Excited to spend 4 days exploring Kauai? Between the five of us sisters, we’ve visited a handful of times, and throughout our explorations, we’ve curated the perfect itinerary. From can’t miss sights to splurge-worthy treats to niched local stops, our four-day itinerary is the perfect way to maximize your time on Kauai.
Each of the Hawaiian islands has its own charm, and Kauai invokes a rather ethereal natural beauty. Kauai has been nicknamed the Garden Island, and one look at the lush landscape will tell you why. Nature’s bounty abounds in this tropical haven of outdoor adventure. From hiking through the dazzling Nā Pali Coast coast to wandering through the immense Waimea Canyon, the magnitude of Kauai is impressive– especially for being such a relatively small island!
While Kauai is not immune to the heavy tourism the Hawaiian islands experience, you will find it less populated and a bit more rural than its neighboring islands, such as Oahu or Maui. This generally lends itself to less shopping and late night dining options and more steal-your-breath hikes and outdoor adventures, allowing for more natural, unmarred Hawaiian beauty.
Despite Kauai being relatively small, there is no circumferential road around the island. This is due to the immense topography of the northwest region. Efforts have been made in the past to try and connect the loop, but they have all been in vain. Some areas are just meant to remain untouched! While this might mean a little extra driving time, the views in Kauai are nothing short of spectacular, so get excited for a little extra time in the car taking in the scenery.
You wouldn’t have amazing canyons, emerald cliff coastlines, and astounding waterfalls without the terrain Kauai is known for. The island is our favorite because of its rugged charm, not in spite of! At the end of four days, you’ll already be trying to plan your next trip back!
DAY ONE
Due to the spread out nature of Kauai, a rental car is a must if you really want to see what the island has to offer. Last time we visited we rented from Budget, and loved our ride. When we were picking our car up, we were offered an inexpensive upgrade to a convertible mustang, and jumped on it. While a convertible isn’t always the most practical choice, we found it afforded us panoramic views of the scenery whenever we were driving. Additionally, when we drove at night, whichever one of us was the passenger was able to recline and have a truly fantastic view of the stars.
We’ve also rented a through Turo a couple times in the past, and had great success with that as well. Regardless who you rent from, don’t forget to sunscreen-up if you’re driving with the top down!
Big Love for Hyatt
Time to ditch the bags and start exploring! While there’s thousands of options to choose from, we recommend staying on the south side of the island— at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, if you’re looking to splurge. If you arrive in the morning, they’ll store your bags for you, so you don’t miss out on any adventuring time. It’s by no means guaranteed, but they actually comped us each an appetizer and drink, while we waited for our room to be ready. Can you say amazing customer service?!
The sprawling property and ample restaurants to chose from are a great way to stretch your legs and grab a bite after your flight. The Captain’s Bar is pool-side, making it an easy stop. The drinks are amazing, and the nachos disappear quickly!
Birds Eye View
Heading back to the airport so soon? Get excited for an airplane tour with AirVentures. This tour is an INCREDIBLE way to start the trip, and it can actually help shape your plan for the subsequent days, if you catch a glimpse of anything particularly enticing. From your perch in the sky, you’ll see whales breaching, gorgeous Waimea Canyon, the lush Hanalei Valley, and Manawaiopuna Falls (from Jurassic Park). Not to mention the crown jewel: a dazzlingly Nā Pali Coastline. You’ll be able to enjoy the coastline from a few different vantage-points while in Kauai, but this one is almost guaranteed to be the most amazing.
Pro trip #1: Try to snag the co-pilot seat if you can. This will have the best view as it’s the least obstructed and best for taking photographs.
Pro tip #2: While they have a handful of different time slots throughout the day, in the winter-time, the mid-afternoon is the most ideal for the perfect Nā Pali Coast views. The coastline is on the west side of the island, so if you go too early in the day, the breath-taking views are still illustrious but a little shadowed.
Back at the Ranch
Returning to the resort, hop into your bathing suit and enjoy some relaxing pool time. There are so many pools to choose from… or perhaps floating through them all on the lazy river is more your style. Just before the sun sets, make your way towards the ocean, and watch the daylight slip away, from your cozy vantage point on a swing or bench. Shipwreck Beach, the beach behind the Hyatt Grand, doesn’t get a view of the sunset, BUT depending on the time of year, you might get lucky enough to spot whales playing out in the ocean. (As a note, Shipwreck Beach is a public beach, so even if you aren’t staying there, it’s an option for exploration.)
Finish your evening at the Seaview Terrace for some dinner and drinks. As you might imagine, the tables are set up on a terrace overlooking the property and ocean, and with nightly live music, it makes for a groovy ambiance. The fresh air and delicious skewers are a delightful end to your first day.
DAY TWO
The Kalalau Trail
Today’s big adventure? Hiking the gorgeous Nā Pali Coast. From the south part of the island, it takes a little under two hours to make it up to Haena State Park, where the trail starts. You’ll want to head out early to make it to the Haena by mid-morning, making this a perfect morning to catch the sunrise before heading out.
The Kalalau Trail is a 22 mile round trip stretch of hiking through the Nā Pali Coast. Determined hikers and backpackers may conquer this in its entirety; however, due to limited time on the island, we only recommend tackling a 4-mile loop of the trail. Many avid hikers may consider a 4 mile hike easy peasy, but the elevation in conjunction with the muddy nature of the trail makes a 4 mile trek moderately difficult, even for experienced hikers.
Pro tip #1: A limited number of people are allowed into Haena State Park each day, so you must make reservations in advance to be admitted into the park. The tickets for daily admission go VERY quickly. They become available 30 days prior, so if you are hoping to visit Haena State Park, you should be ready to purchase your ticket early in the morning 30 days out. Spots go quickly! For more information, check out our blog post on The Kalalau Trail.
Pro tip #2: Don’t forget to screenshot your reservation before going. There is no cell service at the guard shack.
Beach Bum
Depending on how much daylight you have left to burn after you’re done hiking, there’s a couple options for exploration in the north part of the island. If you’re tuckered out from the morning, head to Hanalei Beach for some well-earned relaxation. There’s a long pier that stretches into the bay, providing a top-notch view of a memorable landscape, as the sandy beach stretches out to a mountainous backdrop.
Either on your way to or from the beach, swing by the Ching Young Village. There’s shops and loads of casual restaurants that make grabbing a snack or meal super easy. We snagged a dole whip from Aloha Juice Bar and found it quite refreshing.
Bottoms Up
If you have any interest in craft distillery tours, stopping by Hanalei Spirits is an absolute MUST. You will be blown away by the heart and the history behind their spirits. You will not find a better Kauai souvenir than a bottle of their traditional Hawaiian Okolehao. Tours are done by appointment only with Vindi, who is as warm and kind as she is knowledgable about using the land to create their spirits. Be sure to schedule in advance if you’re hoping to hear their story and sample all their local spirits!
Pit Stops
On the way back south, you’ll pass through the quaint town of Kappa. As you drive through, there’s a stretch of shops and restaurants, each more intriguing than the next. If you haven’t tried ‘lau lau’ yet, the Kahula pork lau lau at Pono Market is worth. pulling. over. for.
If you’re in the mood for a little pick-me-up, Kauai Juice Company sells a wide array of curated juices and kombuchas. While they are a little spendy, we tried four juices and a few different kombuchas while we were there, and wished we’d bought more! So refreshing after a day outside.
While you’re in Hawaii, you have to try a shaved ice at some point. A local recommended Wailua Shave Ice Kauai to us, and we were so delighted with our frozen treats. Two people could easily share one; however, with such diverse flavors on the menu, it’s hard not to pick your own.
DAY THREE
Ahoy Mates
Prepare yourself for a day jam-packed with nature’s beauty. Setting sail with Captain Andy’s Na Pali Coast Tour means an early start and a lovely day out on the boat. Happiness is the feeling of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair as you lounge on a 65-foot sailboat. While the main objective is views of the Nā Pali Coast, visiting in winter almost guarantees a whale sighting or two. We’ve been lucky enough to encounter a pod of dolphins and some sea turtles as well.
As with any tour, the crew and captain are nothing short of amazing. From keeping everyone safe, well-fed, and happy to providing local recommendations, everyone goes above and beyond to make it a lovely trip out on the water. The tour includes breakfast, fresh juice, lunch, and drinks. Chef Dion is a rockstar, and so everything will be delicious!
Pro tip: throughout the winter months, the ocean tends to become more choppy later in the day, so if you’re visiting December through February, your best bet will be getting out in the morning. If you are visiting in late spring, summer, or early fall, you might be better off going on an afternoon tour. By mid-afternoon, the sun has swung to the west side of the island, pulling the Nā Pali Coast from the shadows and putting it on prominent display.
Canyon ‘O Canyon
Waimea Canyon State Park has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and once you catch a glimpse, you’ll understand why. This immense canyon is shaded in hues of green and orange, making it quite the sight to behold. While you’re driving through the park, there are a myriad of viewpoints and overlooks, so if you miss one, there will be another! The sheer quantity of lookout points means you do not have to go hiking to “earn” a fantastic view; however, there are ample hiking trails to discover throughout the park.
Note: It can get a little chilly and windy up here, so be sure you have a jacket or wind-breaker to keep you warm.
Sunset
Maximizing your views during daylight hours means catching the sunset at MacArthur Beach (also called Kekaka Beach Park). A less touristy beach spot, this is the perfect place to come dig your toes into the sand as you watch the sun slip away. Plus, depending on when you depart, this may be your last chance to catch a Hawaii sunset.
Big Brewski
After a long day, rest your weary bones at Kauai Island Brewing Company to enjoy some good food and drinks. So close to the ocean, it’s hard not to enjoy the seafood. We both ordered fish (delish), but heard good things about their pizza from multiple sources. Their beers more than hit the spot.
DAY FOUR
Power Start to the Day
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is about a four-mile loop round trip, but this trail is far less of a hike and more of a scenic walk. Starting at Shipwreck Beach, this makes for an easy departure as The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is right on Shipwreck Beach. There’s nothing like knowing you have an imminent flight to make you want to stretch your legs a little extra!
Big Chillin‘
Perhaps you’re less keen on long walks and more preferential towards passively soaking up the sun. Take in the relaxing sunny warmth and lull of the ocean poolside or with your toes in the sand. Grand Hyatt Kauai has no shortage of pools to enjoy— plus a fun saltwater lagoon. Hammocks, swings, and jacuzzis really provide endless opportunities to bask in the sun.
The Anara Spa is on the grounds, and it’s a perfect way to unwind luxuriously. From massages to facials, and everything in between, the Anara Spa delivers calming, tropical healing in spades. A spent unwinding at the Grand Hyatt Kauai flies by… check out our blog post reviewing the property for everything there is to do!
Sushi Please
Stevenson’s Library is one of the restaurants on property at the Hyatt. Whether you’re seated at the gorgeous koa wood bar or outside in the open-air lanai, the ambiance exudes an air of cultivated relaxation, with sweeping ocean views. Even if you aren’t staying at the resort, the sushi is worth going out of your way for. If you’re in the mood for a drink, dive into their chapter book of inventive martinis, tropical cocktails, and both classic and creative whiskey drinks. They also have sake, beer, and wine… something for everyone!
Just a heads up, if you know you want to check this spot out, make a reservation. If you make a last minute decision to head there for dinner, make sure you arrive early as it’s not uncommon for there to be a line 5-10 parties deep waiting for the doors to open.
Beer Me
Kauai Beer Company has a perfect pre-departure location as it’s less than 5 minutes from the airport. With excellent food and beer options, it’s a perfect way to indulge in one last local fix before you head home.
Kauai in Review
If you’re looking for staggering feats of nature and abounding luscious landscapes, Kauai should be at the top of your travel bucket list. That being said, you will not find extensive night life or high-end shopping here. Kauai is not immune to the reflections of tourism; however, Kauai is inviting to visitors so enthralled by her natural beauty, the tawdry of mainstream tourism isn’t found here .
When visiting the Hawaiian Islands, it’s not uncommon to try and fit in visits to more than one island. As such, this can mean figuring out how to allot your days. In our opinion, four days/three nights is the minimum you should set aside for Kauai. While it’s not a large island, nature shows off in a big way here. Our four-day agenda is rather action packed, so you could spread this out over six days if you have more time and desire a bit slower pace.
Considering heading to Big Island? Check out our six-day itinerary to maximize your time adventuring around this large, diverse isle.
All photographs contained in this blog post were taken by the sisters of Five Wandering Soles, unless otherwise noted.
written by Hannah
Hannah has learned the hard way to be careful what you wish for— sometimes happily ever after lands you with a husband and puppy… in the Midwest. Despite leaving Florida to move to Wisconsin, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves spending weekends exploring newfound hikes.
4 replies on “The Best Four-Day Trip to Kauai”
[…] next on the itinerary? Looking for more to do in Kauai? Check out our perfect, action packed four-day itinerary to maximize your time on Kauai. Hiking the Nāpali Coast is one thing, but seeing it by boat or […]
[…] While the Grand Hyatt is hard to leave, Kauai has too many gorgeous views and enticing adventures to spend your whole trip pool-side. While it’s not a large island, nature shows off in a big way here. If you’re looking to make the most of your time on Kauai, check out our action packed four-day itinerary. […]
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[…] we rented this Jeep when adventuring around Kauai […]