The Best 5 day Kauai itinerary- Explore the Beautiful Island

If you’re looking for a 5 day Kauai itinerary, you’ve come to the right place! We usually stay in Kauai for 5 days, and in my opinion, it’s a good amount of time to see the entire island.

Of course more time in Kauai is always better! You won’t be able to see everything the island has to offer in 5 days…or 7, or 10. But you can definitely explore the beautiful island as well as relax and enjoy your time there.

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5 Day Kauai Itinerary

Day 1- North Shore

There is so much to do on the North Shore of Kauai! It’s lush greenery and picturesque beaches are absolutely other-worldly!

Visit Kilauea town, and have breakfast at Kilauea bakery & pizza. Stop at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and see the wildlife and the lighthouse. Stroll the shops in downtown Kilauea.

Stop at the Princeville Shopping Center and shop around. Buy a suncatcher. Pick up a sandwich from Sandwich Isle. See all the kitties!

Pull over at the Hanalei Valley Lookout for an amazing view!

Come to Hanalei town and experience the shops, restaurants and food trucks. Eat at Chicken in a Barrel, Kalypso Bar and Grill, or The Hanalei Gourmet. Snack at Pink’s Ice Cream Shop, Holey Grail Donuts or Wishing Well Shave Ice. With its small town feel, it’s truly a magical place.

Hang out at Hanalei Bay. Like, for hours. Toes in the water, butt in the sand. Spend the day frolicking in the water, walking the beach, and viewing the mountains. Basically experiencing paradise.

Walk on Hanalei Pier. You’ll get a feeling of being out in the water without actually being in the water. It’s super fun with absolutely breathtaking views.

Day 2- East Side

A hopping place yet so relaxing, the East side of Kauai, otherwise known as the Coconut Coast, is our favorite area.

Go to Kapa’a and pay a visit to Coconut Marketplace where you can have breakfast at Island Country Markets or Hibiscus Sweet. Stroll down to Fuji beach and get up close to the ocean. Browse the shops downtown. Get a smoothie, shave ice or fruit from Lana’s Cafe (seriously, their mango changed my daughter’s life!).

Drive to Opaeka’a Falls and check out the awesome view. Walk right up and across the street and gaze upon the Wailua River.

Head down towards Lihue and check out Lydgate Beach park, where the swimming is wonderful (and there are lifeguards on the beach).

Stop by Kalapaki beach and get your feet wet before heading to an early dinner at Duke’s or Cafe Portofino.

Day 3- South Shore

Kauai’s South Shore is truly amazing, with stunning views and an abundance of wildlife.

Grab a coffee and breakfast at Java Kai on your way down to Poipu beach. Look at the sea turtles and Monk Seals. We love going first thing in the morning when there aren’t a lot of people, as Poipu beach gets very busy.

Drive down the road to Spouting Horn Park and see the blowhole Spouting Horn.

Stop at The Shops at Kukui’ ula.

Grab a Puka Dog right across the street from Poipu Beach, or grab a snack at Riptides down the road.

Head to Poipu Shopping Village and see what they have to offer. Then explore the shops at Old Koloa Town, there’s lots to see there.

Have dinner at The Beach House, RumFire Poipu Beach or Tidepools.

Be sure to stay long enough to watch the sunset, it’s absolutely stunning!

Day 4- West Side

The West Side of Kauai is a little different. It’s a little slower, a little drier, a little hotter. But there are still plenty of things to do.

We usually grab Malasadas before heading to the town of Waimea, but on the way there, stop at Hanapepe Valley Lookout. It’s simply amazing! If you didn’t grab Malasadas, have breakfast at Gina’s Anykine Grinds Cafe.

Drive up to Waimea Canyon early for the best chance at seeing the amazing views. Stop at the Kalalau Lookout and visit Koke’e State Park.

Stop to pick up a snack at The Shrimp Station.

Head over to Hanapepe town and stroll the shops, and walk across the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge.

Grab lunch at Kauai Cookie Bakery and Kitchen in Kalaheo.

Visit the Kauai Coffee Plantation in Kalaheo. Stroll the grounds, swing into the gift shop, and sample free coffee.

Stop by and stroll through Kukuiolono Japanese Garden. Swing into Warehouse 3540 and see all the unique and eclectic shops.

Swing back to Popiu or Koloa for dinner at Bubba’s Burgers, Keoki’s Paradise or Koloa Pizza Kitchen.

Day 5- Your Choice!

We usually like to use this day one of two ways.

We do anything on our to-do lists that we weren’t able to get to the first four days. So if there is a part of the island we want to explore, a scenic drive we didn’t get to take, or a restaurant or shop we didn’t visit, we do that.

Hang out in the area we’re staying at, whether that means visiting shops and beaches close by or swimming in the hotel pool. We literally schedule downtime where we just chill and hang out, go wherever the wind takes us and soak up the joy that is Kauai!

I hope this 5 day Kauai itinerary will be helpful in planning your upcoming vacation. Be sure to download your Free 5 Day Kauai Travel Itinerary with links to maps of some of the locations mentioned.

You can also print it out if you like having a physical copy of your itinerary. Which area of Kauai are you looking forward to visiting the most?