3 Day Kauai Itinerary

Kauai is one of eight major islands in the Hawaiian island chain and is the fourth largest. “The Garden Isle” is an appropriate title for the exceptionally lush tropical island. This is thanks to the insane amount of rain Kauai gets per year!

3 days in Kauai is just enough to get a taste of what it has to offer. Kauai is perfect for those who are looking for a less touristy Hawaiian vacation. You’ll find no skyscrapers here! To thoroughly appreciate the ruggedness of Kauai’s rainforests, mountain ridges, and canyons you’ll have to get your feet a little dirty (and/or wet!).

NOTE: As of March 2022- Stay up to date on Kauai’s travel guidelines. Furthermore, consult the Hawaii Travel Requirements website before you plan your trip to any Hawaiian island.

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored. We paid for all the activities mentioned and all opinions are our own. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase after clicking my link. Thank you for being a loyal reader!

How many days do you need for Kauai?

There is no wrong answer to this question. It depends on how much time you have (the more the better!). But, you can experience the beauty of Kauai in 3 to 5 days. However, if you have 7-12 days, go for it!

What is the number one thing to do in Kauai?

The most iconic locations in Kauai is definitely the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. These places are a must-see for any trip to the garden isle!

Is Kauai or Maui better?

Both islands are truly spectacular. They each offer incredible hiking, snorkeling, boat tours, sweeping mountain views, delicious food, and beautiful waterfalls. Perhaps you should visit both and decide for yourself! -wink-

What is the best month to visit Kauai?

Hawaii is lucky to experience a mild climate year round. However, certain seasons are more favorable for certain activities. For example, if a Na Pali Coast boat tour is at the top of your list, the summer months are much more ideal for better sea conditions. And you’ll see more rainbows and impressive waterfalls in the winter months.

Do you need a car in Kauai?

Definitely! You’ll be glad you took the time to drive around at your own leisure to explore all that Kauai has to offer.

Best Area of Kauai to Stay

When flying into Kauai, you’ll land at Lihue Airport, which is located in the south eastern part of the island. Most vacationers head south to Poipu or north to Princeville. However, we stayed in Kapa’a near Wailua so we could easily travel west to Waimea Canyon or north to Hanalei for one day to participate in our planned activities.

Airbnb in Kauai

We love Airbnb and usually book a cottage, guesthouse, or converted garage for our travels. Hawaii has extremely strict laws when it comes to Airbnb. So, while you probably won’t find a remote bungalow or beach house (unless you’re willing to pay serious money), you can find modern condos with beach access or ocean views for a better price than a hotel!

The Airbnb we chose for our 3 day Kauai itinerary is Beachside Ocean View in Kapa’a. We walked to the ocean in the evening and sat on the balcony in the morning with our coffee, listening to the waves. It was quiet, clean, and easy to find parking! Plus, we had plenty of chicken friends running around in the trees and bushes to keep us entertained.

Hotels in Kauai

There are no shortage of hotel accommodations in Kauai! Depending on where you want to spend your time, there are great options in Po’ipu, Wailua, and Princeville.

Po’ipu

Wailua/ Kapa’a

Princeville

Beaches in Kauai

Kauai’s beaches are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing! Kauai also has some additional surprises on their beaches such as driftwood (don’t see that much in Oahu and Maui!) and a black sand beach at Waimea Beach at Waimea Landing State Recreation Pier.

Other beautiful beaches in Kauai to relax and swim at are Hanalei Beach Park, Po’ipu Beach, Kalapaki Beach, and Kealia Beach.

TIP: Depending on the season, the waves and currents may be too dangerous to swim. Typically, in the winter months (Nov-Mar) the North Shore can be too rough to swim or snorkel. Be sure to always check the surf forecast before you plan a beach day in Kauai!

Beaches in Kauai for Snorkeling

Any Kauai itinerary is incomplete without a snorkeling adventure! We saw so many stunning reefs and marine life at Tunnels Beach. Even though we arrived around 8:30AM, the parking was already full for Tunnels and we had to go a little further to Ha’ena Beach Park.

TIP: If you are looking for snorkel gear rentals, try out Hanalei Surf Co.! They were so friendly and helpful. They are open every day 8AM-8PM.

Other great beaches in Kauai for snorkeling are ‘Anini Beach, Ke’e Beach, and Lydgate Beach Park.

Best Kauai Restaurants

We indulged in so many delicious eats during our visit to Kauai! Listed below are the places we ate and what we loved from each restaurant.

Kiawe Roots in Lawai (Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8AM-2PM & 4PM-8:30PM) The French press coffee, The Med Style Benedict, and Green Chili Skillet were a great way to start the day.
Da Crack Mexican Grinds in Koloa (Open daily 11AM-8PM) P.S. it is always packed, so we ordered online ahead of time and picked it up. I got a pork burrito with lava salsa and it hit the spot after a long day of hiking!
Java Kai in Kapa’a (Open daily 6AM-6PM) Try a Maui Mocha, Iced Shark Bite, or Kai Chai! The Sunrise Brekkie, with half a papaya, and Surfer Girl put into a wrap are delish.
JoJo’s Shave Ice in Kapa’a (Open daily 11AM-7:30PM) I got the Tropical Breeze Shave Ice Combo and literally had no idea what I was missing after I tried the mac nut ice cream!
Big Monster Sushi & Thai in Lihue (Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-3PM & 4PM-9PM) Brian got the Crunch Roll and said it was some of the best sushi he had ever tried! We chowed down on Pad Thai, Panang Curry, Crab Rangoon, and Spring Rolls.

Day 1 in Kauai

This Kauai Itinerary begins in the morning and wraps up in the evening. Please adjust your arrival and departure according to your flight.

Arrive at Lihue airport in the AM
Proceed to pick up baggage and pick up rental car.
Check into room or drop off luggage if your accommodation is close by.
Can also take this opportunity to head to the local grocery store to stock up on fruit, meal bars, and water.
Enjoy breakfast or brunch of your choice.

On your way to Waimea Canyon, take some time to grab some caffeine and wander around the Kauai Coffee Plantation. They are open Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM and Saturday-Sunday 10AM-4PM.

Enjoy samples of different freshly roasted coffee beans. Pick your favorite and order a cup while you peruse the plantation, soaking in the plumeria blossoms and coffee bean trees!

When you arrive at Waimea Canyon, try to start at the furthest end of the park and then work your way back down.

TIP: Beginning in 2021, non-Hawaii residents are required to pay an entry fee per person and for parking. This will give you access to both Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park. Children 3 and under are free.

Pihea Vista Trail (2.3 miles out and back, rated moderate) Unfortunately, we didn’t enjoy views of the Na Pali Coast due to clouds and fog. Also, parts of this trail are very steep and muddy!
Waipo’o Falls via Canyon Trail (2.8 miles out and back, rated moderate) Truly stunning views! Be cautious around the exposed cliffside.
Hohonu Awawa Lookout
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Waipo’o Falls Lookout
Red Dirt Waterfall

There are so many additional lookouts and hikes to do in Waimea Canyon. Try these out too if you have more time to spend:

Kekaha Lookout
Pu’u Hinahina Lookout
Kalalau Lookout
Pu’u O Kila Lookout (Mt Waialeale to the right)
Awa’awapuhi Trail (6 miles out and back, rated moderate)

Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls Kauai

After a long afternoon of hiking, take some time to enjoy dinner.

If you still have energy to burn or cut your time short at Waimea Canyon, check out these other great stops on your way back to your accommodations.

Waimea State Recreation Pier – to see the black sand beach.
McBryde & Allerton Gardens (Open Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-4:30PM) Self guided tour is $30 per adult and $10 for children age 2-12.
Makauwahi Cave Reserve (Open daily 10AM-4PM) Free guided tours, but donations are welcome.

Day 2 in Kauai

The second day of your 3 day Kauai itinerary is all about the Na Pali Coast. You’ll spend half your day on the water seeing this stunning stretch of mountains, snorkeling with turtles and fish, exploring sea caves, and maybe even seeing a pod of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins!

Most boat tours are 4-6 hours long and provide snacks and drinks. In addition, most tours are on raft style boats which are small, open air, and can go very fast through the water. Although, there are a few companies who offer tours on a sailing catamaran.

We were so bummed that our Na Pali tour was canceled due to weather (in June!) and we were not able to re-schedule during that trip. Therefore, if seeing the Na Pali Coast is a must for you- be sure to book it early in your trip just in case you need to reschedule to a later date in your itinerary.

Na Pali Coast Boat Tours

Na Pali Riders (7AM or 11:30AM departure)
Captain Andy’s (8AM departure)
Blue Dolphin Charters (8AM departure)
Blue Ocean Adventure Tours (7:30AM departure)

After a day on the ocean, it’s time to relax and unwind. On your way back to your accommodation to relax beach side or nap in your room, check out these waterfall overlooks.

Wailua Falls Overlook – the road to the falls is pretty rough and narrow. The parking lot is very small and a little difficult to back in and out of spots.
‘Opaeka’a Falls View (pictured) – there is a large parking area and restrooms.

Day 3 in Kauai

For the last day of your Kauai itinerary, it’s time to explore the North Shore!

Start off the morning with early snorkeling at Tunnels Beach. Bask in the sun and enjoy the views!

Tip: The reef may look like rock, but it’s not! It’s alive! Please DO NOT step on it or walk on it. Avoid touching (you could get a nasty scar; the coral can be sharp!). Use sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate. This helps prevent chemicals from killing the coral.

For the afternoon, grab some lunch and check out these other great stops near Princeville.

Soak in the views at Hanalei Valley Lookout and Hanalei Pier
Hike to Queen’s Bath (Temporarily closed in winter months due to dangerous conditions- 0.8 mile out and back, rated easy)
Princeville Botanical Gardens and Chocolate Tour (Mon., Tue., Thur., Fri., at 9:30AM, $95 per adult and $40 per child age 3-13)
Visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse (Open Wednesday-Saturday 10AM-4PM, $10 per adult and free for 16 and under, but must purchase tickets online)

TIP: Kilauea Lighthouse tours are temporarily suspended.

Wrap up your evening in Kauai by vacuuming, washing, and gassing up your rental car. Then, head to the airport to check in for your flight. A hui hou!

3 Days in Kauai Conclusion

Is it possible to have a once in a lifetime experience in just 3 days in Kauai? You bet! Although, there are plenty of amazing things to do and see with a longer itinerary, you can still maximize 3 days on the Garden Isle!