Kauai in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Kauai is one of the eight main islands in the Hawaiian chain and the fourth largest. It is known as "The Garden Isle" for its exceptionally lush tropical vegetation, charming beaches, rivers and mountains, ideal for a romantic or solo getaway.

If you are looking for a relaxing Hawaiian vacation, this city is the perfect destination and following this itinerary you can learn about the best things to do in Kauai. In this article I suggest a walking route that takes you into the tropical forests of the area, the mountain ridges and canyons of Kauai. I recommend you bring cool clothes, swimwear, boots, and a hat to begin this adventure.

The first day, after breakfast, is dedicated to activities with plenty of movement. Start your day with an exciting adventure around the Wailua River with a Kauai shore excursion, a must-do island experience.

Discover one of the sacred places on Kauai: Poipu, an area around the Wailua River that is home to about a dozen spas, including the Secret Falls. See hidden waterfalls, kayak, hike and end the day with one of the island's best shows.

Hiking at Secret Falls

Nestled on the east side of Garden Island is a hidden gem known as Secret Falls, or Uluwehi Falls to the locals. To get to the trailhead, you have to take a water journey to get around the Wailua River. The ride is quiet and meanders through emerald green landscapes that include an ancient heiau, or Hawaiian temple.

You will have a choice of canoeing or kayaking for the tour. Once you reach the trailhead, you'll find yourself on an impressive hiking trail that leads to the falls. Be prepared for muddy and slippery terrain.

Hiking boots are not recommended here, but sport sandals are ideal. The hike takes about 45 minutes each way at a relaxed pace. The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation, and you may even see some wild animals along the way. Thanks to its spectacular and slightly demanding nature, this is one of the best places to hike in Kauai according to the locals.

This adventure is suitable for the whole family (including the little ones who don't mind paddling upstream and getting a little dirty on the trail). After warming up with this welcome, the adventure continues.

Discover Secret Waterfalls by Kayak

Embark on an exploration of the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the natural surroundings as you paddle to hidden waterfalls, including Uluwehi Falls, on a kayak tour of Secret Falls. The river is also the source of some waterfalls, such as Opaekaa and Wailua. Along the way you can explore Kamokila Village or some of the other notable villages in the area such as Poipu Shopping Village.

In addition to learning about the local history and strolling among waterfalls, you will also have time to take a dip and take pictures. And, at lunchtime, don't worry, it's quite common in the area for kayak tours to include a light lunch so you can continue enjoying the surroundings in the afternoon.

In the evening enjoy the Luau Kalamaku show

After returning to downtown, I recommend a stroll through Kilohana, an area where the nightlife scene presents options such as admission to the Luau Kalamaku shows, a theatrical show that showcases the Hawaiian cultural scene.

The best luau shows on Kauai offer a complete experience. They usually last about 2 - 4 hours during which you can enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and an open bar with authentic hula performances and live music.

All around you you will see hula dancers displaying their skills, while other performers do acrobatics, dagger shows, fire play and get carried away by Tahitian music. For total immersion, the feast usually includes Kalua pork and the famous raw fish salad or Poke, as well as Hawaiian cake. Meanwhile, tropical drinks come and go to close out the day.

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Napali Coast State Natural Park, a 26-kilometer stretch of unspoiled coastline on the garden island.

From the remote Polihale Beach in the west to Kee Beach on the north coast, this natural wonder will unfold before your eyes. Towering sea cliffs, breathtaking beaches and verdant valleys with waterfalls flowing into the Pacific Ocean create a visual masterpiece.

On your second day on Kauai, immerse yourself in the magic of this paradise by hiking to Hanakapiai Falls and Kalalau Valley. Get ready for a day full of hiking, paradise beaches, waterfalls, water activities and a delicious dining experience at the end of the day.

Hiking and biking on the Kalalau Trail

Start your activities early to make the most of the day. Your first destination will be the Kalalau Trail. The site will take you through lush landscapes and spectacular panoramas. This trail, more than 18 km long, is ideal for nature and challenge lovers.

Be prepared to discover highlights such as Mākara Peak, Hanakapi'ai Valley and its impressive waterfalls. Be sure to bring with you enough water, sunscreen and a good pair of sneakers for hiking or if you prefer, mountain biking, the quintessential activity in this mountain.

Explore beaches and waterfalls

After completing the trail, head out to some of Kauai's best beaches on the island's north shore.

Start at Ke'e Beach, where you can relax on the golden sand and take a dip in the turquoise waters. Continue the aquatic tour at Haena Beach, ideal for swimming and snorkeling in its impressive barrier reef.

If you're feeling more adventurous, book your rafting and snorkeling day in Kauai, the experience will allow you to navigate the waterfalls of Hanalei and then see the reef at Nu'alolo Ka, a pristine coral reef reserve.

See Na Pali from above

For a completely new and exciting perspective of Kauai, I invite you to take an aerial tour of Kauai by helicopter or small plane. From above, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds this island paradise. Admire Captain Cook' s Waimea, a place that marked a milestone in the island's history in 1778.

Another spot that comes into view is the Hanalei Valley, with its green hills, crystal-clear waterfalls and meandering river. You'll also see a secluded beach famous for its appearance in several movies, including**"The Descendants**" and**"Pirates of the Caribbean**." From the air, you'll have a privileged view of its turquoise waters and pristine coastline.

And don't forget the Anahola Mountain Range, with its iconic shape known as the King Kong profile. The tour gradually turns into a film tour of Kauai with must-see additions such as the mysterious Mokuaeae Island, Waialeale Crater and the majestic Waimea Canyon.

For dinner try the best of the local gastronomy

After a day full of adventures, it's time to relax and indulge your palate with the best of local cuisine. Head to Hanalei, where you'll find charming restaurants and cozy cafes perfect for signing up for a food tour.

Enjoy delicious Hawaiian dishes, from fresh fish to seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to try Saimin, a soup with noodles combined with pork or seafood that highlights the island's Asian influence. This is the typical national dish, not to be missed in a gastronomic tour.

Another dish I recommend you try is Musubi, a kind of sushi with a local accent. End the night with a delicious tropical cocktail while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, it is one of the best things to do in Kauai at night.

Aloha adventurer! The last day of your Kauai itinerary, including the Coconut Coast, one of the must-see places on the island according to Forbes. Get ready for a day full of hiking, beach, waterfalls, zip lining and visiting sacred areas.

Hike around the Sleeping Giant

Start the day with a hike to the Sleeping Giant, also known as Nounou Mountain. This imposing mountain range nestles between the towns of Wailua and Kapaa, offering a variety of trails to suit all tastes.

At the end, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and the island's interior. Get ready to connect with nature as you explore this iconic Kauai landmark.

Beaches, waterfalls and monastery

After your morning hike, head to the region's beautiful beaches and waterfalls. Start by visiting Anahola Beach, with its white sand, concentration of local marine wildlife and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. If you wish, you can also explore Leydgate State Park, where you can enjoy lagoons surrounded by rocks and a variety of tropical fish. Don't forget your snorkeling gear!

Continue the tour exploring Wailua Falls, two beautiful waterfalls located north of Lihue, very close to the Hindu Monastery and Temple of Kauai, a sacred area of exquisite architecture where believers and non-believers have a meeting place.

Zip line adventure

To end your stay in Kauai on an exciting note, I invite you to live a unique experience on a zip line, a must among the things to do in Kauai with kids. Zip through the treetops of the island's lush forest as you traverse Kauai's longest zip lines, the Lihue.

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from above and if you're a daring adventurer, you can try some more daring stunts with the "Flyin' Kauai'an" hands-free harness with your reservation for a zip line adventure! During your breaks, you'll have the opportunity to eat snacks and take photos to remember this unique adventure.

After the zip line, it's worth exploring the town of Lihue, one of the largest towns on Kauai. Visit the Kauai Museum to learn about the island's history, or explore the Grove Farm to immerse yourself in the island's former sugar plantation past as a highlight of your 3-day Kauai itinerary.

• Availability of the national parks. In the past, access to any of the parks was available year-round except in cases of force majeure. However, tourism on Kauai and, indeed, throughout Hawaii increased at an inordinate rate. Given the situation. The government has put certain restrictions in place.

Tour operators are aware of this and adjust their availability, but if you decide to tour the island on your own, you must make your reservations in advance. For example, to walk the famous Kalalau Trail you must sign up on their website.

• Language. English and Hawaiian are official languages on the island. In the major tourist attractions, English is enough, but if you decide to immerse yourself in the local culture, it is possible to find towns or villages where only Hawaiian is spoken, in this case, I recommend guided tours.
• Footwear. Opt for sneakers and sandals instead of boots. The hikes are usually extensive and you will see that there are trails where you will be better off barefoot because the boots may have unnecessary bulk and weight.