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Kauai Itineraries
Must See Must do
Whether you’re staying in Kauai for the weekend or for an extended holiday, find an itinerary of must see and must do attractions and activities to fit your schedule.
1 - 3 Days
When it comes to short stays on Kauai, your schedule will depend greatly on where you’ll be staying. Wherever you stay you’ll be close to one of Kauai’s incredible beaches, from Hanalei Bay on the North Shore to Poipu Beach Park on the South Shore. A visit to Kauai’s small towns will also give you a taste of the island’s culture, from Hanalei Town in the north to Old Koloa Town in the south and Hanapepe Town to the southwest. You may be able to squeeze in seeing a waterfall like the easily accessible Opaekaa Falls or a natural attraction like Spouting Horn on your travels. And no trip is complete without seeing one of Kauai’s iconic natural wonders, so be sure to take a drive to Waimea Canyon on the West Side.
When it comes to short stays on Kauai, your schedule will depend greatly on where you’ll be staying. Wherever you stay you’ll be close to one of Kauai’s incredible beaches, from Hanalei Bay on the North Shore to Poipu Beach Park on the South Shore. A visit to Kauai’s small towns will also give you a taste of the island’s culture, from Hanalei Town in the north to Old Koloa Town in the south and Hanapepe Town to the southwest. You may be able to squeeze in seeing a waterfall like the easily accessible Opaekaa Falls or a natural attraction like Spouting Horn on your travels. And no trip is complete without seeing one of Kauai’s iconic natural wonders, so be sure to take a drive to Waimea Canyon on the West Side.
 Hanapepe Town, KauaiKnown as “Kauai’s biggest little town,” charming Hanapepe Town is the art capital of Kauai. |
 Hanalei Town, KauaiTimeless Hanalei Town is home to taro farms, art galleries and the Hanalei Pier overlooking beautiful Hanalei Bay. |
 Opaekaa Falls, KauaiWith a roadside lookout, this is one of Kauai's most accessible major waterfalls. |
 Beaches of Kauai80 kilometres of white sand beaches surround Kauai, offering nice spots for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. |
 Poipu Beach Park, KauaiPoipu Beach Park, on Kauai’s south shore, was once voted “America’s Best Beach.” |
 Waimea Canyon, KauaiWaimea Canyon, on Kauai’s west side, is nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” |
 Old Koloa Town, KauaiOld Koloa Town, in south Kauai, is a charming area with a historic plantation past. |
 Spouting Horn, KauaiSpouting Horn Park features a blowhole that’s one of the most photographed spots on Kauai. |
4 - 7 Days
With a longer stay you’ll have time to explore Kauai’s iconic Napali Coast.Whether you take a boat tour or see it from the Kalalau Valley Lookout in Kokee State Park, this may be the highlight of your trip. You’ll also have time to hike the trails of Kokee State Park, Waimea Canyon or other spots like Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) . Relax and take a leisurely kayak trip down the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto or tour one of the Kauai’s vast botanical gardens. Take some time to visit historical spots like Kilohana Estate, experience a luau or go shopping for souvenirs in Kapaa Town to round out your Kauai getaway.
With a longer stay you’ll have time to explore Kauai’s iconic Napali Coast.Whether you take a boat tour or see it from the Kalalau Valley Lookout in Kokee State Park, this may be the highlight of your trip. You’ll also have time to hike the trails of Kokee State Park, Waimea Canyon or other spots like Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) . Relax and take a leisurely kayak trip down the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto or tour one of the Kauai’s vast botanical gardens. Take some time to visit historical spots like Kilohana Estate, experience a luau or go shopping for souvenirs in Kapaa Town to round out your Kauai getaway.
 Kauai GardensKauai’s rich landscape offers some of Hawaii’s most beautiful botanical gardens. |
 Napali Coast, KauaiThe Napali Coast is a breathtaking coastal range that can only be accessed by hiking, sea tour or helicopter tour. |
 Kokee State Park, KauaiKokee State Park features 72 kilometres of Kauai’s best hiking trails and is the home of the Kalalau Lookout. |
 Kilohana Estate, KauaiPast Lihue is Kilohana, a restored plantation estate that provides a glimpse of life in the 1930s. |
 Kapaa Town, KauaiNorth of Wailua on the East Side is Kapaa Town, a great area for shopping on Kauai. |
 Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant), KauaiLegendary mountain range that looks like a sleeping giant featuring a scenic hiking trail. |
 Wailua River, KauaiKauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii, and the Wailua River is one of the most popular. |
 Fern Grotto, KauaiThe Fern Grotto is a beautiful lava-rock grotto covered with hanging ferns, popular for weddings. |
8+ Days
With an extended stay you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island the Kauai way – with no rush. Spend a day playing a round of golf on one of Kauai’s fine courses. Visit one of Kauai’s many festivals or learn more about Kauai’s history at places like Alekoko, Menehune Fishpond and along the Koloa Heritage Trail. Or take a break from the sun and see the artifacts and exhibits at the Kauai Museum, the Waioli Mission House and Church or the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center in Waimea Town. But the most important thing to do on a long stay in Kauai is to kick back, relax and soak in the beauty and tranquillity of Kauai.
With an extended stay you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island the Kauai way – with no rush. Spend a day playing a round of golf on one of Kauai’s fine courses. Visit one of Kauai’s many festivals or learn more about Kauai’s history at places like Alekoko, Menehune Fishpond and along the Koloa Heritage Trail. Or take a break from the sun and see the artifacts and exhibits at the Kauai Museum, the Waioli Mission House and Church or the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center in Waimea Town. But the most important thing to do on a long stay in Kauai is to kick back, relax and soak in the beauty and tranquillity of Kauai.
 Waioli Mission House and Church, KauaiWaioli Mission House and Church is a Hanalei landmark, giving a glimpse of what Kauai was like in the early 1800s. |
 Waimea Town, KauaiA statue of Captain James Cook, who first landed in Hawaii at Waimea Bay in 1778, can be found in the center of this historic seaport town. |
 Kauai GolfFrom Princeville to Poipu, there are nine amazing golf courses at seven venues on Kauai. |
 Alekoko, Menehune Fishpond, KauaiAccording to legend, the Menehune built Alekoko Fishpond on Kauai’s southeast shore in one night. |
 Kauai Museum, KauaiLocated in Lihue, the Kauai Museum features amazing collections from the artisans of Kauai and Niihau. |
 Koloa Heritage Trail, KauaiKoloa Heritage Trail, on Kauai’s south shore, spotlights significant cultural, historical and geological sites. |
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