Explore · Things to do on the North Shore
The house sits in the middle of Kauaʻi's North Shore: ten minutes to Hanalei, fifteen to Kīlauea, and half an hour to the Nā Pali Coast. Here's what we'd do.
Getting here
Fly into Līhuʻe (LIH), pick up a rental car, and head north on Kūhiō Highway. It's about 30 miles and 50 to 60 minutes, longer in Kapaʻa traffic. The last stretch runs past the Kīlauea turnoff and into Princeville.
Stock up in Līhuʻe or Kapaʻa, or stop at Foodland in the Princeville Center, a few minutes from the house. Prices on the North Shore run higher, and stores close earlier than you might expect.
Hanalei town is ten minutes past Princeville. We send the exact address and directions after you book.
Everything here is within half an hour of the house. Pick one or two a day and leave time for the beach.
The old pier reaches into Hanalei Bay from Black Pot Beach Park, with waterfall-streaked mountains behind it. Walk out at sunset, watch local kids jump off the end, or launch a kayak where the river meets the bay.
Our tipParking at Black Pot fills up in the late afternoon. Arrive early or walk over from town.
The 1913 lighthouse sits on a clifftop wildlife refuge at Kauaʻi's northern tip. Expect nesting seabirds, nēnē geese, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales in winter.
Our tipBook a timed ticket on Recreation.gov ahead of time. Kids 15 and under are free.
A lush valley garden near the end of the road, with native Hawaiian plants, terraced taro fields and views down to the ocean. It's a quiet look at Kauaʻi's natural history and traditional farming.
Our tipOpen Tuesday to Friday only. Book online to guarantee a parking spot.
A steep ridge climb from the Hanalei River with sweeping views over the taro fields, Hanalei Bay and Princeville. It runs 2 to 4 miles round trip, depending on how far up you go.
Our tipExpect slippery mud. Wear shoes with grip and skip it after heavy rain.
Every Saturday from 9:30 to noon at the Hale Halawai community center: local fruit, fresh juice, baked goods and handmade crafts, with the mountains as a backdrop.
Our tipArrive at opening for the best fruit, and bring cash and a bag.
Kēʻē Beach's reef lagoon and the start of the Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali cliffs. Most day hikers go 2 miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and back.
Our tipEvery visitor needs a reservation on GoHaena.com, released 30 days ahead. No walk-ups.
This lava-rock tide pool a few minutes from the house is beautiful on flat summer days, but big waves sweep over the rocks without warning and people have died here. The county locks the trail gate from about October until spring. Go only when the gate is open and the sea is calm, and never turn your back on the ocean.
Grab boards, chairs and snorkel sets from the garage. These three are our favorites, all within ten minutes.
A long, shady beach behind one of Kauaʻi's biggest reefs, which keeps the water shallow and calm most of the year. Our pick for easy snorkeling, paddleboarding and lazy picnic afternoons.
Our tipStay inside the reef and away from the channel at the west end, where currents run strong.
Two miles of sand in a half-moon bay, ringed by mountains. In summer the water is often calm enough for swimming and paddleboarding, and the gentle waves near the pier are where beginners take surf lessons.
Our tipSwim near a lifeguard tower. From about October to April, stay out when the surf is up.
A small cove below the Princeville cliffs with clear water and excellent snorkeling over the reef when the sea is flat. It feels far more remote than it is.
Our tipThe trail is short but steep and slippery, with ropes. The lot has about ten spaces, so go by 8 AM.
North Shore surf changes fast, and winter swells (roughly October to April) can make even calm-looking beaches dangerous. Check the day's conditions at hawaiibeachsafety.com, swim near lifeguards, and when in doubt, stay out. Use reef-safe sunscreen and give sea turtles and monk seals plenty of room.
Our favorite trips around Kauaʻi. Leave early and you're back by the pool before dark.
The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific": red and green cliffs, waterfalls and deep valleys, with lookouts all along the road up to Kōkeʻe State Park. A full day from Princeville.
Our tipGo early, before the clouds build. Non-residents pay a small entry and parking fee.
Hawaiʻi's only navigable river winds inland past sacred sites to the fern-draped Fern Grotto and the trail to Secret Falls. Kayak up with an outfitter or take the riverboat to the grotto.
Our tipSecret Falls is reached with a permitted tour or rental. Book ahead.
Drive through the Tree Tunnel, a mile of eucalyptus arching over the road, down to the sunny South Shore. Poʻipū has calm swimming beaches, sea turtles, monk seals and the Spouting Horn blowhole.
Our tipMake a day of it with lunch in Old Kōloa Town. Give resting monk seals plenty of space.
Local outfitters we like for bikes, kayaks and diving.
E-bike rentals delivered to the house, with helmet, lock and charger.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals on the Hanalei River, plus guided paddle-and-snorkel tours. Closed Saturdays.
Small-group shore dives and snorkel tours for every level, from first-timers to certified divers.
Sample days
Each one ends back at the house, in the pool.
Barely any driving, lots of sun.
Pastries and coffee from Hanalei Bread Company, then load the beach wagon.
Snorkel and picnic inside the reef at Anini Beach.
Shave ice at Wishing Well, then back to the pool and spa.
Fish from the Dolphin's market on the grill, dinner on the lanai.
Lighthouse, lookout and a Hanalei sunset.
Breakfast at Kīlauea Bakery, then the Kīlauea Lighthouse (book ahead).
Fish tacos or an ahi wrap at Kīlauea Fish Market.
Stop at the Hanalei Valley Lookout, then wander Hanalei town.
Sunset at Hanalei Pier and a mai tai at Tahiti Nui.
Canyon views on the West Side.
Leave by 7 to beat the clouds to Waimea Canyon.
Drive the lookouts up toward Kōkeʻe, with a picnic lunch.
Home to the spa, then Wiki Pizza delivered to the door.
Drive times are approximate. Hours, reservations and trail conditions change, especially after big storms, so check before you go. Hawaiʻi State Parks alerts · County of Kauaʻi