Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Kauai
Know before you go
Haena Parking Logistics
Non-resident parking at Haena is extremely limited and requires a pre-paid reservation. Using the North Shore Shuttle is recommended to avoid the parking bottleneck.
Canyon Connectivity
Expect no cellular signal in Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks. Download digital trail maps and coordinate meeting points before leaving the town of Waimea.
West Side Services
There are no fuel stations past the town of Waimea on the way to the canyon. Ensure your tank is at least half full before starting the steep climb to Kokee.
Morning Lookout Priority
Clouds often obscure the Na Pali lookouts in Kokee by midday. Arrive at the Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila lookouts early for the best chance of clear views.
Ocean Safety Awareness
North Shore swells in winter make many beaches dangerous for swimming. Always check the official Hawaii Beach Safety website for current conditions and lifeguard warnings.
Check current conditions:Hawaii State Parks
2RVs, campervans & cars near LIH
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to LIH
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at LIH
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at LIH
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at LIH
- ✓ Compare suppliers at LIH
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at LIH
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at LIHA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Kauai
- 01
Canyons and Cool Highlands
Suggested: 7:30 AM from Poipu
Waimea Canyon State Park
Stop at the main lookout to see the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' before clouds move in.
Kokee State Park
Explore the higher elevation forest and the Kalalau Lookout for views of the Na Pali cliffs from above.
Allow 3 hours round-trip from south shore; winding mountain roads
Temperature drops at high elevations; visibility at lookouts is highly variable.
Pick up your vehicle at LIH → - 02
North Shore Cliffs and Bays
Suggested: 8:00 AM from Lihue
Haena State Park
Visit Ke’e Beach for a coastal walk, ensuring you have your required advance reservation.
Hanalei Bay
Walk the historic pier and enjoy the mountain backdrop of this iconic crescent-shaped bay.
Allow 2.5 hours round-trip; traffic common through Kapaa and Hanalei
The road ends at Haena; verify bridge status after heavy rain as closures can occur.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Southern Coast and Heritage
Suggested: 9:00 AM from Koloa
Spouting Horn Park
View the natural blowhole from the paved observation area near Poipu.
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
A rugged coastal walk along limestone cliffs; stay on established paths to protect cultural sites.
Allow 45 minutes total driving; local transfers between Poipu area sites
The Maha’ulepu area is privately owned with restricted gate hours; check local access times.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Haena State Park and Coastal Entry Requirements
Reservations for parking, shuttle, and entry at Haena State Park are mandatory for non-residents and must be made weeks in advance. A separate permit is required for hiking the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Official booking windows and rules for state parks are subject to frequent updates.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
LIHKauai
Lihue Airport · 35 min drive
Find flights to LIH
Plan your road trip
From Lihue Airport
35 min
about 19 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Kauai on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Kauai on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Kauai
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Kauai
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Kauai
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Kauai
Explore guided activities around Kauai. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Kauai
Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
