The Okolehao 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.

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The Kalalau Trail is one of the most ambitious hikes in Hawaii. This 11-mile trail takes you along the steep cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. To do the entire hike, a permit is required, but for your tour today we recommend you hike the first half mile to the viewpoint of the Na Pali Coast. From there, you can turn around the way you came.

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Note: Limahuli Botanical Garden is open Tuesday-Saturday and closes at 3pm and has a $25 entry fee for adults; it’s free for children under 17. Reservations recommended. Book here.

Now, if you are not feeling up to a rugged hike on the Kalalau trail, then perhaps you can consider a stroll in the Limahuli Botanical Garden.This garden is a neat place to learn about Hawaiian culture and native plants with descriptive placards. There is even a little booklet they give with with numbered sections that you can follow around the park learning more about what you are seeing. From personal experience, this garden is worth it, and by far the best botanical garden on the island. Plan on about 45 minutes to really see the whole gardens. You may want to check it out if you have the time.

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.

Time to take out that snorkel gear!

Anini Beach boasts the largest coral reef in Hawaii, and is considered one of the best snorkel spots in Kauai. The beach is a little detour off the main road - but don’t worry, we’ll guide you there.

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

After a windy section of road and just past Kahalahala Beach, the road straightens and Lumaha’i beach emerges. There is a large parking area next to the road. Be careful not to drive too far towards the beach, unless your car has high clearance. The beach here is wide open and calm during the summer months. It may be a good idea to just relax here along the beach.

To find the tongue of Pilikua the giant that I mention on the tour, go towards the left end of the beach where you will find a river mouth. The tongue is the flat black lava rock that enters the ocean right by the river.

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 is extremely limited, so if you can’t find a spot, head to Ha’ena Beach nearby and walk over to Tunnels. If you don’t have your own gear, the nearest place to rent is Hanalei.

Strong ocean currents make Ha’ena Beach not so much a place 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, and 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, an evidence of Kauai’s fiery volcanic past!

Note: Entrance to Ha’ena State Park is limited and parking is extremely limited. You must reserve your spot in advance (both your entry and parking spot). If parking is full, you can book entry + the shuttle service. Entry costs $5 per person and parking costs $10 per car. If you're booking the shuttle, the cost is $35 per person for entry and round-trip shuttle service. Without a voucher the road is closed past Hanalei. Get a voucher here.

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’ll see its resemblance to King Kong.

At the end of a scenic peninsula known as Kilauea Point, you’ll spot a lighthouse in the distance. The wildlife refuge is home to a variety of local seabirds. Depending on the season, there seems 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. You can visit the lighthouse and refuge Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm - although advance reservations are required. Book here.

Note: There’s a small entrance fee (cash only). If you’re pressed for time or traveling on a Sunday or Monday, no worries, you can still take in this beautiful site from afar from the outer parking lot.

Hanalei Pier dates back to the late 1800s. 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.

As you drive to Hanalei, on your right you’ll see a little shopping center for Princeville, and to your left, a scenic area viewpoint. The scenic area has a breathtaking view of Hanalei Valley.

Stop for a quick photo of the lush mountains and a patchwork of taro fields in the valley.

Take a short, 15-minute hike to the shore where you’ll find an expansive 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.

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 the time, wade through the stream - if it's 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.

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 gotta wash that man right outta my hair” in the movie South Pacific.

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

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.

Please Note: If you're traveling past Hanalei towards Haena State Park - home to the Kalalau Trail - you'll need a reservation. In addition to a reservation to enter the park, you'll need a parking or shuttle reservation. Parking costs $10 per car and entry is $5 per person. Round trip shuttle service and entry costs $35 per person. You can make your reservations up to 30 days in advance at www.gohaena.com. 

In addition, due to a recent landslide Kuhio Highway, the road that travels beyond Hanalei towards the park is undergoing maintenance and therefore there is limited access. You should expect long delays and plan to leave extremely early before the morning closure towards Hanalei. Learn more about the road closures here: www.hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/kauai/.