Searching for ideas for a trip to Hawaii? Kauai is referred to as the “Garden Isle” for good reason—it’s lush, wild, and beautiful, to name a few hallmarks of Hawaii. Being much less developed than Oahu, Big Island, or Maui, Kauai is a true paradise for beachgoers, hikers, and adventurers. The hardest part of visiting Hawaii is figuring out how to see it in a short amount of time.
Your Best ULTIMATE Kauai Itinerary (2025)
My First Day: Waterfalls—Wailua Falls and Opaeka’a Falls
Poipu is within a half-hour’s drive from Wailua Falls, which is located immediately north of Lihue Airport and south of Wailua.
This is a fantastic place to stop in the morning on your way home if you have an afternoon flight.
It’s a little off the usual route because there aren’t many things close by, but it’s stunning. An added treat was seeing wild boars close by.
These 80-foot waterfalls were first shown in the television program “Fantasy Island.” Rainbows frequently accompany morning visits!
See Also: 22 Best & Fun Things To Do In Kalamazoo, MI
My Second Day: Helicopter Tour
Have you taken a helicopter tour before? I will never forget my first experience, which took place in New Zealand.
It took just few minutes to ascend—practically straight up— from the valley floor to the top of a glacier.
To fully appreciate the splendor of Kauai, see the Na Pali coast from the air.
You’ll soar over diverse terrain from Mt. Waialeale’s waterfalls to the dry red Waimea Canyon and the emerald green peaks of Na Pali.
If your tour is scheduled for what turns out to be a windy day, reschedule. Helicopters do go down in Hawaii with some frequency!
My Third Day: Head to South Shore Beaches
Wide and sandy, Poipu’s beaches frequently offer breathtaking sunsets. Try the safe cove at Baby Beach if you have small children.
Or Popipu Beach Park provides sheltered spots for swimming and snorkeling (as well as a lifeguard).
For golden sand and a beautiful coastal stroll, visit Shipwreck’s Beach. This is the starting point for the several-mile Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
Imagine limestone caverns, sinkholes, and vistas of the ocean!
Lawai Beach is a small sandbar close to a resort that provides excellent snorkeling.
My Fourth Day: See the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Continue past Poipu and circle back toward the island’s summit in a clockwise direction. It would be simple to speed across here from the north coast if the road continued all the way through.
However, as it doesn’t, as was previously said, you should anticipate arriving at Waimea Canyon in just under two hours of driving (without stops).
But the drive is worthwhile! Proceed into Koke’e State Park on Highway 550 until you reach the Kalepa Ridge Trailhead.
The beauty of the Na Pali Coast here will captivate even those who are not trekkers. Additionally, it is visible from the parking lot.
If you have extra time, consider going on some of the trails here for an even more breathtaking vista.
Before you drive back to Poipu, be sure to check out Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
This Hawaiian treasure isn’t as old or vast as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it’s absolutely awe-inspiring…notably because of the verdant vegetation and waterfalls.
Some excellent viewing locations are the Kalalau viewing (mile marker 18), Puu Hinahina Lookout (mile marker 13), which offers sweeping views of the canyon if hiking is not your thing, and Waimea Canyon Lookout (mile marker 10) for those who prefer not to trek.
However, the Kalalau Lookout is only accessible by hiking from Ke’e Beach. Another overlook where you can exit your vehicle and hike to the lookout is Puu o Kila (mile marker 19).
Numerous fantastic treks can be found here! Try the Cliff Trail for a short hike with a huge reward. It’s just 1/10 of a mile with gorgeous canyon scenery (and sometimes includes goats).
The Black Pipe Trail (8 miles), the Canyon Trail (a three-hour climb with waterfalls), or the Kukui Trail (a strenuous hike) down to the river are all excellent options for serious hikers.
My Fifth Day: Visit Hanalei Bay and North Shore Beaches
The north shore of Kauai is wilder than the south shore near Poipu, so some beaches—like Queen’s Bath and Secret Beach on the list below—require a bit of a scramble down a cliff; the others are easily accessible. This is the day to explore the hidden beaches and stunning views on the north shore of Kauai. There are so many amazing beaches to enjoy here that I recommend adding any extra days in your itinerary for more time here.
Choose from the following possibilities in a single day:
If you’re staying close to Princeville, Tunnels Beach (Makuna), which is on the North Shore just east of Ke’e Beach, won’t be your nearest beach, but it’s among the best for snorkeling in particular.
Everyone’s favorite beach for swimming, diving, and kite surfing is this one as well.
Features include golden sand, a shallow reef with many tropical fish, and an abundance of sea turtles.
Please be advised that in order to safeguard the fish nursery at Makua Lagoon, the State of Hawaii banned snorkeling on the big inner reef where the large coral formations are located and restricted snorkeling to an area close to the shore as of August 2022.
However, fish can still be seen along the shore!
Anini Beach— Possibly a little less well-known than Tunnels, Anini Beach is an excellent place for snorkeling and turtle spotting because of the extensive reef that causes waves to break farther out.
There are also public restrooms here.
Families prefer the wind-sheltered shallow water. Plus, it’s frequently less congested than other north coast beaches.
My favorite Kauai beach may be Secret Beach!
On the day we went, this beautiful beach with silky sand was empty. Be prepared to scamper down a steep and muddy trail for this reward though.
You’ll see experienced surfers and bodyboarders here.
The largest bay on Kauai’s north shore is Hanalei Bay. The song “In the Land of Hanalei” from Puff the Magic Dragon might remind you of it.
A broad beach in the shape of a crescent is included. A wonderful sunset photo can be taken from the adorable wooden pier.
An excellent place to have lunch or dinner is Hanalei, a small hamlet that backs up to this beach. (Alternatively, locate the taco truck in the lot.)
Make sure to visit the Hanalei Valley Lookout en route to this location.
One of the most photographed locations on the island, it boasts expansive, green views and is as picturesque as a postcard.
Or stop by “downtown” Hanalei’s Tahiti Nui for a delicious Mai Tai!
Queen’s Bath
Because of the heavy surf, Queen’s Bath is usually closed from October to April throughout the winter. So many people have drowned here! Pay attention to the warning and leave if the gate is locked when you get there!
Located on a lava shelf in Princeville, Queen’s Bath is a distinctive and striking tide pool.
However, in order to appreciate this unique location, you must descend a steep and often muddy route and then travel for a short distance across the black lava that has hardened along the shore.
However, it’s not as difficult as it seems. To get there, you don’t need to be athletic. Just make sure you’re wearing nice shoes.
I’ve seen a lot of adorable sandals and flaps left halfway.
I really recommend Keens and regularly bring them to Hawaii.
You may wear them in the water, in a river, and for non-technical hiking on a trail when you don’t want your hiking boots to become too hot because of their excellent bottom grip.
Don’t enter the tide pool either! As you start the route, you’ll notice a plaque that counts the number of people who have perished here after being carried away by the open ocean while relaxing in Queen’s Bath.
You will see individuals floating in the bath, though, I assure you. Be more intelligent.
In fact, avoid going to Queen’s Bath at all if there is a strong surf advisory.
Even people taking pictures on this lava shelf have been washed away. Therefore, make sure the conditions are safe and conduct your research.
Kilauea Lighthouse—Situated on Kilauea Point in this wildlife reserve, the Kilauea Lighthouse is a nice place to pause for a photo with the deep blue ocean in the background.
Limahuli Garden & Preserve: Are there any garden enthusiasts in your group? One of the five gardens in the National Tropical Botanical Garden is the Limahuli Garden & Preserve, which is close to Tunnels Beach. Spend an hour or two there. The admission fee is $30.
Make sure you book online if you want to drive or if you want to join a guided tour. Otherwise, there is no requirement if you are driving or exploring it alone.
It is a breathtaking valley that is among Hawaii’s most biodiverse. Here, I especially enjoyed exploring the canoe gardens.
As they considered how to survive on a new island, Native Hawaiians carried flora from French Polynesia with them, which they displayed
My Sixth Day: Take a Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
.
The Napali Coast State Wilderness Park—sometimes termed “the eighth wonder of the world”—is” recognized for its beautiful green cliffs and craggy valleys. It’s one of Hawaii’s key monuments and greatest spots to vacation in Hawaii.
Along Kauai’s stunning north shore, it actually stretches for almost 15 miles, with secret beaches seemingly found everywhere.
Getting out on the river is the greatest way to truly experience this magnificence, which includes tumbling waterfalls!
To truly enjoy this vista, make sure to reserve a snorkeling cruise while you’re here.
For a more individualized and private experience, tiny catamarans make the greatest snorkeling trips.
You can anticipate seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. Even, if you’re lucky, whales!
Here, you can snorkel among the vibrant fish in the crystal-clear turquoise water and perhaps even explore the amazing sea caves. Breakfast and a buffet lunch are provided on board to keep you energized.