Are you planning a trip to Kauai and wondering if it’s worth staying in North Shore Kauai? Keep scrolling to check out this easy guide to Hanalei, Princeville, and Kilauea.
This guide to North Shore Kauai was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Thinking about visiting North Shore Kauai on your next Hawaii trip? Smart move. This is hands-down my favorite part of the island.
North Shore has everything that makes Kauai magical. We’re talking dramatic cliffs, waterfalls cascading down emerald mountains, and beaches that’ll make you want to cancel your flight home.
Plus, you get the laid-back vibe of Hanalei town without the crowds you’ll find on other islands.
I’ve been visiting Kauai for years (I’m kind of a professional tourist at this point), and North Shore never gets old.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or coming back for more, this guide will help you make the most of it.
Want the full scoop on planning your Kauai trip? Grab my complete Kauai travel guide for families. It’s got daily itineraries, money-saving tips, and all my insider knowledge in one place.
Quick North Shore Kauai FAQs
Is North Shore Kauai worth visiting?
Absolutely. North Shore has some of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai, period. You can snorkel, surf, hike to waterfalls, or just relax on the sand. The scenery alone is worth the drive.
What’s the weather like on North Shore compared to South Shore?
Real talk: North Shore gets about twice as much rain as South Shore. The mountains trap moisture, so you’ll see more afternoon showers (and way more rainbows). South Shore is sunnier and drier.
That said, the rain is what makes North Shore so lush and green. Just pack a light rain jacket and embrace it.
Can you swim at Secret Beach?
Summer months (May-September) are your best bet when the ocean is calmer. Even then, be careful. There’s no lifeguard, and winter swells can be dangerous. Check conditions before you go, and never swim if you see big waves or rip currents.
Why North Shore Kauai is Special
Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands (we’re talking 5+ million years old). That’s why the landscapes look so dramatic. Time has carved these incredible valleys and coastal cliffs.
You might recognize North Shore from movies like Jurassic Park and South Pacific. Once you see it in person, you’ll understand why Hollywood keeps coming back.
The beaches range from kid-friendly lagoons perfect for beginning snorkelers to world-class surf breaks. There are hidden caves to explore at low tide and hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints.
And then there’s the Na Pali Coast. Those iconic green cliffs you see in every Kauai photo. You can’t drive there, but you can hike, kayak, or take a boat tour to see them up close.
Oh, and keep an eye out for wild chickens. They’re everywhere on Kauai (seriously, everywhere), and they’ve become the unofficial mascot of the island.
Getting to North Shore Kauai
You’ll fly into Lihue Airport on the southeast side of the island. It’s small and easy to navigate – no stress there.
Do You Need a Rental Car?
Yes. I highly recommend getting a car if you want to explore the whole island. Public transportation exists, but having your own wheels gives you so much more freedom.
We always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They work with all the major companies (Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, etc.) and consistently get us better rates than booking direct. Plus, they often waive fees for extra drivers or reduce the young driver rate.
Check current prices here. It’s worth comparing before you book.
Taking the Bus
If you’re planning to stay in one area and not explore much, the Kauai Bus could work. Routes 400 and 500 run from Lihue Airport to Hanalei throughout the day. You’ll find the bus stop right outside baggage claim.
Uber and Lyft are also available, though not as abundant as on Oahu or Maui.
Driving Around Kauai
Here’s something important to know: you can’t drive all the way around Kauai. The highway runs about three-quarters of the way around the island, but stops at the Na Pali Coast on the northwest side.
From Hanalei, you have to drive clockwise to reach the west side. And some of the most beautiful beaches on the northwest coast? You can only reach them by kayak or serious hiking.
The interior of the island is pretty much helicopter-only. Those scenic helicopter tours you see? That’s how you see the middle of Kauai.
Where to Stay on North Shore Kauai
North Shore feels more remote than the South or East sides. You won’t find as many hotels, but what’s here is beautiful. The area leans toward luxury resorts and vacation rentals.
Hanalei: The Surfer Town
Hanalei is where you go to slow down. This little beach town has serious surf culture vibes, and the pace here is… chill. Don’t expect to rush anywhere.
The beaches around Hanalei Bay are gorgeous. Black Pot Beach has a 300-foot pier that’s perfect for sunset walks. The whole area is great for swimming, tidepooling, and just hanging out.
The food scene here is excellent. There are lots of great restaurants and food trucks with local flavor.
We’ve done two Flytographer photo shoots at Hanalei Bay (one with the whole family, another with a group of girlfriends), and the backdrop is stunning. If you want professional photos from your trip, this is the place. You can save $20 when you book through my link.
Where to Stay: Hanalei Bay Resort offers everything from studios to full condos. You’re steps from Hanalei Bay beaches, and there’s a tennis facility, spa, and Happy Talk Bar with live music and sunset views. Check rates on Expedia.
Just know there are additional fees ($50 check-in fee, $25 daily resort fee, $20 parking per night), so factor those in when comparing prices.
There are also some fantastic North Shore Kauai vacation rentals worth checking out.
Princeville: The Luxury Resort Area
Princeville is where you go for high-end accommodations and jaw-dropping views. We stayed at a vacation rental here once, and waking up to those mountain and ocean views every morning? Unforgettable.
This area has great shopping at Princeville Center and some premier golf courses if that’s your thing. You’re also close to Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge and Princeville Botanical Gardens.
For moderate hikes, check out Queen’s Bath (when conditions are safe) or the Hanalei Valley Lookout for incredible photo ops.
Where to Stay: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is a solid choice for families. You get spacious one- or two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, washers/dryers, and private lanais.
The pools are beautiful, there’s a fitness center, and Nanea Restaurant serves farm-to-table food. They also have kids’ programs and children’s pools. Best part? No resort fees, and WiFi is free. Check availability on Expedia.
Kilauea: The Historic Town
Kilauea is more residential, so you won’t find big resorts here. But it’s worth visiting for shopping, history, and beaches.
Stop by Kong Lung Historic Market Center to browse local shops, grab food, and learn about the area’s plantation history.
The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse are must-sees (more on that below). And Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach) is here. It’s that stunning, remote beach backed by black cliffs.
Anini Beach is also in this area and has perfect conditions for snorkeling.
Best Things to Do on North Shore Kauai
Amazing Beaches
Every beach on North Shore has its own personality. Kee Beach is perfect for families. It has calm waters and easy access to walking trails.
We’ve seen sea turtles at Tunnels Beach (best in summer when it’s calmer), and watching surfers tackle winter waves there is incredible.
For snorkeling, head to Haena Beach Park. The beach is inside a state park with great easy hiking trails and wet caves you can explore during low tide.
Visit Limahuli Garden
If you like botanical gardens, don’t skip Limahuli Garden. It’s right by Haena State Park, and the setting is absolutely beautiful. You’ll walk through terraced gardens with views of Makana Mountain (Bali Hai) and learn about native Hawaiian plants.
The garden is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 4pm (last entry 2:15pm). Admission is $20, and you need to make a reservation in advance at ntbg.org. The 3/4-mile loop trail has some elevation gain but it’s manageable for most fitness levels.
Hiking on North Shore
North Shore has hiking for all levels. The Okolehao Trail is relatively easy – about 2 hours roundtrip with beautiful views overlooking Hanalei.
For something more challenging, the Hanakapiai Falls Trail is amazing. My youngest kid even hiked the first mile in his swimsuit! The full trail to the falls is about 8 miles roundtrip (4 miles to the beach, then another 2 miles up to the waterfall).
The trailhead is at the end of Kuhio Highway in Haena State Park. Just know you’ll need a park reservation to access it (details below).
For experienced hikers, the views and that waterfall are absolutely worth the effort.
Haena State Park (Important: Reservations Required!)
Haena State Park is home to Kee Beach and the trailheads for Hanakapiai Beach, Hanakapiai Falls, and the famous Kalalau Trail. It’s stunning, but you need to plan ahead.
Here’s how it works in 2026:
The park requires advance reservations for everyone 16 and older. You can book up to 30 days in advance at gohaena.com.
Your options:
- Parking + Entry: $10 per vehicle per time slot + $5 per person. There are only 70 visitor parking spots, and they sell out fast. You can book multiple time slots if you want to stay longer.
- Entry Only: $5 per person if someone drops you off or you bike in
- Shuttle: $40 for ages 16+, $25 for ages 4-15, free for ages 0-3 on lap. Park at Waipa Park & Ride and shuttle in. Shuttle runs daily with last pickup at the park at 5:40pm.
Hawaii residents with valid ID get in free (no reservation needed).
The park is open 7am to 6:45pm daily. You must arrive by the start of your time slot and leave before it ends. If you park outside the designated area, you’ll get a ticket ($200+) or towed.
My advice? Parking reservations sell out within minutes of becoming available at midnight Hawaii time (30 days in advance).
If you want to drive in, be online right at midnight HST ready to book. Otherwise, the shuttle is a great alternative (and you don’t have to worry about snagging a parking spot). You can also check the website at 7-8am daily for cancellations that create new parking availability.
If you’re planning to hike the Kalalau Trail past Hanakapiai Beach, you’ll need a camping permit from camping.ehawaii.gov ($35 per person per night, available 90 days in advance).
North Shore Kauai Tours
Staying on North Shore makes it super convenient to join tours that leave from this area.
Hanalei River Kayak Adventure
The Hanalei River kayaking tour is perfect for families. You’ll paddle down the beautiful Hanalei River, learn about Hawaiian culture, and snorkel in a protected area. Get details and book on Viator.
Private Surf Lessons
Want to learn to surf? Hanalei Bay is an excellent place to start. Book a private surf lesson and get personalized instruction on one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. Check availability on Viator.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
The Kilauea Lighthouse and surrounding refuge are worth a visit. You’ll see nesting seabirds (including one of the world’s largest red-footed booby colonies), and if you visit between November and April, you might spot humpback whales offshore.
2026 Details:
- Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm (must arrive by 3:30pm)
- Reservations required at Recreation.gov (available 60 days in advance)
- $10 admission + $1 reservation fee per adult
- Kids 15 and under are free
- Hawaii residents can purchase an annual pass for $20
Bring binoculars if you have them, or use the ones provided by the refuge. The views from the bluff are spectacular.
Where to Eat on North Shore Kauai
The food scene on North Shore is fantastic. You’ll find everything from food trucks to fine dining, and it all showcases local ingredients and island flavors.
Wishing Well Shave Ice
Okay, I’m just going to say it: Wishing Well has the best shave ice on the entire island. They’ve been operating out of an old white bus at the entrance to Hanalei since 1983, so they’ve had plenty of time to perfect it.
Get the organic flavors (they use locally-sourced fruit when possible), and definitely add ice cream on the bottom and snow cap or coconut cream on top. They also have a coffee shop in back if you need a morning caffeine fix.
Open daily 9:30am-7:30pm. You’ll see the bus on the right as you drive into Hanalei – can’t miss it.
Postcards Cafe
For a nice date night out, Postcards Cafe is our go-to. This place is special. It’s in a historic plantation cottage from 1864, and the food is incredible – organic, fresh seafood and vegetarian options with global flavors.
Chef Javier Melendez creates dishes inspired by his travels, so you get everything from Asian-inspired ahi to Mediterranean-style preparations. The atmosphere is romantic and relaxed.
They’re only open Tuesday through Saturday, 5pm-9pm (closed Sunday-Monday), so plan accordingly and make a reservation.
Food Trucks
Don’t sleep on the food trucks! North Shore has some great ones.
Saenz Ohana Breakfast Truck is on Kuhio Highway in Hanalei starting at 7:30am every day except Wednesday. They do Hawaiian-style breakfast classics with local ingredients.
Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. uses taro from their own farm to create dishes, sweets, and drinks. Open 11am-3pm daily. It’s a great way to try taro prepared in traditional ways.
More Restaurant Recommendations
The Hanalei Dolphin is the local favorite for fresh poke. This casual seafood restaurant and fish market serves everything from sushi to grilled fish. The poke bowls are what bring people back again and again.
Tahiti Nui has regular luau nights with a laid-back vibe. They serve Hawaiian-inspired cocktails, pizza, and more. Check their schedule before you go.
Tips for Planning Your North Shore Kauai Trip
Be Smart About Safety
With so much natural beauty, it’s important to stay safe. Volcanic rock can be slippery on hiking trails, so stick to marked paths and wear proper footwear.
Rip currents are real on remote beaches. Try to visit beaches with lifeguards when possible, especially if you’re not familiar with ocean conditions. Never swim when there are warning signs, big waves, or visible rip currents.
Ocean safety is crucial year-round. Always check daily conditions before entering the water, especially during fall and winter when surf can be rougher. Pay attention to any beach closures or advisories posted by lifeguards.
You Can Explore the Whole Island
Even though you’re staying on North Shore, you can easily explore the rest of Kauai. It only takes about 90 minutes to drive from North Shore to the South Shore.
Want to see Wailua River and Fern Grotto on the east side? Totally doable as a day trip. Check out my full Kauai travel guide for island-hopping ideas.
How Long Should You Stay?
I recommend 5-7 days for Kauai. That gives you time to explore North Shore thoroughly plus see other parts of the island. A week is perfect for balancing beach time, hikes, and adventures without feeling rushed.
If you’re trying to decide how much time to spend on each island, my Hawaii island hopping guide breaks it all down.
Planning Resources for Your Kauai Trip
Want to dive deeper into planning? I’ve got you covered:
Free Email Courses:
- How to Plan a Trip to Kauai – 7 days of planning tips delivered to your inbox
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro – my best tips for any Hawaii island
- How to Save Money in Hawaii – because Hawaii doesn’t have to break the bank
Podcast Episodes:
- Episode: North Shore Kauai – I walk through everything you need to know
- Episode: Best Things to Do on Kauai – island-wide recommendations
Need More Help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the planning, I offer Hawaii travel consultations. We’ll hop on a call and I’ll help you create a personalized itinerary based on your family’s interests, budget, and travel style.
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s visited Kauai dozens of times, I can help you avoid common mistakes and make sure you don’t miss the good stuff.
Ready to Visit North Shore Kauai?
North Shore Kauai is everything a Hawaiian vacation should be. Stunning scenery, incredible beaches, amazing food, and a pace that reminds you to slow down and enjoy life.
Whether you’re watching sunrise over Hanalei Bay, hiking to a waterfall, or just enjoying the best shave ice on the island, North Shore has a way of making you fall in love with Hawaii all over again.
Start planning your trip, and don’t forget to grab my complete Kauai guide for daily itineraries and insider tips. Trust me, it’ll make your planning so much easier.
See you in paradise!
Looking for more Kauai Travel Resources? Find out the best things to do in Hanalei, top kid-friendly Kauai resorts, how to book a Kauai family photographer, Oahu vs Kauai, and the best food trucks on Kauai!
