For such a tiny Island there is an incredible amount of things to do on Kauai. If you chose Kauai as your destination, you must have a sense of adventure. Yes, Hawaii has beautiful beaches but there is more than sand and surf in Kauai. To truly see the Garden Isle, hike into the jungle, explore canyons and see the island from a bird’s eye view. If you only have 5 days, here are the best things to do in Kauai.
Day 1: Arrive and Relax
After landing in Kauai, your priorities should be grabbing a drink and finding a beach, in that order. It’s a long flight no matter where you flew in from. Your plane ride most likely made you tired and cranky, so don’t debate where to go. Find the closest place to eat that is near a beach. The Lava Lava Club is the obvious choice. The restaurant sits right on the beach. Not next to the beach, ON the beach. Ditch the shoes, enjoy some booze and start getting in that vacation mindset. For more recommendations on where to eat on Kauai click here.
Day 2: Hoopii Falls and More beaches
Now that you have had a day of relaxation, its time to ease into some adventure.
1. Kilauea Lighthouse
Get an early start to the day and go wildlife watching at Kilauea Lighthouse. Take a moment to appreciate the seaside scenery.
2. Hike to Hoopii Falls
Hoopii Falls offers total immersion into Kauai’s jungle landscape. It’s not the easiest hike but it is worth the effort, especially if you are a fan of Jurassic Park. Be prepared to get muddy! Click here for the Hoopii Falls Map and Trail Guide.
3. Relax on the Beach
After hiking to Hoopii Falls, you are going to be tired and filthy so you should be ready for a little relaxation. Head back to your hotel or Airbnb to clean up and then head to any one of Kauai’s beaches. They are all beautiful so just pick one close to where you’re staying.
4. Dinner at Kintaro Japanese Restaurant
Enjoy a nice dinner at a place where locals choose to eat. Kintaro has the best sushi on Kauai.
Day 3: ATV Rides and Hawaiian Hotdogs
The hike on Day 2 got the blood pumping ever so slightly but Day 3 is time to take the adrenaline up one more notch.
1. ATV Tour at Kipu Ranch
Kipu Ranch Adventures offers great ATV tours. The tour guides are knowledgeable and clearly, love their jobs. You can choose to pilot the ATV yourself or you can ride with the guide if you care more about just observing the scenery. As you rip through the jungle on your four-wheeler, you’ll stop at designated spots to learn about Hawaiian history, Kauai’s plants and animals, and see where they shot several famous movie scenes. To learn more about the tour click here.
2. Lunch at Kauai Beer Company
On the road back from Kipu Ranch, have lunch at Kauai Beer Company. The beer is good but their Mac and Cheese is the best on the island.
3. Stop by a Local Farmer’s Market.
If you’re still hungry or just want to walk around after lunch, visit a farmers market. Every Wednesday the Kauai Culinary Market is hosted at The Shops at Kukuiula from 3:30 to 6 pm. Here you can listen to live music, sample fresh fruit and check out the neighborhood artist’s creations.
4. Poipu Beach
The Shops at Kukuiula puts you in the same area as Poipu Beach. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the beach and be sure to catch the sunset. You won’t be sorry.
5. Late night Snack at Puka Dog
Finish the day with a sweet Hawaiian treat known as a Puka Dog, a polish sausage placed in a hollowed-out Hawaiian sweet bun (which is toasted on the inside) complete with garlic lemon secret sauce and a fruit relish.
Day 4: Helicopters, Coffee, and Coastlines
This is peak day, the best day of your vacation.
1. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tour
A list of the best things to do in Kauai is not complete without a helicopter ride. Most of the island is only accessible through the air so this tour gives you the most extensive look at the different ecological zones. You’ll see dense jungle, deep red rock canyons and an insane number of waterfalls. On a clear day, they will also dip down inside a massive volcano! Before you book your helicopter tour you may want to read these tips first.
2. Kauai Coffee Company
Grab lunch in Kalaheo, and head over to Kauai Coffee Company. Even if you are not a coffee drinker, the plantation is worth a visit. Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee grower in the United States. Its vast fields of trees are littered with coffee beans. You can also sample just about every flavor of coffee they produce. Click here for a Visitors Guide.
3. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
One of the best hikes on Kauai is the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. It’s a beautiful jaunt that follows the rocky coastline from Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point. The trail is 4 miles but it’s not as difficult as Hoopii Falls. If you are looking for spots to take some epic photos, this trail gives you plenty of opportunities. Click here for the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail Guide.
Day 5: Day Trip to Waimea Canyon
We saved one of the best of the “best things to do in Kauai” for last. Finish the trip strong with a day trip to Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. You had a glimpse of the Canyon during your helicopter tour yesterday but now its time to see it up close. Take your time on the way up and don’t be afraid to pull off the road for some of the best views of the canyon. For more information on Waimea Canyon click here.
Return Home
You should be satisfyingly exhausted at this point. It’s time to grab that red-eye flight and head home.
Thanks for reading Best Things to do in Kauai: 5-day Itinerary, if we missed any of your favorites let us know in the comments!
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.