The North Shore: Land of Dreams
Where Kauai's beauty becomes almost too much to take in
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerExperience the Amazing Nāpali Coast
The Nāpali Coast is the soul of Kauai. A 17-mile stretch of sacred, untouchable coastline. Emerald cliffs that rise 4,000 feet from the ocean. You can't drive there. This makes seeing it a true adventure. There are three ways to witness its greatness.
By Sea (Boat Tour)
This is the most popular way to see the full scope of the coast. You'll glide past towering cliffs. See hidden beaches. Enter sea caves (weather permitting, best in summer). You'll often be joined by pods of spinner dolphins.
⛵ Catamaran Tours
Companies like Capt. Andy's offer large, comfortable catamarans. Perfect for a relaxing snorkel tour. Or a stunning sunset dinner cruise.
🚤 Zodiac Raft Tours
For a more thrilling, exciting ride, a rigid-hull inflatable raft (Zodiac) gets you closer to the coastline. Deep into sea caves that larger boats can't access.
By Air (Helicopter Tour)
To truly understand the scale of Kauai's interior, you have to see it from above. A helicopter tour is a splurge. But it's an amazing experience. You'll soar over the Nāpali Coast. Into the heart of Waimea Canyon. Past countless waterfalls. Including the 400-foot Manawaiopuna Falls (famous from Jurassic Park). It's on private land and can only be seen this way.
Kalani's Tip: If you're a photographer, book a 'doors-off' helicopter tour. The lack of glass makes for amazingly clear, reflection-free photos. It's a wild ride, but the shots are worth it!
On Foot (The Kalalau Trail)
Known as one of the most beautiful and dangerous hikes in the world. The full 11-mile trail to Kalalau Beach is for expert backpackers only. However, day hikers can experience a amazing piece of it.
The Day Hike
The most accessible portion is the first 2 miles from Keʻe Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach (a 4-mile round trip). From there, you can choose to hike an additional 2 miles inland along a stream. This reaches the stunning Hanakāpīʻai Falls (making it an 8-mile round trip total).
Crucial Reservation Info
You CANNOT just show up and hike. Access to the trailhead is within Hāʻena State Park. It requires advance reservations for all non-residents. You must book either a parking pass (which includes entry for everyone in the car) or a shuttle pass (which also includes park entry). Reservations become available 30 days in advance at 12:00 AM Hawaii Standard Time. They sell out almost instantly. You can book them at the official GoHaena.com website.
Kalani's Tip: My advice for Hāʻena State Park? Set an alarm for midnight Hawaii time, 30 days before you want to go. The parking passes sell out in minutes. If you miss out, the shuttle from Princeville is a great, stress-free option!
Explore Hanalei Town & Bay
After the wildness of the Nāpali Coast, Hanalei is the perfect place to relax. The town itself is a collection of historic buildings. Unique boutiques. Art galleries. But the main attraction is the bay. A perfect, two-mile crescent of sand. The famous Hanalei Pier stretching into the turquoise water.
Surfing
In the summer, the waves are gentle and perfect for learning. You'll find excellent surf schools like Titus Kinimaka's Hawaiian School of Surfing right on the bay. In the winter, the waves get much bigger. They're for experienced surfers only.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The calm Hanalei River flows into the bay. This offers two paddling experiences in one. You can rent kayaks from shops like Kayak Hanalei. Paddle up the peaceful river into the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Or head out into the bay to look for honu.
Kalani's Tip: After a morning surf session in Hanalei, my go-to is a King Kong Açaí Bowl from Kalalea Juice Hale. It's just outside of Kilauea and it's the best on the island, hands down.
Visit Kīlauea Point Lighthouse & National Wildlife Refuge
Perched on the northernmost tip of the island, this historic 1913 lighthouse offers one of the most stunning views on Kauai. The surrounding area is a National Wildlife Refuge. A sanctuary for thousands of nesting seabirds. Including Laysan albatross, red-footed boobies, and great frigatebirds ('iwa). It's also a amazing spot to watch for humpback whales in the winter.
Know Before You Go
Reservations are required for entry. Must be booked online in advance. The refuge is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The entrance fee is $10 per adult (16 and over) plus a $1 reservation fee. For reservations and official information, visit Recreation.gov or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.
Swim in Queen's Bath (With Extreme Caution)
Queen's Bath is a unique tide pool carved into a lava shelf. Creating a stunning natural swimming pool. However, its beauty hides extreme danger.
⚠️ SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
This area is CLOSED during the winter (roughly October to May). High surf makes it very dangerous. Rogue waves can and do sweep people off the rocks. With tragic results.
Summer Visits Only
If you visit in the summer, you must check conditions first. Only enter the water when the surf is 4 feet or less. Plan your visit for low tide for the calmest conditions. Never turn your back on the ocean. Never play on the rocks between the pool and the open sea. You can check tide charts for Hanalei Bay for guidance.
Snorkel at Tunnels and Anini Beach
Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)
This is arguably the best snorkeling spot on the island. A massive reef system featuring underwater lava tubes that give it its name. The inner reef is shallow and great for beginners. The outer reef offers more advanced exploration. Best in the calm summer months.
Anini Beach
Protected by the longest fringing reef in Hawaii, Anini Beach has some of the calmest, most reliable water on the North Shore. Perfect for families and beginner snorkelers year-round. The water is shallow, clear, and a frequent feeding ground for sea turtles.
ℹ️ North Shore Essentials
- Best Time: May-Oct
- Main Town: Hanalei
- Vibe: Lush & dramatic
- Winter: Big surf, rain
⭐ Must-See Spots
- Nāpali Coast (boat, air, or hike)
- Hanalei Bay & Pier
- Kīlauea Lighthouse
- Kalalau Trail
- Tunnels Beach