This is why cruises are not great, not enough time in port and you will always feel rushed. If you rent a car, you will have to pay for a whole day. So either rent a car and tour on your own or do only the cruises overpriced tours.

I would reserve, and rent a car for 24 hours, drive to north shore, visit lighthouse and a few beaches, Hanalei. Kapa'a has a great bike/walking path. Next morning visit Poipu or if you have time Waimea Canyon. I don't know what tours are offered but personally would rather spend my limited time and money doing things on my own clock rather then being corralled into a van with others.

However if Kipu Ranch ATV tour is available that might be something to consider as it's not too far from the boat, and on private land. But again, you could do it on your own and explore Poipu area around that. If a helicopter tour interests you, this is the island to do it.

Agree, Kauai is the place to do a helicopter tour! You could also do this on your own, not thru the cruise ship.

Definitely rent a car and visit the North Shore, a real must see. If they ship's tours are on buses, they will not go past Hanalei due to the narrow roads and one lane bridges (do read up on the etiquette for using these bridges) so you will miss some of the very best beaches and scenery. You might have time to visit Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Gardens if that interests you, the self guided tour only costs about $15-20pp. I think the Kileaua Lighthouse is still closed for repairs, but the view from the nearby cliffs is great.

Would also agree - rent a car and drive to the end of the road - Ke'e at the North Shore. And the 7 one lane bridges are not a big problem. Have your lights on and if it looks clear - proceed slowly - ready to back up if somebody has already started from the other side.

Next I would take a Heli tour is you can - and if you had more time - try to drive over to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific (as Mark Twain called it) - Waimea.

Aloha from Kauai...agree with all above comments MOSTLY > do your own tour! cruise ship ones are ok yet lack any spontaneity or true insights...ex: get away from that strip mall they point you to once off the ship;AND, an activity is an activity...easy to "book" by anyone...either rent a car or hire a guide to take the rush off your minimal time. North shore definitely as stated; Hanalei bay pier with Namolokama mt. in background for awesome photos, gorgeous Kilauea lighthouse(its open...), drive out to Haena beach park(not Ke'e as will be crowded and not worth it unless hiking...), grab a bite and beer at Mediterranean gourmet in Haena on way back(right on shoreline high tide), visit spots like Limahuli garden according to what resonates with you or be open to some "under the radar "spots that most visitors don't know about. Eat a plate lunch of kalua pig/poi/chicken long rice at the lunch wagon in Hanalei for authentic hawaiian style food(we eat there at least once a week...)to sample the real island food. Waimea canyon/ Koke'e park and overlook are awesome for a half day...pack your own lunch for ease of flowing with the day...i've dropped off and picked up many to the guest favorite activities like ziplining, ATV or helicopter tours. The intrepid guests who crave a waterfall or ridgeline hike are easy to accommodate too. ALL depends on you!! need help deciding? plenty of folks willing to kokua...