Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Explore Kauai in 5 Days
Kauai Five-Day Itinerary Suggestions
At some point in planning your vacation to Kauai, it’s probably going to hit you, “Wow, this is a lot harder than I thought it’d be... there’s so much to do.” Welcome to the state where the possibilities for activities and adventures are limitless, to where you’ll likely never find yourself bored unless you refuse to leave your hotel room. This portion of our website is here to help you focus on planning your trip and should allow you to organize what you want to do into simple itineraries. Planning your vacation doesn’t have to be a chore, and hopefully, our recommendations will be of assistance in your preparation.
We’ve designed our Kauai itineraries around a set number of on-island Kauai days: offering one, three, five, and seven-day itineraries for exploring the island, soaking in the best sights, and ensuring your precious time, and potentially money, on Kauai are put to use wisely. We’ve tried to balance our itineraries between those who seek adventure and those looking to find a good beach and relax. Overall, we want your experience to be exactly what you’ve dreamed of when planning your Kauai trip.
We’ve provided all Kauai directions via Google Maps when possible, as Google Maps works on all platforms and across all devices. You should be able to pop the directions into your phone or tablet and go. To help you visualize each day’s itinerary, we’ve also provided overview maps that help you get your bearings.
Our five-day Kauai itinerary below includes many of the recommendations in our three-day Kauai itinerary, plus some other must-see sights, attractions, and activities for the extra two days on the island. Skip ahead to the 5-day itinerary now →
Overview of Kauai - the ‘Garden Isle’
Kauai is the fourth largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain that includes eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago consists of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawai‘i in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kaua‘i, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawai‘i.
Our journey begins on the island of Kauai. Kauai is the oldest of all the main Hawaiian Islands, dating back some 5.1 million years. Kaua‘i lies approximately 105 miles across the Kauai Channel, northwest of Oahu. The island is nearly circular in shape with a land area encompassing 533 square miles, which is 25 miles long by 33 miles wide at its furthest points. Of volcanic origin, the highest peaks on this mountainous island are Kawaikini, at 5,243 feet, followed by Mount Wai‘ale‘ale near the center of the island, at 5,148 feet above sea level. The wettest spot on earth, with an annual average rainfall of 450-470 inches, is located on the east side of Mount Wai‘ale‘ale. This high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountain, carving out ridges, canyons, and valleys with many scenic waterfalls.
The city of Lihue, on the island’s southeast coast, is the seat of Kauai County and the largest city on the island. Waimea, on the island’s southwest side and once the capital of Kauai, was the first place visited by explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. Waimea Town is located at the mouth of the Waimea River, whose flow formed one of the most scenic canyons in the world, 3000 foot deep Waimea Canyon. Mark Twain once dubbed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Kauai is also home to the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility. It’s tucked away in the canyons near Waimea, and unless you go looking for it, you’ll never even know it is there.
Kaua‘i really is a true hidden gem of sorts. Over 90% of the island cannot be reached by road. In fact, the most beautiful part of the whole island has no road near it – and a lot of folks honestly like it that way. Kauai has roads stretching around it from the northwest coast, starting at Ke‘e Beach, moving clockwise along the eastern coast (through Kapa‘a and Lihue) and then around to the west coast (through Hanapepe and Waimea). Finally, it heads north up to the ridges of Waimea and Koke‘e State Park overlooking the inaccessible Na Pali coast on the west side of the island. There is no way to drive from Waimea/Koke‘e to the starting point, and there likely never will be (you’ll have to turn around). The Alaka‘i Swamp has stumped the U.S. Corps of Engineers on more than one occasion. The army’s telephone poles from the last world war are all that remains of any attempt to navigate that part of the island. But don’t worry, you can still see many of the wonders of Kauai by doing a bit of hiking. In our daily itineraries, in the adventure section especially, we’ll take you on a few of our favorite trails.
Accommodations on Kauai & Where to Stay Summary
On Kauai, you’re probably staying in one of three geographic locations - on the north shore near Princeville, in one of the many hotels that line the Coconut Coast along the east shore, or down south in the Poipu resort area. If you haven’t yet decided where to stay on Kauai, we can help with that too, be sure to check out our Where to Stay on Kauai article for the best tips and suggestions on where to book your stay. Don’t worry if one of the three areas noted above isn’t you’re starting point, as there are a number of accommodations, b&bs, inns, etc scattered across the island. Regardless of where you’re staying, we’ll still help you plan accordingly.
Be sure to also read our Best time to Visit Kauai article for an in-depth look at which time of year is best to book for your travel party on Kauai.
Getting Around Kauai
On Kauai, a rental car is definitely the best option for getting around the island and viewing all the sights we detail in our itineraries. The rental rates in Hawaii are often some of the cheapest anywhere in the world because the competition is fierce.
There is no bus service on the island and taxi services are both expensive and illogical for sight-seeing purposes. Mopeds and bikes can be a practical alternative for day excursions along with the drier south shore, but are not as useful in other parts of the island, especially where steep inclines prevail such as on Waimea Canyon Drive in west Kauai.
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Summary of what to pack on your Kauai trip
Regardless of how much you’ve traveled in the past and where you’ve been, there is one good rule to follow when coming to Hawaii, leave as much as you can at home. Seriously, bring only what you’ll need during your stay and nothing more. For starters, schlepping around three suitcases is NOT what you want to be doing after getting off a long plane ride. Next, consider that long pants, dress clothes, and anything else formal really have no use in Hawai‘i (unless you are staying in a very exclusive resort). Chances are a pair of shorts and an old Aloha shirt are all you’ll need for even some fine dining.
As far as clothing goes, that’s usually a few pairs of shorts, several T-shirts, sandals or flip-flops (slippahs as Hawaii residents call them), and a good visor or hat, anything made of a cotton blend is usually good. A light jacket might also be nice for those visits to higher elevations.
With the motto, “less is more” in mind, here are a few other items to bring. Sunblock (the UV on Hawai‘i is typically 10+ in the spring, summer, and fall), a backpack (for any hikes) and a water bottle, slippers (flip flops, shower shoes, zoris), mask, snorkel, and fins (or rent locally instead), two bathing suits (one to wear while the other dries) and a cover-up, your phone or a camera, lightweight raincoat or poncho (for mountain/rain forest hiking), bug spray with DEET (for any forest hikes), flashlight (if the sun goes down before your hike ends or for night walks on the beach), hiking boots and hiking rods, and most importantly a list of all your troubles to leave behind. For more information on what to pack, seeing our What to Pack When Visiting Hawaii article.
Five Day Itinerary for Kauai
5-Day Kauai Wayfinder Guide
We'll officially kick off our itinerary suggestions by quickly covering the days you both arrive and depart. While they are not completely a wash in terms of planning something to actively do or participate in those days, we like to keep them open and use them for relaxing after we arrive and before we depart.
Arrival Day on Kauai
Let the first day you arrive be a day to adjust to the islands. Grab a bite to eat, pick up supplies and/or groceries, enjoy your first Hawaiian sunset that evening, and get to bed early as it has likely been a long day. If you’re flying in from another island, as we often do, then some light sightseeing probably won’t be a problem once you’re set up with your new rental, etc. But generally, we advise people to take it easy the first day, soak in their local surroundings, and acclimate to Hawaiian time.
Departure Day from Kauai
Like your arrival day, this day is meant to wind down from your trip and prepare for your jump to another island or for the journey home. We suggest grabbing a bite to eat from one of your favorite local restaurants near your accommodation and maybe some final souvenir shopping at some of the many stores and local shops around the island. Undoubtedly, the local community would appreciate your business. In Hawaii there are no “Goodbye’s” - so we’ll say A Hui Hou, which in Hawaiian means ‘Until we meet again.’ Aloha!
Kauai 5-Day Essentials Itinerary
We're working on our more advanced modular itinerary for Kauai, similar to how we've set up our Maui Itineraries. Until that is ready, check out our essentials Kauai itinerary to get you started.
Day 1: Beach Time
Let's start your adventure by visiting one of Kauai's stunning beaches. Head to Poipu Beach on the south shore, known for its golden sands and great snorkeling spots. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the vibrant underwater world. Don't forget to catch a mesmerizing sunset before enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Waimea Canyon and Hanapepe Town
Today, explore the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Drive up to the Waimea Canyon Lookout and take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views. Go for a leisurely hike along one of the scenic trails to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this remarkable landscape. Afterward, visit the charming town of Hanapepe, known for its art galleries and nostalgic vibe. Stroll along the main street, browse the local shops, and capture memories of the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge.
Day 3: Napali Coast Boat Tour
Embark on an unforgettable boat tour along the iconic Napali Coast. Join a tour departing from the north or south shore to witness the dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls of this rugged coastline. Keep an eye out for marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the geological wonders and cultural significance of the Napali Coast. Don't forget your camera to capture the natural beauty!
Day 4: Wailua River and Fern Grotto
Today, take a serene journey through the enchanting Wailua River Valley. Join a guided kayak or boat tour and glide through the lush tropical foliage, passing ancient Hawaiian sacred sites. Arrive at the Fern Grotto, a captivating lava rock cave adorned with hanging ferns. Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and enjoy the sounds of Hawaiian music. Afterward, visit the nearby Opaekaa Falls and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Day 5: Hanalei Bay and North Shore Bliss
Spend your final day exploring Hanalei, a picturesque town on Kauai's North Shore. Start your morning at Hanalei Bay, known for its golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. Relax on the beach, try your hand at surfing, or simply enjoy the stunning views. Afterward, explore the town's boutique shops, sample local treats, and visit historical sites like the Waioli Mission House. Take in the charm and beauty of Hanalei before bidding farewell to Kauai.
Itinerary Conclusion
Although a five-day trip allows for a shorter stay on the island, you can still experience the natural wonders, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes that make Kauai such a remarkable destination.
Enjoy your time on Kauai, make lasting memories, and carry the spirit of aloha with you as you depart from this lush and verdant tropical paradise.
