The Kauai North shore is filled with free sun and fun!
The Kauai North Shore has all the usual free things to do. For example, beaches are free (except for Ke’e); swimming, snorkeling, and sunning are free. Surfing is free if you have a board and almost free if you just have to rent one. Not so “free” if you desire a lesson but that’s for another blog post.
Once you’ve done the sun, the beach and the surf, then what? Here are a few different easy things to do on the North Shore of Kauai.
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Maniniholo Dry Cave in Hā‘ena on Kauai’s North Shore.
If you find yourself at Hā‘ena Beach park, take the time to walk across the street to view this dry cave. Steeped in legend, some get an eerie feeling as they enter. The cave goes back about 150’ but the ceiling that start at @ 50’ drops significantly as you head back. Fun to explore. On a hot day the cool interior is refreshing. To really see everything, you may find a small travel flashlight like this one useful. I love mine!
Located @ mile market 9 across from Hā‘ena Beach Park. Limited parking available at the beach, with a few parking spots in front of the cave.
If you are plan to stay here to swim, be aware that this beach is not reef protected. (There is a lifeguard here.) Use caution and only enter when calm as the strong currents and waves can be dangerous.
Tunnels beach, which is about a half mile to the right, is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Either a reef safe sunscreen or a rash guard (women’s) is recommended for any water activities. Here’s one for the men and one for the keiki. They should fit snugly, which is why I personally prefer the zip up. Easier to get on and off.
Okolehao Hike to Princeville overlook.
This is definitely a fun thing to do on the North Shore of Kauai. It’s somewhat more strenuous than the other suggestions as it’s all uphill. But, look at it this way, it’ll be all downhill coming back!
Hiking shoes and a hiking stick or poles are recommended as this trail tends to be muddy. Here are my favorite hiking poles or you can pick up a stick from the pile at the beginning of the trail. Great views of Hanalei / Hanalei Bay from the first overlook about .6 miles up by the power lines.
You can continue on to a second overlook (about 2.5 miles) at the bench and go beyond the official end of the trail for the “ropes hike.” We did this years ago and it was challenging with over 40 ropes along the way to the first peak of Hihimanu. So, pick your poison and plan accordingly. Plenty of water, (check out these hydration backpacks) snacks and bug spray recommended.
Directions: Leaving Princeville on Kuhio Hwy, go to the bottom of the hill, cross the one lane bridge and immediately turn left onto Ohiki Rd. at the taro fields. Drive slowly down the narrow road, about a mile, until you come to the parking sign. Parking is on the left. The trail starts to the right.
I wear my Timex Expedition watch and start the chronometer as I head out. Here are a few more watches for the men. I do this on all hikes. (Swimming too.) It’s far too easy to lose track of time and you don’t want to be heading back in the dark or be late for another activity. Decide what time you need to be back, then turn around at the halfway point or just slightly later. (Unless the trip back is all uphill!)
Lunch at Nourish Hanalei
Another free thing to do on Kauai’s North Shore is to visit the Nourish Hanalei Restaurant. Granted, it’s only “free” if you don’t buy breakfast or lunch there, but the “free” view is priceless. And since you’re already there, the food is as good as the view, so enjoy!
Located at 5225 Hanalei Plantation Road, at the end. Open weekdays 8AM-3PM. 808 431 3023.
Look for the Breakfast at Saenz Ohana Breakfast Truck located in the Makana Urgent Care parking lot on Hanalei Plantation Rd. You can easily miss it on your way to Nourish Hanalei! Open for breakfast 8:30AM-12PM weekdays. 4488 Hanalei Plantation Road behind Makana Urgent Care.
Saturday Farmer’s market and Craft fairs on Kauai’s North Shore.
The number of farmer’s markets / craft fairs continues to grow on Kauai’s North Shore. In addition to the original Hanalei Farmers market (9:30AM-12PM) there is now a new market in Princeville behind the Princeville Community Center at Prince Albert Park. (9:30AM -12:30PM)
Go a bit further toward Kilauea, to the Anaina Hou Community Center (9AM-1PM) for yet another great market! And if you miss all the Saturday fun, drive up to 5785 Kuhio Hwy in Waipa on Tuesday for the long standing farmer’s market. (2PM – Dusk)
There is also a Princeville Artists & Flea Market every first Sunday. 3PM-7PM
Bring your water / soda and snacks with you. Stop and picnic wherever you are. Here is a nice portable inexpensive, insulated bag. Here are some larger ones to consider.
Wai‘oli Hui‘ia church in Hanalei.
You must stop at this Kauai North Shore landmark in Hanalei! The Wai‘oli Hui‘ia church has continuously served the community since 1834, first as the Congregations Church and now as a United Church of Christ. It is listed on the State and National list of historic places. Pictures are a must! Open every Sunday at 10AM for in person or online tradition Hawaiian worship service. 5363 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei. 808 826 6253. Waioli@aloha.net.
Go back to Hanalei Town and explore. Then, from Hanalei town, turn left on Aku then right on Weke for Hanalei beach.
Stop at the (new) North Shore Kauai Hanalei Valley Overlook.
If you’ve been to Kauai before, you know stopping to take in the exquisite views from the Hanalei Valley Overlook in Princeville is (just past Foodland) yet another must do. From the overlook, views of the taro fields, and the Hanalei River with the mountains for a backdrop is stunning. The Valley is a designated wildlife Sanctuary where you’ll find several native Hawaiian water birds.
However, at the time of this blog, a new Overlook is under construction. Located on Kuhio highway just past Kapaka road, it will contain one of the very few restrooms along the highway. I’ll update when it finally opens!
Kauai North Shore free Princeville hula show.
Love hula? Who doesn’t! Each Saturday from 1:30PM-2:30PM Aunty Bev’s Hula Halau puts on an amazing performance at the Princeville shopping center open air food court stage. This is one of the few free hula performances on Kauai’s North Shore. We’ve enjoyed them many times.
Plan your lunch time around the performance. Tiki Iniki, The Spot North Shore Kauai, Red Hot Mama’s and Lotus Garden Chinese and Thai Cuisine are all right there. Check beforehand for their hours.
Stroll along the Princeville Community Walk /Jog Path.
Head over to Prince Albert Park by the Princeville Community Center and walk the 2.1 mile walk/jog path that runs from the park to the end of Ka Haku. We walk a portion of this path just about every day! It offers not only beautiful scenery, but also the chance to see some Nene (native Hawaiian geese) and an ocean viewpoint along with several benches to sit and relax. Be alert for skateboarders and bicyclists, who are also allowed on the path. For lunch, stop at the Makai course!
After (or before) your walk, head back to the Shopping Center for some Shave Ice. You’ll find this Hawaiian treat outside Foodland.
Walk to the Stone Dam via Wai Koa trail.
Originally accessed from the Anaina Hou Community Center in Kilauea, the Wai Koa Trail is now accessed via the North Shore Dog Park at 5445 Kahiliholo road in Kilauea.
This out and back 3 mile walk takes you through the largest mahogany plantation in the US and ends at the magnificent Stone Dam.Built in the 1800’s, it is manicured to perfection. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the North shore of Kauai!
Did you know you can swim here? Bring a swim coverup for afterwards. This one is perfect for the walk back or as a cover up to slip out of your swim suit discreetly.
Visit the Kilauea Old Stone Church.
I think too many people drive past this Kauai North Shore gem because they don’t think it is open. Located on Kolo Road at the intersection of Kilauea Road, the Christ Memorial Episcopal Church is definitely worth a visit. Built of lava rock, the church is known for its magnificent stained glass windows.
Just look to see if the church doors are open as you go by. According to their website, it is open from 9AM-3PM. 2509 Kolo Rd., Kilauea. 808 482 4824.
If you’re a history buff, take time to read about this Church on their website.
Kilauea Town.
Kilauea town on Kauai’s North Shore is also not to be missed. From the Church, proceed down Kilauea Road to Keneke Road. At this intersection, you will find historic Kung Lung Center on the far right corner, directly across from it is the new ‘Āhuimanu shopping center and across Keneke from the Ahuimanu Center is the Kilauea Plantation Center.
Turn left on Keneke and park either to the right at the Ahuimanu Center or to the left to enter the backside of the Kilauea Plantation center. You’ll see the Kilauea Market on your right as you enter.
There’s plenty to explore and enjoy among these three center. Lots of good eats too! And coffee! Don’t miss the Kilauea Fish Market for lunch.
If you’ve missed the shave ice in the Princeville Center, you can still get some here!
Kilauea Lighthouse.
The Kilauea Lighthouse isn’t free, but the best photo is. After leaving all the shopping/eating at Keneke Rd., turn left to continue Makai (oceanside) down Kilauea Rd. Do not veer off to the left as you get toward the end, just stay on Kilauea Rd.
This road ends at the Kilauea lighthouse. To enter, you’ll need reservations but to get the best picture, park there (limited parking) and snap an awesome shot of the lighthouse out on Kilauea point with crashing waves below. That’s it! 3580 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea.
Make a reservation here. You can usually get in within a day or two notice.
Not Free, but other fun things on the Kauai North Shore.
Here are a few additional “to do’s” while on the North Shore of Kauai.
Princeville Botanical Gardens and Chocolate tour
Ahi Lele Fire Show (Tue / Fri only)
Princeville Ranch horseback riding
Lumahuli Gardens – We did a post on this + a youtube tour.
Kilauea Lighthouse
Hā‘ena Beach State Park & Ke’e Beach – limited availability. Reservations are released 30 days in advance and go almost immediately! Here is our blog post and our youtube about this area.
More Help / Suggestions for your North Shore Kauai visit.
I always recommend joining one or two of the visitor oriented FB groups for specific questions. I follow several groups and occasionally answer questions. It’s a great place when you have a specific need. I often see questions about lodging, child appropriate beaches, handicap accessibility etc. Locals usually host these sites so the information is from someone who knows.
I also see visitors offering suggestions based on their recent experiences. Seems to be a great resource for reliable information.
If you prefer a guided tour, we’ve used both Viator and GetYourGuide and can vouch for the quality of their tours. (Yes, we do enjoy guided tours – Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Snorkel tour in the Galapagos, and many more — all were fun.)
A Hui Ho.
We hope you enjoy visiting some or all of these places. Of course, you may get no further than the beach and that’s ok too. Just relax and explore all that Kauai has to offer. If you’re so inclined, please tell us about your vacation experience below!
Aloha!
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