A Town-by-Town Tour

Discover the heartbeat of Kauai's North Shore through its charming communities

Written by a Local Expert

A Town-by-Town Tour: The Heartbeat of the North Shore

The magic of the North Shore isn't just in its coastline. It's in the small, charming communities that dot the Kuhio Highway. Each has its own distinct personality and treasures to discover.

Kilauea: The Cultured Gateway

As the first town you reach on the North Shore, Kilauea is a hub of history, nature, and unique local shops.

Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge

Perched on the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands, this historic 1913 lighthouse offers some of the most dramatic coastal views imaginable. The refuge is a sanctuary for nesting seabirds like Laysan albatross and red-footed boobies. In winter, it's one of the best places on the island for whale watching.

Reservations are required and can be made on recreation.gov. The refuge is open Wednesday through Saturday. The entry fee is $10 per adult (plus a $1 reservation fee).

Kauai's Hindu Monastery

A surprising and deeply serene oasis of tranquility. This traditional South Indian-style monastery is home to two temples and beautiful gardens. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds daily from 9 AM to 12 PM. Entry into the Kadavul Temple itself requires a reservation.

Remember to respect the sacred atmosphere with the strict dress code: no shorts, short dresses, or tank tops. Shoulders and knees must be covered. They kindly offer sarongs for those who need them.

Local Shops

Don't miss the Kong Lung Historic Market Center, a collection of charming plantation-era buildings that now house unique boutiques. Kong Lung Trading offers high-quality home goods, apparel, and gifts. For a delicious local bite, stop by the Kilauea Bakery, the oldest eatery in town. They're famous for their fresh bagels, pastries, and inventive pizzas.

Kilauea Highlights

🏛️ Lighthouse Historic 1913 beacon, seabirds & whales

🕉️ Monastery South Indian temples, 9 AM-12 PM daily

🍕 Bakery Fresh bagels, pastries, famous pizzas

Princeville: The Polished Resort

Set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, Princeville is a master-planned resort community known for its upscale accommodations, world-class golf, and jaw-dropping views.

Queen's Bath - A Plea for Caution

This spot is famous on social media, but it is also infamous among locals for its danger. The gate is often closed, especially during the winter high surf season. Even in summer, a calm appearance can be deceptive. Rogue waves can and do sweep people off the rocks with tragic consequences.

If you absolutely must go, only do so on the calmest summer days when the surf forecast is 4 feet or less. Check conditions for 20 minutes before approaching. Never, ever turn your back to the ocean. Parking is also extremely limited to about a dozen spots in a residential neighborhood. Illegal parking is ticketed frequently.

Princeville Makai Golf Club

You don't have to be a golfer to experience one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The club offers a fantastic Sunset Golf Cart Tour that is open to the public. A guide takes you on a two-hour tour of the course. They share stories about the local flora, fauna, and history. The tour ends with a breathtaking sunset view from the iconic 7th hole, which overlooks the ocean and Bali Hai.

It's a perfect way for non-golfers to access those million-dollar views. You can also enjoy a casual meal or a "Makai Tai" at the Makai Grill.

Views from the Bluff

The most iconic view in Princeville is from the bluff where the former St. Regis hotel, now the stunning 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, is located. While the hotel grounds are primarily for guests, there are ways for the public to enjoy the scenery.

Public access to the small but beautiful Pu'u Poa Beach is available via a steep set of stairs next to the hotel. However, public parking is nearly non-existent (only seven spots shared with Hideaways Beach).

My insider tip for non-guests is to make a reservation at the hotel's Welina Terrace lounge. You can enjoy a world-class sunset cocktail with an unobstructed, panoramic view of Hanalei Bay and the mountains. It's worth every penny.

Hanalei: The Soul of the Shore

After crossing the iconic one-lane bridge, you enter Hanalei, the undisputed heart and soul of the North Shore. This charming, laid-back town is a timeless slice of old Hawaii. It's nestled against the stunning backdrop of a perfect, crescent-shaped bay.

Hanalei Town

The town itself is a joy to explore on foot. The main hubs are the historic Ching Young Village and the Old Hanalei School House. They're filled with a delightful collection of surf shops, boutiques, and eateries.

Shops & Galleries

Hanalei has a vibrant art scene. Be sure to visit Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art for incredible artifacts from across the Pacific. Check out Ola's Hanalei for a beautiful collection of work by Hawaiian artists. Visit the Michal Art Studio & Boutique for vibrant, contemporary island-inspired paintings and fashion.

Wai'oli Hui'ia Church

With its iconic green shingles and stained-glass windows set against the dramatic mountains, this is probably the most photographed building on Kauai. Founded in 1834, with the current American Gothic-style structure built in 1912 by the sons of pioneering missionaries Abner and Lucy Wilcox, it's a beautiful piece of island history.

The grounds are also home to the original 1837 Wai'oli Mission House, which offers tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Hanalei Pier

This historic pier is the town's living room. Originally built in 1892 to serve the island's thriving rice industry, it's now a beloved gathering spot for fishing, strolling, and watching the sunset. It gained international fame after being featured in the 1957 film "South Pacific."

The beach adjacent to the pier, Black Pot Beach Park, is the calmest section of the bay. This makes it the go-to spot for families and beginner swimmers in the summer.