Itineraries for Your Trip to Kauai
3 Days on Kauai for First Timers
Kauai was one of the first Hawaiian islands I visited, and although I’ve now been to all of the major ones, it’s still my favorite. I love how chilled out and down-to-earth it feels, partially thanks to its lack of skyscrapers. I also adore how great it is for outdoor adventure, whether in the form of taking a boat tour on the Na Pali Coast or hiking or mountain biking into the depths of Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Best of all, with three days on Kauai, you’ll have time to hit up the highlights at a pace that’s as relaxed as island life itself. Here’s how.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Na Pali Coast.
Pack an umbrella or a light rain jacket, especially if you visit in the winter rainy season.
On your first day in Kauai, get acquainted with the lay of the land from the sky on a helicopter tour. Hop aboard a doorless chopper and head for the sky where you can get great views of some of the island’s most spectacular features, including the pristine (and road-free) Na Pali Coast and the magnificent Waimea Canyon.
In the afternoon, take to the skies differently: on a zipline. Just head over to Koloa for a thrill ride on some of the longest ziplines on the island.
You’ve seen the Na Pali Coast from above. Now see it from the water on your second day. While many people opt to hike part of the coast, an easier way to get there is by joining a boat tour that will take you straight to the beautiful area without the need for hiking boots.
In the evening, skip the local restaurants and instead immerse yourself in local culture at a traditional luau. Most include lavish dinners, so come hungry.
On your final day, head to Waimea Canyon for an up-close view. While you can rent a car to get you there, it’s easier to join a tour that includes transportation from your hotel. For a particularly thrilling adventure, opt for a downhill bike ride into the canyon.
After your adventure, head back to your hotel to freshen up for a photo shoot. Join a professional photographer who knows the most scenic spots for a shoot and commemorate your trip with professional images that you’ll want to frame and hang up.
