Itineraries for Your Trip to Kauai
2 Days in Kauai for First Timers
With two full days on Kauai, you have time to explore both sides of the island including its pristine beaches, coastal towns, hidden waterfalls, and more. Take advantage of multi-adventure tours and introduce try something new like sailing or paddle boarding. Here’s how to make the most of your two days on Kauai.
Spend your first day on Kauai taking in the sights at Waimea Canyon State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Book a tour of top Waimea sights to skip navigating the steep and winding roads on your own and just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Head to Poipu Beach, the most popular beach on the South Shore, to laze away the afternoon. If you’d rather stay active, opt for a combo hiking and kayaking adventure on the Wailua River, an ATV tour, or zipline adventure.
Go all out your first night in Kauai with a traditional Hawaiian luau. Dine on a banquet of roast pig, lomi lomi salmon, and other regional favorites under the stars while enjoying live drumming, songs, and dancing from cultures all across Polynesia.
Kick off your exploration of the North Shore with an early morning helicopter tour through the lush valleys and dramatic cliffs of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. If you’d rather stay grounded, choose a sea kayak, sailing, or snorkeling tour of the coast, or perhaps head out on the Kalalau trail on your own.
Spend the afternoon in Hanalei Town browsing the surf shops, art galleries, craft shops, and more. Hanalei Bay is a great place to learn how to surf, and stand-up paddleboarding is popular on the Hanalei River. Rent gear in town or book a surf lesson or guided kayak and snorkel tour.
On your final night in Kauai, splurge on a sunset dinner cruise off the Na Pali Coast. Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast while taking in the views of the breathtaking Na Pali Coast from the water. Most tours include cocktails, dessert, and traditional Hawaiian tunes.
