Hanalei, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay is one of the most scenic beaches on the north shore of Kauai.  It features mountain views and a pier.  In summer, the water gets calm and clear.  It's perfect for swimming, SUP, and diving.  During the winter, the it becomes a beautiful surf spot. There are small lots for parking sca...

This beach is easily found by driving into Princeville and heading toward the St. Regis hotel. The trail to the beach is just before you arrive at the hotel. There is a small public parking lot on the right, which leads to the trail. If the lot is full, don't worry, the St. Regis Resort will vale...

Between the frequent rains and the often overcast forecast, Kauai is not always the typical Hawaiian tropical getaway people dream of. But there are few islands that offer the same majestic waterfalls, luscious valleys, world renowned breaks, and more. Like a handful of the island's other gems, Q...

Turtle Cave is located within a small bay on the Princeville side of Kauai. This hike requires swimming, repelling down a steep cliff and potentially high tides.  This particular access point is located on private property, so you should be staying in one of the rentals or traveling with a guest....

Wyllie's beach is a small beach next to Anini beach. It is on the northwest side of the river mouth. There is a 0.8 mile trail down to the beach. The trail head is near the Westin Princeville. This is a handy beach for those staying in the Princeville area, as it is walkable from most vacation ho...

The shallow nearshore ocean bottom makes Anini a great beach to visit if you have kids. Anini Beach Park is also a snorkeler's delight - here you may spot Hawaii's state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a (triggerfish) and uhu (parrotfish), kala (unicornfish) and other tropical fish. On the downsid...

Makua, aka Tunnels, is known for its incredible mountain scenery. This beach also offers great snorkeling, where people will usually see turtles. Public parking, bathrooms and showers are available at Haena Beach Park located west of Tunnels. Be sure to head to the beach early, parking on the tow...

Is a so-called ‘secret beach’ that sits on Secret Beach Road considered secret anymore? Perhaps not, but don’t let that deter you from exploring the depths of Kauai’s renown Kauapea Beach, more widely known as Secret Beach. The 3,000-foot long north shore beach is known for it’s size, privacy, a...

Enjoy the view of the Garden Island from the crystal clear waters of the pacific ocean. Experiencing the coast by water allows for private beach access and exploring amazing sea caves! You have a few options to go by boat to see this enchanted terrain.Guided Kayak ToursYou can rent a kayak and pa...

Kawaikoi stream trail starts 3/4 mile beyond the Forest Reserve entrance sign on the Mohihi-Camp 10 road & across the stream at "Sugi Grove". It's a DLNR maintained trail, so there's signage & mile markers for the trail.At 1.75 miles total-roundtrip, it's a very easy walking trail, great ...

A strenuous 7 mile hike, depending on which way you start, that takes you from the world renowned Kalalau Valley from Pu'u O Kila lookout, through dense mossy forests, across a stream, up to the highest swamp in the world and ends in views of Kaua'i's north shore of Wainiha valley and Hanalei Bay.

You will need a 4WD high clearance vehicle to reach this trail. To reach the trailhead, take Highway 580 which will eventually turn to dirt. You'll cross over a couple of streams and when you reach a Y, take a left. In one more mile, you will reach a second Y which you will turn left. If the gate...

Parking at the trailhead is limited to approximately four vehicles, so arrive early. If you are unable to park, continue down Highway 580 and you will find parking next to Kawi Stream. The beginning of the trail, an old fire road, starts with a gradual incline where you are exposed to a variety o...

Easiest/Direct route: When in the Kapa'a area from the main highway turn left onto Kawaihau road. Follow Kawaihau all the way up until you see a sign for Kapahi road, turn left onto that road. Driving in, you'll see a red gate on your left-hand side. The parking area is just after the gate, along...

Iliau, an endemic plant to Kaua'i's westside, grows along the path -- hence the name: Iliau Nature Loop -- is located in Waimea Canyon State Park. Not far after mile marker 8. It has the same trailhead as Kukui Trail.Native vegetation are identified in signs along the path. There are excellent vi...

Among all of the places in the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is my favorite. It's what you imagine when you think of Hawaii. It's still relatively undeveloped and there are no freeways on the island. Waimea Pier, which is located at Waimea Beach, epitomizes the old feel of Kauai.Located on the west sid...