Where emerald mountains meet crescent-shaped bays, and time moves with the tides. Kauai’s North Shore is the island’s most lush and dramatic region — home to world-famous Hanalei Bay, the rugged Napali Coast, and postcard-perfect beaches tucked beneath jungle-clad cliffs. It’s where adventure and tranquility coexist, offering everything from surfing and hiking to slow mornings in charming towns like Hanalei and Kilauea.
Whether you’re watching waterfalls spill down the mountains after a rain or catching a golden sunset over Bali Hai, the North Shore is pure Kauai magic — raw, serene, and unforgettable.
North Shore Hanalei, Princeville, Haena
Top Reason: Lush scenery, epic beaches, and laid-back charm.
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Best for: Romantic getaways, nature lovers, surfers, and slow travel
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Highlights: Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach, Kalalau Trail, Limahuli Garden
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Vibe: Tropical, quiet, and deeply scenic
Perfect for travelers who want to wake up to mountain views and explore Kauai’s raw, untouched beauty.
Hanalei town sits on the edge of the famous crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay. The 2-mile-long bay is alive with activity year-round. During the summer, the bay’s calm waters are inviting for stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, surf lessons, and fishing from the historic Hanalei Pier. During the winter months, the waters are a playground for experienced watermen and women as they ride the giant swells of the winter Pacific Storms.
From Hanalei to the end of the road at Kee Beach you will traverse an 8 miles scenic drive, where you will find many opportunities for a postcard-perfect photo as well as popular attractions, including Lumahai Beach, Maniniholo Dry Caves, Waikanaloa Wet Caves, Haena Beach Park where the road finally ends, and the Na Pali Coast begins. For parking permits and park entry, visit www.gohaena.com.
Hanalei and North Shore activities include kayaking the Na Pali Coast tours, stand-up paddleboarding, and surf lessons. Explore the hidden north shore while hiking the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail. The day hike ends at the beautiful Hanakapiai Beach (not for swimming) at the base of the Hanakapiai Valley.
The Napali Coast is inaccessible by road and is truly one of the most pristine, untouched, and beautiful island coastlines. Best toured by helicopter or boat, the fifteen-mile stretch of the Na Pali Coast will give you views of 3,000 feet-high, densely green cliffs that dramatically meet the turquoise blue ocean. The waters off the Na Pali Coast are a playground for several species of dolphins and Hawaii’s Humpback Whales during the winter months.
The crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay, back-dropped with dramatic views of Kauai’s interior misted mountain ranges, is the center of all activity on Kauai’s North Shore. Famous for sailing, paddle boarding, surfing, and swimming. Discover a collection of fun activities, unique shops, galleries, and eateries in what used to be the Old Hanalei School House and Ching Young Village.
