North Shore
🌺 Things to do
10 curated experiences
Ha'ena State Park & Ke'e Beach
Haʻena
The end of the road on Kauai's north shore — the most coveted permit on the island. Ke'e Beach is sheltered in summer for superb snorkeling in calm, clear water with sea turtles. The Kalalau Trail begins here: the first 2 miles to Hanakapiʻai Beach (1–2 hours each way) is one of the finest short day hikes in Hawaii — clifftop ocean views, valleys inaccessible any other way, and a remote black sand beach at the end (swimming prohibited). Add the 3.5km spur to Hanakapiʻai Falls for a full 5–6 hour day. The trail can be very muddy after rain; add significant time and wear proper shoes.
Limahuli Garden & Preserve
Haʻena
The National Tropical Botanical Garden's original garden: a working ahupuaʻa of native and Polynesian-introduced plants and taro terraces below Makana peak — the north shore's standout stop for garden-minded clients.
Kalalau Trail — Na Pali Coast Hike
Haʻena
The most dramatic coastal trail in the United States — 11 miles of Na Pali cliffs with no road access and no way out except back the way you came. Two day-hike options: (1) First 2 miles to Hanakapiʻai Beach (1–2 hours each way) — this alone delivers clifftop views that rival anything in Hawaii; the beach at the end is a remote black sand cove, swimming prohibited due to shore break. (2) Continue 3.5km inland from the beach to Hanakapiʻai Falls (add 3 hours round trip) — a 91m waterfall in a jungle amphitheater. Plan 5–6 hours total for beach + falls. Trail is extremely muddy after rain; add 30–60% to time estimates and wear closed-toe shoes with grip.
Tunnels Beach (Makua) Snorkeling
Haʻena
The best snorkeling beach on Kauai's north shore — a broad sandy bay with a fringing reef system that creates the "tunnels" of the name: coral archways, swim-throughs, and lava formations with exceptional fish diversity. Water clarity is outstanding when the sea is calm. The backdrop of fluted Na Pali ridges directly behind the beach makes this one of the most visually dramatic settings for a beach day in Hawaii. The Ha'ena permit system means the beach is never overcrowded. Combine with the Limahuli Garden (10 min further) or as the beach portion of a Na Pali hike day.
Hanalei Town Lunch & Stroll
Hanalei
Small plantation-era town on Hanalei Bay with taro-field views, galleries and casual lunch options; pairs well as a half-day stop with a Hanalei Bay beach visit.
Okolehao Trail
Hanalei
The Nā Ala Hele ridge trail climbs about 1,230 ft in 2.3 miles to Kaukaopua, with the best view there is of Hanalei Valley's taro fields and the bay. Go early before the heat and clouds, and skip it the day after rain: the red dirt turns steep and slippery, and there are landslide-prone cliff edges. Hunting is allowed in the area, so stay on the trail.
🥾 Hikes
2 trails
Kalalau Trail — Na Pali Coast Hike
Haʻena
The most dramatic coastal trail in the United States — 11 miles of Na Pali cliffs with no road access and no way out except back the way you came. Two day-hike options: (1) First 2 miles to Hanakapiʻai Beach (1–2 hours each way) — this alone delivers clifftop views that rival anything in Hawaii; the beach at the end is a remote black sand cove, swimming prohibited due to shore break. (2) Continue 3.5km inland from the beach to Hanakapiʻai Falls (add 3 hours round trip) — a 91m waterfall in a jungle amphitheater. Plan 5–6 hours total for beach + falls. Trail is extremely muddy after rain; add 30–60% to time estimates and wear closed-toe shoes with grip.
Okolehao Trail
Hanalei
The Nā Ala Hele ridge trail climbs about 1,230 ft in 2.3 miles to Kaukaopua, with the best view there is of Hanalei Valley's taro fields and the bay. Go early before the heat and clouds, and skip it the day after rain: the red dirt turns steep and slippery, and there are landslide-prone cliff edges. Hunting is allowed in the area, so stay on the trail.
🏨 Where to stay
1 vetted properties
🍽️ Where to eat
3 places our scouts eat
Hanalei Nourish
Hanalei
Hanalei Nourish (Hanalei, on Aku Rd) — don't miss it. Healthy, creative cuisine using local Kauai ingredients with a magnificent view of Hanalei Bay from the terrace. Smoothie bowls, fresh fish dishes, and the best açaí bowl on the island. The view alone is worth the detour.
Hanalei Poke
Hanalei
Hanalei Poke (Hanalei, on Aku Rd) — some of the freshest poke on Kauai, made daily with locally caught fish. Small shop, limited quantity. Arrive before noon or it sells out. Get the ahi shoyu and one daily special.
Kilauea Fish Market
Kīlauea
Kilauea Fish Market (Kilauea town, in a strip mall — easy to miss) — plate lunches, fish tacos, and excellent specials. The avocado salad and mahi fish sandwich are outstanding. Most beloved lunch spot among Kauai locals.
📅 Events
16 on the calendar
2026-01-03
Quadrantid meteor shower (peak)
The Quadrantids are one of the year's strongest meteor showers, with a brief, sharp peak in early January that can produce 40 or more meteors per hour under dark skies. Because Hawaiʻi has some of the clearest, darkest skies in the U.S., the islands are a superb place to watch. Look in the hours before dawn, away from town lights — a high-elevation spot or a dark leeward beach is ideal. No telescope needed; just let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes.
2026-02-21
2026 Waimea Town Celebration
2026-02-21
Na Heihei A Ola - Waimea Town Celebration Fun Run
2026-04-22
Lyrid meteor shower (peak)
The Lyrids are an annual April meteor shower, active for about a week and peaking around April 22 with roughly 15–20 fast, bright meteors per hour and the occasional fireball. From Hawaiʻi, the best viewing is after midnight into the pre-dawn hours, away from city lights. Find a dark, open sky — upcountry or a leeward shore — and give your eyes time to adjust.
2026-05-06
Eta Aquariid meteor shower (peak)
The Eta Aquariids are debris from Halley's Comet, peaking in early May. Hawaiʻi's low latitude makes it one of the best places in the United States to watch this shower — from the tropics it can deliver 40+ swift meteors per hour, many leaving glowing trains. Look toward the eastern sky in the hours before dawn from a dark location. A standout event for island stargazers.
2026-08-12
Perseid meteor shower (peak)
The Perseids are the most popular meteor shower of the year, peaking in mid-August with up to 60 bright, fast meteors per hour and frequent fireballs, all on warm summer nights. Debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, they are easy to enjoy from Hawaiʻi under dark skies. Watch after midnight, away from town lights, from a high-elevation site or a dark beach; no equipment needed.
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