4-Day Itinerary for Kauai

  1. Day 1: Waimea Canyon
    1 hour and 10 minutes (22 miles) from the Lihue Airport

    Visit the Waimea Canyon State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Take a scenic drive to the Waimea Canyon Lookout and enjoy the breathtaking views of the canyon and the Pacific Ocean. Then, hike the Awaawapuhi Trail for more panoramic views of the canyon and the Napali Coast. Finish the day with a relaxing dip in Poo's Pools.

  2. Day 2: Hanalei Bay
    40 minutes (25 miles) from Waimea Canyon

    Head to the picturesque Hanalei Bay, famous for its crescent-shaped beach and rainbow-colored sunsets. Enjoy surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking in the bay. Then, drive to the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, a 240-acre tropical paradise with a collection of flora, fauna, and sculptures. End your day with a traditional Hawaiian dinner at Tahiti Nui.

  3. Day 3: Na Pali Coast
    1 hour and 20 minutes (33 miles) from Hanalei Bay

    Embark on a thrilling adventure to the Na Pali Coast, a rugged and remote coastline accessible only by boat or helicopter. Take a morning boat tour or a helicopter tour to see the hidden valleys, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. After the tour, drive to the Holo Holo Ku Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple with panoramic views of the coast. Finish the day with a sunset picnic at Polihale State Park.

  4. Day 4: Wailua River
    20 minutes (8 miles) from Na Pali Coast

    Explore the Wailua River, one of the only navigable rivers in Hawaii. Take a boat tour to the Fern Grotto, a natural amphitheater with hanging ferns and a waterfall. Then, hike the Secret Falls Trail to the secluded Uluwehi Falls, perfect for a refreshing swim. End your day with a romantic dinner cruise on the Wailua River.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Waimea Canyon State Park (2-3 hours, free)
  • Awaawapuhi Trail (3-4 hours, free)
  • Poo's Pools (1-2 hours, free)
  • Hanalei Bay (3-4 hours, free)
  • Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, $25 per adult)
  • Tahiti Nui (1-2 hours, $15-30 per person)
  • Na Pali Coast boat tour (5-6 hours, $160 per person)
  • Na Pali Coast helicopter tour (1-2 hours, $300-500 per person)
  • Holo Holo Ku Heiau (1-2 hours, free)
  • Polihale State Park (1-2 hours, free)
  • Wailua River boat tour to Fern Grotto (1-2 hours, $25 per adult)
  • Secret Falls Trail (2-3 hours, free)
  • Dinner cruise on Wailua River (2-3 hours, $75 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $625-825 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the Kalalau Trail or a snorkeling tour at Tunnels Beach. If you have less time, skip the boat or helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast and opt for a scenic drive around the island instead. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable hiking shoes, and a waterproof camera. Also, be aware of the weather and ocean conditions, as they can change quickly in Kauai.

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