What to See in Kauai in One Day (Kauai One Day Itinerary)

If you’re on a cruise ship or just short on time, there are many things to do on Kauai, Hawaii.  While helicopter rides look amazing, they are not friendly to the budget and aren’t the safest activity (I met a guy on my cruise ship that had a neck brace due to an accident on a Kauai helicopter).  This one day Kauai itinerary can be done for only the cost of the rental car and gas.  My rental cost for an intermediate sized car was $34 and gas was $11.  Here’s a Kauai one day itinerary of what to see in Kauai in one day.   Most of these activities are accessible to people of most physical abilities.

Pick Up Your Rental Car

There are two places where you can rent a car if you’re on a cruise ship.  Most people catch one of the free shuttles to the airport where there are several rental car companies.  I rented from Enterprise Rental Car at the Marriott Hotel in Nawiliwili, which was only a quick 20 minute walk from where the ship docks.

 Hanapepe Swinging Bridge

Hanapepe is a cute little town with shops and eateries.  If you stop early, you might have the historic Swinging (Suspension) Bridge to yourself.  There is a small bakery with coffee across the street from the bridge entry if you haven’t had breakfast.

 Highway 550

The street signs say the way to Waimea Canyon is via highway 553.  It is true this is the bus route, but if you have a rental car, you can take the much more scenic highway 550 with views of the end of the canyon.  You drive among the tall grass with views of the coastline and the edge of Waimea Canyon.  Part way up the hill, you will see some red hill and probably a few cars parked.  On the left- hand side is a small waterfall in the red hills.  If you climb over the road barrier, you can hike around these hills and get up close to the waterfall.

 Koke’e  State Park Viewpoints

If the weather looks clear, head straight up through Waimea Canyon State Park and enter Koke’e State Park for incredible views of the Napali Coast.  I recommend you do this early as it is common for this area to be cloudy, or on clear days become cloudier as the day progresses.  Make sure you go to both lookouts – Kalalua and Puu O Kila.  These views are more commonly clouded or fogged over than Waimea canyon so go there first.  Also, the parking lots in Koke’e are also trailheads so the parking lots seem to fill faster than the viewpoints in Waimea Canyon State Park.  Koke’e State Park and parking at the viewpoints are free!

 Waimea Viewpoints

There are a couple established viewpoints of the Waimea Canyon with large parking lots.  The bus tours generally only visit the “Waimea Canyon Lookout” but if you have a car it’s possible to visit the other stops.  Some of the best views were found in roadside pull outs so stop at a few and find your favorite view.  Waimea Canyon State Park and parking at the viewpoints are free!  There are toilets at the main lookouts.

 JoJo’s Shave Ice

Back in Waimea town, on highway 50 just east of the intersection of 550 and 50 is JoJo’s Shave Ice.  They make their own syrups with cane sugar.  They sell in two sizes – regular and the Big Kahuna.  I was shocked when the Big Kahuna arrived and was a foot high!  You can choose one of their combos or make your own combo.  Don’t forget to add a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream.

 Spouting Horn

Spouting Horn is a famous blowhole on the southern coast of Kauai, southwest of Koloa.  It blows every few minutes.  There are souvenir shops and restrooms available at Spouting Horn., and someone claimed some of the best priced souvenirs can be found here.  Spouting Horn and parking are free!

Costco

If you have a Costco Card, you can fill your gas tank at Costco, where the gas is $1.00 per gallon cheaper than most other gas stations on Kauai.  The nearby Costco store also has a wide selection of Hawaii special products such as Macadamia Nut Chocolates and Hawaiian shirts.  The prices are moderately better than those found at Walmart and ABC stores.  The best buy is the resealable packages of Mauna Loa Chocolates – these are usually around $11 for 10 ounces and at Costco you get 28 ounces for a similar price (although limited flavors).

 Return Your Car & Walk the Beach

This post contains affiliate links.  This website earns a small commission for items purchased through these links with no additional cost to you.  Upon returning your car, if you still have some free time before your deadline to board the ship, spend the time at the beach at the Marriott, one of the best beaches in Kauai.   A great way to end the day if you only have one day in Kauai.  Don’t forget your Snorkel Set.

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