North Shore Kauai Driving Tour Itinerary

Take a trip along the northern coast of Kaua'i to see some of the most stunning beaches this island has to offer.

This itinerary visits a total of eight beaches! But beaches aren’t the only thing you’ll explore. On this tour, you’ll have the chance to experience:

a historic lighthouse & wildlife refuge
a lush botanical garden
breathtaking scenic overlooks
two incredible hikes, and
a charming seaside town

This tour has two starting points, Kapa'a and Princeville, and travels in a loop, ending where you began.

No matter where you start, you’ll still visit all the same spots.

VERY IMPORTANT

PLEASE NOTE: Advance reservations are required to enter and park at Ha'ena State Park. Entry costs $5.00 per person. If you are driving, you must also reserve a parking voucher for $10.00 per vehicle. Parking is extremely limited, so it's best to make your reservations well in advance.

You can also opt to take the shuttle which departs from a park and ride just past Hanalei. The shuttle costs $30 per person (round trip) and includes the park entry fee. *If you plan to hike the Kalalau Trail, make sure to note the return shuttle times so you don't miss your ride!

You can book your entry and parking or shuttle reservations at www.gohaena.com. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.

*This itinerary starts in Kapa'a*

MORNING

We recommend starting the tour by 9:00 a.m. The entire journey takes about 6-8 hours to complete if you visit every stop.

If you have reservations for Ha'ena State Park, pay attention to the clock so you can arrive at the park at your scheduled time.

King Kong - Hole in the Mountain

Approximate time: 5 minutes

mountain kauai Notice anything familiar? King Kong Anahola Mountain, Kauai, Photo by Bob Linsdel

Before we get started visiting the picture-perfect beaches on this tour, pull over for a look at the Kalalea Mountain Range.

While you’re there, does the shape of the mountain remind you of anything? Look closely, and you may see the profile of King Kong!

Moloa'a Beach

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Remember the 1963 show Gilligan’s Island? Well, this picturesque beach is where the first season was filmed!

Take a stroll on the beach where Gilligan and his crew started it all.

Kahili Beach

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Kahili Beach is also known as Rock Quarry Beach because of a former rock quarry nearby. This is a remote rural beach with no facilities, just lots of beauty.

If you have time, wade through the stream if it is low enough and check out the far left side of the beach. There is a huge rock to climb on for an epic view of the bay.

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge & Lighthouse View

Approximate time: 30+ minutes

lighthouse overlook Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai | Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Tor Johnson

Located at the end of a scenic peninsula, the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of local seabirds. Depending on the season there seem to be thousands of birds on the cliffs or in the skies. In the waters below, look out for spinner dolphins and monk seals in their natural habitat.

The refuge is also home to the historic Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse. The original lighthouse, built in 1913, played a vital role in the first trans-Pacific flight from the West Coast to Hawai'i.

You can visit the refuge Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Advanced reservations are now required to visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. There is an $11 adult entry fee or a $1 reservation fee if you have an America the Beautiful Pass. Parking is free. You can make advanced reservations here. If you’re pressed for time or traveling on a Sunday through Tuesday, no worries. You can still take in this beautiful site from from the overlook just outside the entrance to the refuge.

Kauapea (Secret Beach)

Approximate time: 30 minutes

Take a short, 15-minute hike to the shore where you’ll find a beautiful and secluded white sand beach. Why is it a secret, you ask?

This spot was relatively unknown in the past making it a popular nudist beach for hippies. But it’s not so secret anymore.

Today, the beach goes by its Hawaiian name, Kauapea, and is better known for its breathtaking beauty.

Anini Beach

Approximate time: 1 hour

white sand beach in anini beach Anini Beach, Kauai, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Aede

Time to take out that snorkel gear! Anini Beach boasts the largest coral reef in Hawai'i and is considered one of the best snorkel spots in Kaua'i.

The beach is a little detour off the main road. But don’t worry, we’ll guide you there.

We recommend packing your gear, but if you don’t have you can rent or buy some in nearby Princeville.

PRO TIP! If you need a pitstop, stop in Princeville. The next spot for food or restrooms is in Hanalei, which is about 30 minutes away.

Hanalei Valley Overlook

Approximate time: 5 minutes

valley overlook Hanalei Valley Lookout, Kauai, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Tor Johnson

As you drive to Hanalei, on your right you’ll see a little shopping center for Princeville and to your left a scenic viewpoint.

Pull over for a breathtaking view of Hanalei Valley with a patchwork of taro fields below and the lush mountains in the background.

Okolehau Hike

Approximate time: 30 minutes

The Okolehau Hike is a challenging 5-mile hike with some serious elevation gain.

But if you just want to get out of the car for a quick walk, hike the first half mile of the trail until you reach an electric pole.

There you will find an overlook of the Hanalei Valley.

Grab Lunch in Hanalei Town

Approximate time: 45 minutes

Hanalei is a charming seaside town with a famous pier, restaurants, and shopping.

While you’re here, it’s a great spot to grab some lunch or pick up picnic supplies for lunch on the pier.

PRO TIP! If you’re planning on snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, rent gear here in Hanalei.

Kahalahala Beach

Approximate time: 15 minutes

Just past Hanalei is a small beach called Kahalahala. The trail will go down into a forested area before emerging in front of a beautiful pristine beach.

This is where Nellie Forebrush sang the song “I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” in the musical South Pacific.

PRO TIP! If you’re pressed for time skip this beach and the next and head to Tunnels for some more snorkeling.

Lumaha'i Beach

Approximate time: 15 minutes

This picturesque, huge, white sand beach is one of Kauai's most gorgeous. However, the steep sand slope creates a strong undertow and powerful waves that break directly on the sand.

Hawaiian legends say that a giant named Pilikua was killed at this beach and that the lava flow into the ocean represents his giant tongue. See if you can spot it!

Tunnels Beach

Approximate time: 1 hour

Visit one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Kauai - Tunnels Beach!

Tunnels is the quintessential snorkeling and diving beach. There's plenty to explore here with underwater lava tubes with an abundance of sea life.

In fact, Tunnels is consistently listed as one of the best snorkel spots on the island.

Parking on the beach access roads is extremely limited. So if you can’t find a spot, head to Ha’ena Beach nearby and walk over to Tunnels. Please respect the No Parking signs.

If you don’t have your own gear, the nearest place to rent is Hanalei.

Ha’ena Beach & Maniniholo Cave

Approximate time: 15 minutes

Strong ocean currents make Ha’ena Beach not so great for casual swimming. In fact, you may even see surfers out in the water cutting it up on the waves.

But do get out of the car and go for a stroll. Ha’ena Beach is beautiful! There are restrooms, showers, and lifeguards here at this beach.

Across the street, there is a cave called Maniniholo. It’s the remains of an old lava tube, evidence of Kauai’s fiery volcanic past!

Limahuli Garden

Approximate time: 45 minutes

If you are not feeling up to a hike, perhaps you can consider a stroll in the Limahuli Botanical Garden, located next to Ha'ena State Park.

The garden is home to dozens of endangered plants and showcases native Hawaiian flora and fauna.

Note: There is an entrance fee to visit the garden. Online reservations are highly recommended as parking is extremely limited. Visitors using the North Shore Shuttle do not need reservations for the self-guided tour. In addition, the garden offers a special discount for shuttle users who show their passes when they check in at the visitor center.

Kalalau Trail & Ke'e Beach at Ha'ena State Park

Approximate time: 2 hours

Ha'ena State Park is located at the end of the road.

The popular state park features beautiful Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau Trail--one of the most ambitious hikes in Hawai'i. The 11-mile trail takes you along the steep cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

But no worries! You do not have to hike the entire trail to see the beauty of the Na Pali Coast.

You can get a great view of the stunning coastline from the first viewpoint on the trail at the half-mile marker. This is a total of two miles roundtrip from the parking area.

If you'd like a slighly longer hike, you can continue on to the Hanakapi'ai Valley for a total of 4 miles round trip. (You will need a permit to hike or camp past Hanakapi'ai Valley.)

Note: If you caught the shuttle to the park, keep your eyes on the time so you can complete your hike before the shuttle leaves.

Drive Back to Hanalei

Approximate time: 20 minutes

Now, we’ll start making our way back to Kapa’a with two stops along the way. First, you’ll head back to Hanalei to visit the historic pier.

Hanalei Pier

Approximate time: 15 minutes

pier Hanalei Pier, Kauai

Hanalei Pier dates back to the late 1800’s. This picturesque pier stretches into Hanalei Bay and has been featured in a handful of movies, like Beachheads, South Pacific, and more recently George Clooney’s The Descendants.

We recommend going for a leisurely stroll along the pier, and if you’re there at the right time, staying for sunset.

Farmstand & Mini Golf

Approximate time: 15 minutes to 1 hour

If you’re looking for a pitstop or want to grab a snack for the road on the drive home, you gotta check out Aloha Ola Farms at the Anaina Hou Community Park.

This farm-to-table fruit stand serves up awesome tropical smoothies, fresh juices, and other delicious frozen treats. They also offer a neat variety of local fruits and vegetables.

Next to it is a botanical garden with an 18-hole mini golf. Feel free to stop by if you’d like.