How to Spend 5 Days in Kauai, Hawaii

I visited Kauai, Hawaii at the beginning of 2022 with my husband, mother-in-law and aunt. And we had an awesome trip! We spent 5 days in Kauai taking in gorgeous views, exploring the island’s natural side, hanging out on beaches and eating some of the best seafood. We totally fell in love with Kauai and I can’t wait to go back some day.

If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, or trying to decide which Hawaiian island to visit, check out my 5 day Kauai itinerary below, plus some extra tips for visiting the garden isle.

PS: Visiting Oahu, Hawaii? Check out my posts on exploring Honolulu without a car and the best things to eat in Honolulu!

Kauai itinerary map

What is Kauai known for?

Kauai is one of the four main Hawaiian islands (the others being the Big Island, Maui and Oahu) and is known as the “garden isle” thanks to its lush greenery. Kauai gets a lot of rain, which contributes to its green, rainforest look. It’s not as busy or developed as Oahu or Maui but there’s still good infrastructure and everything you need. Kauai is laid back, beautiful and perfect for nature lovers.

How many days do you need for Kauai?

As you might have guessed from the title of this blog post, 5 days in Kauai is the perfect amount of time! If you’re shorter on time, I think you could see the highlights in three days. And most vacation rentals or timeshares are rented on a weekly basis, which would give you even more time to enjoy Kauai. Plus, my mother-in-law ended up spending two weeks in Kauai and loved every minute of it!

Where should I stay in Kauai?

Most visitors to Kauai will stay in the Princeville area on the north side of the island or in the Poipu/Koloa area on the south side of the island. These are the two main hubs where you’ll find lots of hotels, restaurants and beaches. You can also stay in the Lihue/Wailua area near the airport. There are fewer accommodation options here but the ones you do find will be less expensive and more local.

Should I stay in Princeville or Poipu?

Deciding whether to stay in Princeville or Poipu on Kauai will depend on your budget and priorities for your trip. In my opinion, the beaches in Princeville are nicer for swimming and snorkelling. However, Princeville is farther from some of the main sights on the island and known to get worse weather. But prices tend to be a bit cheaper in Princeville (though still expensive, because this is Hawaii after all!).

The beaches in Poipu are rockier but you’ll get slightly nicer weather (less rain) and it’s easier to get to some of the main sights of Kauai, like Waimea Canyon. Prices also seem to be a little higher in Poipu, as it seems like the more coveted spot to be.

With 5 days in Kauai, I don’t think you can go wrong basing yourself in Princeville or Poipu, and you’ll have time to visit both. If you want to save a little money, don’t mind longer drives and rainier days, and prioritize sandy, swimming beaches, I’d go for Princeville. If you’re happy to spend a bit more and sacrifice beach quality in order to be closer to the sights with a bit more sun, choose Poipu.

Do I have to rent a car in Kauai, Hawaii?

Yes, you do need to rent a car in order to experience Kauai, Hawaii. Unlike some of the other islands, where you can explore places like Honolulu without a car, a car is pretty essential for Kauai. Public transit isn’t really an option and biking or walking would take a very long time (plus be tough going up some of the mountains!). We did see some group tours, so you could join one of those if you don’t feel like driving yourself.

We found driving in Kauai to be quite straight forward – or at least my husband did, since he did all the driving! There’s basically one main road that loops almost entirely around the whole island. And being a small island, it won’t be long until you realize you’re driving the exact same route each day.

Is Kauai worth visiting?

Kauai is absolutely worth visiting! Kauai is beautiful and has a really nice, laidback vibe that is perfect for a vacation. When we visited Hawaii in January 2022 it wasn’t deserted, but it certainly wasn’t crowded either. For lovers of beautiful natural vistas, awesome beaches and great food, Kauai is a perfect choice! If you prefer big cities and wild nightlife, Kauai may not be the place for you.

Check out 5 Kauai tourist attractions you can’t miss! 

Is Kauai still worth it if I don’t hike?

As someone who doesn’t hike, I would say Kauai is absolutely still worth visiting even if you don’t want to or cannot hike. While Kauai’s natural beauty is its biggest draw, a lot of that natural beauty can be easily accessed on flat paths from parking lots.

Of course, if you do like to hike (or do other athletic activities out in nature), there’s so many opportunities for you in Kauai. But if you’re not a hiker, there’s still so much to see and do. Many of the itinerary items below were enjoyed by our travelling group of non-hikers, plus our aunt who is in her 70’s!

Itinerary for 5 days in Kauai:

Day 1: Coffee & the Na’Pali Coast

Start your 5 days in Kauai with two of the things this Hawaiian island is most known for: great coffee and the stunning Na’Pali Coast. Head out to the Kauai Coffee Company where you can go on a free self-guided walking tour of the coffee plantation and sample some of their latest brews. This is a great spot to pick up a souvenir or bag of coffee to bring home.

Next, drive to Hanapepe, “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town.” This small town is the perfect place to stop for lunch and a browse of the local shops. Don’t miss their swinging bridge and their weekly art walk on Fridays.

In the afternoon, you can head out on a boat tour of the Na’Pali Coast. The Na’Pali Coast is one of Kauai’s most beautiful, natural wonders and best experienced by boat or small plane. Boats leave from both the north and south ends of the island, depending on the time of year, and usually cruise for a few hours. Depending on the tour you choose, you may get a meal onboard or be able to get up close to the jagged coastline.

Another option is to take a flight through the Na’Pali coastline. This is supposed to be extremely scenic but can be a bit pricy!

Unfortunately, we didn’t go on a boat tour when we visited Kauai in January 2022. I get quite seasick and these waters are notoriously rough. I didn’t feel like paying $200 to be sick for a few hours. But I’ve only heard amazing things about the Na’Pali Coast boat tours and encourage you to take some gravol/dramamine and give it a try!

Day 2: Waimea Canyon

On Day 2 you’re headed out to Kauai’s next big icon: Waimea Canyon. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon and the adjoining Kokee State Park are full of beautiful sights you can’t miss in Kauai. Dedicate at least half a day to driving through the parks to see everything (more time if you plan to hike or if you’re coming from Princeville).

But before you start your drive into the canyon, you need to fuel up. Stop by Aloha Sweet Delights for their famous malasadas, a sweet Hawaiian donut. They sell out fast, so go early and grab a snack to enjoy later on.

Here are a few stops you don’t want to miss while driving through Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks:

• Red Dirt Waterfalls
• Waipo’o Falls Lookout
• Pu’u Hinahina Lookout
• Kalalau Lookout
• Pu’u O Kila Lookout
• Plus any other spot that looks like it might have a great view!

Or see Waimea Canyon from a helicopter! 

Tips for driving through Waimea Canyon:

• There’s only one road in and out of Waimea Canyon State Park and it can be very windy at points. Make sure to take some nausea medicine if you suffer from motion sickness.
• Most of the popular lookout spots will have designated places to pull over and the three main lookouts (Pu’u Hinahina, Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila) have paid parking lots.
• As of January 2022, the cost was $10 per vehicle plus $5 per person. This is the “entrance fee” for the state parks but is paid at one of the three parking lots mentioned above. When we visited, there were long lines to pay and the machines were very slow.
• Since it’s the same ticket to access all three lookouts, I suggest you keep driving to the second or third lookout and buy your ticket there. We noticed the line was longest at the first lookout, Pu’u Hinahina, and almost non-existent at the next two lookouts. We should have driven to the furthest one, Pu’u O Kila, bought our ticket there and then seen the other two lookouts on our way back.
• There are bathrooms throughout the parks, mostly at the established lookouts by the parking lots. I believe there was also a restaurant/snack area that we passed.
• There are lots of hikes you can go on throughout the canyon, many marked with sign posts. Popular hikes include Cliff Trail, Canyon Trail, Black Pipe Trail and Kukui Trail.
• The weather can change quite quickly in Waimea Canyon so if a view is clouded over, just wait a few minutes in hopes that the clouds pass.

After a full day in Waimea Canyon, stop in Waimea Town for a late lunch or dinner on your drive back to your accommodation.

Day 3: South Shore

Today we’re exploring the south shore of Kauai, full of beaches and more natural wonders!

Check out Spouting Horn, a blowhole just off the coast that looks like an erupting geyser whenever a wave crashes in. There’s a paved viewpoint and parking lot, so this is an easy sight to access. If you’re a shopper, head to nearby Warehouse 3540 to browse some independent boutiques.

Or if you’re not a shopper, take a stroll along the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. It’s a beautiful coastal walk that is relatively flat if you’re not up for a big, muddy, inclined hike. Or go for a bit more of an adventure along the Makauwahi Cave Trail.

Exploring the Makauwahi Cave Reserve was one of my favourite parts of our Kauai trip. A little more off the beaten path, this reserve is home to Hawaii’s largest limestone cave. To get there, it almost felt like we were driving onto private property on a bumpy road but we eventually found the trailhead and other cars parked on the side of the road. While not a flat or paved walk, it also wasn’t too strenuous of a trek to get down to the cave opening.

To access the cave itself, you have to climb on your hand and knees through the narrow opening. But after a very short crawl, you’re welcomed into a wide open cave area. There we met a guide who told us about the history of the cave, pointing out limestone rock formations (such as “cave popcorn”) and a 200 ft tunnel that leads to a very rare Kauaʻi cave wolf spider population.

While the cave itself was cool, I was a bigger fan of everything else we could see and do at the Makauwahi Cave Reserve. There was the trek with beautiful coastal views, a serene beach and a habitat for tortoises.

Lastly while on the south shore, you don’t want to miss the beaches. Check out Baby Beach, Kiahuna Beach, Shipwreck Beach and/or Poipu Beach. Poipu Beach is ranked as one of the best beaches in the country and home to monk seals. We were lucky enough to see a monk seal when we visited, as well as a beautiful sunset. Note: These south shore beaches seem to be more rocky, so wear your water shoes!

Day 4: North Shore

On your 4th of 5 days in Kauai, we’re heading up north to visit Hanalei and the beaches around Princeville. If you’re coming from the south, you’ll drive through the Tree Tunnel, a gorgeous canopy of Eucalyptus trees!

First stop up north is Kilauea Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse on a coastal cliff. You can pay to get closer to the lighthouse and spend time in the bird sanctuary or just take in the view from the lookout point. Keep your eyes open for whales and sea birds!

Next, we’ll check out the view from Hanalei Valley Lookout before continuing into the town of Hanalei. This sleepy beach town is home to a number of cool shops and restaurants, including an alley of food trucks. But make sure you check opening times on Google Maps. When we rocked up on a Tuesday around 12pm, almost all of the trucks were closed!

After lunch, you can head to nearby Hanalei Beach to start your afternoon of north shore beach hopping. Hanalei Beach has a beautiful pier you can walk out onto, lots of sand and very shallow waters. No matter how far out I got, the water never seemed to get higher than my hips. With shallow waters, lots of sand and fun waves, Hanalei Beach is a great choice for families.

Spend the rest of the day at nearby beaches such as Anini Beach (very peaceful and known for great snorkelling near the reef), Hideaway Beach (accessible by a steep trail), and Tunnels Beach (another snorkelling hot spot). You can also visit Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park, but note that the park requires an advanced reservation. And if you prefer gardens to beaches, check out the majestic Limahuli Garden & Preserve.

What about the Kalalau Trail and Queen’s Bath?

Both the Kalalau Trail and Queen’s Bath are located on Kauai’s north shore but I haven’t included them in this 5 day Kauai itinerary for a few reasons. For starters, both require more advanced physical abilities and longer/steeper hikes, which this itinerary generally steers away from. But I understand they may be of interest, so I’ll mention them here.

The Kalalau Trail is a beautiful trek into Haena State Park and the only way to access this part of Kauai (it’s closed to cars and commercial boats). However, advanced reservations or permits are needed to hike the trail. The shortest hike is 4 miles roundtrip, requiring a reservation, and the full hike is 22 miles roundtrip, requiring a permit and overnight camping. Since this itinerary is just for 5 days in Kauai, I don’t recommend spending 2+ of those days hiking the Kalalau Trail unless hiking is your number one priority. Learn more here.

Queen’s Bath is a picturesque tide pool and sink hole surrounded by jagged coastline and rock. While the area is very beautiful and could make for a fun swim, it’s also quite dangerous. The hike down to the pool is steep and muddy, and high surf can make the waves deadly. Over 30 people have drowned at Queen’s Bath so ensure you’re being as safe as possible if you choose to visit.

Day 5: Wailua & Lihue

On your final day in Kauai, you’re going to check out some of the sights in Wailua and Lihue. These towns are near the Kauai airport, so perfect to discover on your final day before you catch your flight home.

In Wailua, drive up to the viewpoints for Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls. Both offer absolutely beautiful views from the lookout points. I believe you can also hike to the waterfalls for a closer look. Also in Wailua is Lydgate Farms Kauai Chocolate if you want a taste of the good stuff.

Over in Lihue you can check out Fern Grotto, a cave formed by lava rock and covered in ferns, and Menehune Fishpond Overlook, for a view of Kauai’s rolling hills over a body of water. For more water, take a walk along the Nawiliwili Harbor or spend some time in the sand at Kalapaki Beach. To learn more about the history of Kauai and grab a souvenir to take home, you can visit the Kauai Museum or the Kilohana Rum Plantation.

If you don’t have a plane to catch, or if your flight is late at night, end your day at Smith’s Family Garden Luau. This is one of the most popular luau shows on Kauai. You can make a day of it, visiting the 30-acre garden complex before the show or just swing by for showtime. If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind missing out on the dinner, you can attend only the show portion of the luau for a deep discount.

PS: There’s also a Target in Lihue (Kauai’s only Target) if that’s of any interest. As Canadians who don’t have Target, this was definitely a must-stop before we flew home!

Have more than 5 days in Kauai?

Have more than 5 days in Kauai? Amazing! When we visited in January 2022 we had a week – and my mother in law had two weeks – and we all loved every minute of it.

With more time in Kauai, I would dedicate an extra day or two to hiking or beaches, depending on your interests. There are lots of great hikes all over the island that you could definitely spend time doing. As for me, I’d spend another day checking out the south shore or north shore beaches.

Kauai is also home to lots of epic adventure activities like tubing down volcanic rivers, ziplining through the trees, or taking helicopter rides over the Na’Pali Coast. If time and budget allows, these would be an awesome part of your Kauai vacation.

If you have a lot of time to spare, why not add another island? You can easily fly from Kauai to another island in Hawaii and enjoy time on Oahu, Maui and/or the Big Island.

Have less than 5 days in Kauai?

Don’t have a full 5 days to spend in Kauai? I get it. Kauai is not a cheap place to visit and you may not be able to dedicate a whole 5 days to Kauai. If you have to make cuts, I would prioritize Waimea Canyon, the Na’Pali Coast (if you can afford and stomach the rocky boat ride or plane ride) and either the south shore or north shore beaches. You should be able to see the highlights of Kauai in 3 days.

10 tips for spending 5 days in Kauai

1. Prepare for changing weather. Kauai is known as the garden isle due to the rain that keeps the island so lush, but it usually rains in short bursts. It can be pouring down one minute and bright and sunny the next, so be prepared with your rain gear and SPF!
2. In researching for our trip, I read that bugs can be a problem in Kauai and strong bug repellant is needed. That wasn’t our experience, but you may want to pack some repellant just in case.
3. If you like to snorkel, you’ll definitely want to get under the water in Kauai. You can bring your own snorkel gear from home, buy some cheap gear from a local grocery store or rent gear from your resort. I found the buying/renting options to actually be quite reasonably priced.
4. Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii has banned all sunscreen with chemicals known to harm the environment, so opt for only reef-safe brands in Kauai. While no one will come up to you on the beach to check, you always want to respect local rules. If you can’t find reef-safe sunscreen at home, many stores in Kauai will sell it.
5. Pack water shoes. I found the south shore beaches to be very rocky (four months after our trip I’m still rocking a gnarly scar on my knee from when I fell in the ocean and cut it on a rock). Not only should you be confident in the water before heading into a wavy ocean but you should also wear water shoes to protect your feet.
6. Many shops are cash only, so be prepared with cash on hand.
7. Shops and restaurants also close early or are closed on random days of the week in Kauai, so always check out a listing on Google Maps before you head out. Kauai is not known for its late night scene, so plan accordingly.
8. Check road conditions. There is only one main road that goes around the island, so pay attention to any road closures. This is particularly true in Hanalei and as you approach Haena State Park where the road is often closed due to weather conditions.
9. If you’re looking to visit Kauai on a budget, make sure you stop by a local grocery store (like Big Save or Costco). Here you can load up on snacks for your time in Kauai or ingredients to make meals if your accommodation has a kitchen. You can also get souvenirs, drinks and even fresh poke!
10. Kauai, like most of Hawaii, is an expensive place to stay. Hotel prices are astronomical and Airbnb or VRBO are not much better. We found our accommodation through a timeshare rental website and saved so much money compared to what we would have paid. I highly recommend looking into timeshare rentals when you visit Kauai.

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And there you have it! That’s how to spend 5 days in Kauai plus my tips for a Kauai vacation and answers to some Kauai FAQs. Have I inspired you to book your trip to Kauai? 

PS: Stay tuned for a post all about the best things to eat in Kauai!

 

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