Are you researching what to do in Kauai for 5 days?
I’m going to be 100% honest, I had never heard of Kauai before. I’d heard of Hawaii and had been to Oahu and Maui, but Kauai, was that another island? I quickly assumed that it must be like the others but after a family trip to Kauai, I quickly realized, that not all islands are created equally and that Kauai is a special place like no other.
The locals know this secret too, and have worked hard to preserve the land, the environment, and the elements of Kauai that make it truly unique. Kauai is known as “The Garden Isle” because it gets a lot of rain and has a lush rainforest that meets the beach ecosystem. For example, did you know that no buildings are allowed to be taller than four stories? This helps reduce over population and keep the environment a priority.
Kauai is a unique mix of ecosystems where you can see pristine white sandy beaches, drive up to Kauai’s Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon, and hike through rain forests, all in one day. With it’s small size and diverse geography, there is so much to explore making it a magical retreat for your next Hawaiian vacation.
I’ve been asked many times, “What’s the best way to spend a week in Kauai?” so let’s break it down to help you plan the ultimate Kauai vacation.
Disclaimer: While I share my own thoughts and stories about these experiences, should you click on the affiliate links, I may receive a small commission on that sale which helps fund Adventure Awaits.
How to Start Planning a Trip to Kauai – Essentials You Need to Know
How long do I need to visit Kauai?
This itinerary is built around a 5-day trip. Perhaps you want to visit more than one island or are limited on time, so this is an action-packed adventure.
To be transparent though, based on my experience visiting the island as both a travel writer and a family, 5 days isn’t enough. I’d recommend at least 7 days or split up your Kauai vacation by spending 5 days in the South region and at least 3 days in the North region of the island. Hanalei Bay is a bustling community in the North and the perfect place to spend the second half of your Kauai adventure.
Do you need a car to get around Kauai?
Unless you plan on staying at your resort, you’ll probably want a car to get around Kauai. This itinerary is based on those who want to see as much of the island and take in several adventures, so I suggest renting a car. We’ve done our research and tested out different rental companies, and we highly recommend Discover Cars (I love their insurance coverage as it’s a fraction of other providers).
How long does it take to drive around Kauai?
You can’t drive around the whole island (like you can on Oahu), as the Nāpali coastline doesn’t have a road that runs through it. But if you wanted to drive around the island in a semi-circle it would take approximately 2 hours. This itinerary is divided into regions to minimize the amount of driving you do in one day.
Day 1 – Where To Stay In Kauai – Koloa Landing Resort
Before you start off your Kauai adventures you’ll want to settle into your accommodations. I recommend using your first day as a transition time and a slow unscheduled itinerary to explore the resort, enjoy some food, play in the pool, and start off your Kauai family vacation. But first things first, where to stay in Kauai:
Koloa Landing Resort – America’s Best Pool Year After Year!
Koloa Landing Resort is an award-winning property that has received multiple accolades throughout the years, including “Best Pool in America” for four years in a row. This pool is truly one we will never forget, as it has a three-tiered, 350,000-gallon pool that the resort is built around. With an infinity edge, swim-through and walk-through waterfalls, grottos, splash pads, and more, Koloa Landing Resort really is the perfect base camp for your Kauai adventure.
Every room at Koloa Landing Resort is considered a villa, which means it boasts a large room and amazing amenities. We were invited to try out their two-bedroom villa, which was 1400 square feet, has three bathrooms, a full-size gourmet kitchen, high-end furnishings, all wrapped with an outdoor lanai.
We loved that our lanai windows fully opened up and our living room could transform into an indoor/outdoor space. The kids loved that they could run from our room out onto the field and play all of the games that were set up for them (football, soccer, volleyball and mini golf). Whether you have a beautiful balcony lanai like this one or a ground-floor one that sweeps out onto the grass, you’ll enjoy the livable indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is Kauai.
Koloa Landing Resort is the perfect base camp for exploring Kauai. Located in the middle of the southern portion of the island you can make day trips up to the north region including Princeville, Kilauea, and our favourite Hanalei (of which the famous song, Puff the Magic Dragon was “from”). You can also head west and visit Kakaha, and Waimea or head into the largest city, Lihue. With so many wonderful day trips on the island of Kauai, the location really is excellent for parents looking for family-friendly resorts in Kauai.
The resort has a lot of great activities to keep you bonding as a family including soccer fields, volleyball courts, putting greens, BBQ areas, or you can take a quick walk down to the beach. Check out full details of our visit including room pictures by visiting our blog here.
Tips for booking Koloa Landing Resort:
- Sign up for their newsletter where you can often get discounts and access to packaged deals.
- Book a room on the ground floor so the kids can run back and forth to the pools and fields without having to use the elevator.
- Off-season is a great time to travel (and a great time to secure further discounts).
- The cost of the rooms can be a bit higher than other places, but with the money we saved by doing our own cooking, and the on-site amenities, it was an amazing investment and we can’t wait to go back.
- Be prepared for chickens! There are wild chickens that roam the property and it was fun seeing them roam around and even come to say hello!
Day 2 – Waimea Canyon, Exploring the Island of Kauai, and Poipu Beach
If you only have 5 days in Kauai and want to maximize the adventure on your trip this truly is the itinerary for you. Each day I’ll highlight one epic eco adventure to explore in the morning with the family and then a more laid-back excursion in the afternoon, so you can go at your own pace.
Start day two by taking your rental car and begin exploring the beautiful island of Kauai. Fun fact: Only 20% of Kauai is accessible by car. Most of the roads run alongside the ocean, almost guaranteeing you a beautiful view on your drive. 80% of Kauai is off limits to vehicles, meaning that the ecosystem has been protected and preserved for generations to come.
Waimea Canyon
One of the first “must-see” spots is only a 45-minute drive from the Koloa Landing Resort, up into Waimea Canyon State Park. Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and while I thought that I had done my research and knew what to expect I honestly was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the canyon and how picture-perfect it was. Once you’re at the top you can park your car and walk alongside the canyon on designated trails, taking in the beautiful red sculpture cliffs as they have evolved. Whenever I am asked, “What’s the number one thing to do in Kauai?” this is it!
Cost: Non-Hawaii residents must pay an entrance fee ($5 per person) and a parking fee ($10 per vehicle). No reservations are required.
Waimea Canyon Tips:
- The top of the canyon is 3500 feet above sea level and the weather at the top of the canyon can be different than at the resort and can change quickly. To ensure everyone is comfortable bring layers and jackets for the family.
- Also bring snacks and water bottles for the family. There may be food carts at the main Waimea Canyon Lookout (seasonal) but depending on where you want to explore you may want your own fuel.
- There are two highways you can take to get into the park, The Waimea Canon Road (Highway 550) and Koke’e Road (Highway 552). The Waimea Canyon road is comparatively easier to drive and offers a more scenic view. For the first time visiting it’s recommended to take Highway 550 up the canyon and 552 down for a different view.
- There are multiple lookouts to check out including the Waimea Canyon Lookout (Mile Marker 10), the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (Mike Marker 13.5), the Kalalau Lookout (Mile Marker 18), and the Pu’u O Kila (Mile Marker 19). The most popular one is the Waimea Canyon Lookout which offers you panoramic views and the ability to look down over the edge of the canyon.
- Hiking: If you want to extend your Waimea Canyon adventure you can take one of the hiking trails including:
o Cliff Canyon and Black Pipe Trail – 6.1 km (3.8 miles) loop trail is considered a challenging route and takes approx. 2.5 hours to complete. It is a popular trail for birding and wildflower viewing (seasonal).
o Kukui Trail – 7.2 km (4.5 miles) out-and-back, this difficult trail takes you down the west side of Waimea Canyon and makes a 2,000 ft. elevation drop to the canyon floor.
o Awa‘awapuhi Trail – this 9.3 km (5.8 miles) out-and-back moderate trail takes you out to stunning vista views of the Nāpali coastline and ocean.
o Pihea Vista Trail – 7.1km (4.4 miles) out-and-back, this moderate trail goes through the gorgeous lush rainforest and includes views of the Nāpali coast and the Kalalau Valley.
Poipu Beach
After spending the morning visiting Waimea Canyon, head back down to the sandy shores and explore one of Kauai’s most popular beaches, Poipu Beach. This world-famous beach is sought out for all the right reasons, as there is so much to do. From white sandy shores to catch rays on, a gentle lagoon for snorkling, boogie boarding, surfing, and picture-perfect scenery, Poipu is a must for any visit to Kauai. And with its close proximity to the Koloa Landing resort you can easily transition back to home base after your playday at the beach.
This big fella was one of the many sea turtles that had crawled up onto the sand for an afternoon siesta. With my zoom lens I was able to get an up close and personal photo, without having to get too close. Be sure to respect the protected regions on the beach, which are clearly marked out by flags and ropes, allowing visitors to see these beautiful giants but also ensure their safety and respect.
Mom Tip: For this day I recommend going “self-supported” with snacks, drinks, and essentials on hand so that you can stop and explore where you want, but don’t need to rely on restaurants or corner store shops for food and drinks. This will give you more time to explore at leisure and hopefully find some great locally owned and operated businesses to support on your journey.
Day 3 – Tube Through Old Plantation Canals & Hike Nāpali Coast
One of our family’s favourite adventures was tubing through the open canals of Kauai’s historic plantations. The adventure begins with a guided 4X4 tour through the Lihue Plantation, orienting you to the beautiful ecosystem of the Kauai jungle. On clear days you’ll be able to take in views of Mt Wai’ale’ale, a stunning scene. Then you’ll be dropped off at the tubing launch site, where you will change into your swimsuits, be given a helmet and headlamp, and finally given your tubes so that you can step into the gently flowing (albeit a bit chilly) water and start your float.
The float will have you bumping down the hand-dug canals for 4 km (2.5 miles), through winding channels, and 5 dark tunnels (kid-friendly, and you have headlamps). Your tour will end with a picnic and an invite to jump into a natural swimming hole! For more pictures and to learn more about what it’s all about check out this full feature article showcasing our experience.
Tubing Tips:
- Dress to get WET! It’s all a part of the experience and a ton of fun. I loved having a one-piece suit so I was a bit warmer compared to if I had been wearing a bikini. Depending on the weather, you may want to wear swim shirts if you or the kids tend to get cold.
- If you want to bring a camera of any kind make sure that it is waterproof and you can secure it! We personally love to take our waterproof phone pouches on our adventures.
- Have FUN… we loved this adventure!
Hanalei Bay
The popular children’s song, “Puff the Magic Dragon” references Hanalei Bay and we had to stop and see it while we were on our way to explore the North Shore. After being on the sandy shores of Hanalei Bay I quickly wished I had planned more time to spend in the area and on our second trip to Kauai made a full day stop in this quaint oceanside town. A scenic mix of sand, sea, and beach homes makes for the perfect ingredients for a Kauai vacation destination. The town of Hanalei has a lot of great shops and restaurants, including staples like Billabong as well as smaller locally owned shops. It the best place for authentic Hawaiian beach town vibes as possible.
As the largest bay on the North Shore, this remote region is also where local surfers and many celebrities call home. You feel like you are walking in a postcard when you step onto the white sand beaches. Don’t make the same mistake I did and only plan a quick stop, give yourself as much time as possible to visit Hanalei Bay! (Fact: On our next trip to Kauai we are planning to spend a couple days there).
Explore Nāpali Coast
The world-renowned Nāpali coast is worth driving up to on your visit to Kauai. The drive to the other end of the island is unbelievably beautiful as you’ll take one-way alternating bridges, meander through farmlands, and deep into wooded jungles. The road ends at Ha’ena State Park but we opted to stop just before at Ha’ena Beach Park and hang out for the afternoon on the sandy shores. But many use this region as a starting point for hikes along the scenic Nāpali coast, and you can decide how adventurous you want to be (depending on your skill and physical ability).
3 Different Ways to Explore the Nāpali Coast
Sea Caves and Snorkeling
Hop aboard an 18-passenger boat and cruise your way along the Nāpali coastline contours as your boat captain enters sea caves, taking you under waterfalls. The captain will then find the perfect location to drop the anchor so you can spend some time snorkeling and enjoying a deli lunch onboard.
Book your Sea Cave and Snorkeling Boat Adventure here!
Take to the Skies
Enjoy an hour-long private helicopter tour as you soar above the Nāpali coastline, Manawaiopuna Falls (aka “Jurassic Park Falls”), Waimea Canyon, the North Shore and Wai’ale’ale crater.
Book your Helicopter Adventure Tour here!
Sunset Dinner Sail
Climb aboard a 50-foot catamaran and enjoy views of the coast while catching glimpses of spinner dolphins, sea turtles, humpback whales (December to April) all while you relax over dinner and drinks.
Book your Sunset Dinner Sail Adventure here!
Day 4 – Ziplining, Supporting Local, and Volunteering
“Is this your first time zip-lining?”, the guide asked my 8-year-old with anticipation. I could tell from the way he posed the question that he was expecting her to say “Yes” and maybe would even have a nervous “flyer” to deal with on the tour. “I think this is my third time”, she said with confidence. And shot him a “let’s get this show on the road” type of look. Alas, confidence that only a child can offer!
And with that, we were off with Koloa Zipline soaring high in the sky over the Kauai jungle. With scenic views out over Kauai’s South Shore, the Horary Head Mountain Range, The Waita Reservoir, and the Koloa Sugar Mill, there was lots to see on the trail and flying through the air. With the longest zipline tour in Kauai and three of the longest individual ziplines on the island, you get the opportunity to progressively fly further and further until the final descent, a real adrenaline rush if I do say so myself. I challenge you to try some of their more free-spirited styles in the sky including upside down, hands-free, backward, or my favourite, tandem! Check out more pics and detailed stories from our adventures here.
Traveler Tip: If you want a unique experience, book a sunset zipline which occurs as the last zipline of the day.
Support Local: Seek Out Small Businesses In Kauai & Volunteer on Vacation
For your Day 4 afternoon, I recommend that you explore the island specifically seeking ways that your tourism dollar can make a positive impact on the local residents. Some ways that you can do this include:
Local Restaurants
Seek out restaurants that are owned by local Kauai residents. Paying cash is always much appreciated as it saves them from having to pay credit card processing fees. From fresh off the boat seafood, to flavour filled poke bowls, to fueling breakfasts like banana breads and bowls, the local culinary scene is as mouth-watering as it is delicious.
Shop Locally
Find artisans, crafters, and markets where items are created or grown locally and where they buy their supplies locally, helping keep your dollars in the local market and giving you something authentic to take home. Check out local farmers’ markets to access a variety of artisans in one place.
Volunteer
Hawaii has an extensive volunteer program called, Malama. The Malama program’s motto is to “Take a trip that gives back.” My son and I volunteered in a taro patch helping to remove invasive species, and we were knee-deep in muck and mud, making for a memorable experience that gave back. Even though we spent our week in Hawaii embarking on amazing adventures I can say that our Malama volunteer experience was truly a highlight and we can’t recommend it enough.
There are over 50 different volunteer opportunities for you to choose from. Here are some of the Malama programs that you can choose from:
- Beach Cleanups: There are a few different beach cleanups available where you’ll be welcomed by a group of fellow volunteers to help leave the beaches cleaner than you found them. For example at Lydgate Park they do a beach cleanup every Saturday morning. They provide the tools, gloves, and even coffee and treats! Afterwards you can stay and enjoy a storytelling experience.
- Booth Volunteer at the Hanalei Surfboard Swap Meet: Hang out at a fun community event while helping the surfrider foundation (Kauai Chapter). This is a monthly event that is always looking for volunteers to help out at their booth.
Tip: Book your volunteer experience ahead of time as they often fill up. Also, if you are visiting different islands you can experience different ways to volunteer at each island.
Learn more and plan your volunteer experience here.
Day 5 – Kauai ATV Tour & Koloa Landing Resort Time
Is your family a bit more active and looking for a real adventure? Be sure to check out Kauai ATV where an ATV tour and adventure collide. The whole family can get behind the wheel of a 4 seater side by side and hit the trails on their 3-hour guided tour.
Not only will you get to experience 40 minutes of driving through some incredible scenery (like Kauai’s only drive-through tunnel) but your tour will take you oceanside for incredible views, have you splashing in deep mud as you maneuver through the jungle, take you to scenic waterfalls where you can jump off to clean off the mud, and have you wondering if you’re in a movie while you “get lost” in Jurassic Park.
While this adventure had many highlights one of our favourites was at the end when we got to hop out of the ATV and jump off a waterfall into a lagoon. We enjoyed a picnic lunch after splashing around and my kids still talk about waterfall jumping and the awesome ATV tour in Kauai.
Check out more pictures of this epic family adventure here.
Kauai ATV Tour Tips:
- This family favourite was so fun as we got to all be in one 4X4 at a time. This would be an excellent adventure for a multi generational trip.
- Wear clothes that can get muddy. No, let me rephrase that, that WILL get muddy!
- Buffs are an incredible asset to help keep mud out of kids faces, wear them.
- Back a backpack with essentials including water, snacks, bug spray, and sunscreen.
- Don’t forget your bathing suits and towels for the waterfall jump!
Unscheduled Afternoon At The Resort
To finish off your 5-day Kauai itinerary I wanted to be sure to put in some downtime at the resort where the whole family can embrace unscheduled time and enjoy all of the resort amenities.
The whole family will love the main pool at Koloa Landing Resort. The pool meanders its way through the resort, inviting guests to come and explore the waterfalls, infinity edge pool, and our favourite, the swim-through grotto. This pool is one of the largest on the island of Kauai at 350,000 gallons. There are waterslides for riders that are over 48” high to check out, an infinity edge, and multiple jacuzzies.
As an adventure seeker, I tend to schedule our days full, but also know the value and true importance of downtime while on vacation. So while I gave you a full host of activities to choose from while you’re in Kauai feel free to pick and choose the ones that best suit your family and enjoy the rest of the vacation indulging in the magic that can only be found with family.
Fun Facts About Kauai
Palm Trees Exceed Buildings
Did you know that developers are not allowed to construct a building taller then the height of a mature palm tree in Kauai? That means that NO buildings in Kauai can be higher then 5 stories tall! This helps keep hotels and condo heights low reducing the amount of guests that the island can accommodate, reducing the demand for amenities (like water) and garbage created, all while maintaining the small down vibes of the island tha make Kauai so special.
Stargazing Galore
The stars in Kauai are so bright that you feel like you could reach out and touch them! When there’s so many stars, how do you choose which one to wish upon! However, if you’re in Kauai, chances are one of your dreams has already come true!
What to do in Kauai for 5 Days FAQs
What is the prettiest area of Kauai?
This depends on your definition of pretty! If you’re looking for:
Beaches – Poipou Beach
Mountains – Waimea Canyon, Kaanapali Coastline
Nostalgic – Hanalei Bay
What is the cheapest month in Kauai?
If you’re looking for quieter times to visit and to save money on accommodations and rentals try visiting September to December, or April – June.
What is the most touristy area in Kauai?
Lihuie: that’s the main town in Kauai, but you’ll find other areas like Poipou beach and Waimea Canyon also busy with tourists.
Which is better, Maui or Kauai?
Both islands are very unique in their own ways, so it depends on what you are looking for in a vacation, and that will help you determine what’s the best fit for you. Perhaps if you like the adventures on this 5-day Kauai itinerary then you will try Kauai first and then head over to Maui for your next Hawaii vacation.
Should I extend my stay on Kauai?
In conclusion, in my personal opinion, having visited The Garden Isle, 5 days in Kauai isn’t enough. I’d recommend staying for at least 7 days, if not 9 days. But if you only have 5 days and want to truly maximize your adventure your island time you can do the Waimea Canyon drive, visit Poipu beach, zipline through the Kauai jungle, go ATVing in the mud, shop and support local Kauai businesses, and of course spend a lot of quality family time poolside at Koloa Landing Resort.
If you are able to extend your trip, I’d recommend staying for 5 days at Koloa Landing Resort and then heading North to experience another resort. We did this on our trip and enjoyed a smaller boutique hotel experience at the Hanalei Colony Resort. That part of the island is a lot quieter, with fewer people, businesses, and tourists. It’s a great way to explore more of the island and visit places you may not have uncovered, should you have only stayed in one resort.
What is there to do in Hanalei?
You will not regret extending your Kauai vacation to include a stay in Hanalei. Here are some of the things I highly recommend you check out:
- Visit the Limahuli Garden and Preserve – This national tropical botanical garden & preserve will have you “Step into our story of stewardship, where Indigenous traditions and flourishing relationships continue today.” With both self-guided and guided tours, guests will “explore this timeless place with a small group as the interwoven stories of Hawaiian culture, biodiversity, and stewardship come to life.” Learn about the tropical plants, the Indigenous history, as well as the conservation programs they are working on.
- Hanalei Valley Lookout – Accessible by car, this lookout gives visitors panoramic views of the awe-inspiring Hanalei Valley. From this lookout, you can sneak a peek at Hanalei Bay, lush green landscapes, rugged mountains, Taro farms and the National Wildlife Refuge.
- Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge – Home to one of the largest populations of nesting seabirds in Hawai‘i, and on the northern-most point of the main Hawaiian Islands, this wildlife refuge is a must-visit. Sitting on a 180-foot-high ocean bluff, not only are the views of the ocean spectacular, but you also have the chance of viewing some seabirds that are rarely seen from land, like the red-footed booby bird!
Whatever you plan to go to Kauai I can honestly say that is a truly magical island with so many incredible adventures to explore.
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Is this a sponsored post?: Our trip was generously sponsored by Tourism Kauai, however all our views and opinions are our own and we are so excited to share them with you!
