There are lots of FUN THINGS TO DO ON the Mystical . . . 

TIRED YET ?    

THE NAPALI COAST OF LEGEND

BEACHES – To Begin with the Obvious . . .

KNOW - THOUGH -
that you MUST NOT GO

 into the water, anywhere on this Island, if there is ANY surf – unless
there is a life-guard on duty – or you have some type of floatation device ! 

This is NO JOKE.  WE LOSE STRONG VISITORS every year
because they get caught in “Rip Tides” or “Currents”. 

We do not want to loose you.
DonÙt worry about it.  Have Fun !    Just be careful.

DO NOT turn your back on the ocean . . . and never underestimate it !  We even lose local, life-time watermen once in awhile.  So . . . be especially vigilant on the North Shore in the Winter . . . and the South Shore in the Summer.  Please understand that – when you step off of the sand – You are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – the largest body of water on the planet !
When you are playing in the water, (particularly snorkeling)
ALWAYS keep your eye on the beach and –
if you notice that you are moving fast in one direction –
you are caught in a current.
Do not freakout.    And DO NOT try to fight it.  (easier said than done)
Preserve your strength and swim steadily perpendicular to the current
(toward the beach if you can) until you can get out of it.

IF YOU HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN -

ANINI BEACH IS REEF PROTECTED, so like a gargantuan swimming poll
             AND HANALEI BAY IS VERY MELLOW IN SUMMER.
There is usually every permutation and combination of magical beach within just a few minutes of wherever you are. There are swimming beaches, shelling beaches, sunset beaches (watch for the “Green Flash” ~ immediately - and VERY SUBTLE - just as the sun disappears into the ocean), beaches with lots of activity, beaches where some people are sometimes seen nude (keeping in mind that some others can be irritated by that) and beaches where you can sometimes be totally alone. 

ALL DIRECTIONS BELOW are based on our one, main Kuhio Highway (56) and we are focusing on some of THE BEACHES that you may want to explore on the North Shore:

ROCK QUARRY (Kahili Bay aka Kilauea Bay) is a fairly long cove with a beautiful beach and a couple of surf breaks, with the Kilauea River flowing out at its western end.  Go east from Kilauea a little more than a mile and take a left on Wailapa road.  Then take the first left (maybe ¾ of a mile - sort of a left fork) down a dirt road.  This fabulous spot is maybe 1/2 mile down that dirt road.   You can swim and play in the river (if it is moving and not dark in color), play in the small surf on shore or surf one of several breaks – depending on the surf and time of the year. 

SECRET BEACH is a very long (1.5 miles) and a unique beach with a beautiful mix of fine, white sand, outrageous lava rock cliffs, rich tropical greenery and beautiful waterfalls.  You can only access it if you are in good enough shape to walk down a fairly steep, dirt trail (10 minutes) and walk backup (15?).  There are sometimes nudes there and sometimes people get uptight about it.  Drive west about ¼ mile past Kilauea and turn right on “Kalihiwai Road”.  After maybe 200 yards, take the next right on a dirt road (with high banks on both sides of it) and follow that dirt road to the end, park and find the trail on the ocean side of the parking lot and walk down.  You will not regret it.   You can swim and play in the large, beach tidepools that often develop (if theyÙre fresh and not stagnant), play in the small surf on shore (be careful here) or surf one of several breaks – depending on the surf and time of the year. 

KALIHIWAI (Kah lee hee wye) – is a very special spot and a favorite among many local residents.  It is a long beach with a stunning setting and a very special “ambience”.  Kalihiwai River flows out at the western end.  Turn Right at the same “Kalihiwai Road” as Secret Beach (1/4 mile west of Kilauea) and just stay on the pavement until your mind is sufficiently blown.  You will know when you are there !   You can swim and play in the river (kids love it – if it is moving and not dark in color), play in the small surf on shore or surf one of several breaks – depending on the surf and time of the year.  Older children might enjoy swinging on the rope and dropping into the river.  Although dangerous, Kalihiwai is more of a cove and probably a little more forgiving than some of our beaches. 

ANINI (Ah NEE nee – if you were a local purist, you would want to learn that this is actually 3 beaches – Anini to the west, Kalihikai in the middle and Hanapai to the east) - to most of us it's all Anini Beach – which is like one of the largest “Swimming pools” in the State.  Because much of it is protected by a reef, it is very calm and great for children. From Kilauea Farms, go west past Kilauea and through Kalihiwai Valley (over the bridge) and take the next right.  In about ½ mile, you will bear left at the “Y” (watch for the sign) and drive until you reach the houses.  The beach begins there and continues for miles.  There are a few pedestrian accesses and Anini Beach Park.  You will have passed Hanapai on the way and the surfers often go there because there is no reef (our sons call it “Wires”).  The Beach park (past some of the houses) has some amenities (restrooms, showers, covered picnic facilities, parking, and even camping – with a permit) but most people just go for the sand.  You can actually walk down onto the farwestern end of this beach from Princeville if you are adventurous.

HANALEI (Hah nah lay) – This beach connects onto other beaches and they seem to go on forever.  It is almost always pretty calm, (except during high, winter surf) with excellent swimming and beginner surfing. While Hanalei town is right there, it seems private because of the beauty and landscaping of this great little town.  Hanalei Bay is so special that songs are written about it and hula dances have been created for it and movies and commercials made on it !   Just drive west on Kuhio Highway from Kilauea, right past Princeville and – when you make the hairpin left turn you cannot miss the awesome Hanalei Bay spread out before you !  Drive on to the bottom of the hill, cross the classic, historic old, one-way bridge over Hanalei River and about a mile – to the first (or any) right over to Weke Road – which is, either way, always only a few hundred feet from the beach. Watch for the many beach accesses between the yards or turn right on Weke to the Hanalei Park (lifeguard, pavilion, restrooms, picnic tables, parking, and lots of shade) or all the way down to Black Pot Park.  The awesome sand and water will capture your heart.  There is great swimming, fishing, windsurfing, canoe paddling, kayaking, snorkeling, and beginning surfing.   

LUMAHAI (LOO Muh Hi) - is the beach where the classic movie South Pacific was filmed so some have called it “South Pacific Beach”.  ThatÙs why many people still call Mount Makana “Bali Hai” !   Just drive about five minutes past Hanalei and it will open up to you.  Be very careful here, it can be very dangerous and the local people often half-jokingly call it “Luma-die”.   The beach is maybe a little over a half mile long and absolutely stunning.

TUNNELS (Tuh Nels   ; - )  – is one of the North Shore favorites and – for some reason – is often a little pocket that is dry and sunny when the rest of the North Shore is socked in.  Drive about 6 miles past Hanalei and then watch for the signs and try to figure out how to park.  ThatÙs why itÙs best not to go on a Holiday or Sunday.  ItÙs nearly a perfect beach and there is good year round snorkeling and swimming because there is a big reef offshore.  The beach is probably 1/2 mile long and the ironwood trees sometimes provide shade.  There are houses (some, really fine) off the beach and there are no shops or services.

KEE (KayÙ A) – The BEGINNING of the NAPALI COAST is at all the way out at the very end of the road.  It is a large beach park and sits at the beginning of the NaPali coast and the trails that go through Hanakapiai (about 2 miles and difficult) and on out to the famous KALALAU VALLEY (about 12 miles and strenuous – NOT a day hike).  Kee beach itself offers a wonderful place to while away the day, with amazing views, good swimming and snorkeling (with hungry fish and turtles).  It has a long reef so you are pretty safe if you stay inside.  It can get crowded and many visitors often struggle to find a good parking place near the showers and restrooms.  You may want to walk (or drive) about ½ mile back down the road to the Limahuli River and visit the caves.  This is the Ha'ena State Park and there is no commercial development nor houses.

There are literally hundreds of other beaches on the Island but –
Hey – finding themÙs half the fun !

The Majestic . . . KOKEE STATE PARK

If you can find the time to spend a good, long day up in Kokee . . .
                                           you wonÙt regret it.
Fabulous hikes, completely different environment, weather, plant life
and great history and info at the little museum. 

KALALAU VALLEY LOOKOUT ~ IN KOKEE STATE PARK

Or Hike the Fabulous North Shore (if youÙre in shape) and visit the Kilauea Lighthouse and Limahuli Garden

 “GRINDS” ON THE NORTH SHORE
(ThatÙs “Pigeon” for Good Food – this is NOT comprehensive)

KILAUEA

Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza- has garnered tons of well-deserved good press for good pizzas, sandwiches and pastries.  Great soups to pick up on a cool night.   In the garden behind the Kong Lung store.
Kilauea Fish Market  - this tiny restaurant serves up fresh fish and sandwiches.  Enjoy it there or takeout.  Behind the Stone Buildings as you go down LightHouse Road (turn as if youÙre going to the Post Office).

There are Subway sandwiches in the Minit Stop and Better quality sandwiches and salads at the Kilauea Market (next to Lighthouse Bistro).

Lighthouse Bistro - very good food.  Local ingredients in everything from fresh-fish tacos to mac-nut-encrusted chicken or fresh catch. Much nicer than usual lunch time fare.

PRINCEVILLE

CJÙs Steak & Seafood- Princeville Shopping Center. Generous servings of good food at reasonable prices.
Princeville Restaurant & Bar- Quiet family restaurant with open air and ceiling fans with tile floors and marble bar. Overlooking the Prince Golf Course.
Kauai Grill - Contemporary DELICIOUS Pacific Rim Cuisine utilizing the freshest ingredients with emphasis on special presentation at the Princeville St. Regis hotel.  One of our favorites !
The Beach Restaurant - Unobstructed view of Hanalei Bay and surrounding mountains, specialty feature being swim-up bar.
Cafe Hanalei – At the Princeville St. Regis Hotel.  Cafe Hanalei offers ala carte, themed dinner buffets and Sunday Brunch over looking Hanalei Bay.
The Living Room – At the Princeville St. Regis Hotel - Unsurpassed view of Bali Hai. Afternoon tea and tropical cocktails accompanied by Hawaiian entertainment.

HANALEI

Postcards Café- charming plantation cottage in Hanalei - (on the left - on your way into town from Princeville) gourmet seafood and natural cuisine with the emphasis on fresh—mostly organic.
BarAcuda - Unique tapas bar has fun atmosphere and good light food selections.  
Bouchon's - This is a pleasant second-story restaurant and sushi bar.
Hanalei Gourmet - in Hanalei's restored old schoolhouse offers a pretty good selection of good food.

ZIPLINE TOURS - This is true adventure and a great way to see parts of the island that are not accessible any other way. Venture deep into the heart of Kauai, through a historic former sugar plantation. Descend a lush tropical mountain side via a series of seven breathtaking ziplines. Fly over layers of forest canopy on your way to the valley floor below. Glide above a tranquil mountain stream to a bamboo grove where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and delicious picnic lunch.

TUBING TOURS - Traverse LihueÙs old sugar plantation into Kaua'iÙs pristine, emerald green interior. Enjoy breathtaking vistas. Grab a tube, don ahead lamp, and jump on your tube for a leisurely cruise. Witness Kauai's spectacular engineering feats as you float down a tropical waterway consisting of open ditches, tunnels and flumes dating back to 1870. At the end of your Mountain Tubing Adventure, you will be guided to an enchanted area by a natural swimming hole for a swim and a delicious picnic lunch.

ATV TOURS -This activity is for all age groups and is truly great family fun. Hop on the hottest and newest All Terrain Vehicle available and go to places more spectacular than you have imagined. Some ATV tours traverse private lands never before open to the public.  Many go to waterfalls where they provide wonderful picnic lunches.

BICYCLE TOURS - This activity is also for all age groups and is a great way to get a real feel for the island. Comfortable helmets and safe operating procedures make for a ride that's safe and controlled, but still fun and exciting. There is a great bicycle path that runs for a long distance along the East Coast (in Kapaa) and you can rent bikes (even built for 2). Or you might want to take a guided tour, which will usually stop along the way for photos and narrative on history, culture, folklore and legends.  You'll be able to quiz your guides about native plants, birds and trees and the best Kauai hiking trails.

HIKING – Some of the best hikes in the State are located in Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park – on the other end of the Island.  

ECO TOURS - Eco tours are rapidly becoming Kauai's most popular outdoor activity. Sound Ecotourism involves travel to natural destinations, minimizes impact, builds environmental awareness, provides direct financial benefits for conservation, provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people, respects local culture,and supports human rights and democratic movements.

MOVIE TOURS -Movie tours take you to all of the famous movie locations on Kauai - which are quite a few. You will see where scenes were filmed in movies such as: Jurassic Park to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Donovan's Reef to Outbreak, Gilligan's Island to Fantasy Island to Blue Hawaii to South Pacific. New air conditioned mini-buses are very comfortable and acts as a theater on wheels featuring individual reclining seats, large center aisle, a TV monitor, vcr and surround sound to bring the movie scenes front and center.

LUAUS -The torches are lit, the night is filled with music, and family members gather to bring you a casual, relaxing and romantic dining experience that starts off with the Imu Ceremony - the unearthing of the traditional pig, cooked to perfection in an underground oven.....and thirst-quenching tropical cocktails are served inside the luau hale. The luau meal features traditional luau favorites, tropical fruit and a special Hawaiian dessert table Hawaiian musicians serenade dinners during the luau meal. Young members of the family take the stage during the entertainment, and even invite guests up on stage for a hula lesson.

  There are a full range of GOLF COURSESon KauaÙi from a KauaÙi County course with fees under $15 to World Class PGA championship courses. In Poipu is the Kiahuna Golf Club, 18-hole course renovated in 2004 and the ocean front Poipu Bay Golf Resort, 36 holes and home of the PGA Grand Slam. On the scenic hillside of Kalaheo Town is The Kukuiolono Golf Course with nine holes for under $15! This 90-year-old course and adjoining Japanese Gardens are a hidden treasure few visitors are aware of. In Lihue is the 18 hole Puakea Golf Course with new ownership and extensive renovations completed in 2003. Also in Lihue is the oceanfront KauaÙi Lagoons Golf Course,a 36 hole Jack Nicklaus designed championship course. A few minutes further along our East shore is The Wailua Golf Course, an ocean front 18 hole KauaÙi County course, renovated in 2003. Continuing north is the Princeville Golf Club and former home of The Kemper Open with 76 holes, rated #1 in Hawaii by Golf Digest.

   BOAT TOURS are the best way to explore the magical Napali Coast. Zodiac tours, catamaran cruises, and whale watching tours,leave from Hanalei Lihue, Poipu and Port Allen. Five-hour combination snorkel and sightseeing excursions of our ancient Na Pali coastline are popular. You should reserve tours early as they fill up fast. You can book Napali Coast Boat Toursonline. Vessel choices vary with the seasons and include Power Cats and Full Sail Catamarans, with passenger counts of 12 to 50. Winter months are limitedto the larger boats for open water off shore Humpback Whale watching tours. The Humpback whales are normally visible in our waters,from late December to late March.

   SURFING  - On KauaÙi, there are nearly as many surf spots as there are beaches.
The North Shore of KauaÙi is a winter surfing Mecca, and in the summer, Poipu Beach on the South shore and our West shore beaches produce the best waves. Kauai Surfing lessons are available from Championship Surfers. Brennecke's Beach is known for great body boarding and body surfing. Other breaks in the Poipu Beach area are Shipwrecks Beach, Acid Drops, Waiohai, PKs and Centers.

On the West side is the famous PakalaÙs Beach just before Waimea Town. Far west beaches of Kekaha and those of Barking Sands and Poli Hale also offer big breaks and at times, giant expert only surf. Kalapaki Beach and Hanamaulu Bay in Lihue offer gentle waves for beginners, while further North, Kalihiwai Bay and Hanalei Bay is expert only in the Winter months.

HORSEBACK RIDING on Kauai is an exciting experience.There are companies who offer 3 hour trail rides through Kauai's back countryto a waterfall, for a picnic and a swim.

There are also private rides available as well as live cattle drives and sunsetrides on The South Side. Kauai horseback riding tour

   SNORKELING- There good places to snorkel from beaches such as Anini Beach which is a along a 3 mile coastline enclosed by a long outer reef. Inside the reef, you will encounter a myriad of colorful tropical fish and several species of coral. Ke'e Beach and Tunnels Beach both known for their good water clarity.  The best way to enjoy snorkeling on Kauai is to book a Kauai snorkeling tour online and get the benefit of a guided tour from an experienced professional.

   HIKING- The Waimea Canyon and KokeÙe StateParks offer numerous hikes from easy to the most strenuous. You can hike several trails that meander throughout KauaÙi's ethereal mountain country, where you will encounter plant and bird species found nowhere else on earth.At the end of the road after Ke'e beach is the Na Pali Trail and trail head to the ancient Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coastline. Day hikers enjoy hikes to Hanakapiai Beach or the longer trek to Hanakapiai Falls. Hikes beyond that point require permits and overnight camping due to the length of time to walk.From KeÙe Beach parking area, you can hike to the magnificent Hanakapiai Falls.Short hikes can be enjoyed from trails beginning above Opaekaa Falls lookout in Wailua. The best way to go hiking is to take a guided tour from an experiencedguide. Kauai hiking tours

  TENNIS courts abound on Kauai. Princeville Resort has two excellent tennis Clubs. The Hanalei Bay Resort has  7 courts overlooking HanaleiBay, and The Princeville Tennis Club has 6 courts. Both clubs are open to the public, and have on site tennis pros, a racquet shop, and equipment rentals.Other very good facilities are found  in Lihue at The Kauai Lagoons, and in Poipu at The Kiahuna Racquet Club, and The Poipu Kai Resort where National Senior's Champions Hattie and John Sommerville teach on a daily basis.

  FISHING -Half and full day charters, with all fishing gear included, are available.Charters depart from Nawiliwili, Poipu, and Port Allen. The captain usually divides the fish according to the wants and needs of the parties who are fishing. The boats usually provide all fishing gear and some beverages. All charters typically offer trips for individuals and groups to offshore areas teeming with exciting game fish such Sailfish, Stripe Marlin, Ono and Ahi tuna.Fresh Water Bass fishing is also available on KauaÙiÙs most beautiful freshwater reservoir.  Kauai fishing charter

Windsurfing at its best is found at Tunnels Beach and at Anini Beach where companies offer equipment rentals and lessons. Other favorite spots are Hanalei Bay and Poipu Beach. You may rent equipment in Hanalei, and drive to any spot you wish.  Kauai windsurfing lesson Shipwreck Beach in Poipu is strictly for very experienced wind surfers.

KAYAKING can be enjoyed on several Kauai Rivers and in the Ocean during the summer months. On our East shore, the Wailua River is the most popular location for river Kayaking with both guided and self-guided trips.  Kauai Kayak Tours and Ocean kayak tours are also available for the adventurous. Paddle up river and take a short hike to the hidden falls and pond. Guided trips up the HuleiÙa River in Lihue are a true Hawaiian adventure through the wildlife refuge, past the Menehune Fish Pond, with the Hawaiian family owners sharing stories of ancient Hawaii. Self-guided Kayaking with car top carriers may also be found on the Kalihiwai River and the Hanalei Rivers to the North.

SCUBA -Kauai's clean, clear offshore waters attract scuba divers from all over the world. There is a dive shop in almost every town on the island, so gear rental,air, and instruction can be easily found. Scuba lessons and certification for beginners is available in most towns. Some adventurous tours included a Na Pali Coast Tour along with a stop at the forbidden island of Niihau where you can snorkel and dive in its crystal clear waters. There is a dive shop in almost every town on the island, so gear rental, air, and instruction can be easily found. There are several Kauai scuba diving tours

SAILING TOURS - Several boat companies host a variety of open ocean sailing charters in large, seaworthy, ocean catamarans.The most popular cruise travels far up the Napali Coast where you will get the chance to snorkel and scuba among turtle and tropical fish. Sunset cruises complete with cocktails, as well as leisurely Kauai sailing tours  

HELICOPTER TOURS - Your Helicopter tour over the Kauai is the most scenic and personalized tour of its kind. Everyone should experience such a tour at least once in a lifetime, and there is no better place than Kauai because so much ofthe island can only be seen from the air. This is the only way most people can see the magnificent beauty of Kauai's remote interior. Tours leave from Princeville Airport, Lihue, and Port Allen.. There are few experiences that can match a helicopter flight over the most beautiful island in the world. Kauai helicopter tours

SHOPPING - Kauai's largest shopping center is found in Lihue. Every major town has a shopping center with a  variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and specialty stores. The island has an abundance of small shops that sell items which are crafted by local artists.There are many roadside stands with exotic tropical fruits, organic produce,and flower leis. In Poipu , at the Spouting Horn Park, you will find an outdoor flea market where you can buy shell jewelry and all sorts of tourist items at good prices. A great selection of Hawaiian gifts is found in lihue at Tropic Isle Music. The finest Kauai T-shirtsare found in Eleele at Nite Owl T-Shirts and in Kapaa you find some of Hawaii's finest art glass galleries - Kela's,