I went ham creating a Kauai itinerary the first time I visited. “The Garden Isle” of Hawaii is known for its lush landscape and laid-back vibe, and I wanted to explore it all.
Rather than keep it to myself, I thought I’d share this itinerary for Kauai with you. You’ll find four days of ideas, which I think is about enough time for exploring this small island. But if you’re staying longer, I’ll give you other ideas for customizing your trip. You’ll also find information on where to stay, the best time to visit, and more.
So get ready to explore the best of the island with this thorough Kauai itinerary! And don’t skip my pro tip boxes with insider information on what you can skip and nearby attractions if you want to pack more in.
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Kauai Itinerary
This Kauai itinerary assumes you’ll rent a car at Lihue Airport. It also includes tips on activities only available on certain days, so feel free to move around the order of this itinerary to accommodate everything you want to do.
Want me to plan you a custom itinerary?
I’m a licensed travel planner and would love to create a custom trip itinerary for you to Kauai (and my other fave Maui if you can fit in two islands!).
Prefer to plan the trip yourself? Here’s my recommended itinerary for Kauai you can use as your guide!
Day 1: Explore the North Shore
Get Breakfast at Kalalea Juice Hale
website | area: Anahola (get directions) | cuisine: smoothies/acai bowls | hours: Mon & Wed – Fri 8 aAMm – 4 PM, Sun 9 AM – 4 PM, closed Sat & Tues
I had one of the best smoothies of my life at Kalalea Juice Hale. It’s a cute roadside stand at the mouth of the North Shore if you’re coming from Kapa’a and Kauai’s east coast.
This locally-owned spot focuses on juices, smoothies, and bowls made with Kauai-grown fruits. You’ll also find coffee to fuel your morning, as well as some take home souvenirs like jams and apparel.
I highly recommend getting the Kalalea Love smoothie. It’s made with strawberries, banana, peanut butter, dates, cacao nibs, coconut meat, cinnamon, and homemade almond milk. I’m so picky with smoothies but this one was beautifully balanced between fruity and earthy thanks to the cinnamon and nibs.
Check out the Kilauea Lighthouse
website | area: Kilauea (get directions) | best for: scenic viewpoint
Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse sits on a wildlife refuge that was established in 1985 to protect thousands of migratory and residential seabirds. If you want to get up close to the lighthouse, you need to make an advanced reservation between 10 am and 4 pm Wednesdays through Saturday. The cost is $10 per adult over 16 (kids under 16 are free).
However, you can visit the viewpoint any time free of charge. It’s at the top of Kilauea Road before it veers left to descend toward the lighthouse. I prefer this viewpoint because you can get wonderful pictures of the historic 1913 lighthouse sitting on the ocean bluff.
Stop at the Anaina Hou Farmers Market if It’s Saturday
website | area: Kilauea (get directions) | hours: Saturdays 9 AM – 12 PM
If you’re traveling to the North Shore on a Saturday, make sure this farmers market is on your Kauai itinerary. It’s one of the best on the island, spanning two lots in a small public community center.
You’ll find ~30 vendors selling local produce, foodie items, and gifts. It’s small, so you should be able to explore the whole thing in ~45 minutes or less. They recommend a donation upon entry, so have some cash ready.
Don’t miss Midnight Bear Bakery if they’re still selling pastries (they sell out fast!). Kauai Kunana Dairy is also a must stop for cheeses and homemade banana breads, and I loved Flux Ceramics so much I bought a mug! Lastly, keep an eye out for sugarloaf pineapples as you peruse the produce. They’re a smaller and sweeter varietal native to Kauai.
Pro tip: Their is also 18-hole mini golf next to the farmers market!
Grab a Softee at Aloha Ola Farm Stand
website | area: Kilauea (get directions) | hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Mon – Sat, closed Sun
If you’re visiting the North Shore, Aloha Ola Farm Stand is a must visit. It’s at the mouth of the community center that hosts the Anaina Hou Farmers Market. Google Maps may say you need to do this wild u-turn route to get there if coming from east Kauai, but ignore it. You can definitely make a left into the community center and farm stand from this direction!
The stand has goodies like jams, apparel, and dried fruits to take home as souvenirs. But it’s their smoothies, bowls, and frostees that are the real draw. Depending on your hunger level you can get a bunch of things to try, but if you can only eat one thing make sure it’s the frostee.
I’m not sure how this farm stand in warm weather is making some of the creamiest ice cream on the island, but it’s pure perfection. The pineapple flavor is my favorite, but you can often get a twist with another flavor. For example, it was banana when I last went.
Pro tip: Like tinctures and teas? Then also stop at Kauai Farmacy nearby. They have a cute outdoor patio for sipping tea, and they sell a lot of homemade salves and wellness items.
Hike to Secret Beach
website | area: Kilauea (get directions) | distance: ~0.6 miles out and back
The Kauapea “Secret” Beach Trailhead doesn’t have a ton of parking, but rather you pull up on the side of a residential cul de sac road. Then you take a relatively easy walk down to the beach. Conditions determine how easy the walk is, as it can be slippery when muddy.
There’s a ton to explore at the beach. Of course you can lounge, but my favorite thing to do is check out the lava rock formations on either side of the trailhead. To the right you’ll see the lighthouse in the distance, so head that way for pretty pictures. The left takes you to rock formations you can walk up for views of the beach from above.
Pro tip: Protect clothing you love while on the trailhead, as a ton of fruit falls from the overhead trees. One of Dan’s favorite t-shirts got ruined!
Get Lunch in Hanalei & Explore the shops
Halalei is an adorable town on the North Shore known for its laid back surfer vibe. There’s a quaint downtown area with a bunch of shops worth exploring, so poke in to some at your leisure.
Don’t miss Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art tucked in the back of the Hanalei Center strip mall. I got gorgeous rings made of shells here. If you happen to be visiting Saturday between 9 AM – 12 PM, don’t miss the Hanalei Farmers Market happening on the edge of town.
Once you start feeling hungry, grab some lunch. I’m a fan of trying as many spots as possible, so if I were you and their hours aligned, I’d head to Hanalei Poke followed by Da Fazenda.
Hanalei Poke was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for their fun poke bowls. I tried the Kealia Bowl featured on the show, but I much preferred the more traditional flavors in the Local Boy.
Da Fazenda serves Brazilian food out of a mini food cart pod. Don’t miss the combo plate with shrimp, but remember to order an extra pão de queijo. It’s a little puff pastry bread similar to a French gougère that is so friggin’ good. If you’re there on a weekend, get their feijoada pork stew. And don’t miss the fresh squeezed juice if they have any!
For dessert, stop by Pink’s Ice Cream Shop for homemade ice cream. My go-to order is a milkshake with both their Hanalei Sunrise and mango & cream flavors. It tastes like an orange creamsicle!
Lastly, if you have time check out Hanalei Beach. It’s a huge bay just outside of the downtown area with pretty views.
Hike Around HĀ’ena State Park
website | area: Hanalei (get directions) | hours: 7 AM – 6:45 PM daily (7:45 PM in summer) | reservations required
Hā’ena State Park is a protected land area at the edge of the Nā Pali Coast. Non-Hawaiian residents need to make reservations well in advance to visit. Reservations are available at 12 AM 30 days in advance, and I recommend you snag one for your trip ASAP because I’ve missed out on tickets when I waited too long.
Tickets start at $40 per person ages 4 and up. It’s cheaper and more likely you’ll get a reservation if you use their shuttle service, but you can also try and snag a parking spot reservation for $10/time slot and $5/adult. They say reservations for parking passes sell out by 12:01 AM, so mark your calendar and be ready as soon as reservations open up at 12 AM.
You have a few different options of what to do once you’re inside the park. If you want to keep it recreational, head to Ke’e Beach (pronounced keh-ay) to relax or search for shells. It’s said that this protected bay is great for snorkeling, but the surf is stronger in winter (particularly at the western end), so proceed with caution.
You can also do the Ke’e Beach-Kalalau Lookout Trail that’s ~1 mile round trip and gives you pretty views of the beach from above.
Your other option is hiking the popular Kalalau Trail. This is an 11 mile one-way trail that’s rated extremely difficult. Most people only do the ~4 mile roundtrip Hanakapi’ai Beach via Kalalau Trail hike. This is still rather difficult because of mud, but it’ll take only about 2.5 hours and give you lovely views.
Pro tip: You’ll pass Hā’ena Beach Park on your way to the state park. This isn’t part of the area that requires reservations, so this is a great spot to check out if you can snag a coveted parking spot. If you do, Makua “Tunnels” Beach is another nearby spot worth checking out.
Get Dinner at Bar Acuda
website | area: Hanalei (get directions) | cuisine: Spanish | hours: 5:30 – 9:30 PM Tues – Sat | reservations recommended
Bar Acuda is a fancier restaurant right in downtown Hanalei. They serve tapas that meld traditional Spanish dishes with local fish and produce. The result is a true farm-to-table experience that fuses Hawaiian and Spanish cuisine beautifully.
Pro tip: Can’t get a reservation at Bar Acuda? Tahiti Nui is another option serving Hawaiian food. They’re known for their luau and cocktails. Or visit Bar Acuda’s sister restaurant next door, AMA, for ramen.
Day 2: Experience Waimea Canyon
Get Breakfast at Java Kai
website | area: Kapa’a (get directions), Kilauea (get directions), or Kōloa (get directions) | cuisine: coffee shop | hours: 6 AM – 5 PM daily at Kapa’a & Kōloa, 6 AM – 5 PM Mon – Fri & 7 AM – 2 PM Sat – Sun at Kilauea
Java Kai is the perfect spot to grab an early breakfast to fuel your day. It goes without saying a local roaster will have excellent coffee, but this spot also has great breakfast items. My go-to order is the Surfer Girl breakfast sandwich and tropical waffles.
Go on a Helicopter Tour of Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon is like the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It’s absolutely stunning, and there’s no better way to see it than from above on a helicopter ride. Jurassic Park was filmed on Kauai, so helicopters give you access to some of the most iconic shots from the film.
Many tours leave early in the morning from the Lihue Airport area and last about 1-1.5 hours. Here are some options of tours to add to your Kauai itinerary:
- Doors Off Helicopter Tour
- Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
- Deluxe Waterfall Safari Helicopter Tour
- Private Helicopter Tour with No Middle Seats
- Canyon Landing Safari Helicopter Tour
Grab Lunch at The Fish Express
website | area: Lihue (get directions) | cuisine: poke | hours: 10 AM – 4 PM daily
The Fish Express is a hole-in-the-wall deli loved by locals. There’s no seating, so prepare to grab your food to eat in the parking lot.
You’ll find a bunch of Hawaiian grindz, fresh fish for sale, and some snacks. However, the must-get here is the poke. What I love about The Fish Express is that you can choose from a few different pre-mixed poke options like all the other poke spots in Hawaii. However, they also have a topping bar that lets you customize your bowl, which is pretty much unheard of in Hawaii.
I had a killer hamachi tuna poke with sea asparagus last time, but the recipes change daily. Get whatever looks good to you that day!
Stop at Kauai Sweet Shoppe
website | area: Lihue (get directions) | hours: 10 AM – 5 PM Mon – Fri, 10 AM – 3 PM Sat, closed Sun
Kauai Sweet Shoppe is a small confectionary on a plantation near the airport. Their focus is caramels, so stop in to try samples and pick up some sweets to take home. My absolute favorite flavor is the guava!
Pro tip: Kauai Sweet Shoppe shares a property with Koloa Rum. Stop in for a tasting and to shop the store if you’re a rum lover!
Check Out Warehouse 3540
website | area: Kalaheo (get directions) | hours: 10 AM – 4 PM Mon – Sat
You’ll pass by Warehouse 3540 on your way to Waimea Canyon. This open air market is located inside an old pineapple canning factory. You’ll find a coffee shop, food trucks, and adorable local shops perfect for picking up souvenirs. Don’t miss The Local Beet, a marketplace serving foodie gifts from around the islands.
Sample Java from a coffee Farm
website | area: Kalaheo (get directions) | hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
Kauai Coffee Company is another stop worth making on your way to Waimea Canyon. Those in a rush should stop for a quick coffee tasting and to pick up some beans to take home. However, if you have more time they also offer farm tours to teach you how coffee is made. You can explore the grounds on a shorter self-guided walking tour too, which includes a stop in their mini coffee museum.
Explore Waimea Canyon From the Ground
website | area: Waimea (get directions) | $5/non-Hawaiian resident + $10/car entry fee
Now is your chance to experience Waimea Canyon from a different perspective. The state park is quite large and has a lot of different hiking trails and viewpoints, so here are some tips for how to explore it.
Your first option is to just drive between all the lookouts, which is what I usually do. The main road that goes through Waimea Canyon State Park also goes through Koke’e State Park, so you’ll be able to explore two parks in one day. If you only have time for one, don’t miss the Waimea Canyon Lookout. It’s the best for photos.
Pro tip: You can usually drive to the famous Pu’u O Kila Lookout, but the road is closed and you can only get there by foot. Keep an eye out for updates on when it opens.
You can also hike to different viewpoints if you have time. I personally found it difficult to find easy hikes in Kauai, so this option is not for the casual hiker like me. However, here are some popular trails to consider:
- Iliau Nature Loop Trail – One of the few easy, 0.4-mile hikes
- Awa’awapuhi Trail – Moderate 6-mile hike in Koke’e State Park
- Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls – Moderate 3-mile hike in Koke’e State Park
Make sure to bring bug spray and good hiking boots that you don’t care about getting muddy, as there will most likely be mud when you go.
Check out Hanapepe
After exploring Waimea Canyon, head to this small artsy village to check out the shops. If it’s a Friday, lucky you. That’s when they host Art Night and invite more local vendors to sell their goods. Since the town is small, this makes it so there’s more to explore.
As you look around, don’t miss Aloha Spice Company and countless art galleries for souvenirs. Then go to the swinging bridge near the spice company for fun photo opportunities.
If you’re feeling peckish or prefer to eat dinner in Hanapepe, check out Japanese Grandma’s Cafe. It’s tiny so reservations are recommended, but you can also grab takeout and eat it on the street. I really like their karaage.
Sample Beers at Local Breweries
Stop for a beer or two before heading back to your hotel. Kauai Island Brewing Company is one option near Hanapepe. It can get crowded, but their lilikoi ale is worth seeking out.
Another option is Kauai Beer Company in Lihue. This feels like a locals-only spot perfect for ending this day of your Kauai itinerary. Get a sampler and make sure their guava sour is part of it, if available.
Get Dinner at Hamura Saimin
area: Lihue (get directions) | cuisine: noodle shop | hours: 10 AM – 9:30 PM daily
If you’re headed past Lihue back to your hotel in east Kauai or the North Shore, definitely get dinner at Hamura Saimin. If you’re not familiar, saimin is a noodle soup that’s like a lighter version of ramen. The noodles are typically chewier and the broth is clear vs. fatty, but both often have pork in it.
Hamura’s version of saimin is out of this world, particularly because they serve it with a side of spicy mustard that completely blew my mind the first time I tried it. The “regular” version comes with sliced ham and the “special” comes with both ham and roast pork. Get the special.
They’re also known for their lilikoi chiffon pie. I thought the crust and flavor was really good, but the chiffon was a bit too dense. However, get a slice and decide for yourself!
Pro tip: Hamura is cash only.
Day 3: Tour the Nā Pali Coast & South Shore
Take a boat tour of the NĀ PAli Coast
You got some gorgeous views of the Nā Pali Coast from afar when exploring the North Shore and Waimea Canyon on days 1 and 2. But now it’s time to get up close and see them from the water. This lets you access the whole coastline, which is not drivable.
There are a bunch of tour companies to choose from. Most are similar in that they tend to leave quite early in the morning and serve breakfasts or snacks (though you can find a few sunset ones!). My biggest advice is to look for small group tours so the boat isn’t swarming with other people. This will ensure you get good views, especially if you’re visiting during whale season December through May.
Here are some tours to consider:
- Nā Pali 1/2 Day Snorkel Raft Adventure
- Nā Pali Coast Snorkel & Sail
- Zodiac Raft Snorkeling & Sea Caves
I did a high-speed raft tour with Capt Andy’s and absolutely loved it. It was too rough for snorkeling the day we went, so being on a fun high-speed boat made it feel as if we weren’t really missing out on anything. We saw dolphins, whales, sea caves, and famous filming locations. But you definitely get a workout from holding onto the high-speed rafts, so try the sailing adventure if you want a more leisurely ride.
Pro tip: If you take a high-speed raft, bring one of these waterproof lanyards for your phone! I had this one and everyone was jealous I could capture content without losing my phone or getting it soaked.
Get Lunch at Kauai Poke Co.
website | area: Koloa (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian | hours: 10 AM – 3 PM daily (they take break from 10:30-11 am to turnover from breakfast to lunch)
Don’t be fooled by Kauai Poke Co.’s location on a golf course. They’re serving great poke and Hawaiian grindz like loco moco. My go-to is the Plantation Poke with spicy ahi tuna, fried onion, avocado, furikake, and sauces.
Hike Shipwreck Beach
area: Poipu (get directions) | mostly street parking
Shipwreck Beach is a lovely spot frequented by locals. You can definitely lounge here, but the biggest draw is its access to the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. It’s a moderately challenging 6-mile hike that takes you from Shipwreck Beach to Punahoa Point.
You don’t need to do the whole trail to get lovely views. For example, head east on the trail from Shipwreck Beach and you’ll be taken to gorgeous cliffs with barely a soul in sight. Hiking boots or sneakers are best, but I was able to get up there in flip flops so this portion isn’t too challenging.
Relax & Snorkel at Poʻipū Beach
area: Poipu (get directions) | free parking | snorkel rentals: Boss Frog’s in Koloa is your closest rental spot
Poʻipū Beach is arguably the most popular beach in all of Kauai. This is for good reason, as it’s a great spot for snorkeling and has a lot of park amenities like a playground, bathrooms, lifeguards, and parking.
However, its popularity means the beach is oftentimes over crowded. I personally prefer quieter beaches, but there’s no denying the protected cove is wonderful for snorkeling. So if you’re snorkel fiend like me, carve out some time to check out the water.
“What about Puka Dog?” If you did any research for your Kauai itinerary, you undoubtedly came across this hot dog spot on Poipu Beach. If by luck you’re there when it’s not crowded, by all means try it because it’s a high quality dog served in a cylindrical bun. However, there aren’t any toppings except 2 sauces of your choosing, all of which I found too sweet. Therefore, I wouldn’t wait 1+ hour again for it.
Get Dinner at the Beach House for Sunset
website | area: Koloa (get directions) | cuisine: seafood | hours: 3:30 – 8:30 PM daily (happy hour 3:30 – 4:30 PM and live music 3:30 – 5:30 PM daily) | reservations required
If you want to have a Hawaiian-style fine dining meal during your Kauai itinerary, The Beach House is where to do it. They have some of the best real estate of any restaurant on the island since they’re perched right on a beach bluff.
This place is popular so reservations are a must. Try to time it so you’ll be there for sunset, but be warned: since it faces west you’ll have the sun in your face most of the meal. Therefore, sunglasses are a must.
Expect a pricey seafood-focused menu, super strong drinks, and oftentimes live music. Food wise, don’t miss the pumpkin ravioli and goat cheese macadamia nut salad. For your main course, pay attention to their specials. I had a lovely Kona lobster and scallop dish with risotto when I went.
Day 4: Explore beaches
Get Breakfast at HolEy Grail Donuts
website | area: Kapa’a (get directions) or Hanapepe (get directions) | cuisine: doughnuts | hours: Kapa’a is 7 AM – 4 PM daily, Hanapepe is 7 AM – 1 PM Mon- Sat
Holey Grail is a mini doughnut chain that started in Kauai and now has locations in Oahu and Los Angeles (check them out when following this 4 day Los Angeles itinerary). I can see why they’ve expanded…their doughnuts are damn good.
What makes them special is that they’re made with taro. They’re more like a cake doughnut than a yeast one, so they tend to be crowd pleasing. The flavors change regularly, but if it’s available definitely get the lilikoi poppy seed. It’s acidity goes beautifully with the rich dough.
Visit LyDgate ChocoLate Farm
website | area: Kapa’a (get directions) | hours: 9:30 AM – 3 PM Mon-Fri
Hawaii is the only 100% American-grown chocolate producer in the country, so visiting a farm is a special thing to include on your Kauai itinerary. Lydgate is a wonderful one that offers farm tours and public tastings. If you have 3 hours, the tour will give you a deep dive. But you can just visit to taste and shop, which is what we did.
Love vanilla? Keep an eye out for when The Vanillery reopens after construction. You can buy extract and beans grown right on their property and take a tour!
Snorkel Anini Beach
area: Kilauea (get directions) | free parking | snorkel rentals: Snorkel Bob’s in Kapa’a is the closest
Anini Beach on the North Shore is my favorite place to snorkel in Kauai. It’s a calm beach, so it’s perfect for kids and beginners. While it doesn’t have as much colorful coral and fish as Poʻipū Beach, I’ve seen a bunch of sea turtles there so it’s a worth a stop.
Get Lunch at Pono Market and/or The Musubi Truck
Pono Market: website | area: Kapa’a (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian | hours: 6 AM – 2 PM Mon – Fri
The Musubi Truck: website | area: Kapa’a (get directions), Koloa (get directions), & Kalapaki (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian | hours: 7 AM – 6 PM Mon – Fri & 10 AM – 5 PM Sat – Sun at Kapa’a, 10 AM – 5 PM daily at Koloa, 7 AM – 8 PM at Kalapaki
Head back to Kapa’a for lunch at two of the best spots to get authentic Hawaiian food. The first is Pono Market, a convenience store serving local grindz and my favorite poke on the island. The last time I went the cutest old guy was managing the cue and greeting everyone.
Pro tip: While you’re at Pono Market, grab some Shaka Pops from the freezer. Their Hawaiian-made ice pops with fun tropical flavors.
Want more treats? Head to Wailua Shave Ice for a refreshing treat using natural juices so it’s not too sweet.
I’m not above getting two lunches, so if you’re like me and traveling on a weekday, head to The Musubi Truck next. They make huge musubis with interesting flavors. Don’t miss the Deep Fried Spam and Miso Chicken ones.
After lunch, feel free to explore the shops in Kapa’a if you have time. There are a bunch perfect for picking up souvenirs. Hoku Foods is a natural food store perfect for picking up Kauai made foodie items. The Kauai Store is another good spot for locally-made gifts.
Bike the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path Along Kapa’a Beach Park
website | area: Kapa’a (get directions) | bike rentals Hele on Kauai is right in downtown Kapa’a
The Ke Ala Hele Makalae Path is a paved trail weaving for ~7 miles from Kapa’a to Kealia. From downtown Kapa’a it starts behind Kapa’a Beach Park, so it’s the perfect start and end point so you can finish the afternoon relaxing on the beach if you have time.
Pro tip: There are a few food carts near Kapa’a Beach Park worth checking out if you’re feeling peckish. Garden Island Coffee is in one of the larger pods and is a great stop for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Get Dinner at Jo 2 Natural Cuisines
website | area: Kapa’a (get directions) | cuisine: French-Japanese-Hawaiian fusion | hours: 5 – 9 PM Tues – Sat | reservations recommended
Jo 2’s is one of the fancier restaurants on the island, so it’s a great way to end your Kauai itinerary. You’ll find creative, seafood-focused dishes with a flare for pretty plating. The menu changes seasonally, but the last time I went we had these addictive seafood raviolis in a cream sauce, perfectly cooked octopus, and tender beef cheeks. Get whatever looks good and toast to a fabulous trip!
Where to stay in Kauai
There are four main areas to stay in Kauai: the North Shore near Hanalei, South Shore near Poʻipū, East Shore near Kapa’a, and West Shore near Waimea. Here’s a run down of each as you consider where to stay for your Kauai itinerary.
North Shore
Best for: Gorgeous views, farms, and seclusion
Not great for: Access to the rest of the island, weather (as it can be rainy)
Most guides will tell you to stay in the North Shore. I can see why. Towns like Hanalei have an aloha charm that helps the area feel less commercial. It also generally has ok weather, despite its reputation for being rainy in the winter (it never rained on my last December trip!).
However, I don’t prefer staying in the North Shore if I’m planning to explore the island. While it’s not impossible to drive to the rest of Kauai, I find it too remote and sleepy for my type of travel that’s more go-go-go. So if you’re like me, you probably shouldn’t stay here. If you’re more leisurely though and plan to stay put, the North Shore is an awesome choice.
North Shore Hotels
- Dream Vintage Surf Cottage – Adorable 2-bed house right in Hanalei
- Hanalei Bay Resort – Boutique hotel with a lot of updated condos on VRBO
- Modern Island Studio – Condo perfect for those who don’t need a resort
- The Westin Princeville – One of the few name-brand resorts in the area
South Shore
Best for: Sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, and fancy resorts
Not great for: Unplugging, as a lot of tourists stay here
The South Shore is where many visitors like to stay because it has recognizable resorts like Hyatt and Sheraton, plus sunny weather most of the year. Location wise it’s pretty good for exploring the rest of the island if you stay near Poʻipū.
However, I don’t prefer to stay in South Kauai because it’s too touristy. I don’t like overrun resorts, even if they’re super fancy. If that’s not you, though, then you’ll probably love the South Shore.
South Shore Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Kauai – Quintessential South Shore luxury
- Ko’a Kea Resort – One of the most beloved 4-star hotels on the island
- The Lodge at Kukuiʻula – Luxury resort with expansive grounds
East Shore
Best for: Access to the whole island, food, and budget accommodations
Not great for: Super grand beaches
East Kauai is where the locals tend to live. It’s near the airport and has a more commercial feel, but not touristy…more where you’d go if you needed to do a Home Depot run. This ambiance turns some people off, especially when paired with the fact that most of the beaches are public and can get crowded with locals.
However, the East Shore is my preferred area to stay in Kauai. I like being centrally located and surrounded by locals. And since I don’t usually spend the majority of my vacation on the beach, I’m ok with the less desirable beach situation. But if you love the beach, you may be disappointed in the East Shore.
Note, this Kauai itinerary is optimized for staying in East Kauai.
East Shore Hotels
- The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort – Great pool area and beach access
- Timbers Kauai Ocean Club – Gorgeous resort overlooking ocean bluff
- Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort – Modern property near great eats
- Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay – Budget resort right on the beach
West Shore
Best for: Access to hiking and camping on the Nā Pali Coast
Not great for: Access to the rest of the island or fancier accommodations
I don’t generally recommend staying in the West Shore unless you plan to spend the majority of your time hiking. It’s a bit of a misnomer because you can’t actually stay on the west side of the island unless you’re camping, so this is more southwest. However, it’s still more remote and far away from the rest of the island. The benefit is that there are more quaint inns and a locals-only feel, but I’d only recommend staying here for those who truly want to unplug.
West Shore Hotels
- Hale Akala Coastal House – Modern 3-bedroom home across from a beach
- Waimea Beach Cottage – Bright farmhouse steps from the beach
Best time to visit Kauai
The shoulder seasons of September – November and April – June are the best times to plan your Kauai itinerary. That’s because December and January are the rainy season, yet one of the most popular times to go because kids are off school and people are trying to escape snowy weather on the mainland.
However, I tend to visit Hawaii in December-February and never mind it. At the end of the day, there’s really no bad time to visit paradise!
More ideas for your itinerary to Kauai
Want to customize your Kauai itinerary or add more days to your trip? Here’s my map with even more things to check out.
KauAi Tours to Consider
I love taking tours when traveling to Hawaii, so if you have more time consider adding one or more of these to your Kauai itinerary:
- Kauai Movie Film Location Tour
- Hanalei Walking Food Tour
- Best Food Tours on Kauai
- Learn to Surf in Hanalei Bay
- Luau Dinner & Show
- Half Day Kayak & Waterfall Hike Tour
- Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
- Kauai Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkel Tour
- Private Waimea Canyon Driving Tour
- History, Legends, & Waterfalls Tour
- Eastside & Wailua Falls Tour
- Princeville Botanical Garden Tour & Chocolate Tasting
- 4-Pack Kauai Audio Driving Tours
Explore more of Hawaii
Want to tack on another island to your Kauai itinerary? My vote is Maui, my favorite Hawaiian island. If you agree, check out my other guides.
- 5 Day Maui Itinerary
- Where Locals Eat in Maui
- Easy Hikes in Maui with Stunning Views
- Best Snorkeling Spots in Maui
- Souvenirs from Maui You’ll Actually Use
- Where to Stay in Maui
- Best Shopping in Maui
- Ultimate Road to Hana Itinerary
Overwhelmed by planning?
Let me plan your trip for you! I can create a custom itinerary to Kauai or Maui so all you have to do is show up.
