Day trip to the North Shore Kauai
Feb 5th, 2017, 11:48 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Day trip to the North Shore Kauai
Hi..
we will be staying on Kauai for 3 nights in April.I know I want to take a day trip to the North Shore. I'm looking for recommendations on things to do. If it is a whole days whole that's ok. Thanks!
we will be staying on Kauai for 3 nights in April.I know I want to take a day trip to the North Shore. I'm looking for recommendations on things to do. If it is a whole days whole that's ok. Thanks!
Feb 5th, 2017, 12:19 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd spend some time wandering the small town on Hanalei - very charming, lots of interesting shops and good restaurants. I'd also go to the beach there, and drive to the end of the road and walk around that area. Depending on how long you linger, it can take from half a day to a whole day.
Feb 5th, 2017, 01:00 PM
#3
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Drive to Ke'e Beach early if you can find parking, maybe visit Limahuli Gardens if interested, agree with spending time in Hanalei for lunch. They have some cute shops, and I'm not much of a shopper. Maybe the lighthouse time permitting.
Feb 28th, 2017, 07:57 PM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ke'e Beach - go early as the parking fills up quickly. Helicopter ride also very exciting on Kauai. Bird Sanctuary at the Lighthouse is interesting. Bike riding in Kapaa (not exactly North Shore)along the paved path that runs along the beach. Wonderful!
Mar 3rd, 2017, 02:31 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://www.kauai.com/kauai-coastal-path
As someone who has both walked and ridden the entire route of the bike path, totally agree with with Shar's comment Wonderful
...especially if you go in the winter and can see the whales!
As someone who has both walked and ridden the entire route of the bike path, totally agree with with Shar's comment Wonderful
...especially if you go in the winter and can see the whales!
Mar 4th, 2017, 06:14 AM
#7
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 19,736
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hanalei.
Na 'Aina Kai botanical gardens.
Kilauea Lighthouse.
Just me, but I wouldn't make a special trip to the north shore just for a beach day. Too much other stuff to do, and it's not as if you can't go to the beach elsewhere.
Na 'Aina Kai botanical gardens.
Kilauea Lighthouse.
Just me, but I wouldn't make a special trip to the north shore just for a beach day. Too much other stuff to do, and it's not as if you can't go to the beach elsewhere.
Mar 5th, 2017, 09:42 AM
#8
In Hanalei, be sure to drive to the pier. The beach and pier are NOT visible or accessible from the main road.
If you're doing the full day, I'd also suggest pulling in to Princeville. Park at (or near) the St. Regis hotel for spectacular "Bali Hai" views. The beach at the St. Regis (like all beaches in Hawaii) is public. There are stairs down to the beach. Or you could enjoy the views from the lobby or from the little gazebo out front that has an informative display re: the history of the area.
The paved path Shar referred to is one of my favorite places to walk. (My knees don't permit bicycling.) For me, a perfect morning starts with a massive banana/macadamia nut pancake at Country Kitchen in Kapa'a; then parking at nearby Ke'e Beach and walking north to the end of that path.
Also, on the way to the North Shore (presuming you're coming from south of Kapa'a) you could turn off to stop at Opaeka'a Falls and view the sacred, ancient area and the Walua River across the street.
Enjoy!
If you're doing the full day, I'd also suggest pulling in to Princeville. Park at (or near) the St. Regis hotel for spectacular "Bali Hai" views. The beach at the St. Regis (like all beaches in Hawaii) is public. There are stairs down to the beach. Or you could enjoy the views from the lobby or from the little gazebo out front that has an informative display re: the history of the area.
The paved path Shar referred to is one of my favorite places to walk. (My knees don't permit bicycling.) For me, a perfect morning starts with a massive banana/macadamia nut pancake at Country Kitchen in Kapa'a; then parking at nearby Ke'e Beach and walking north to the end of that path.
Also, on the way to the North Shore (presuming you're coming from south of Kapa'a) you could turn off to stop at Opaeka'a Falls and view the sacred, ancient area and the Walua River across the street.
Enjoy!
Mar 5th, 2017, 10:47 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
then parking at nearby Ke'e Beach and walking north to the end of that path.
S'doc do you mean Kapaa Beach where the old KPD substation was?
If you do hang a left at the old Coco Palms to go up and see Opaekaa Falls as 'doc suggests (worth the trip, IMHO-plus great view down the Wailua Riv canyon too) I'd continue up that road until you intersect with Kamalu Rd aka Rte 581. Take a right.
It take you thru the Homesteads along the backside of The Sleeping Giant Mtn and brings you out almost at Kountry Kitchen. Good, scenic way yo beat "The Kapaa Krawl" and see a part of Kauai some rarely see.
S'doc do you mean Kapaa Beach where the old KPD substation was?
If you do hang a left at the old Coco Palms to go up and see Opaekaa Falls as 'doc suggests (worth the trip, IMHO-plus great view down the Wailua Riv canyon too) I'd continue up that road until you intersect with Kamalu Rd aka Rte 581. Take a right.
It take you thru the Homesteads along the backside of The Sleeping Giant Mtn and brings you out almost at Kountry Kitchen. Good, scenic way yo beat "The Kapaa Krawl" and see a part of Kauai some rarely see.
Mar 5th, 2017, 12:46 PM
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,024
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Reading all this in the Lihue airport, waiting for our hopper to Honolulu, then home to Sacramento. Ended another wonderful visit to the North Shore this morning with pineapple pancakes at the TipTop. To the OP, all wonderful ideas here, only thing better would be to spend a few nights other than a long day trip, but time constraints are just that.if you go to the Kilauea Lighthouse, the Kilauea Fish Market is an excellent lunch stop.
Mar 6th, 2017, 08:08 AM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ditto Socal's rec on Kilauea Fish...they had a 2nd location behind the Coconut Marketplace next to Trees Lounge and Aston's Islander on the beach.
It's now called Sleeping Giant Grill. May have been part of of a divorce settlement? ;-)
It's now called Sleeping Giant Grill. May have been part of of a divorce settlement? ;-)
Mar 6th, 2017, 01:49 PM
#12
<then parking at nearby Ke'e Beach and walking north to the end of that path.>
NO, NO, NO!
Sorry. I meant KEALIA Beach, where there is a lifeguard station and rest rooms. Thanks for catching that, Kal!
Note to self: Do not post before coffee. ;-)
NO, NO, NO!
Sorry. I meant KEALIA Beach, where there is a lifeguard station and rest rooms. Thanks for catching that, Kal!
Note to self: Do not post before coffee. ;-)
Mar 6th, 2017, 02:53 PM
#13
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"...for spectacular "Bali Hai" views."
Personally, I like that view better from Makua Beach - aka Tunnels.
The drive from Hanalei to Ke'e Beach is one of my faves in Hawaii, hugging the dramatic coastline, lush tropical foliage and soaring pali on your left, one-lane bridges...just gorgeous. If you enjoy photography, you're in for a treat.
I'm less enthusiastic than northie about the views from Ke'e Beach, but if you climb the Kalalau Trail to the first viewpoint, you'll be rewarded with nice views of the NaPali Coast, and Ke'e Beach below.
Personally, I like that view better from Makua Beach - aka Tunnels.
The drive from Hanalei to Ke'e Beach is one of my faves in Hawaii, hugging the dramatic coastline, lush tropical foliage and soaring pali on your left, one-lane bridges...just gorgeous. If you enjoy photography, you're in for a treat.
I'm less enthusiastic than northie about the views from Ke'e Beach, but if you climb the Kalalau Trail to the first viewpoint, you'll be rewarded with nice views of the NaPali Coast, and Ke'e Beach below.
Mar 7th, 2017, 07:17 AM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ Songdoc...LOL...I knew it wasn't Kee Beach because that is a bit of a walk to get to the path. ;-)
@Face...we call that first "stop" OH MY GAWD Turn.
When we didn't have time to hike the whole thing, we just hiked up to there and hung out for awhile.
Every newbie hiker who hit the corner would turn and see the first full glimpse of the NaPali and says "OMG".
We took a lot of pix for the tourists back then. "Pre-selfies"
As for the drive to/from Hanalei to Kee, you should try walking/running it in June at 7 a.m. in the Hanalei Canoe Club's "Haena to Hanalei 8 Mile Run". Seeing a sunrise coming up over Princeville, PRICELESS
@Face...we call that first "stop" OH MY GAWD Turn.
When we didn't have time to hike the whole thing, we just hiked up to there and hung out for awhile.
Every newbie hiker who hit the corner would turn and see the first full glimpse of the NaPali and says "OMG".
We took a lot of pix for the tourists back then. "Pre-selfies"
As for the drive to/from Hanalei to Kee, you should try walking/running it in June at 7 a.m. in the Hanalei Canoe Club's "Haena to Hanalei 8 Mile Run". Seeing a sunrise coming up over Princeville, PRICELESS
Mar 8th, 2017, 11:32 AM
#15
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kal, if we had a nickel for every Kauai view that elicited an OH MY GAWD response... Headed over in May this year, so will miss the Haena to Hanalei Run (crawl in our case) but will keep it in mind for future visits. Splitting our time between Haena and Poipu Beach, our first time staying south. You wouldn't happen to know road conditions to Polihale Beach would you? Never been...
Mar 8th, 2017, 02:48 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FinTC....AGREE!
We still come around certain corners we have been going around since '89 and STILL have to say OMG...different clouds let different sun rays thru....never the same view.
People complain about not having a clear blue sky when visiting the Waimea Canyon? Much better to have some clouds because of the ever-changing colors/views/rays of sunlight...
As for the road to Polihale all I can say is "depends". We've hit it right after they smoothed it out and sometimes we've been "washboarded" the first 3 miles in then hit some big holes.
BUT...the only time I ever got stuck there was when it was dry as a bone for 4-5 days and the very fine, almost powdery sand ate my front tires.
After that we started watching sunsets at Kekhaha Beach wither at McArthur Park (restrooms/picnic tables/lifeguards) or across from St Theresa's Church.
Imjack25...still there?
If you are a movie fan and saw The Descendants you can walk the beach and along Weke Rd/sit on the bar stools of Clooney and Bridges in Tahiti Nui
We still come around certain corners we have been going around since '89 and STILL have to say OMG...different clouds let different sun rays thru....never the same view.
People complain about not having a clear blue sky when visiting the Waimea Canyon? Much better to have some clouds because of the ever-changing colors/views/rays of sunlight...
As for the road to Polihale all I can say is "depends". We've hit it right after they smoothed it out and sometimes we've been "washboarded" the first 3 miles in then hit some big holes.
BUT...the only time I ever got stuck there was when it was dry as a bone for 4-5 days and the very fine, almost powdery sand ate my front tires.
After that we started watching sunsets at Kekhaha Beach wither at McArthur Park (restrooms/picnic tables/lifeguards) or across from St Theresa's Church.
Imjack25...still there?
If you are a movie fan and saw The Descendants you can walk the beach and along Weke Rd/sit on the bar stools of Clooney and Bridges in Tahiti Nui
Mar 9th, 2017, 08:45 AM
#17
A friend of mine is driving to Polihale today. I'll get a full report.
As Kal said, my friend concurred that how bad the road is depends on how recently it's been graded. He thinks they usually do it once a year--in the spring.
The road was HORRIBLE when I did it a few years ago in a friend's 4WD truck. If it were still like that I wouldn't dream of doing it in a rental car.
I'll let you know what I hear...
As Kal said, my friend concurred that how bad the road is depends on how recently it's been graded. He thinks they usually do it once a year--in the spring.
The road was HORRIBLE when I did it a few years ago in a friend's 4WD truck. If it were still like that I wouldn't dream of doing it in a rental car.
I'll let you know what I hear...
Mar 10th, 2017, 04:55 PM
#18
Here’s the scoop from a local who drove to Polihale yesterday:
“Polihale Beach is incredible. The road is very bumpy but we have been on it before when it was worse, especially if it's muddy. The road was dry. You really should have a vehicle like a truck or jeep so you don't bottom out. Driving a regular car would be very difficult. The ruts can be deep and I don’t know if they grade it anymore.
It took us about 20-25 minutes to drive once we were on the bumpy dirt road. It's about 5 miles of bumps. We have a jeep Cherokee. It's ok if you're patient and have the right vehicle. There were people there in rental Jeeps that were barreling over the potholes but they don’t care what happens to the cars.
It was worse than the road to the beach at Maha’ulepu but being a local I’m more used to roads like that so I didn’t mind. But my wife thought the road to Polihale was terrible. The energy there is worth it. We love it. That's about it.”
He said that afterwards they ate at Hoki Lau Lanai behind the Coconut Market in Kapaa. He said it was reasonably priced and the best food he’s had on the island.
“Polihale Beach is incredible. The road is very bumpy but we have been on it before when it was worse, especially if it's muddy. The road was dry. You really should have a vehicle like a truck or jeep so you don't bottom out. Driving a regular car would be very difficult. The ruts can be deep and I don’t know if they grade it anymore.
It took us about 20-25 minutes to drive once we were on the bumpy dirt road. It's about 5 miles of bumps. We have a jeep Cherokee. It's ok if you're patient and have the right vehicle. There were people there in rental Jeeps that were barreling over the potholes but they don’t care what happens to the cars.
It was worse than the road to the beach at Maha’ulepu but being a local I’m more used to roads like that so I didn’t mind. But my wife thought the road to Polihale was terrible. The energy there is worth it. We love it. That's about it.”
He said that afterwards they ate at Hoki Lau Lanai behind the Coconut Market in Kapaa. He said it was reasonably priced and the best food he’s had on the island.
Mar 11th, 2017, 03:04 PM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It was worse than the road to the beach at Maha’ulepu
YIKES!!!! Last Jan I almost lost 3 fillings and a transmission on Mahaulepu!
HuliLau Lanai...a "Kal Fave Resto".
Located right next to our regular hotel, Islander. I think the people that have Gaylord's own it, too. Good and decently priced wine list, IMHO. Good ones by the glass, too.
If you like spicy, ask your server to have Sous Chef Adam Phelps give you a little dab of his "jelly". Ohhhh myyyyyyy......
YIKES!!!! Last Jan I almost lost 3 fillings and a transmission on Mahaulepu!
HuliLau Lanai...a "Kal Fave Resto".
Located right next to our regular hotel, Islander. I think the people that have Gaylord's own it, too. Good and decently priced wine list, IMHO. Good ones by the glass, too.
If you like spicy, ask your server to have Sous Chef Adam Phelps give you a little dab of his "jelly". Ohhhh myyyyyyy......
Mar 11th, 2017, 03:30 PM
#20
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the report, Songdoc.
Hmmm..... "worse than the road to the beach at Maha’ulepu"
Double YIKES! Wonder if I should risk it in a rental. That's not a Jeep... And there's probably no place turn around if one gets into deep sh*t, is there... Hmmm...
Never tried HukiLau Lanai, so that'll definitely be on our list. Does that spicy dab go good in the poke, Kal?
Hmmm..... "worse than the road to the beach at Maha’ulepu"
Double YIKES! Wonder if I should risk it in a rental. That's not a Jeep... And there's probably no place turn around if one gets into deep sh*t, is there... Hmmm...
Never tried HukiLau Lanai, so that'll definitely be on our list. Does that spicy dab go good in the poke, Kal?
