How many days do you need in Kaui?

This itinerary covers 4 days in Kaui, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kaui?

Plan your perfect 4 days trip to Kaui. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

4-Day Kauai Adventure: Beaches, Waterfalls, and Local Flavors

Viewed by 80 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and East Coast

Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kalapaki Beach Hut

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kalapaki Beach Hut, known for its fresh island flavors and ocean views. It's a great spot to fuel up before exploring.

USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kalapaki Beach

Relax or swim at Kalapaki Beach, right next to Lihue. It's a peaceful spot to enjoy the Pacific and get acclimated to island vibes.

Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Kilohana Plantation

Tour the historic Kilohana Plantation and enjoy local crafts and tropical gardens. The plantation offers cultural insight and a lovely atmosphere.

USD15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Gaylord’s at Kilohana

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring Hawaiian cuisine at Gaylord’s located within Kilohana Plantation, open from 11:00am to 2:30pm.

USD35, 1h

3:00pm

Wailua Falls Visit

See the stunning 80 ft Wailua Falls, one of Kauai’s iconic waterfalls. Ideal for photos and a brief nature walk, the falls are accessible and open year-round.

Free, 1h

4:30pm

Check-in to Hotel in Lihue

Relax and prepare for evening activities at your hotel. Many options are available near Lihue with lovely amenities.

Varies, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Duke’s Kauai

Dine oceanside at Duke’s Kauai, famous for fresh seafood and Hawaiian specialties, with live music often enhancing the evening atmosphere.

USD40, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Lihue

Day 2: North Shore Exploration

Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company

Savor fresh pastries and coffee at this cozy bakery, perfect for fueling your day. Open from 7:00am to 2:00pm daily.

USD15, 45m

8:30am

Visit Hanalei Bay

Relax or surf at the iconic Hanalei Bay, known for its stunning crescent shape and mountain backdrop. It’s one of Kauai’s most photographed locations.

Free, 2h

11:00am

Explore Princeville Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a guided walking tour of exotic plants and flowers at Princeville Botanical Gardens. Tours last about 90 minutes and must be booked in advance.

USD25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bar Acuda

Indulge in locally sourced dishes at this upscale but casual Princeville restaurant, open from 11:30am to 2:30pm for lunch.

USD40, 1h

2:30pm

Trek to Secret Beach (Kauapea)

Take a short hike down to Secret Beach, a serene and less crowded spot perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Lihue

Drive back to Lihue to relax and refresh at your hotel.

Fuel cost, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tidepools

Enjoy upscale dining in a romantic setting at Tidepools, featuring fresh seafood and a beautiful lagoon view. Open for dinner from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.

USD55, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Princeville

Day 3: Canyon and South Shore

Waimea and Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii on May 25, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Kountry Kitchen

Grab a hearty breakfast at this local favorite diner near Waimea, open from 6:00am to 2:00pm. Great for pancakes and island-style flavors.

USD18, 45m

7:30am

Waimea Canyon State Park

Explore Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, with scenic lookouts and hiking trails. Open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.

USD5 per vehicle, 3h

11:00am

Visit Koke’e State Park

Head up to Koke’e for additional trails and native bird watching. There’s a small museum and visitor center to learn about Kauai’s ecology.

Included with Waimea Canyon park fee, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Wrangler’s Steakhouse, Waimea

Enjoy a delicious lunch emphasizing steak and local ingredients, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Poipu Beach Park

Swim or snorkel at Poipu Beach, one of Kauai’s most popular beaches with great amenities and often Hawaiian monk seal sightings.

Free, 2h

5:30pm

Drive back to Lihue

Return to your hotel to freshen up and pack for departure.

Fuel cost, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Beach House

Celebrate your final night with oceanfront dining and sunset views at The Beach House in Poipu, serving upscale Hawaiian cuisine until 9:30pm.

USD60, 2h

Find Hotels in Waimea and Poipu

Day 4: Departure

Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Smith Family Garden Luau

Choose a quick breakfast at your hotel or book the Smith Family Garden Luau breakfast experience for a cultural start to your day (if available). Breakfast runs 7:00am to 8:30am.

USD25 if Luau, 1h

9:00am

Leisure time and last-minute shopping

Spend your last hours visiting nearby shops or strolling Kalapaki Beach before your flight.

Varies, 2h

11:00am

Head to Lihue Airport

Allow time for car rental return and airport security for your departure flight.

N/A, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Lihue

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team May 22, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

4-Day Kauai Adventure: Beaches, Waterfalls, and Local Flavors

Day 1: Arrival and East Coast

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

4:30pm

6:30pm

Day 2: North Shore Exploration

7:30am

8:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Canyon and South Shore

6:30am

7:30am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:30pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Departure

7:00am

9:00am

11:00am

Plan Your Kaui Trip