When I first landed in Kauai, I didn’t realize how wild and untouched it would feel compared to other Hawaiian islands. In just four days, I hiked ridge trails with ocean views, swam beneath jungle waterfalls, drove through red canyons, and found secret beaches where the only sound was crashing waves and rustling palms. If you only have a few days here, this itinerary blends adventure, scenic drives, and just enough time to slow down and soak it all in.
Here’s how I’d plan your 4 days in Kauai—based on what I did, what I loved, and what I’d do again in a heartbeat.
Day 1: Arrival + North Shore Beaches
Arrive in Lihue Airport (LIH) and pick up your rental car—you’ll definitely want one on Kauai.
After checking into your hotel or Airbnb, I recommend heading straight for the North Shore. It’s lush, less developed, and full of postcard-perfect beaches. You can stop for lunch in Kapa’a (try Coconut’s Fish Café) and take your time on the drive up.
Top Spots to Explore:
- Hanalei Bay: Wide crescent beach with calm waters—perfect for your first swim.
- Tunnels Beach: Great for snorkeling if conditions are safe.
- Lumahai Beach: Not ideal for swimming but absolutely stunning at sunset.
💡 Tip: If you’re arriving later in the day, just head straight to your accommodation and relax—sunsets on the North Shore are magical from almost anywhere.
Day 2: Explore the North Shore + Kalalau Lookout
This was one of my favorite days—waking up to roosters crowing (they’re everywhere in Kauai!) and heading out for a full day of exploring.
Morning:
Start with a drive past Hanalei to Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trailhead. You need a permit to hike past Hanakapi’ai Beach, but even doing the first 2-mile stretch is worth it for those Na Pali Coast views.
Afternoon:
- Visit Limahuli Garden & Preserve for a peaceful walk with mountain and ocean views.
- Grab lunch in Hanalei—I loved the poke bowl at Hanalei Poke.
- Spend your afternoon beach hopping or paddleboarding the Hanalei River.
Optional:
If it’s clear, drive up to Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park for breathtaking views (bring a jacket—it’s cooler at that elevation!).
Day 3: Waimea Canyon + South Shore Sights
Time to head south and west to see Kauai’s “Grand Canyon.” It’s a completely different vibe than the North Shore.
Morning:
Drive to Waimea Canyon State Park and stop at these lookouts:
- Waimea Canyon Lookout
- Puu Hinahina Lookout
- Kalalau Lookout (if you didn’t make it yesterday)
You can hike Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls—a moderate 3.6-mile roundtrip hike with killer views.
Afternoon:
Head to the South Shore and explore:
- Spouting Horn blowhole
- Poipu Beach Park for swimming or spotting Hawaiian monk seals
Dinner idea: The Beach House Restaurant—come for the ocean views and stay for the fresh catch of the day.
Day 4: East Coast Adventures + Departure
Depending on when your flight leaves, spend your last few hours soaking up Kauai’s East Coast charm.
Morning Options:
- Wailua Falls: Just a short drive and a quick photo stop.
- Opaekaa Falls + Wailua River Overlook
- Kayaking the Wailua River (if you have time) to Secret Falls—one of my favorite adventures here!
Grab brunch in Kapaa before returning your rental car and heading to the airport.
Where to Stay in Kauai
If you’re only here for four days, I’d suggest either:
- Princeville/Hanalei (North Shore): Ideal for scenery, beaches, and access to Na Pali Coast.
- Poipu (South Shore): More sunshine year-round and central access to Waimea Canyon and Wailua.
👉 I split my stay—2 nights in Hanalei and 2 in Poipu—and it worked perfectly.
What to Pack for 4 Days in Kauai
- Light rain jacket (especially for the North Shore)
- Hiking sandals or trail shoes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Dry bag for kayaking or beach days
- Quick-dry towel
- Snorkel gear if you prefer your own
FAQs about a 4 Day Kauai Itinerary
Is 4 days in Kauai enough?
It’s short, but with a car and good planning, 4 days is enough to explore both the North Shore and Waimea Canyon.
Should I stay in one place or two?
If you want to see more of the island without long drives, staying in both North and South Kauai works best.
Do I need a rental car in Kauai?
Yes. Public transport is limited, and most sights are spread out across the island.
What’s the best time to visit Kauai?
April to June and September to November are ideal—fewer crowds, good weather, and lush landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Four days on Kauai flew by, but it gave me a taste of everything that makes the island special: wild landscapes, easy beach days, and moments of pure stillness in nature. If you’re planning a quick trip to Hawaii, this 4 day Kauai itinerary hits all the highlights without feeling rushed.
