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7 things to do on the North Shore of Kauai

Jan 5, 2023 | Activities, Kauai, Travel Tips

Planning to vacation in Kauai this year? Then why not head to the North Shore of Kauai, which is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities? Here are a few suggestions for things to do while you’re there:

North Shoare Kauai

1 Visit Hanalei Bay

A beautiful crescent-shaped beach with crystal clear water and a picturesque mountain backdrop.

Hanalei Bay is a popular spot on the north shore of the island of Kauai. It is known for its beautiful crescent-shaped beach, stretching more than two miles along the bay. The beach is an excellent spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, and the bay is also a popular spot for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports.

The surrounding area is lush and tropical, with palm trees and other vegetation providing a beautiful backdrop for the beach. Hanalei Bay is also a great spot for watching sunsets, and many visitors to Kauai make a point of visiting the bay to take in the stunning views.

The Hanalei Pier, built in 1892 and on the National Register of Historic Places in Hawaii, is a great place to gather to watch sunsets.

Hanalei Bay North Shore of Kauai

2 Go snorkeling at Tunnels Beach

Here you can see various marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.

Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach, is located on the north shore of the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is known for its clear turquoise waters and beautiful white sand beach, which stretch for more than a mile along the coastline. The beach is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, and it is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

The beach gets its name from the many lava tubes and tunnels found in the area, which were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Tunnels Beach is also an excellent spot for surfing, with waves suitable for beginner and advanced surfers.

Tunnels Beach North Shore of Kauai

3 Take a hike

Head for the lush, tropical landscape of the Kilauea Lighthouse Trail.

The Kilauea Lighthouse Trail is a popular hike on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii. It leads to the Kilauea Point Lighthouse, built in 1913 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse is situated on a rocky promontory that juts into the Pacific Ocean. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

The hike to the lighthouse is about a mile round trip and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. Along the way, you can expect to see a variety of indigenous plant and animal life, including native Hawaiian plants, seabirds, and monk seals. The Kilauea Lighthouse Trail is a great way to experience Kauai’s natural beauty and history.

Kilauea Lighthouse North Shore of Kauai

4 Go surfing

Visit one of the many North Shore surf breaks, such as Pipeline or Sunset Beach.

The north shore of Kauai is known for its strong and consistent surf, and it is a popular spot for surfers of all skill levels. During the winter months (November to March), the north shore can see some of the world’s largest and most powerful waves, with swells reaching up to 40 feet or more. These waves are challenging and are generally only suitable for advanced surfers.

During the summer months (April to October), the waves tend to be smaller and more manageable, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.

If you go surfing on the north shore of Kauai, you can expect to find a variety of surf breaks to choose from, ranging from beginner-friendly beach breaks to more challenging reef breaks.

However, you should also expect to encounter some strong currents and rips, as well as a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins. Therefore, it is crucial to always surf with caution and respect for the ocean and to follow local surf rules and etiquette.

Surfing on the North Shaore of Kauai

5 Visit the Waimea Canyon

This large canyon on the island is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Waimea Canyon is a must-see attraction on the island of Kauai. The canyon is about 10 miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep, and it is known for its stunning views and unique geological features.

If you visit Waimea Canyon, you can expect to see a variety of landscapes, including rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. The canyon is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. You may spot native Hawaiian plants, such as ohia lehua trees, and birds like the Hawaiian honeycreeper. You can also expect stunning panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape, including the Waimea River and the Pacific Ocean.

There are several ways to explore Waimea Canyon, including hiking, driving, and taking a guided tour. But no matter how you experience it, It is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Kauai.

Waimea Canyon Kauai

6 Go horseback riding

Ride through the countryside, taking in the stunning views of the island’s natural beauty.

Horseback riding on the north shore of Kauai can be a fun and unique way to explore the island’s beautiful natural surroundings. If you go horseback riding, you can expect to ride through various landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, and sandy beaches.

You may also see a variety of plant and animal life, including native Hawaiian plants, seabirds, and possibly even wild pigs or goats.

Most horseback riding tours on the north shore of Kauai are guided and last for a few hours. The tours generally suit riders of all skill levels, and the horses are well-trained and gentle. However, to participate, it is important to be in good physical condition and comfortable around horses.

Horseback riding on the north shore of Kauai can be a fun and memorable experience, and it is a great way to see the island’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

Horseback riding on the North Shore Kauai

7 Explore the charming town of Hanalei

This town has a number of small shops, art galleries, and local restaurants.

Hanalei is a small town located on the north shore of the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful setting, with Hanalei Bay and the lush, green Hanalei Valley as a backdrop.

If you visit Hanalei, you can expect to find a variety of charming shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. In addition, the town is home to several locally owned businesses, and you can find everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to locally-grown produce and handmade chocolates. Hanalei is also an excellent spot for outdoor activities, with several parks, beaches, and hiking trails in the area.

In addition to its charming shops and natural beauty, Hanalei is also known for its strong sense of community. Many residents of Hanalei are involved in local organizations and events, and the town has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. So whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or to get out and explore, Hanalei is a great place to visit on your trip to Kauai.

Hanalei Town on North Shore or Kauai

We hope these suggestions help and you have a great time on your vacation to Kauai. If you’re looking for great accommodations, then why not check out our latest packages or contact us for availability and prices?

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