How to Spend 1 Day on Kauai

Kauai may be a small island, but it’s jam-packed with natural wonders—including its famous coastline—and rich cultural sites. Maximize your time by booking tours that include multiple activities or combine visits to several of Kauai’s top attractions. Here are some suggestions for making the most out of your one day on Kauai. 

Morning: Sightseeing Flight

Since you only have one day on Kauai, splurge on a helicopter tour or sightseeing flight to see the entire island by air. On the trip, you soar over the colorful Waimea Canyon and rugged Na Pali Coast and zip past remote waterfalls and spectacular cliffs. Tours vary in length and some are doors-off. Alternatively, take an in-depth tour of Waimea Canyon, which includes many of the South Shore highlights such as Spouting Horn blowhole, Hanapepe Valley Lookout, Poipu beach park, and old Koloa Town.

Afternoon: Beach Adventure

After lunch, it's time for the beach. Hanalei Bay and the other island beaches offer a variety of water-related activities perfect for the whole family. To maximize your time, book a tour that includes multiple activities such as a combo Hanalei River and Bay Reef Lagoon kayak and snorkeling tour or a combined hiking and kayaking adventure on the Wailua River. Other options include paddle boarding, taking an afternoon surf lesson, renting snorkel gear, or just relaxing at the beach.

Evening: Dinner Cruise

Make the most out of your one evening in Kauai by combining dinner with a Na Pali Coast sunset cruise. You get to sample traditional Hawaiian favorites while taking in the views of the dramatic Na Pali cliffs and enjoying a tropical Hawaiian sunset. Be on the lookout for dolphins, whales, and turtles from the ship deck. You could also attend a traditional luau experience complete with a pig roast and buffet of other island specialties while enjoying colorful song and dance from cultures across the Pacific.