Known for its lush landscape, dramatic coastlines and acclaimed beaches, Kauai is a tropical paradise. Offering a more laid back experience than you’d find on neighboring Oahu, the Garden Isle is perfect for those seeking a relaxed retreat. Although I wouldn’t say no to a longer visit, four days is just enough time to get a feel for the island and see many of its most impressive features.
Heading to Kauai? In just a few days you can experience the best this charming island has to offer!
Where To Stay
There are three main areas to consider when deciding where to stay on Kauai: the north shore, south shore and east side. The North Shore, which includes the resort area of Princeville and Hanalei, is the most picturesque part of the island. However, this side also gets the most rain. The South Shore, which includes the popular Poipu resort area, typically has the best weather and gets the most sun. The East Side (or Coconut Coast) includes areas like Kapaa and is centrally located between the north and south shores. It’s also very convenient to the island’s airport in Lihue.
When planning my 4 day Kauai itinerary, I couldn’t decide between the north shore and south shore, so I opted to stay in Kapaa on the east coast at The ISO Hotel. Although the rooms were dated and could have been cleaner, I loved the property’s location, ocean views and outdoor lawn and pool area. They offer complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, bike rentals and sunrise yoga sessions. Overall, I’d say if you’re not planning on spending much time in your room then it’s a solid choice and a decent value for the money.
Getting Around
This 4 day Kauai itinerary includes stops all around the island, so I’d recommend renting a car for your trip. Because I normally use Enterprise and they were no more expensive than other companies on the island at the time of my visit, I stuck with them for my rental. However, Discount Hawaii Car Rental also comes highly recommended. They may be worth checking out as rates fluctuate.
Unless you want to splurge on something fancier, a simple compact car is all you need. The roads on Kauai are well maintained and parking will be much easier in a smaller vehicle.
Note: There’s only one main road that circles almost the entire island (think a backward “C” shape), so traffic jams are not uncommon. Give yourself extra driving time when going to the airport, meeting your tour group, etc.
Day 1
morning
Poipu Beach
On your first morning, take it easy on Kauai’s sunny south shore. Poipu Beach (often ranked as the best beach in America) is one of the most popular on the island and a great place to kick off your Kauai itinerary. A well known snorkeling spot, it’s favored by many and can get quite busy. Try to arrive by 9 am and you’ll likely enjoy a few hours here without a large crowd. Amenities include restrooms, lifeguards, a playground and a sizable parking lot.
A preferred beach for monk seals and sea turtles, Poipu Beach is the perfect place to spot these endangered Hawaiian species. During my visit, a seal pup came ashore in front of where I was laying. Volunteers were quickly on the scene, roping off the area around him and reminding beach goers to keep their distance. As an endangered species, monk seals are protected under federal and state laws and it’s recommended that you keep a distance of at least 50 feet from them.
Note: Shipwreck Beach and Brennecke’s Beach are also great alternatives nearby.
Little Fish Coffee
Stop by Little Fish Coffee Poipu for a late morning pick-me-up.This cute coffee shop is a local favorite and the line will probably be insanely long if you attempt to go during the morning rush. However, I stopped by around noon and didn’t have to wait at all. Try the salmon lox bagel sandwich and an iced latte, and grab a seat under an umbrella to enjoy your meal.
afternoon
Helicopter Tour
If there’s one tour you take on Kauai, it has to be the Doors Off Experience helicopter tour with Jack Harter Helicopters. This exceptional one hour flight takes you around the entire island, allowing you to view parts of Kauai you’d otherwise miss out on seeing. The scenery is so stunning that it’s hard to put into words just how incredible this experience is. Highlights include flying in and out of canyons, by waterfalls, and over the rugged Na Pali Coast.
A word of advice… wear long pants and a light jacket even if the weather is warm and sunny. It’s so windy and a little bit chilly when flying with no doors!!!
evening
Wind down this fantastic day with a casual dinner in Kapaa. Fish Bar Deli and Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant are two popular seafood restaurants in the area. After dinner, head to Wailua Shave Ice for a delicious Hawaiian treat. This was my first time trying shave ice and I was hooked right away! I suggest trying the Lava Flow (a delicious strawberry pineapple concoction) as the perfect way to end the day.
Day 2
Morning
Hanalei Bay
When visiting Kauai, you have to take at least one day and drive to the north shore. With its tropical atmosphere, lush scenery and small town charm, the north shore is frequently thought of as the most scenic part of the island. Even though it rained the day I went, this is still one of my favorite areas on Kauai.
First, drive to Black Pot Beach to have the best views of the famous Hanalei Pier and Hanalei Bay. Snap a few photos and spend the morning lounging on the beach, watching the surfers, and appreciating your breathtaking surroundings.
afternoon
Hanalei Town
Next, stop in Hanalei Town for a late breakfast or lunch and to do some shopping. Hanalei Bread Company offers a varied selection of coffee, pastries, breads, and sandwiches. It can get crowded, but there’s plenty of seating on the lanai and lawn and the line moves quickly.
After lunch it’s time to find the perfect memento to bring back home. Wander around Hanalei’s many shops and art galleries and I guarantee you’ll lose track of time exploring this charming town on foot. Feel free to spend as much time here as you’d like before returning to Kapaa in the evening.
Tip: If you opt to head back to Kapaa earlier in the afternoon, make a stop at Nourish Hanalei (they close at 3 pm) for an acai bowl with a view!
Hanalei Valley Lookout
Hanalei Valley Lookout offers magical views of the island’s verdant landscape and is worth a five minute stop on the drive back to Kapaa. Located just off the road, there’s a small paved area where you can park and check out the taro fields with mountains in the background.
Evening
If you’re ready for dinner before you reach Kapaa, Kilauea Fish Market is a convenient stop along on the way. An unpretentious spot offering fresh local seafood, chicken, and vegetarian dishes, it’s great for a quick and delicious meal. As an alternative, wait until you’re back in Kapaa and order takeout from Kenji Burger for an interesting mix of Japanese and American cuisine. Pick up your food and head to the beach for a sunset picnic.
Day 3
Morning
Java Kai
Start the day with an early breakfast at Java Kai, a highly rated cafe located in Old Town Kapaa. They offer a variety of breakfast options, in addition to brewing their own coffee. As with most popular Kauai cafes, the wait can get pretty long, so I’d advise going as early as you can.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Now that you’ve had breakfast, hop in the car and drive about 1.5 hours to Waimea Canyon State Park. A visit here rewards travelers with remarkable views of the colorful Waimea Canyon, or the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” as it’s commonly dubbed.
Note: Non-Hawaii residents must pay both Entrance and Parking Fees. At the time I visited, the Entrance fee was $5 per person and Parking was $10 per non-commercial vehicle.
Puu o Kila Lookout
For truly incredible panoramic views, visit Puu o Kila Lookout. Situated at the end of the road, Puu o Kila brilliantly shows off the Na Pali Coast and is a must for any visit to the Waimea Canyon area. I highly recommend making Puu o Kila your first stop in the park, and then working your way back to the entrance throughout the morning.
Tip: Cloud cover frequently obscures this incredible view. However, if you have the time and patience to wait it out, often times the fog will clear and you’ll be awarded with one of the best views of the Na Pali Coast. Moreover, arriving early in the morning gives you the greatest chance of a clear view before the clouds roll in.
Red Dirt Waterfall
Kauai’s Red Dirt Waterfall is a unique feature found off Waimea Canyon Drive, near mile marker 23. A fairly small waterfall, it’s eye-catching in that it’s surrounded by brilliant red terrain. This almost otherworldly sight is so different than anything else I’d seen on Kauai and a definite point of interest in the area.
afternoon
Salt Pond Beach
Following a morning of sightseeing in the park, head to Salt Pond Beach in the early afternoon. Unwind in the sun on this golden sand beach or go snorkeling in the calm waters for a few hours. Unlike jam-packed Poipu Beach, Salt Pond Beach is much quieter and has a less touristy feel. This was the most relaxing time I spent on the beach on Kauai!
Warehouse 3540
Break up the drive back to your hotel with an afternoon stop at Warehouse 3540. A former industrial warehouse, it now houses a small selection of local shops and food trucks. Try the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch from Kauai Poke Co. (I ordered a combination of kalua pork, ahi poke, rice, and macaroni salad) for a delicious dining experience!
Comprised of several adorable artisan shops, the warehouse is a nice place to spend some time browsing and stretching your legs. Refill Kauai, a home goods store promoting a sustainable lifestyle and functional beauty, was by far my favorite.
Before you leave, hit up Kind Koffee Company, located in a retro coffee camper in the warehouse. The dirty latte (an iced chocolate espresso blend) was so refreshing on a hot day!
evening
By the time I returned to my hotel, I was pretty tired after a long day and chose to relax by the pool for the rest of the evening. I wasn’t that hungry after eating lunch so late, so I opted to walk to the Safeway grocery store across the street from the hotel and get some light snacks for dinner instead.
Tip: Grabbing small things like fruit, veggies, and hummus from a local grocery store is a great way to ensure you don’t have to eat every meal out and save money when traveling.
Day 4
Morning
Kapaa Bike Path
What better way to begin the final day of your 4 day Kauai itinerary than by going on a sunrise bike ride? Take advantage of the free bike rental included with your reservation at the ISO hotel or rent bikes from a local shop. From the hotel, you can easily hop on the Kapaa Bike Path (aka Ke Ala Hele Makalae) that stretches along the coast to Donkey Beach. About four miles out and back (eight miles total), the mostly flat path passes by many gorgeous beaches and offers many photo opportunities.
I actually hadn’t even planned on bike riding, but I woke up early this morning and found myself with some free time. I thought it’d be a great way to get some exercise and I’m so glad I went! This ended up being one of my favorite memories from my trip.
Return to the hotel and spend your last few hours before check-out at the pool. One of the best things about the ISO hotel is its peaceful oceanfront pool and lounge chairs scattered about the lawn area. After a busy four days, ending your trip with your feet up is the way to go.
afternoon
Kapaa Town
Depending on the time of your flight, either head straight for the airport or explore Kapaa Town. Another of Kauai’s darling beachside towns, Kapaa has plenty of ways to spend a few hours. Go shopping, have lunch, or simply ride around town taking in the sights.
Finally, it’s time to catch your departing flight. I highly recommend combining this 4 day Kauai itinerary with a few days on another island. I hopped on a short flight to Oahu from here but I think any of the neighboring islands would be spectacular!
A Note On Kauai’s Chicken Situation: Yes, it’s true – Kauai is teeming with wild chickens! On the beach, at the pool, at your favorite coffee shop… they’ll be there. According to local legends, their coops were destroyed during two hurricanes (Hurricane Iwa in 1982 and Hurricane Inikik in 1992), releasing them into the wild. If you’re someone who’s less than fascinated by them (like me), don’t worry…as long as you don’t feed them, they’ll come over to investigate but otherwise leave you alone.
Hopefully my 4 day Kauai itinerary is a helpful resource when planning your own Hawaiian getaway. There’s so much more to do and see on this magnificent island, but this guide for first time visitors highlights quite a few of Kauai’s main attractions. Happy planning!
For the ultimate Hawaiian getaway, combine this 4 Day Kauai Itinerary with my 3 Day Oahu Guide.
Have you ever been to Kauai? Is this dream destination on your bucket list? Do you have any questions about visiting? Leave a comment below!
