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're looking for a relaxing Hawaiian holiday, Kauai is the perfect destination and following this itinerary you'll find the best things to do in Kauai. In this article I suggest a walking route that takes in the local rainforests, 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's home to a dozen or so spas, including the Secret Falls. See hidden waterfalls, kayak, hike and finish 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 travel along the Wailua River. The route is quiet and meanders through emerald green landscapes that include an ancient heiau, or Hawaiian temple.

You'll have a choice of canoeing or kayaking for the journey. 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, sport sandals are ideal. The walk 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 light-hearted nature, this is one of the best places to hike in Kauai according to 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 of the waterfalls, such as Opaekaa and Wailua. Along the way you can explore Kamokila Village or one of the other notable villages in the area such as Poipu Shopping Village.

As well as taking in the local history and strolling past waterfalls, you'll also have time for a dip and some photo opportunities. And when it's time for lunch, 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 a ticket 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 will see hula dancers displaying their skills, while other performers perform acrobatics, dagger shows, fire games 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 the day.

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

From 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 scenery. This trail, which is over 18 km long, is ideal for nature lovers and challenge seekers.

Be prepared to discover highlights such as Mākara Peak, Hanakapi'ai Valley and its impressive waterfalls. Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen and a good pair of trainers for hiking or, if you prefer, mountain biking.

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 snorkelling in its impressive barrier reef.

If you're feeling more adventurous, book your rafting and snorkelling day on Kauai, the experience will allow you to cruise 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, take an aerial tour of Kauai by helicopter or light aircraft. 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 sight to see is the Hanalei Valley, with its rolling green hills, crystal-clear waterfalls and meandering river. You'll also see a secluded beach famous for its appearance in several films, 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 Kauai film tour with must-see additions such as the mysterious Mokuaeae Island, Waialeale Crater and the majestic Waimea Canyon.

For dinner try the best of local cuisine

After a day full of adventure, it's time to relax and indulge your taste buds with the best of local cuisine. Head to Hanalei, where you'll find charming restaurants and cosy 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 noodle soup combined with pork or seafood that highlights the island's Asian influence. This is the island's national dish, a must-try on 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 sun set over the Pacific Ocean, 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 sites.

Walk 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 island's coast and hinterland. 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 with a visit to Anahola Beach, with its white sand, concentration of local marine wildlife and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling. If you wish, you can also explore Leydgate State Park, where you can enjoy rocky lagoons and a variety of tropical fish. Don't forget your snorkelling gear!

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

Zipline Adventure

To end your stay in Kauai on a thrilling note, I invite you to experience a unique zip line experience, the ultimate Kauai activity to do with kids Zip through the treetops of the island's lush forest as you traverse Kauai's longest zip lines, the Lihue Zipline.

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from above and if you're a daring adventurer, you can try some more daring stunts with the hands-free "Flyin' Kauai'an" harness with your zip line adventure booking! 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 national parks. In the past, access to any of the parks was available year-round, barring 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'll need to book in advance. For example, to hike the famous Kalalau Trail you must sign up on their website.

• Language. English and Hawaiian are official languages on the island. English will suffice at the major tourist attractions, but if you decide to immerse yourself in the local culture, you may come across towns or villages where only Hawaiian is spoken, in which case I recommend guided tours.
• Footwear. Opt for trainers and sandals rather than boots. The hikes tend to be long and you'll find that there are trails where you'll be better off barefoot, as boots can be bulky and unnecessarily heavy.