CATEGORIES
CATEGORIES
Kauai's North Shore coastline and tropical, mountainous interior invite outdoor enthusiasts to discover the mystical canyons, cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, and rugged cliffs of this emerald gem of a paradise.
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Destination name: North Shore, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Common nickname: The Garden Isle
Location: Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii's smallest and geologically-oldest island is a 45-minute flight from Honolulu. To access Kauai's North Shore, drive or hitchhike 45 minutes north-northwest from the Lihue airport on Hawaii Route 56, the Kuhio Highway.
Primary active pursuits: Kauai's North Shore coastline and tropical, mountainous interior invite outdoor enthusiasts to discover the mystical canyons, cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, and rugged cliffs of this emerald gem of a paradise. Adventures range from beginner body-boarding sessions and world-class surf breaks to a strenuous 22-mile backpacking trip on the Kalalau Trail.
As one of the world's most infamous trails, the 11-mile one-way Kalalau Trail is etched precariously into the eroding red-dirt cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, winding through prehistoric scenes reminiscent of Jurassic Park (one of 70 Hollywood films made in Kauai, by the way). The Kalalau Trail is not for novice hikers, rife with slippery mud, crumbly rocks, flash flooding, and countless tragic stories of folks who did not survive these many hazards.
Riptides, rogue waves, and an insane shore break discourage swimming and surfing, having claimed no less than 82 lives. But it sure is pretty, replete with archaeological sites, lush, dripping jungles and jagged peaks rising a staggering 4,000-feet from the roiling Pacific. The trail culminates at idyllic Kalalau Beach, which is rarely inhabited by more than a dozen hippies playing volleyball with a coconut. Naked.
If the 22-mile roundtrip haul to Kalalau Beach doesn't sound like your cup of pina colada but you still want to experience the Na Pali Coast, opt for a two mile, one-way day hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach.
Access to the Kalalau Trail begins at the Na Pali Coast State Park trailhead located at the end of the Kuhio Highway, 41 miles (1.5 hours) from the Lihue airport. Permits required for overnight stays. Check the website or call 808.274.3444 for updated information. Don't forget a water filter.
Snorkel and dive at Makua Beach (also known as Tunnels), reenact scenes from South Pacific at Lumahai Beach (locals call it Luma-die Beach because so many people get swept off the rocks and drown). Paddleboard or kayak on the Hanalei River, sunbathe at Anini Beach (used to be Wanini but the W fell off the sign in a hurricane and nobody felt like fixing it), and surf at Kauapea Beach (also known as Secret Beach because it's a 15-minute walk to get here so not as crowded).
If epic treks or tubular waves aren't really your thing, consider road biking, golfing, smoothie sipping or getting a massage.
Best Season: Anytime, even though it's the second wettest place on Earth. Average annual temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees, with the mildest weather occurring in summer (July and August). Typically, winter (November until March) is considered the rainy season. Not only your best chance to see humpback whales, it's also the busiest and priciest. Airfare and hotel rates are cheapest between September and October. Most Kauai lovers consider April through June prime time to visit the Garden Isle as everything is at its greenest.
Other Recreational and Cultural Gems: Sidle up to the iconic Hanalei Taro and Juice Company food truck, now celebrating six generations of farm-to-table goodness. You'll drool over their seasonal menu of delectable Hawaiian fare such as poke, laulau, poi, kalua tacos, and lomi salmon. Heading into Hanalei, look for it on the right.
Lodging and Dining Notes: From celebrity sightings and $20 pancakes at the luxurious St. Regis in Princeville to camping and cold beers under a star-studded sky, options abound on Kauai's North Shore for lodging and dining no matter how deep your pockets. If you're looking to rough it, look up Kauai Camping Information. If you're going with a group, consider vacation rental properties. If you want to splurge, five-star accommodations are rampant. Enjoy locally-sourced options at two grocery stores and a wide variety of restaurants featuring everything from pizza deliveries to sunset dinners, breakfast buffets, fresh fish markets, and trendy hot spots for nightlife and fruity drinks with umbrellas.
Best Single Reason to Visit: The Na Pali Coast. Jaw-dropping scenery bedecked with rainbows and the soundtrack of crashing surf, this unforgettable coastline packs a serious punch in adventure. Within a 30-minute drive rest sumptuous opportunities to enjoy fine dining, art galleries, and a chance to play golf with George Clooney.
Getting Equipped: For an enthusiastic basic tour of Kauai's many splendid offerings, visit the local chamber's website. For details and logistics on how to safely and successfully experience the North Shore's fantastic outdoor adventures, pick up a copy of the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, a fan favorite since 1994
