The Perfect 2 Day Kauai Itinerary: The Best of Kauai
Yes, you can still enjoy the very best of Hawaii’s lush garden isle even if you only have 2 days in Kauai!
With this carefully curated Kauai 2 day itinerary you’ll experience the rugged Napali Coast up close on a luxurious catamaran sunset dinner cruise, explore picturesque Waimea Canyon, relax and snorkel at one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, and hang out in Kauai’s cutest historic surf town, Hanalei.
I’ve visited Kauai twice throughout my 1.5 months of travel in Hawaii and I really believe that this 2 day Kauai itinerary allows you to make the most of your limited time without feeling rushed! By the end of your trip you’ll be filled with gratitude and joy after experiencing the transformative beauty of such a special place.
👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛
How to Spend 2 Days in Kauai, Hawaii
You’ll spend your first day on Kauai’s North Shore sunbathing and snorkeling on one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches before exploring charming Hanalei town. Day two combines two picturesque destinations: Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. Spend the first part of the day driving (and perhaps hiking) through the canyon, and end your time in Kauai on a catamaran sunset dinner cruise along the awe inspiring Napali Coast.
☀️ What to Book in Advance for 2 Days in Kauai 🌴
⛵️ Napali Coast Sunset Cruise: Book this Napali Coast Sunset Cruise in advance for day 2. Delicious dinner and drinks are included and the views of the rugged Napali Coast are pristine at golden hour!
🚙 Rental Car: Be sure to reserve your car rental in advance as they can sell out! I always compare local and international car rentals on DiscoverCars to see what’s available (and most affordable).
🏨 Hotel: 1 Hotel Hanalei (the best place to stay on Kauai if you can afford it), The Cliffs at Princeville (beautiful mid-range resort), or Kauai Shores Hotel (lovely beachfront budget-friendly hotel).
Kauai 2 Day Itinerary
I’m assuming you’ll have two whole days in Kauai, meaning you’ll arrive the night before day 1 and leave on what would be day 3.
Day 1: The North Shore of Kauai
We’re spending our first day in Kauai on the idyllic North Shore which is perhaps the most magical place in all of the Hawaiian islands. Historic Hanalei town is the heart of Kauai’s North Shore. This charming small town is surrounded by taro fields and towering lush mountains with 1000+ foot waterfalls. It’s walking distance to the picturequse Hanalei Bay and only 20 minutes away from the start of the famous Nā Pali Coast.
There aren’t many places to stay in Hanalei, but you’ll find plenty of hotels and resorts in neighboring Princeville, a resort community situated on the cliffs overlooking Hanalei Bay. If you can, I definitely recommend staying here at 1 Hotel Hanalei or The Cliffs at Princeville, but budget-friendly Kauai Shores Hotel my other recommendations, though it is 40 minutes away from Hanalei.
Regardless of where you stay during your 2 days in Kauai, we’re staying off by enjoying breakfast with a view!
Breakfast With a View: Nourish Hanalei OR Kalalea Juice Hale
I have two options for breakfast on day one of this Kauai itinerary. Both are cute little food stand with delicious healthy breakfast and breathtaking views. Plus, both have vegan and GF options!
🌿 Nourish Hanalei (closed Saturday + Sunday): This charming food stand overlooks turquoise Hanalei Bay, the lush towering Nāmolokama, Hīhīmanu, and Māmalahoa mountains, and the picturesque Hanalei River and farmland. The menu includes bagels with lots of tasty toppings like macadamia nut pesto and garlic herb spread, plus acai bowls and lunch bowls/wraps. Plus cold brew coffee, match, and a few other drinks. A must-visit for anyone staying Princeville!
🌺 Kalalea Juice Hale (closed Saturday + Tuesday): This unassuming little stand on the side of the highway has the BEST acai bowls on the island! If you aren’t familiar with acai, it is a tropical berry that gets blended with banana and juice to form a thick, refreshing smoothie that is served with your choice of toppings. Kalalea Juice Hale also has a stunning views of jagged mountain peaks and a cute historic church. However, I don’t recommend coming here on day one if you’re staying in Princeville (stop on day two on your way to Waimea Canyon instead!) It is on the way to Hanalei from Kauai Shores Hotel and other parts of Kauai.
If either breakfast spot happens to be closed while you’re visiting, consider Hanalei Bread Company for avocado toast, coffee, smoothies, and more, or Wishing Well Coffee & Tea for coffee and smoothies (always served in a reusable cup that you can bring home as a souvenir!)
Tunnels Beach (Mākua Beach)
After breakfast head straight to Mākua Beach, which is just around 20 minutes down the North Shore from Hanalei. Mākua is possibly the most beautiful beach on Kauai outside of the Napali Coast, with golden sand and picturesque mountains.
Be sure to bring your own snorkel gear because Mākua Beach is one of the best places to snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles on Kauai.
I also recommend bringing a beach chair or towel so you can lounge on the golden sand comfortably. Many hotels and vacation rentals offer beach towels and/or chairs so be sure to ask. If you’re in the market for a great travel-friendly beach towel, this one is my favorite!
Note: Parking can be challenging at many popular beaches in Hawaii, including Tunnels. Arrive early to secure a spot in the parking lot and if you park outside the official parking lot, be certain you’re parking legally! Also, check out the cave right across the street from the parking lot.
Explore Hanalei + Late Lunch
After enjoying Tunnels Beach for as long as you wish, drive back toward Hanalei, perhaps stopping a few times along the way for a photo or two.
If you’re hungry, you can grab lunch in Hanalei right away, then spend the rest of your afternoon wandering through this picturequse town.
🍱 Lunch spots in Hanalei Town: Various food trucks like Fresh Bite Farm To Beach and Tiki Tzatziki. Dine-in restaurants like Kalypso Island Bar & Grill and Hanalei Bread Company. All the restauraunts and food trucks in Hanalei Town are within a few blocks so I recommend parking then walking around and seeing what sounds good!
🥥 Things to do in Hanalei Town: See a stunning collection of Pacific Islands tribal art at Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art, stroll through the Saturday farmer’s market, window shop at the Ching Young Village Shopping Center, walk down to Hanalei Beach, kayak along the Hanalei River.
View from my table at Happy Talk Lounge (and my delicious spicy margarita)
Dinner at Tahiti Nui, Postcards or Hanalei Bay Resort
A few hours before dinner, head over to one of Hanalei and Princeville’s best restaurants. I recommend dining at one of the options in Hanalei rather than Princeville since you’ll want to be close to the Hanalei Pier for sunset, but choose what sounds best to you!
🥥 Tahiti Nui in Hanalei (Reservations Recommended): This fun Tahitian-style restaurant has live music every night, great cocktails, and a unique menu inspired by Hawaiian, Asian, American, and Pacific island flavors. Tahiti Nui also has a weekly luau on Wednesday nights but you’ll want to make a reservation in advance.
📷 Postcards in Hanalei (Reservations Recommended): Perhaps the cutest and fanciest restaurant in town, Postcards is the place to go for elevated yet healthy food. Make a reservation online.
☀️ Happy Talk at Hanalei Bay Resort in Princeville: This open air restaurant and bar boasts a gorgeous views and a man-made waterfall, plus live music every evening. It is located in Princeville, not downtown Hanalei, but still worth considering for the views!
Sunset at Hanalei Pier
If you can, try to catch the sunset at the Hanalei Pier! Depending on the time of year and if it rained recently, you may be able to spot some waterfalls in the mountains as the sunset paints the sky.
Kauai North Shore Itinerary: Optional Add On’s
If you happen to end up with extra time, or prefer to swap out any of my other recommendations for something different, here are some more fun things to do in Princeville, Hanalei, and the Kauai North Shore!
🌺 Princeville Botanical Gardens (Reservations Recommended): Discover exotic flora and fauna, and taste local chocolate on this 3-hour experience at Princeville Botanical Gardens. Make a reservation here.
🏝️ Hideaway Beach: This tiny cute beach in Princeville is a short (but steep) hike away from the entrance to 1 Hotel. There is a very tiny parking lot that is quite often full, but if you show up early in the morning its not too difficult to snag a spot. Or, if you’re staying at nearby 1 Hotel or The Cliffs at Princeville it’s an easy walk to the trailhead. Wear good shoes for the short, steep, muddy walk down and consider bringing a snorkel gear!
🌊 Queen’s Bath: Another short but muddy hike from Princeville will take you to Queen’s Bath, a beautiful but often dangerous natural pool in the cliffs on the edge of the ocean. I don’t advise swimming here unless you’re 110% confident that it is low tide, the swells are small, and it’s safe, but it’s a pretty place to checkout if the conditions are right. As with Hideaway Beach, the parking situation is tricky and it’s best to visit in the morning.
🤿 Anini Beach: Anini Beach Park is a fun place to snorkel with shallow, calm water and interesting rock formations in the water not to far from shore. Parking can be difficult and confusing, and the beach itself isn’t as beautiful as many other Kauai beaches, but it is certainly a good place for beginner-friendly snorkeling!
🥾 Kalalau Trail at Ha’ena State Park (Reservations Required): Hike into the rugged Napali Coast on this picturequse trail! The full trail is 19.8 miles roundtrip, but most people only hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach, which is a 3.7 mile roundtrip hike. Keep in mind you need to make a reservation in advance Hāʻena State Park’s website.
🐠 Kayaking Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay: This Hanalei kayaking and snorkeling tour is on my bucket list for my next trip to Kauai! You get to experience the most picturesque part of Kauai from the gorgeous Hanalei River and then kayak through the bay before snorkeling!
🏄🏽♀️ Learn to surf: Sign up for surfing lessons at Hanalei Bay!
Day 2: Waimea Canyon & Napali Coast Sunset Cruise
For our second final day in Kauai we’re driving along the island’s Coconut Coast and South Shore until we reach the expansive Waimea Canyon. After stopping at several scenic viewpoints overlooking the canyon and the Napali Coast, we’ll drive out of Waimea Canyon State Park and enjoy lunch in Waimea Town. Then we’ll head down to cute historic Hanapepe where we’ll do a little sightseeing before boarding our sunset catamaran tour of the Napali Coast.
Breakfast: Rainbeau Jo’s
Wake up early and head along Kauai’s main road toward Waimea Kauai, which is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Princeville resorts, and 50 minutes from Kauai Shores Hotel. If you’re driving from Princeville, you might want to stop at Kalalea Juice Hale for a delicious acai bowl (I talked about this place on day 1!)
Either way, consider making a stop in Lihue at Rainbeau Jo’s, one of my favorite coffeeshops on the island with some excellent bagel sandwiches, smoothies, and drinks. When I visited Kauai the first time years ago they were a food truck and on my recent trip I was able to visit their new brick and mortar location in downtown Lihue! Their service is next level and everything on their menu is delicious. Since it is so close to Lihue airport, Rainbeau Jo’s is also a great place to visit right after landing in Kauai, or right before flying home.
Also See: 15 BEST Things to do in Lihue, Kauai
Waimea Canyon
As you depart Lihue you’ll have the chance to drive through what some call the Jurassic Park Tree Tunnel and several other beautiful sights along the highway. Keep in mind that traffic can back up quite a bit along this part of the island if you’re driving mid-day. The earlier you leave, the better! The small town of Waimea is about 40 minutes away from Lihue, and from there you can drive up into Waimea Canyon State Park.
Called ‘the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ beautiful Waimea Canyon is painted in shades of red, orange, and brown and sprinkled with vibrant green foliage. The scenic drive beside Waimea Canyon leads you to some of the best viewpoints on the island, with views of the canyon and the Napali Coast. Here the best Napali and Waimea Canyon viewpoints you can stop at and all the details you need to know:
🚙 Kekaha Lookout (Free): Your first canyon lookout! The views get better as you get deeper in the canyon, but why not stop for a peek!
🚙 Red Dirt Waterfall (Free): Parking is tricky here as there isn’t a lot but you can drive by slowly and see a small unique looking waterfall on the left side of the road.
🚙 Main Waimea Canyon Lookout ($10 per vehicle + $5 per person): If you only make one stop in Waimea Canyon, make sure it’s this lookout! Yes, you have to pay but the view is worth it!
🚙 Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout (Free): Small viewing area with small parking lot, but the best view of the waterfall!
🚙 Kalalau Lookout (Free): This is the easiest Napali Coast lookout!
🥾 Pu’u O Kila Lookout (Free): The best Napali Coast lookout, but the road was closed on my most recent visit to Kauai. You can walk ~2 miles along this road to get to the lookout if you wish, but remember we’ll get an even better view of the coast later on our Napali sunset cruise!
You can also stop at Kōkeʻe Lodge which has a small cafe and store with snacks and souvenirs, plus a museum you can visit by donation.
PS: This GPS audio guide of Waimea Canyon is a great option if you want an audio tour while exploring the canyon.
Lunch: Waimea Island Taco
After exploring the best of Waimea Canyon, drive back toward Waimea town, which is the perfect place to grab lunch! Waimea has a variety of casual restaurants and food stands. My favorite is Island Taco, an award winning Mexican restaurant that actually impressed me (as a foodie who has lived in Mexico!) They have delicious vegan options (non-vegan too!) and flavorful salsas. The Coconut Corner is another option for lunch with fresh juices, coconuts, and Hawaiian cuisine (with vegan options).
Sunset Dinner Cruise Along the Napali Coast
As of writing, the Napali Coast sunset cruise departs Port Allen at 3:00pm, so be sure to arrive on time (and follow any instructions on your confirmation email)! The port is only 15 minutes away from Waimea Town, and so I recommend leaving lunch in Waimea by 2:40pm to leave some wiggle room. If you happen to have a lot of extra time, you can explore nearby historical Hanapepe Town and walk across the Hanapepe swinging bridge (you won’t be missing much if you don’t have time for this!)
Parking at Port Allen was a little confusing for me, I parked behind Holo Holo Charters’ office (which was okay), but as it turns out there is a much larger parking lot right here for all Napali cruise passengers.
What to Expect on the Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise:
⚓️ Electric catamaran designed specifically for the Napali Coast. This specific sunset cruise is on an electric catamaran which moved quickly (and more smoothly) across the water so you can spend more time taking in the sights along the Napali Coast and less time getting there. It is the absolute best boat to go on if you are a little prone to motion sickness like me (though some folks did get seasick near the end, thankfully I did not!)
👩🏽✈️ Professional, friendly, and thoughtful crew. I was really impressed with the crew and captain, I’ve been on a lot of boat tours around the world and this was one of the best. They went above and beyond to make each person feel comfortable, and they made sure every single person got a photo or two on the front of the boat when we were at the most picturesque parts of the Napali Coast.
🍹 Open bar with mai tais, beer, wine, plus nonalcoholic options. The most popular drink on board was the mai tais which are made with local Kauai rum! I enjoyed a little mai tai at dinner but spent the rest of the cruise sipping ginger ale in attempt to calm my belly and avoid sea sickness.
📷 Ecological and historical tour of the Napali Coast with plenty of photo ops. You don’t get to just see the Napali Coast, you get to learn about its history and ecology! I was shocked to learn that native Hawaiians lived along the rugged coast, and we got to stop near sea caves and waterfalls for a closer look!
🌊 Potential for sea sickness. As I’ve hinted at, you can definitely get sea sick when taking a boat tour of the Napali Coast. There were times when I was extremely anxious that I would be miserably nauseous, but I ended up being okay! I think it was because I did everything in my control to quell the symptoms: drinking ginger ale and staying on the side of the boat where I could get plenty of fresh air and watch the coast. If you are at all worried about it, take some medication beforehand!
🥗 Delicious dinner served as you’re cruising back from the Napali Coast. They always have vegan and gluten free options, which I appreciated! I enjoyed two plates of grilled veggies, tofu, rice, pineapple, and a delicious salad with fresh greens and mushrooms. It was satisfying and way better than I excepted! There was also a dessert but it wasn’t vegan so I didn’t try it.
🌅 Watching the sunset over the ocean: Of course a key part of a sunset cruise is the sunset itself! You get to watch the sunset right before heading into Port Allen, and the crew will gladly take your photo if you ask!
Reminder that the drive back to your hotel can be a little lengthy, but it’s so worth it for this amazing day exploring Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast! It takes a little over an hour to get to hotels in Princeville, and 40 minutes to get to Kauai Shores Hotel.
Related: 7 BEST Napali Coast Boat Tours
Alternative: 2 Days on Kauai Without a Car
If you don’t want to rent a car in Kauai, you can still experience a lot of the island on guided tours! It is worth mentioning that you will end up spending more money, and won’t be able to go on a Napali Coast boat tour, but you could supplement it with a helicopter tour (as long as you can Uber to the airport for the flight!)
If you don’t have a car, I recommend staying on Kauai’s Coconut Coast in Kaapa, Wailua, or Lihue since this is where tour guides will pick you up, and you’ll be close to the airport. Kauai Shores Hotel is my personal recommendation as it is beachfront, affordable, and highly rated.
Day 1: Kauai North Shore Tour (With Transportation)
Book this customizable private North Shore day trip which includes roundtrip transportation from Lihue, Kapaa, and Wailua. You’ll learn about the island’s history and stop at several spots along the way including: Kilauea Lighthouse, Opakaa Falls, Hanalei Valley Lookout, Wailua Falls, Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, Hanalei Bay, and Wailua River State Park.
The day trip lasts around 7 hours, starting at 9am. After returning to your hotel you can grab dinner and watch the sunset!
Day 2: Kauai South Shore + Waimea Canyon Tour (With Transportation)
On day 2 in Kauai embark on this day trip to Waimea Canyon and the South Shore. Roundtrip transportation is included for most hotels. You’ll spend two hours driving through Waimea Canyon, stopping at 4 unique lookouts along the way. You’ll also get to visit Waimea Pier, a black sand beach, Hanapepe, Spouting Horn in Poipu, Kukui Grove, and have lunch in Waimea Town.
The day trip lasts around 6 hours, starting at 9am, which leaves you a little time to chill at the beach or pool afterward!
Add On: Napali Coast Helicopter Tour
If you’re able to adjust the start time of one of your day tours, you can book the early morning helicopter tour over the scenic Napali Coast. The helicopter tour lasts 50 minutes and gives you a bird’s eye view of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Mt. Waialeale volcano, Olokele Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls) and several other scenic parts of Kauai.
Kauai Itinerary FAQs
Is 2 days enough for a trip to Kauai, Hawaii?
Yes, two days on Kauai is enough to see the island’s highlights including the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the North Shore! However, if you are able to spend more time on Kauai you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the tranquility and quiet of this special place.
How much time do you need for Kauai?
Ideally, you should spent at least 4 days in Kauai if you want to be able to experience Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast, and the North Shore, with time to relax and chill at the beach too. However, you can experience Waimea Canyon, a sunset cruise along the Napali Coast, and a full day on the North Shore in just two days.
Is Kauai worth visiting?
Absolutely! Kauai is one of the most beautiful places in the United States with towering lush mountains, turquoise blue water, and the striking ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. Kauai is an easy place to travel, too, since it is part of the US so Americans don’t need a passport and the island has good infrastructure for tourism.
How do you get to Kauai?
You can get a direct flight to Kauai from many US airports including Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver and more. There are also several flights to Kauai from nearby Honolulu airport on Oahu, so some people fly into Honolulu for a layover before taking the 20 minute flight to Kauai. As of 2024 there is no ferry to Kauai, but you can travel to Kauai via cruise ship.
Is it possible to visit Kauai on a budget?
Traveling to Kauai on a budget can be tricky as accommodations are quite expensive. Even the most affordable hotels (this one is my recommendation) might be out of your budget. However, if you can find a hotel in your price range, book a place to stay with credit card points, or perhaps do housesitting in Kauai, you can enjoy most of Kauai’s attractions free of charge (with a rental car). Going to the beach is free, hiking the Napali Coast is free, and visiting Waimea Canyon is free (besides parking fees).
What is there to do on Kauai when it rains?
When it rains in Kauai, you can visit the Kauai Museum in Lihue to learn about the island’s history, you can drive through Waimea Canyon Park, you can enjoy tribal art at Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art in Hanalei, dine in an open-air (covered) restaurant with a view at Happy Talk in Princeville, and you can even go snorkeling because what difference does rain make if you’re in the water!
Thanks for reading!
- See the best hotels in Hawaii.
- Browse my favorite OAHU tours and experiences.
- Browse my favorite KAUAI tours and experiences.
- Browse my favorite BIG ISLAND tours and experiences.
- Browse my favorite MAUI tours and experiences.
- Check out my other Hawaii travel guides
Save this article for later on Pinterest:
