MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Hawaii, USA

Nearby Destinations Within Kauai

As Kauai is an island, "nearby destinations" refer to distinct regions or attractions that a dedicated day trip from your base covers.

A rental car is the best way to explore this area. The drive up Kokee Road from Waimea presents spectacular views. Independent travel allows flexibility to stop at various viewpoints and take longer hikes. Guided tours offer ease and expert commentary.

Waimea Canyon & Kokee State Park

  • Allow a full day (6-8 hours minimum) for this excursion.
  • Morning: Drive up Kokee Road from Waimea. Stop at major viewpoints.
  • Mid-day: Hike suitable for your fitness level.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kokee Natural History Museum. Pack layers, water, and snacks.

Natural Escapes

Kauai presents several natural escapes for rewarding excursions.

Na Pali Coast by Sea or Air

Exploring the inaccessible coastline by boat or helicopter constitutes a significant day excursion.

Access & Duration

  • Boat tours depart from Port Allen or Hanalei (seasonal).
  • Helicopter tours depart from Lihue Airport.
  • Boat tours: 3-5 hours. Helicopter tours: 45-60 minutes.

Secret Falls Uluwehi Falls, Wailua River

A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall accessible via a kayak paddle up the Wailua River, followed by a moderate hike.

Access & Duration

  • Guided kayak tours provide equipment and lead to the trailhead.
  • You can also rent kayaks and go independently (know the route).
  • Allow 3-5 hours for the entire excursion.

North Shore Exploration Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea

Highlights

  • Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (seabirds, lighthouse)
  • Princeville scenic overlooks and shops
  • Road past Hanalei (Hwy 560) experiences closures
  • Traffic is heavy, especially around Kapaa

Itinerary Overview

  • Morning: Drive north to Kilauea Point.
  • Mid-day: Visit Princeville and Hanalei town.
  • Afternoon: Towards Ke'e Beach (reservations at Haena State Park).
  • Enjoy Tunnels Beach for snorkeling (seasonal). Return before dark.

South Shore Beaches & Old Koloa Town

  • TransportationRental car works well for this concentrated area.
  • Organized Tour vs. Independent TravelEasily explored independently.
  • Time RequiredAllow a half to full day (4-6 hours).
  • MorningPoipu's beautiful beaches.
  • Mid-dayVisit Spouting Horn (natural blowhole).
  • AfternoonExplore charming shops and restaurants of Old Koloa Town.
  • OptionalNational Tropical Botanical Garden.
  • SummaryA relaxed day trip option.

Consider a GetYourGuide Excursion!

Explore and book a wide array of day trips and excursions from Kauai. Find your next adventure on GetYourGuide.

Cultural Excursions

Step back in time or connect with local life through cultural excursions.

Hanapepe Town

Known as "Kauai's Biggest Little Town," Hanapepe features a swinging bridge, historic buildings, and a thriving arts scene.

Kilohana Plantation

A historic plantation estate with insight into Kauai's agricultural past. Train rides, distillery, shops, and dining.

National Tropical Botanical Garden

Explore diverse plant collections and conservation efforts across beautiful gardens like Allerton and McBryde.

Hanapepe Town Details

Its Friday Art Night is a popular local event.

Visit Info

  • Best reached by rental car.
  • Allow 2-4 hours to explore the town.
  • Longer if you visit during Friday Art Night.

Kilohana Plantation Details

It offers a scenic train ride, a rum distillery, shops, and dining options.

Visit Info

  • Accessible by rental car from Lihue.
  • Allow 2-4 hours, with train ride or distillery tour.
  • Tastings and shops are available.

Kauai Cultural Insights

Hawaiian is also an official language.Many place names are Hawaiian.
Learning basic phrasesShows respect.
Kilohana PlantationInsight into agricultural past.
Hanapepe's Swinging BridgeAn unique local landmark.
Friday Art NightA popular community event.
Kauai MuseumDetails island history.

Support Local Culture

  • Attend cultural performances.
  • Visit museums.
  • Learn about the island's unique heritage.
  • Your interest perpetuates these traditions.
  • Seek out initiatives that preserve Hawaiian language.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider combining your Kauai trip with visits to other Hawaiian islands for a broader archipelago experience.

Oahu - Urban Mix

Easily accessible via short inter-island flights (25-30 minutes to Honolulu, HNL).

Oahu Highlights

  • Presents a different experience.
  • Iconic Waikiki Beach.
  • Historic Pearl Harbor.

Maui - Valley Isle

Another short flight away, Maui presents diverse landscapes and experiences.

Maui Highlights

  • Haleakala National Park.
  • Road to Hana scenic drive.
  • Excellent whale watching (winter).

Big Island Hawaii Island

Home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with active volcanoes, black sand beaches, and diverse microclimates.

Big Island Attractions

  • Active volcanoes.
  • Black sand beaches.
  • Varied microclimates.

Transportation & Planning

All inter-island travel happens via air. Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines operate frequent flights.

Travel Advice

  • Booking flights in advance is wise.
  • Allow 4-7 days per island for a good overview.
  • Many combine Kauai with Oahu for a first-time Hawaii experience.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Combine islands to match your travel focus, from urban to nature.

Kauai + Oahu

A blend of natural beauty and urban attractions for first-time visitors.

Kauai + Maui/Big Island

Focus on outdoor adventures and scenic drives for a nature-centric trip.

Multi-Island Pace

Allow 4-7 days per island to experience their unique character fully.

Important Considerations for Flights

1

Hawaiian Airlines

The main carrier for inter-island flights, offering frequent connections.

2

Mokulele Airlines

Offers additional options, especially for smaller airports or specific routes.

3

Booking Ahead

Booking inter-island flights in advance offers better prices and availability.

Book Your Inter-Island Flights

Explore flight options and book your inter-island travel for the best prices and availability on major airline sites.
← Previous
Activities & Experiences
← Back to Kauai
Next →
Practical Information

Next Up: Practical Information

Continue to Practical Information