North Shore Region of Kauai, Hawaii
Ideally, you will require more than a day to fully enjoy all the sight seeing adventures that north shore of Kauai has to offer. However, we spent only a day in the region, because highway 560 west of Hanalei and the Kalalau trail was closed because of the bad weather.
Here are the main attractions that we explored, starting east from Kilauea Point Lighthouse and driving west towards town of Hanalei. All of these attractions are within less than 26 miles (42 km) or less than 2 hours of each other.
1. Kilauea Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse is located 40 min north of Lihue Airport. It is 16m tall and was built in 1913.
The site - 31 acres - was purchased by the US government in 1909 for the construction of this lighthouse just for $1. Although the area is famous for seeing different kinds of birds, including Laysan albatross, unfortunately we spotted just one bird.
2. Wai Koa Loop Trail
A drive 9 min south west from Kilauea Lighthouse, will take you to Wai Koa loop trail.
Length: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Time: 1.5 to 2 hrs
Difficulty Level: Easy
Restrooms: Yes, at Kauai mini golf and botanical garden. There are no restrooms on the trail itself.
Conditions for entering: A waiver needs to be signed at Kauai mini golf and botanical gardens, as the trail goes through a private property.
Features: Approximately, 86000 Honduras Mahogany tress, cover the 200 acres of Wai Koa plantation. This is the largest Mahogany plantation in the US. Since the trees are planted in neat columns, you will feel like walking through the tunnel at different points during the trail.
3. Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)
The beach is not secret anymore. It is a 4 minute drive from Wai Koa loop trail, heading north west. A 10-15 minute lush green hike, will take you to the beach.
The beach is not secret anymore. It is a 4 minute drive from Wai Koa loop trail, heading north west. A 10-15 minute lush green hike, will take you to the beach.
Length: 0.5 miles (0.8 km)
Time: 10-15 mins (one way)
Difficulty Level: Moderate when dry. Difficult when wet.
Restrooms: No
Features: A lush green hike, leading to the beach, with the view of Kilauea point lighthouse.
Parking is usually available but on busy days can be difficult to find. Lots of people go there for surfing.
4. Anini Beach
If you are into camping, a further drive 14 mins west of Secret beach will take you Anini beach. The beach has multiple campsites.
Be it snorkelling, paddle boarding or just relaxing under the shade, the beach has something for everyone. Restrooms, picnic tables, showers facilities are available on the grounds. The parking area around the beach was crowded at the time, so arrive early.
5. Princeville & Makai Golf Club
On your way to Hanalei, you can stop by at picturesque Princeville, which is the northernmost settlement in the state of Hawaii, just 17 min drive from Anini beach. The lush green hills provide a perfect backdrop for a game of golf.
6. Town of Hanalei and Hanalei beach
Hanalei town is 11 minutes south west of Princeville. On your way from Princeville to Hanalei, don’t forget to stop for a few minutes at Hanalei valley lookout, for some beautiful shots.
The Hanalei town is a small town but full of life. A stroll around the Hanalei local market on either side of Kuhio highway, is relaxing and fun. You can sit outside on one of the many benches surrounding the market, not very far away from the backdrop of beautiful emerald mountains and enjoy the shave ice, tacos or the chickens helping their babies cross the Kuhio highway.
Hanalei beach, which is voted one of the top 25 beaches in the Unites States by TripAdvisor, is just a few minutes walk from the market.
7. Queens Bath and Kalalau Trail
Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it all the way to the end of the Queens bath. It’s not because we did not have time but because when we went there the conditions were quite wet and just at the start of the trail, I slipped and injured my hand, so we decided not to continue. I would recommend going there early because of very limited parking and in dry conditions.
We really wanted to do the Kalalau trail, but Kuhio Hwy west of Hanalei, was closed because of the landslides.
8. Rock Quarry Beach
If you are staying near the Lihue airport and heading back to your hotel after exploring the north shore, you might want to stop by at Rock Quarry beach for a few minutes.
The beach is east of Hanalei. The beach is popular for surfing and bodyboarding. We did not find it as busy as the other beaches that we went to in the north region.
