North Shore Kauai GPS Driving Tour

• Kalalea Mountain, Kauai Rock Climbing

  5 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Before we get started visiting the picture-perfect beaches on this tour, pull over for a look at the Kalalea Mountain Range.

• Moloa'a Beach

  20 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Remember the 1963 show Gilligan’s Island? Well, this picturesque beach is where the first season was filmed! Take a stroll on the beach where Gilligan and his crew started it all.

• Kāhili Beach

  20 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Kahili Beach is also known as Rock Quarry Beach because of a former rock quarry nearby. This is a remote rural beach with no facilities, just lots of beauty. If you have time, wade through the stream if it is low enough and check out the far left side of the beach. There is a huge rock to climb on for an epic view of the bay.

• Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Not Included

  Located at the end of a scenic peninsula, the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of local seabirds. Depending on the season there seem to be thousands of birds on the cliffs or in the skies. In the waters below, look out for spinner dolphins and monk seals in their natural habitat.

• Kauapea (Secret) Beach Trail Head

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Take a short, 15-minute hike to the shore where you’ll find a beautiful and secluded white sand beach. Why is it a secret, you ask? This spot was relatively unknown in the past making it a popular nudist beach for hippies. But it’s not so secret anymore. Today, the beach goes by its Hawaiian name, Kauapea, and is better known for its breathtaking beauty.

• Anini Beach

  1 hoursAdmission Ticket Free

  Time to take out that snorkel gear! Anini Beach boasts the largest coral reef in Hawai'i and is considered one of the best snorkel spots in Kaua'i.

• Hanalei Valley Lookout

  5 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  As you drive to Hanalei, on your right you’ll see a little shopping center for Princeville and to your left a scenic viewpoint. Pull over for a breathtaking view of Hanalei Valley with a patchwork of taro fields below and the lush mountains in the background.

• Okolehao Trail

  30 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  The Okolehau Hike is a challenging 5-mile hike with some serious elevation gain. But if you just want to get out of the car for a quick walk, hike the first half mile of the trail until you reach an electric pole. There you will find an overlook of the Hanalei Valley.

• Hanalei

  45 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Hanalei is a charming seaside town with a famous pier, restaurants, and shopping. While you’re here, it’s a great spot to grab some lunch or pick up picnic supplies for lunch on the pier.

• Kahalahala Beach

  15 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Just past Hanalei is a small beach called Kahalahala. The trail will go down into a forested area before emerging in front of a beautiful pristine beach. This is where Nellie Forebrush sang the song “I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” in the musical South Pacific.

• Lumaha'i Beach

  15 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  This picturesque, huge, white sand beach is one of Kauai's most gorgeous. However, the steep sand slope creates a strong undertow and powerful waves that break directly on the sand.

• Tunnels Beach

  1 hoursAdmission Ticket Free

  Tunnels is the quintessential snorkeling and diving beach. There's plenty to explore here with underwater lava tubes with an abundance of sea life. In fact, Tunnels is consistently listed as one of the best snorkel spots on the island.

• Haena Beach Park

  15 minsAdmission Ticket Not Included

  Strong ocean currents make Ha’ena Beach not so great for casual swimming. In fact, you may even see surfers out in the water cutting it up on the waves.

• Maniniholo Dry Cave

  There is a cave called Maniniholo. It’s the remains of an old lava tube, evidence of Kauai’s fiery volcanic past!

• Limahuli Garden and Preserve

  45 minsAdmission Ticket Not Included

  If you are not feeling up to a hike, perhaps you can consider a stroll in the Limahuli Botanical Garden, located next to Ha'ena State Park. The garden is home to dozens of endangered plants and showcases native Hawaiian flora and fauna.

• Ha'ena State Park

  Ha'ena State Park is located at the end of the road. The popular state park features beautiful Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau Trail--one of the most ambitious hikes in Hawai'i. The 11-mile trail takes you along the steep cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.

• Hanalei

  20 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Now, we’ll start making our way back to Kapa’a with two stops along the way. First, you’ll head back to Hanalei to visit the historic pier.

• Hanalei Pier

  15 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  Hanalei Pier dates back to the late 1800’s. This picturesque pier stretches into Hanalei Bay and has been featured in a handful of movies, like Beachheads, South Pacific, and, more recently George Clooney’s The Descendants.

• Aloha Ola Farms – Farmstand @ Anaina Hou Community Park

  15 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  This farm-to-table fruit stand serves up awesome tropical smoothies, fresh juices, and other delicious frozen treats. They also offer a neat variety of local fruits and vegetables.

• Kapaʻa

  40 minsAdmission Ticket Free

  After your refreshing treat, you’ll begin making your way back to Kapa’a. On the return drive, you'll hear stories about King Kamehameha and his attempts to invade Kaua'i.