4 best day trips from Kauaʻi

Day trips compared

The day trips

60 km (37 mi) · About 1 hour 15 minutes each way from Poʻipū

1.Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe drive

Drive west through Waimea town and up Waimea Canyon Drive past a series of canyon lookouts to Kōkeʻe and the Kalalau Lookout at the end of the road. Stop in Waimea for shave ice on the way down.

Getting there

Hire car

Best for

First-timers, Families

60 km (37 mi) · About 1 hour each way from Līhuʻe

2.North Shore to Hāʻena

A day along the North Shore takes in Kīlauea Point, the Hanalei Valley Lookout, Hanalei town and the one-lane bridges to Limahuli Garden and Kēʻē Beach at the end of the road.

Getting there

Hire car, or the North Shore shuttle to Hāʻena

Best for

Couples, First-timers, Beach

50 km (31 mi) · About 4–6 hours on the water

3.Nā Pali boat tour from Port Allen

Tours sail along the West Side past Polihale to the cliffs, sea caves and valleys of Nā Pali, often stopping to snorkel. In summer, some trips land at the ancient fishing village site of Nualolo Kai.

Getting there

Catamaran or raft tour

Best for

Couples, Families, First-timers

25 km (16 mi) · About 30 minutes from Poʻipū

4.Hanapēpē and the West Side

Explore Hanapēpē's galleries and swinging bridge, watch Salt Pond Beach's traditional salt-making pans, and visit Waimea's historic town centre and Russian Fort Elizabeth site.

Getting there

Hire car

Best for

Culture, Quiet stays

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• The Kauaʻi Bus runs a limited service along the main highway between towns; it is cheap but not practical for most sights.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask