So, you’re considering visiting the Garden Isle for the first time?! Well, we think that’s a fantastic idea! Whether you’re spending days relaxing on our gorgeous beaches or dining at delicious restaurants, Kauai is a slice of heaven on Earth everyone should get to experience.
As you peruse the to-dos of the island, we thought we’d give you our own recommendations. Filled with breathtaking sites, leisurely activities, and captivating adventures, our 5-day Kauai itinerary will help you experience some of the best things Hawaii has to offer.
Check it out below and don’t forget to book your vacation rental in the heart of all the Kauai action: Poipu Beach! At Suite Paradise, we have tons of Kauai vacation rentals that are guaranteed to fit your group’s needs and budget. Browse them here and book your stay directly today!
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5-Day Kauai Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Getting Settled
Your flight to Kauai will land at Lihue Airport. Depending on when you arrive and how long your travel day has been, you may only have energy for a few things. If that’s the case, here’s what they should be, especially if you’re staying in Poipu Beach:
- Tree Tunnel – Directly on your way from the airport to Poipu Beach, Kauai’s famous Tree Tunnel is a breathtaking stretch of road lined with 500 trees that drape and arch, creating a magical gateway to the Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway.
- Happy Hour at Cabana Bar & Grill – If you time your arrival right, you should head to Cabana Bar & Grill for a great first meal in Kauai. Their happy hour is every day from 3 – 5 pm and offers $2 off pupus, signature cocktails, and beers. Sip on a cold pina colada or mai tai and enjoy some apps as you take in the scenery.
- Check-in and Watch a Poipu Sunset – If you’re staying in one of our Suite Paradise vacation rentals in Poipu Beach, your next stop should be your home away from home. Unload the car, get settled, and then head to the beach for a sunset stroll along the shore. Or catch all the beauty right from the lanai of your oceanfront rental.
Day 2: Botanicals and Beach Fun
- Poipu Beach – We know there’s a lot to see in Kauai, but if it’s your first time here, you’re going to want to spend some time relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and just enjoying some peaceful time with nothing to do. Poipu Beach is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, and you can even catch glimpses of Hawaiian monk seals sunning themselves on the shore! Pack a cooler and your beach book, and just spend some time in the warm Hawaiian sun.
- Allerton and McBryde Botanical Gardens – Book the “Best of Both Worlds” tour of these phenomenal botanical gardens and let your guide introduce you to what National Geographic Traveler called one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime.” You’ll see famous Morten Bay figs and other impressive flora. This is also the only tour that takes you to Waihulili Falls!
- Dinner at Keoki’s Paradise – Served every day from 4 – 9pm, Keoki’s Paradise is a delicious spot for casual dining in Poipu. Enjoy their coconut shrimp and seven spiced ahi, or ask about their weekly specials for a truly unique experience. And don’t forget to save room for a slice of Hula Pie (an island delicacy)!
- Evening Swim and Condo Relaxation – After a full day, head back to your vacation rental and relax in the pool or hot tub, or just cozy up on the plush couch or bed and watch a movie as you listen to the ocean’s lull beneath your window.
Day 3: Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast
- The Grand Canyon of the Pacific – Now that we’re mid-trip, it’s time to explore beyond Poipu. Get an early start by whipping up a tasty breakfast in your vacation rental’s fully equipped kitchen, and then hit the road! We’re heading an hour up the southern coast to Waimea Canyon State Park. This vibrant gorge offers exquisite views whether you hike the 0.1-mile loop to the Wailea Canyon Lookout or opt for the scenic drive to the summit. Take time to stop at the picnic areas or explore some of the canyon’s trails. You can even continue on to Koke’e State Park, just 10 minutes up the road, for more trails and views!
- Na Pali Sunset Cruise - After a few hours exploring the canyon, it’s time to head to Port Allen, 25 minutes back toward Poipu, where you’ll board one of Capt. Andy’s immaculate catamarans for what’s sure to be the highlight of your trip: a 4.5-hour sunset dinner cruise up the Na Pali Coast. Named one of the best dinner cruises or sunset sails by Hawaii Magazine in 2024, this excursion is what Kauai dreams are made of. Enjoy a four-course meal complete with cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options as you sail past the towering, green, and red cliffs of Kauai’s Northern shore.
- Alternate activities – If you’d rather see the Na Pali Coast from the air, many companies offer helicopter rides that fly you past the cliffs, above dormant volcanoes, and near cascading waterfalls, providing a bird’s-eye view of the north shore magic.
Day 4: Waterfalls, Museums, and Shops
- Breakfast and Souvenir Shopping: We’re going to fit a lot into day 4, so bring some layers along and some comfy shoes! We’re starting the morning with breakfast at Anuenue Café at Poipu Shopping Village, where you can fuel up on delicious fresh fruit, Kauai Roastery Coffee, hearty bowls, eggs, seafood, and more! After your meal, check out the unique shops, which range from clothing boutiques to jewelry shops, and search for the perfect keepsake.
- Kauai Museum – After you’ve perused the shops, make your way to the Kauai Museum, 23 minutes away. Here, you can check out weekly classes that range from weaving to hula dancing. You can also explore the rotating cultural exhibits and learn all about the history of this Hawaiian island.
- Wailua Falls – Another 13 minutes down Highway 56 lies Wailua Falls, two thunderous cascades that flow from the Wailua River before dropping 80 feet into a misty pool. Bring the camera along and capture Insta-worthy pictures. The perk: you don’t even have to hike to this site! Just follow Ma’alo Road in Hanama’ulu for about 3 miles.
- Dinner at Tidepools – The Grand Hyatt’s Tidepools restaurant is the perfect end to the day. Dine in a thatch-roofed bungalow at the base of a waterfall as koi fish swim beneath you in the dreamy lagoon. The menu features everything from the freshest seafood to center-cut filets, so there’s something to satisfy your every craving.
Day 5: Plantation Tours and Luau Feasts
- Morning Beach Fun – It’s your last day, so you have to revisit Poipu Beach and enjoy splashing in the waves one last time. Try your hand at surfing, or just enjoy floating in the water. Whatever you do, make sure you take advantage of every second of your time on the shore.
- Kilohana Plantation – In the afternoon, head to Kilohana Plantation, where you can explore this 105-acre farm either by train or safari ride. Each tour takes you through fruit tree groves and past sugarcane fields and lets you see adorable farm animals. You can even sip on Koloa Rum during some tours. After your ride, check out the unique shops as you wait for the main event. The Luau Kalamaku is the perfect end to your 5-day Kauai itinerary. Enjoy a traditional meal, fire dancers, hula performances, and even a special Made in Kauai artist’s market!
Book Your Kauai Vacation Directly with Suite Paradise
Featured Property: Hale Honu
Whether you’re in town for just a few days or you’re staying for a week or more, this 5-day Kauai itinerary is full of excellent things to see and do during your time on the island. And if you’re looking to add more to the trip, some honorable mention sites include Hanalei Bay, the Kalalau Trail, and Tunnels Beach!
You can see all these incredible sites and even more gems of Kauai when you book a vacation rental in Poipu Beach. Centrally located to some of the best things to do in Kauai, it’s the perfect home base for your stay.
At Suite Paradise, we have a huge selection of Poipu Beach vacation rentals that range in size, so there’s something to accommodate every group. Browse our complete inventory and find your dream escape today! When you do, don’t forget to book your stay directly on this website for the best rates and service on the island. We can’t wait to welcome you to paradise.