Login or Register Here
to remove these ads.
North Kauai Region
Location: North Kauai
If you are looking to try your hand at snorkeling, this is a great place. It is such a supreme snorkeling location because it has a massive reef that is so large it can be seen from space. As can be seen on the following page, even the view from a helicopter is impressive and shows the magnitude of the reef. The waters are generally calm which also makes the beach popular for scuba divers. There is a slight rip current, but most of the time it is weak.
Two roads provide beach access, one 4/10 mile past mile marker 8 and the other 6/10 mile past mile marker 8 (the latter is the better of the two). Parking can be a hassle because you will have to park along the side of a narrow road. The roads are a bit hard to find, but there are a few signs placed by residents that let you clearly know which roads do NOT lead to Tunnels Beach. Please show aloha and don’t park at those spots.
If you are looking to try your hand at snorkeling, this is a great place. It is such a supreme snorkeling location because it has a massive reef that is so large it can be seen from space. As can be seen on the following page, even the view from a helicopter is impressive and shows the magnitude of the reef. The waters are generally calm which also makes the beach popular for scuba divers. There is a slight rip current, but most of the time it is weak.
Two roads provide beach access, one 4/10 mile past mile marker 8 and the other 6/10 mile past mile marker 8 (the latter is the better of the two). Parking can be a hassle because you will have to park along the side of a narrow road. The roads are a bit hard to find, but there are a few signs placed by residents that let you clearly know which roads do NOT lead to Tunnels Beach. Please show aloha and don’t park at those spots.
Location: North Kauai
Heading north on Highway 56 the road begins to move more toward the west than north. Our next stop is called Queen’s Bath and is located inside the high class neighborhood of Princeville.
Queen’s Bath is a large natural “pool” which has been carved out of a lava shelf. The ocean acts as its filter which makes it dangerous to visit during the winter months when the surf is rougher. In the summer months the water is often calmer and you can see into the pool even without goggles. Small fish and other ocean life enjoy the beauty of Queens Bath and you will meet them if you decide to take a dip. Occasionally the government will close the bath due to dangerous conditions. This location is not without danger as many people have been swept into the ocean by rogue waves. Proceed at your own caution.
Heading north on Highway 56 the road begins to move more toward the west than north. Our next stop is called Queen’s Bath and is located inside the high class neighborhood of Princeville.
Queen’s Bath is a large natural “pool” which has been carved out of a lava shelf. The ocean acts as its filter which makes it dangerous to visit during the winter months when the surf is rougher. In the summer months the water is often calmer and you can see into the pool even without goggles. Small fish and other ocean life enjoy the beauty of Queens Bath and you will meet them if you decide to take a dip. Occasionally the government will close the bath due to dangerous conditions. This location is not without danger as many people have been swept into the ocean by rogue waves. Proceed at your own caution.
Location: North Kauai
Kalihiwai Falls is a beautiful two-tiered fall that is visible from the bridge that spans the Kalihiwai River. There used to be a pullout near the bridge but it was closed. Walking across the bridge for a better look is ill advised given the traffic.
The falls are accessible by hiking or horseback riding several companies offer guided hikes in this lush are of Kauai.
Kalihiwai Falls is a beautiful two-tiered fall that is visible from the bridge that spans the Kalihiwai River. There used to be a pullout near the bridge but it was closed. Walking across the bridge for a better look is ill advised given the traffic.
The falls are accessible by hiking or horseback riding several companies offer guided hikes in this lush are of Kauai.
Location: North Kauai
The journey of the north shore ends at one of the most popular beaches on Kaua‘i, Ke‘e Beach. The beach marks the end of Highway 560 and the portion of Kaua‘i that can be seen by car. The rest of north Kaua‘i is occupied by the Na Pali Coast, a series of rugged seaside cliffs stretching along the northwest shore that is not navigable by vehicle. Parking is available on either side of the road and near the coast. We’ve seen Ke‘e at many times of day, and it is equally crowded. Parking may be difficult, but usually is not too much of a problem.
Ke‘e is very popular with snorkelers and families. One of the most striking aspects of this beach is its breathtaking view of the Na Pali Coast, which begins here. When you are facing the ocean, Na Pali can be glimpsed to your left. The best time for photographs is early morning (on a clear day) or right at sunset. The last time we were there, we saw a couple taking advantage of a gorgeous sunset to exchange their vows.
The journey of the north shore ends at one of the most popular beaches on Kaua‘i, Ke‘e Beach. The beach marks the end of Highway 560 and the portion of Kaua‘i that can be seen by car. The rest of north Kaua‘i is occupied by the Na Pali Coast, a series of rugged seaside cliffs stretching along the northwest shore that is not navigable by vehicle. Parking is available on either side of the road and near the coast. We’ve seen Ke‘e at many times of day, and it is equally crowded. Parking may be difficult, but usually is not too much of a problem.
Ke‘e is very popular with snorkelers and families. One of the most striking aspects of this beach is its breathtaking view of the Na Pali Coast, which begins here. When you are facing the ocean, Na Pali can be glimpsed to your left. The best time for photographs is early morning (on a clear day) or right at sunset. The last time we were there, we saw a couple taking advantage of a gorgeous sunset to exchange their vows.
Location: North Kauai
As you continue to drive north past Kapa‘a you’ll pass through the town of Anahola around mile marker 13. Continue north along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) until you come to Kolo Road shortly after mile marker 23. The road will be on your right. After you have turned onto Kolo Road you are going to want to take Kilauea Road makai (towards the ocean) to Kilauea Lighthouse and the national wildlife refuge that has been set up there. You have also now officially entered North Kaua‘i.
Before heading down to the lighthouse parking lot on the peninsula, take a moment to stop at the upper lot and view the lighthouse from the overlook. Then continue on down to the lower parking lot.
Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970’s. The lighthouse is open to look around on the ground level. Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua‘i’s most popular attractions. Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua‘i’s past.
As you continue to drive north past Kapa‘a you’ll pass through the town of Anahola around mile marker 13. Continue north along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) until you come to Kolo Road shortly after mile marker 23. The road will be on your right. After you have turned onto Kolo Road you are going to want to take Kilauea Road makai (towards the ocean) to Kilauea Lighthouse and the national wildlife refuge that has been set up there. You have also now officially entered North Kaua‘i.
Before heading down to the lighthouse parking lot on the peninsula, take a moment to stop at the upper lot and view the lighthouse from the overlook. Then continue on down to the lower parking lot.
Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970’s. The lighthouse is open to look around on the ground level. Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua‘i’s most popular attractions. Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua‘i’s past.
Location: North Kauai
This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. However, don't give in to the temptation to take a dip following that hike. As the sign on the way down to the beach says...many people have drowned at this beach because of its treacherous and unpredictable nature. Last time there were a lot of notches on that sign.
Total elevation gain is about 1060 feet between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai (that's coming and going) and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace.
This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. However, don't give in to the temptation to take a dip following that hike. As the sign on the way down to the beach says...many people have drowned at this beach because of its treacherous and unpredictable nature. Last time there were a lot of notches on that sign.
Total elevation gain is about 1060 feet between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai (that's coming and going) and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace.
Location: North Kauai
Hanalei is a leisurely little town situated on a beautiful crescent-shaped bay. The town is about as eclectic as it gets, everyone from surfer dudes to new-age folks call this place home.
To get to Hanalei after visiting the lookout at mile marker 0, you’ll head west on Highway 560 and travel down into the valley on a graded road. At the bottom of the road is a one-lane rickety looking bridge. Don’t let appearances fool you, it has been around for many years and is quite safe. It does, however, have a 15-ton weight limit. Since the bridge is one-lane, drivers must use bridge etiquette - all vehicles on one side cross together and then all vehicles on the other side cross.
Hanalei is a leisurely little town situated on a beautiful crescent-shaped bay. The town is about as eclectic as it gets, everyone from surfer dudes to new-age folks call this place home.
To get to Hanalei after visiting the lookout at mile marker 0, you’ll head west on Highway 560 and travel down into the valley on a graded road. At the bottom of the road is a one-lane rickety looking bridge. Don’t let appearances fool you, it has been around for many years and is quite safe. It does, however, have a 15-ton weight limit. Since the bridge is one-lane, drivers must use bridge etiquette - all vehicles on one side cross together and then all vehicles on the other side cross.
Location: North Kauai
Along the North Shore of Kauai, past mile marker 9 on Highway 560, mauka (towards the mountain) is one of the most fascinating gardens on the island, Limahuli Garden & Preserve. The 1,000 acre garden is now part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens after being donated to the society in 1976. In 1995, the garden was opened to the public and as of 1997 was rated by the American Horticultural Society as the best natural botanical garden in the United States. The garden, nestled in the mountains, is unique and a real treasure to visit.
One of the most amazing areas of the garden is the taro gardens and terrace system, the origins of which date back a century or more to the earliest Hawaiians. An overlook, as seen on the following page, allows you to get an amazing view of this archeological wonder.
Along the North Shore of Kauai, past mile marker 9 on Highway 560, mauka (towards the mountain) is one of the most fascinating gardens on the island, Limahuli Garden & Preserve. The 1,000 acre garden is now part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens after being donated to the society in 1976. In 1995, the garden was opened to the public and as of 1997 was rated by the American Horticultural Society as the best natural botanical garden in the United States. The garden, nestled in the mountains, is unique and a real treasure to visit.
One of the most amazing areas of the garden is the taro gardens and terrace system, the origins of which date back a century or more to the earliest Hawaiians. An overlook, as seen on the following page, allows you to get an amazing view of this archeological wonder.
Location: North Kauai
In the summer you can have a picnic underneath the Ironwood trees and in the winter you can catch a good wave at Kalihiwai Beach in north Kauai. The swimming is usually good here. Even the kids should be safe, just monitor conditions carefully. Waves tend to be harsher during the winter, there are also a few slippery rocks and some coral you should watch out for.
In the summer you can have a picnic underneath the Ironwood trees and in the winter you can catch a good wave at Kalihiwai Beach in north Kauai. The swimming is usually good here. Even the kids should be safe, just monitor conditions carefully. Waves tend to be harsher during the winter, there are also a few slippery rocks and some coral you should watch out for.
Location: North Kauai
Pu'u Poa Beach makes you do a little work to earn the privilege of lounging on its sands. You must descend a 191 steps to reach the beach but the journey is well worth it to see the dark green Kauai mountains as the backdrop for the cream colored sands of Pu'u Poa. There is no lifeguard on duty or facilities.
Pu'u Poa Beach makes you do a little work to earn the privilege of lounging on its sands. You must descend a 191 steps to reach the beach but the journey is well worth it to see the dark green Kauai mountains as the backdrop for the cream colored sands of Pu'u Poa. There is no lifeguard on duty or facilities.
Login or Register Here
to remove these ads.
73°F
