sea kayaking tour along Kauai’s south coast (finished early around 2 PM).
- Headed back north to rest and grab a bite to eat.
- Watched the sunset at Hanalei Bay, then had dinner at SushiGirl and picked up treats from a local bakery.
Day 6: Sunrise at Tunnels Beach & Departure
- 7 AM sunrise at Tunnels Beach, spending about 45 minutes enjoying the peaceful morning views.
- Returned to the hotel to pack up.
- Checked out at 8:45 AM, returned the rental car, and caught an 11 AM flight back to California.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Kauai – Why I Can’t Wait to Go Back!
Kauai is an absolute dream destination, and even after spending several days exploring, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. From its rugged Na Pali Coast to lush rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and golden beaches, this island feels like a world of its own. The dramatic landscapes and laid-back vibe make it a place you’ll never want to leave.
I’m already dreaming about my next trip—there’s still so much left to see! Next time, I’d plan my flights to arrive earlier and leave later to maximize every moment on the island. Until then, Kauai, I’ll be back!
For more travel inspiration, check out my other Travel Guides!
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