5-Day Kauai Itinerary: Best Tours & Food Recs

So, you’re going Kauai? Lucky you! This beautiful island is one of my favorite places in the whole world. I put together this 5-day Kauai itinerary to share my amazing trip and provide others with ideas for their own! If you’re merely doing research, and still on the fence about booking a trip, allow me to quickly convince you . . .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you! I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe in or have used, and any commission will be used to fund important things like iced lattes and overpriced kombucha. Thanks for the support!

Is Kauai Worth Visiting?

Before getting into our 5-day Kauai itinerary, you may simply be wondering if Kauai is worth visiting. I’ve been to Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island, but Kauai has been my favorite Hawaiin Island! The scenery was unbeatable, there were endless outdoor adventures, and many parts appeared very remote and local. Kauai felt like a dream and is absolutely worth visiting!

My Trip to Kauai

As part of a sister’s trip, my sister Brooke and I spent 5 days in Kauai and 5 days in Maui. Brooke is a bit of a planner, so we researched extensively for this trip. Kauai was the adventure-portion of our vacation, while Maui was dedicated to relaxation. Therefore, we packed as much as we could into our 5-day Kauai Itinerary, hitting all the major spots.

We explored all four parts of the island, and left feeling satisfied with what we accomplished. I wouldn’t consider myself a Kauai expert, but this itinerary was perfect for us, and I hope it at least provides ideas for your own Kauai vacation!

This 5-day Kauai itinerary highlights: Na Pali Coast tour, Waimea Canyon, ATV & tubing adventures, snorkeling, and mini adventures in between!

👉Important Note: Where you stay & the order in which activities are done are all up to you! I’ll list how we organized plans but also provide suggestions on how activities can be switched around!

Where & When to Stay During 5-day Kauai Itinerary

When planning a trip to Kauai, where and when to visit are the largest considerations. The island seems small, but each geographical location has its own landscape and weather patterns. These factors can make planning a bit stressful, but with a little research, you’ll understand the lay of the land quickly.

Plus, you have me here to explain!

When is the Best Time to Visit Kauai?

It seems to be a general consensus that the best time to visit Kauai is April-June or September-October. These times have generally good weather and fewer crowds. However, we visited in August and had little rain and never felt bothered by the number of other tourists.

As I mentioned, the weather in Kauai is also dependent on which part of the island you’re in. That brings me to my next point:

Which Region of Kauai to Stay In?

General Info

It’s hard to understand the island without a map, so I created one that highlights the areas / activities stated in this 5-day Kauai itinerary! Feel free to come back to it when needed!

The island of Kauai is broken up using the cardinal points. Here are some basic considerations for each:

Princeville vs Poʻipū

The two most popular destinations to stay in Kauai are Princeville (North Shore) and Poipu (South Shore). There are pros and cons to each, as shown in the table above.

However, in a nutshell:

• Princeville is further from the airport but has more dramatic landscapes and is less touristy.

• Poipu is closer to the airport, a bit more centrally located, and is busier but has more consistent weather all year round. 

We stayed in Princeville and absolutely loved it. Personally, if the season is right and you have a car, I would stay in Princeville! It felt quieter and we were surrounded by lush mountains. If you’re worried about weather or transportation, Poipu might be a better option. 

👉Important Note: As I’ve mentioned, because each season & location are so different, I highly suggest doing your own additional research once you have specific dates. This 5-day Kauai itinerary worked perfectly for us staying in Princeville, though it’s all still applicable if you’re more central.

Hotel or Airbnb?

We stayed in an Airbnb in Princeville, and it was perfect! The space was quiet, clean, and stocked with everything we might need. There were beach towels, snorkel gear, boogie boards and a full kitchen for us to make food. Each morning, we ate breakfast in the lanai, and it was a beautiful way to start the day.

In my personal experience, I find Airbnb rentals offer a more local experience, as there are often options away from touristy complexes. The hosts can add special touches, like the beach gear, and therefore, I also find them more personal than hotels. If you’re interested in staying in Princeville, this is the complex we stayed in for you to consider!

Hotel Bookings

However, there are also hotels in both areas. Poipu is known for having the more developed, luxury hotels. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, maybe this location is better for you! Either way, the island is small enough that you won’t be “stuck” in one area, as long as you take my advice about this next point . . .

Do You Need a Car in Kauai?

The final important note before getting into the 5-day Kauai itinerary is this whether or not you need a rental car. The answer is: most likely, yes! (But really yes).

If you’re staying in a resort and don’t plan on venturing out, you may be able to get by without a car. However, you’re totally missing out if you do it this way! In my opinion, you need a car if you want to experience everything Kauai has to offer.

Normally, I’d avoid renting a car on vacation as it feels like a hassle and extra liability. However, in Kauai, it was actually a liberating experience to have a car. It was more than merely a means to get to meeting points for tours; having a car allowed us to fit the most into our days and do exactly what we wanted!

How to Rent a Car in Kauai

1️⃣Rent from a major rental agency (like Enterprise or Hertz) – all available right at Lihue Airport

2️⃣Budget rentals like Turo (this is what we used! Easy & Cheap!)

3️⃣Rent from local companies like Kauai Rental Cars and Poipu Car Rentals

If Using Turo:

Turo is basically Airbnb for cars. I’ve used it a couple times and have had no problems! Additionally, this specific occasion was extremely easy and professional. Despite not using a large agency, we were still dealing with a company (this is different from other Turo experiences I’ve had).

We were provided with clear pickup instructions through the app and waited for a van outside the airport. They run every 15 minutes or so, so you don’t have to be stressed about coordinating this part of the day. The van drove us a couple minutes down the street, and we immediately found our car in a parking lot!

Okay! I can stop talking about boring things now. Let’s get into the juicy stuff . . .

5-Day Kauai Itinerary: Best Tours & Food Recs

Day 1: Arrival & Hanalei Town

1. Arrive at Lihue Airport

Lihue Airport (LIH) is Kauai’s main airport and where you’ll likely be flying into. Luckily, the location is very central to other parts of the island, so you won’t be too far from wherever you’re staying.

Here are the distances for your convenience:

👉Kapaʻa – 15-20 minutes

👉Poʻipū (South Shore) – 25-30 minutes

👉Princeville (North Shore) – 45-50 minutes

👉Waimea Canyon (West Side) – 1 hour 15 minutes

👉Hanalei (North Shore) – 50 minutes

When even the airport looks this lush and colorful, you know you’re about to have the best vacation.

2. Find Your Rental Car

As I explained earlier, the rental car is essential in most circumstances. Therefore, finding the car should be your next immediate move! Book the rental in advance so you merely have to pick it up upon arrival. If you booked with a larger agency, the car will be conveniently located right at the airport. 

3. Find Your Hotel & Asses Energy Levels

Travel days are obviously exhausting and understandably, you may want to rest for a bit! Also, the amount of downtime entirely depends on your flights. Because we arrived early and wanted to make the most of our time, we dropped our bags and started exploring!

If you’re in a similar situation, I suggest going on a relaxing drive, familiarizing yourself with whatever area you’re staying in! For us, staying in Princeville allowed us to spend the afternoon exploring Hanalei! Even if you’re not staying in Princeville, exploring Hanalei is a low-energy activity, making it the perfect travel-day add on.

Switching Hanalei to Another Day

If you don’t have the time or energy on day 1, this part of the itinerary can easily be switched to the following day. Because they’re both on the North Shore, you can explore Hanalei before the Na Pali Coast tour if needed 🙂

4. Hanalei Town & Bay

Located just North of Princeville is Hanalei Town, a charming and quiet community in the Hanalei Bay. Despite being only a 10-minute drive, the journey from Princeville to Hanalei Town provided a few unexpected beauties. 

Quick Stop at Hanalei Valley Lookout

Right on the side of the road between the towns is the Hanalei Valley Lookout point. This spot provides stunning views of the valley below, overlooking mountains and taro fields. We stopped here on multiple occasions, but it was a beautiful surprise on the first day.

👉Note: I’ve learned over time that sometimes the best hidden gems are right on the side of the road or behind an abandoned building. With the stunning landscapes in every direction, Hawaii is the best place to apply this thinking. Even while using this “5-day Kauai itinerary,” explore places not mentioned! This lookout point, which we were not aware of beforehand, served as a reminder of this.

Pass a One-Lane Bridge

Near the lookout point sits one of Hanalei’s infamous one-lane bridges! The sight caught us off-guard at first, but we soon noticed there was a system. Apparently, locals allow 5-7 cars to pass before switching turns.

As something that would never fly in the road-rage-filled Northeast, this system immediately showed us the laid-back Hawaiin spirit.

Local Shops & Food in Hanalei Town

Once we arrived in town, we were immediately excited by the artsy, beachy vibe of Hanalei. Filled with art galleries and local food shacks, exploring Hanalei is a perfect, relaxing activity to squeeze into a travel day. 

Due to Hanalei’s proximity to Princeville, we visited numerous times. Here are some honorable mentions & recommendations:

👉Slow Yourself Down: Local, sustainable clothing shop!

I never buy clothing souvenirs anymore, but I was in need of a new staple sweatshirt, and I fell in love with this store. Run by a couple with a beautiful message, the clothing is high quality and made with organic cotton. 

Their slogan is about slowing down to enjoy life, something that visiting Hawaii always reminds me of in general. As she would hate me for not mentioning this, Brooke later surprised me with the sweatshirt I’d loved. I’m actually wearing it right now as I write . . . 🤭

And guess what?! These geniuses opened two other amazing businesses too:

Wishing Well Shaved Ice & Coffee House

👉Wishing Well served the best shaved ice I’ve ever had. The portions are huge, and the flavors are unique and tropical. With add-ons like condensed milk, macadamia nuts, and lilikoi puree, it’s the perfect Hawaiin treat to start your vacation.

👉On the other hand, Wishing Well’s Coffee House also served one of the best acai bowls I’ve ever had! The space inside is lively and welcoming, and I noticed locals bringing their own mason jars for coffee! I vividly remember telling Brooke I’d visit everyday if I lived in Kauai! 

If you’re in the area, you must visit these businesses! I’ll link their website below so you can take the look: Wishing Well™

Hanalei Bay

If you’re visiting Hanalei on another day or merely want to relax for the remainder of the night, you can also visit Hanalei Bay. The bay includes a 2-mile crescent shaped beach with great views and nice sand. There are four main sections, each with something different to offer:

👉Black Pot Beach – Gentle waves, good for picnics & pier-jumping, if that’s your thang

👉Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park – Central location, adequate parking and lifeguards on duty

👉Waiʻoli Beach Park & Pinetrees Beach – Popular surf spots, more secluded

Note: We merely wanted to watch the sunset here, so we parked along a random side street, as others were doing. It seemed as though this was allowed, as long as you don’t block private driveways. From there we found a hidden path that brought us right to the water!

Hanalei Farmer’s Market

If you’re in Hanalei on a Saturday, visit the farmer’s market! Held every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, there are over 50 vendors selling local produce, exotic fruits and handmade crafts!

Relax!

No matter what Day 1 looks like for you, make sure you relax & get some sleep. Wandering Hanalei is merely a warmup for the rest of this adventure-packed 5-day Kauai itinerary.

Day 2: Morning Cliff Walk & Na Pali Coast Tour

1. Cliff Walk on Kapa’a Bike Path

If you’re feeling up for it, the Kapa’a Bike Path is a beautiful, 7-mile path along the coast of Kauai’s Eastern shore. You can either rent a bike or walk like we did!

We enjoyed getting some exercise in the morning and walked the whole trail, stopping at various beaches and viewpoints along the way. The path is mostly flat, so it’s not a difficult walk. However, it is hot and not shaded! Definitely bring water, as it will take you a couple hours if you also walk its entirety. 

😉For a refreshing drink afterwards, we often saw guys selling coconuts on the side of the road here! (As you’d expect, this was very exciting for two tourists from the Northeast)

2. Na Pali Coast Sunset & Snorkeling Tour

What is the Na Pali Coast?

This day was honestly the most memorable part of the entire 5-day Kauai itinerary. If you’re going to choose one big activity for your vacation, let it be this one.

The Na Pali coast stretches on the island’s north shore and is the most remote part of Kauai (besides a literal forbidden island). There are no permanent settlements or roads, so you must either go on a tour or have a permit to be on the land.

Though you may feel bummed that there are restrictions on hiking here, the boat tour allows you to see the dramatic landscape from afar, which has its own benefits. As you gradually turn around the shore, the steep, emerald cliffs come into view and will take your breath away!

Which Na Pali Coast Tour to Book?

We booked through Kauai Sea Tours, per a friend’s recommendation. Everything about the tour was amazing, and the timing at sunset made it even more special.

👉The price was 195$ per person and it took place from 2:00 pm to 7:30 pm👈

This tour included the boat ride by the Na Pali Coast, multiple snorkeling chances, a delicious dinner (with Mai Tais) and watching the sunset!

Other Tour Options:

👉Similar Morning Tour: If you’d prefer to take a Na Pali Coast tour during the day, as opposed to at sunset, there are also daytime options. This tour is run by Na Pali Riders, and it starts at either 6:30 or 11:00 am. Besides the start time, it seems very similar to the tour we booked.

👉Winter Whale Watching: If you’re traveling to Kauai between December-March, this is whale watching season! Kauai Sea Tours also offers a couple whale-watching tours, allowing you to get up close to humpback whales. I think this would be an amazing experience if you’re traveling during this time!

Whichever tour you choose, there is no wrong decision! The tours merely provide transportation, but the natural beauty of the Na Pali Coast is there no matter who takes you.

That being said, here are some further details about our specific trip using Kauai Sea Tours:

Na Pali Coast Tour Highlights

The boat ride itself was an exhilarating part of the tour. The waves were big and bumpy, creating a fun ride while we made our way around the coast (maybe this would not be considered fun if you get seasick).

We made a few snorkeling stops and had lots of time to swim with the tropical fish. I will say, there weren’t a ton of fish and coral, but the snorkeling was really just a fun chance to hop in the water. Plus, this itinerary offers other chances for great snorkeling😉.

However, once we returned to the boat, a group of spinner dolphins came along for the ride! They swam alongside our boat for a while, and this was an unforgettable experience.

Sea Caves & Waterfalls

In addition to the jaw-dropping cliffs, the Na Pali Coast also showcases numerous sea caves and waterfalls, many of which you can see from the boat! The caves were created from the relentless ocean waves, forming the iconic shapes overtime. Water is very significant to the indigenous Hawaiin cultures, and therefore the waterfalls are seen as sacred and magical.

On a couple occasions, the crew brought the boat close to shore, allowing us to get beneath the waterfalls if we wanted! Of course we did, as who doesn’t need a little Hawaiin waterfall luck?

As the sun began to set, the boat turned around and we headed back to shore. Between the sun’s rays on the surrounding water and the Na Pali Coast as a backdrop, it really felt like a dream. This tour was truly unforgettable and a must do as part of your own 5-day Kauai itinerary.

Day 3: Waimea Canyon & Poipu

1. Visit Waimea Canyon

Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea canyon is another must see if you’re in Kauai. Located on the west side of the island, the canyon offers stunning viewpoints of this remote landscape.

How to Visit Waimea Canyon

You can drive through Waimea Canyon and stop at lookout points, or hike! We attempted a mixture of both (you’ll see what I mean).

The drive up the canyon is an adventure in and of itself, as the narrow trail winds up the side of the cliffs. The ocean views along the way are beautiful, but you will want to drive carefully. Brooke has no fear about driving, though I think I told her to slow down about a hundred times.

If you’re super scared of heights, sit in the passenger seat and don’t look over.

Driving Through the Canyon

The up-hill road is marked with mile marker signs, but there isn’t great signage other than that. The Waimea Canyon Lookout is at marker ten, which is where we stopped for these amazing panoramic views of the valley. We also paid to park here at a small kiosk and left our car there to find a hike.

Additionally, you could continue driving to Puʻu Hinahina Lookout (Mile Marker 13.5).

Hiking Through Waimea Canyon

If you’re looking for more adventure, there are many hikes in Waimea Canyon, ranging in difficulty levels. Some popular trails are:

• Cliff Trail (Quick and easy)
• Canyon Trail (Brings you to Waipo’o falls, more moderate)
• Kukui trail (Longer and more difficult hike that brings you into the canyon)

Personally, I did research on AllTrails, which I prefer because you can view up-to-date information / reviews from other hikers. This list will take you to the trails in Waimea Canyon State Park, so you can decide what type of challenge you’re looking for. The trails don’t seem to be marked with signs, so having this app makes it less confusing.

Best hikes and trails in Waimea Canyon State Park | AllTrails

👉Important Note: Bring Proper Footwear . . .

As I mentioned, Brooke and I attempted to do a hike. Feeling energetic, we started the Kukui Trail, entirely prepared to hike a few hours. Unfortunately, I was not prepared for how slippery the ground was going to be there!

Because my shoes had no traction, and the dirt was so dry, I continuously fell and slipped. As any younger sister would, Brooke thought this was hilarious and took videos the whole time. However, I literally couldn’t walk the trail without sliding and had to resort to butt-hiking (featured below). After I realized the way up could be even harder, considering how steep it was, we decided to cut the trip short.

Don’t be like us! Bring proper shoes with traction, and enough water as well. Waimea is hot and the trail was not shaded at all.

Luckily, we were still able to get some beautiful views even at the very beginning of the trail. The red and orange rocks are dotted with greenery, and the canyon offers a unique perspective of the Na Pali Coast! Like I said, it’s another must-do as part of your 5-day Kauai itinerary!

More Extensive, Guided Waimea Canyon Tours

If you’re super interested in Waimea Canyon and want a more extensive trip, there are tons of options that allow you to spend more time there. Instead of visiting the beach after like this 5-day Kauai itinerary highlights, you can obviously spend the entire day in Waimea! Here are two tour options:

2. Coffee Stop on the Way to Poipu

After our failed hiking attempt, we were hungry and in some need of coffee. The drive from Waimea Canyon to Poipu is about an hour, so we took a quick detour. As most unplanned pit-stops, we unknowingly stopped at the coolest indoor market! 

Warehouse 3540

📍3540 KOLOA Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741

Located in Kalaheo (in between Waimea and Poipu) is Warehouse 3540! When we pulled into the parking lot, thinking it was just a coffee shop, we were pleasantly surprised to see a huge indoor marketplace with small businesses and food trucks!

We immediately stopped at Kind Koffee Company, where I got one of the best lattes of my life: The Aloha Latte, served with coconut macadamia nut syrup. They also had coffee ice cubes, so my drink didn’t get watered down as we wandered the shops – genius!

3. Spend the Afternoon at Poipu Beach

After all the driving and potential hiking, you’re going to be in need of some relaxation! On the way back from Waimea, you can stop at Poipu beach, Kauai’s most popular beach! I’m not normally a sit-on-the-beach-all-day kind of person, but the water here is perfect for swimming and cooling off after being in the canyon’s heat.

Enjoy these very majestic photos of us by the beautiful Poipu shore.

Great Facilities

When you arrive at the beach, there’s a large free parking lot. We had to ride around a bit for a spot but eventually found one. If you pack a bag like we did in the morning, there are changing rooms to change out of hiking clothes and into your bathing suit!

We also brought snorkeling gear from the Airbnb because Poipu is a great spot for snorkeling on your own! The ocean is clear, the waves are calm, and there is a ton of wildlife! If you are traveling as a family, this is definitely a kid-friendly spot as there are lifeguards and safe waters. 

Wildlife at Poipu Beach

We saw many tropical fish and sea turtles in the water here, as well as a Hawaiin Monk seal on the shore! The locals are very protective over these animals (rightly so), so they immediately blocked the seal off with rope and they were strict about respecting the turtles in the water.

Still, it was an amazing experience to see these animals out in the wild. I’d only ever been snorkeling on a tour, so doing so right off the shore of a beach was awesome. 👉You can also rent gear if you need!

Beach-Side Puka Dogs!

Embarrassingly enough, one of the reasons we chose this beach was also so we could try the infamous Puka Dogs. I don’t ever eat hot dogs, but this is not a regular hot dog stand.

Instead, the business resembled a factory with many moving parts. The sausage is tucked into a hole (“Puka”) in the bun, as opposed to the typical hot dog assembly. The bread is soft and sweet, and you have a choice of either a grilled Polish or veggie sausage. (I was vegetarian at the time, and the veggie dog was still delicious). 

The real delicacies are the sauces they offer. You can choose from a variety of tropical relishes like mango (our choice) or papaya, as well as their famous lilikoi mustard. The sweet, tropical sauces made the puka dogs unique from any hot dogs I had as a kid.

After a cheesy puka “Cheers!” we enjoyed these treats by the water, watching the waves crash onto the shore.

Alternative Beaches

Unfortunately, the popularity of Poipu beach brings crowds. However, like I mentioned, you also don’t have to follow our 5-day Kauai itinerary to a tea! Therefore, here are some nearby alternatives if you’re looking for something quieter and more secluded:

👉Shipwreck Beach (close by, better for surfing as opposed to swimming)

👉Baby Beach (offers safe swimming in a hidden cove)

👉Mahaʻulepu Beach (very remote, required to drive down a dirt road, though offers views of cliffs and sand dunes)

4. Sunset Dinner at Happy Talk Lounge

After another tiring day, we personally ended the night at Happy Talk Lounge. We chose this restaurant because it was close by our place in Princeville, and it was also recommended to us by friends from home. The lounge is a vibrant, family-friendly restaurant and bar located within the Hanalei Bay Resort. 

Lively & Romantic, but Casual Atmosphere

Known for its open-air interiors, Happy Talk was a great place to watch the sunset over dinner. We were sat by a waterfall and had amazing views of the mountains in the distance. I usually avoid resort-dinners, but the atmosphere was actually quite relaxing and beautiful. 

The general vibe is casual, though we dressed up for fun. From 6-9 they have live music! The menu had a large variety, and it was the perfect place to enjoy a pina colada.

Though it wasn’t the most mind-blowing meal I’ve ever had, the atmosphere was the cherry on top to a beautiful day.

Other Popular Dinner Spots

Here are some other popular dinner spots if you want more options or aren’t staying near Princeville!

👉Near Princeville / Hanalei:

• Bar Acuda (Tapas & Fine Wine)
• Tahiti Nut (Casual Hawaiin dinner)

👉Closer to Lihue:

• Duke’s Kauai (Oceanfront, fresh seafood)
• Hualani (Farm to Table Fine Dining)

👉Near Poipu:

• Red Salt (Upscale steak and sea food)
• Keoki’s Paradise (Tiki vibes, similar to Happy Talk Lounge)

Day 4: ATV & Tubing Tours

Day 4 is potentially the most jam-packed day out of the 5-day Kauai itinerary. The two following tours were must-do’s, and their close proximity to each other allowed us to fit them both into one day. Both take place in Lihue, so we spent day 4 on the East Shore! It took some planning, but it was extremely doable and not stressful! 

👉Note: Bring a backpack! I wore sneakers but brought sandals, packed a bathing suit, and wore dry fit clothing that would be both cool and water-resistant!

1. ATV Riding at Kipu Ranch

This ATV tour starts at 9:30 am, allowing you time to reach the meeting point from wherever you are in the morning. Kipu Ranch is a privately-owned cattle ranch with 3,000 acres of beautiful land. The property is still a working ranch, though there have been numerous movies filmed there like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones!

Kipu Ranch Tour Options

They offer a few different tours, though we booked the “Ultimate Ranch Tour,” which included ATV riding through the ranch and viewing lookout points inside the jungle.

This tour lasted three hours and was 187$ per person.

For the same price, they also offer the “Waterfall Triple Trail” expedition, which I believe includes more of an emphasis on the waterfall lookouts. On the other hand, the ranch tour appeared to emphasize the ranch’s history, as we spent more time driving through the cattle fields.

 We weren’t sure which to choose, as the descriptions were similar, but I don’t think you can make the wrong choice.

ATV Riding

As always, the ATV riding was a blast. We stopped at various viewpoints, showcasing areas only visible from this specific ranch tour. The guide explained the history of the ranch, passed down by family members who passionately protect the land.

He described Kauai’s strict regulation of the island’s shore, explaining how private land cannot block public access to the water. It was amazing to hear about the local interest in protecting the land, continuing the indigenous practices of respecting Mother Nature.

After a rough ride up to the hilltop, we had access to a special lookout point. Here, we could see a secluded beach below. The guide explained that the property was only ever visited by a specific family, whose members have passed the caretaking of the property down many generations.

👉Note: Don’t Wear Nice Clothing!

Be aware, though it’s completely worth it, you will be covered in red dust by the end of the tour. Even with the face masks and goggles, it will get into every crevice! Honestly, the dirt stained my shirt even after washing it later on. Luckily, it wasn’t one I cared about but definitely be prepared for this! 

On the bright side, the dirt’s reddish tint made me look tan AF after!

2. Quick Snack Between Tours

We had a little downtime in between tours, which was perfect because we were hungry! The following tour includes lunch, but we hadn’t eaten breakfast, so we made the stop.

First, we drove to a nearby shopping center for Malasadas – deep fried Portuguese-style donuts that are popular in Hawaii, often filled with tropical custards.

To offset the donuts, we also stopped at Healthgo Market, a nearby natural food store. They had a full menu serving vegan sandwiches, smoothies, and salads. 

It’s all about balance.

3. Backcountry Adventures Tubing Tour

After refueling, we drove the short trip to Backcountry Adventures for tubing! Heads up – we were indeed still covered in red dirt, but it’s Hawaii! Who cares!

Backcountry Adventures Mountain Tubing Tour

This tour included tubing down an old sugar plantation’s irrigation system. It lasted about 3 hours and was 156$ per person with lunch included.

They provide all of the equipment, including these super stylish camo crocs.

First, we were taken up to a beautiful lookout point and learned about the history of the plantation as well. While inside the tube, you’ll slowly float down the hand-dug canals. Occasionally, you’ll go through enclosed canals, using headlamps for light. 

The tour is essentially a lazy river ride, except instead of a resort you’re surrounded by real nature! It’s a relaxing experience, making it the perfect activity to end an otherwise adventure-filled day. 

Lunch by the Swimming Hole

At the end of the tour, the guides had prepared a light sandwich station for everybody, which we ate by a natural swimming hole. The guides assured everybody the water was safe to swim in, but for some reason most people were scared.

For Brooke and I, the quick dip felt amazing! We could finally get some of that dirt off, and the water was cold but refreshing. There was also a small natural waterfall across the way. If you go, just jump in – it will feel good!

👉Note: This tour is great for families or if you want a peaceful activity; it’s not necessarily “thrilling” if you’re seeking adventure. However, as I said, that’s why it was nice to pair with the ATV tour in the morning. On the other hand, Backcountry Adventures also has ziplining, which you can find here: Backcountry Ziplining

Day 5: Quick Hike to Queen’s Bath

Of course, this day also depends on how much time you have. We only had the morning before our later flight to Maui, but still wanted to squeeze an activity in. Therefore, a quick hike to Queen’s Bath was the perfect way to end our 5-day Kauai itinerary.

1. Queen’s Bath

Because of its proximity to Princeville, Queen’s Bath was a great activity to squeeze into a morning. As it only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk the trail, you could also incorporate this into another day if that works better for you.

Queen’s Bath is a natural, tide pool made of hardened lava. As it’s right on the shore, the ocean water flows in, filling the rocks and creating a swimming hole.

How to Get to Queen’s Bath

📍Kapiolani Loop, Princeville, HI 96722

You can simply put “Queen’s Bath” into maps on your phone and it will come up! There’s a small parking lot by the trail’s entrance on Punahele Road, though I believe it gets busy later on in the day. Since this was an early morning activity for us, finding parking was no problem. There, you’ll see this trailhead sign and a clear entrance to the path.

The short hike to the water is through dense vegetation, which can get muddy if it’s rained. It’s a gorgeous walk, just be cautious of the weather! Once you’re out of the covered path, you may think you’ve arrived but continue walking a bit to find Queen’s Bath.

I did in fact see this random, super colorful chicken on the path as well🤭

To Jump or Not to Jump . . .

The tide pool is known for being a spot to jump in the water, though we merely watched from the rocks. I’m already wary of big waves, and the currents here can be strong. We also didn’t have sturdy shoes, which would help in terms of climbing back up the slippery rocks. However, others have said jumping into the pool is a blast. Therefore, decide what’s best for you and just be sure to check the tides!

2. Lunch in Kapa’a Town

If you have more downtime, but want to remain close to Lihue airport, this is a great time to walk around Kapa’a town if you haven’t! Located right along the coastline, this community has a bunch of local stores and dining options by the beach! After browsing through some art galleries, we stopped at a small Poke shack for lunch.

Leong’s Meat House

With a couple amazing reviews on google, this tiny joint caught our eye and I’m glad it did. They had a bunch of options for Poke, with daily specials and signature sauces. This was my first real Poke experience, and it tasted so delicious and fresh!

As I noticed throughout various times in Hawaii, sometimes the best food really does come from a tiny shack. We even saw one of our Na Pali Coast tour guides in line, so I took that as a good sign.

Not Into Poke?

If Poke isn’t your thing, you can also head to the nearby Kapa’a Food Truck Park! There are tons of options here as well for a similar experience!

Wrapping Up the 5-Day Kauai Itinerary . . .

With the rest of the time we had, we laid on the beach in Kapa’a and reflected on how awesome the past couple days had been. With its breathtaking scenery at every turn, we knew we were going to miss Kauai. 

I hope our version of a 5-day Kauai itinerary was helpful to you! As I’ve said, each activity can be tailored to your own interests! This can merely be a guide for ideas.

Enjoy your time in Kauai! It’s truly a magical place.