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The north shore of Kauai is probably the dreamiest place in the Hawaiian Islands. Lush and tropical, this is the stuff your Jurassic Park dreams are made of. 

It’s less developed than the more tourist-centric south shore of Kauai and has more of a local feel giving many the impression of visiting the “real Hawaii.” 

If the “real Hawaii” is what you’re looking for, you’ll LOVE this 4 day itinerary focused on Kauai’s north shore. 

4 Day Kauai Itinerary

The details…

This itinerary is for four full days not including travel days (so perfect for a five night trip) and assumes you’re staying on the north shore somewhere in Princeville or Hanalei (more about that in a bit). 

The only bad thing you can say about the north shore of Kauai is how much it rains. It rains. A lot. That’s why it’s so tropical and beautiful. But it can make it unpredictable. If you’re doing a trip to Kauai and planning on spending most of your time on the north shore, I would probably avoid the winter months. If you go from April to October you’ll have the best chance for sunny days even if there are afternoon showers. 

Where to Stay in Hanalei & Princeville

Before we get into the specifics of how to spend your days, let’s make sure you have the perfect place to stay. 

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: They say go big or go home, and, well…this is about as big as you can go in Hawaii. 

Previously the St Regis (and the Princeville Resort before that), this property overlooking Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore just underwent EXTENSIVE renovations before opening earlier this year as the new 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. 

I haven’t gotten to visit yet, but I’m so excited to see it in person because it looks absolutely insane. And honestly, the property has needed some help for a while. 

Here’s what I can tell you…I think the property has the #1 setting of any resort in Hawaii. It’s terraced on a hill overlooking Hanalei Bay and those majestic green mountains Kauai is famous for. Honestly, it kind of makes all those other fancy beach resorts with just a plain ole ocean view a little…ho hum ; )

Anyways, now that the property is up to par with the setting, I think this makes this one of the top places to stay anywhere in Hawaii. But it’s definitely a splurge. 

Book your stay at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay here.

If the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is just way over budget, check out the Hanalei Colony Resort or the Hanalei Bay Resort. They’re both really lovely and a little more lowkey. 

Besides these options, there aren’t a ton of hotels and resorts on the north shore. That’s part of the charm! But there are a lot of vacation rentals and condos (in Princeville) in the area. I always book with Vrbo. They’ve got the largest selection of rentals you’ll find anywhere and you can easily filter to find exactly what you’re looking for. Need a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms? Narrowed it down to a certain location? Want flexible cancellation terms? Need to stay under a fixed budget? Click here to search for Kauai vacation rentals for your trip.

Okay, let’s get to the itinerary!

Day 1: Snorkeling & North Shore Beach Day

Start your trip off with breakfast at Wake Up Cafe, Hanalei’s best local breakfast joint. Don’t miss the macadamia nut cinnamon rolls. 

Tunnels

Next up, spend the morning at one of the best beaches on Kauai. Also called Haena Beach Park, Tunnels is famous for its offshore surf break but it also has an amazing reef and a gorgeous white sandy beach. 

Tunnels is definitely the best snorkeling spot on Kauai, but it’s kind of a rugged adventure. You’ll need to bring your own snorkel gear with you (bring from home, buy, or rent from a surf shop) and there’s no lifeguards so you’ll want to be extra cautious. 

Parking is also an…adventure. The beach access is pretty hidden, but it’s about a mile before you come to the parking lot for Ha’ena BeachPark (not the paid, reservations required lot, but the smaller one with the picnic tables). 

There are two direct road/pathway entrances with minimal parking. There’s no parking lot and there are plenty of “no parking” signs on the street. That’s how you know you’re near. If you’re having trouble finding it, you can park at Ha’ena Beach Park and then walk down the beach about a mile to the right.

Head back to Hanalei to grab lunch at Hanalei Gourmet. It’s a great local lunch and dinner spot with fresh and tasty grub in a laid back atmosphere. Sometimes they have live music. Either dine in or get it as a picnic to take to the next spot.

Find Hideaways Beach

One of the north shore’s best beaches is pretty hidden (hence the name) and requires quite an adventure to find. 

It’s in Princeville (make the turn into the resort area and then go about two miles through Princeville and then turn right into a tiny little parking lot just before you reach the guard shack. 

Just outside the parking lot, you’ll see a small pathway between the two fences. You’ll need good shoes to do this little trail (not flip flops!). There’s a pretty sketchy staircase you have to navigate before you get to the series of rope handles that will lead you to the hidden beach. 

Don’t miss this one!

Cap off your first day with dinner and drinks at Tahiti Nui, a Kauai institution. Order the mai tai. You’re welcome. The pizza is also pretty good too. 

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here. Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money. 

Day 2: Napali Coast Boat Tour

Seeing the Napali Coast is the #1 thing to do on Kauai and since you’re staying on the north shore, you’re in a prime position to see it in my favorite way. 

Kauai’s Napali Coast is so isolated and rugged that it can only be seen by helicopter, by boat, or via a challenging hike (that’s coming on another day). 

Well my favorite way to see it is by boat…it’s way better bang for your buck than a helicopter tour. 

Book a raft tour leaving out of Hanalei. The smaller ocean rafts are able to zip in and out of sea caves, plus departing from Hanalei gets you to the Napali Coast WAY quicker than leaving from the south.

FYI…boats only leave out of Hanalei in the summer (April to October) when there’s no surf. Also, it’s most just smaller ocean rafts (Zodiacs) instead of the big catamarans that leave from the south side year round (weather permitting). 

So, assuming you’re doing this trip during the summer season, there are several reasons I like the smaller boats that leave from the north shore over the catamarans that leave from Port Allen, but it mostly boils down to:

1) The tours that leave from Hanalei are on the Napali Coast almost IMMEDIATELY after the boat pulls out of the bay (the ones in Port Allen have to sail for almost 1.5 hours before they reach it and then another 1.5 hours to go back) so you’ve got stellar scenery you’re entire trip instead of only in the middle. 

2) The smaller ocean rafts are able to zip in and out of sea caves and get up a lot closer to the island. 

3) There’s just a lot less people on your tour. 

I will warn you though…the boat tours that leave from Hanalei are more expensive than the ones from Port Allen (there are fewer companies with permits and they have a shorter season) and it’s a much more adventurous and immersive experience than the catamaran cruises.

 Also, a lot of these tours are advertised as “snorkel cruises” or “snorkel adventures,” but don’t go in expecting too much. These are definitely boat tours of the Napali Coast to revel in the scenery of one of the most magnificent parts of Hawaii with a (sub par) snorkeling spot thrown in. 

It’s not terrible, but I’ve done a few different tours that stop at different spots and it has never been anything to write home about. You’re going to see the scenery and enjoy being out on the water.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, definitely take your meds before you get out onto the water! Generally speaking, those who are prone to seasickness might feel it more on a smaller boat than a larger boat.

Some tour companies provide dry bags for you to use (ask ahead of time). I recommend getting a waterproof case for your phone or camera though so you can keep it out, and bring along a towel or dry clothes for the ride back. It gets pretty windy and it’s nice having a long sleeve shirt to put on.

You should be back in Hanalei around noon which leaves the whole afternoon to hang out at the beach or your resort.

Try Wishing Well Shave Ice or Aloha Juice Bar for a cold treat.

Day 3: Hike the Kalalau Trail

You’ve got to do at least one hike on Kauai (it’s arguably the best Hawaiian island for hiking) and this is the one to do. 

**But before that start your morning off at Hanalei Bread Company. This yummy coffee shop has the best homemade breads, bagels, and pastries. They also have some breakfast options and sandwiches.

The full Kalalau Trail stretches 11 miles along the Napali Coast from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. To go all the way to Kalalau, you’ll need a permit to camp overnight in the valley since it’s impossible to do the full hike on a day trip (22 miles round trip). If you’re up for doing the full hike and camp, plan it way far in advance as permits are hard to come by. 

If you didn’t come quite so prepared for a 22-mile hike and the thought of it makes you want to reach for the nearest bag of donuts, don’t worry-you can still catch those ah-mazing views! 

The first two miles of the Kalalau Trail are open to day hikers. Don’t be scared off by harrowing tales of overnight hikers who had to cross 18” ledges with a sheer drop off into the ocean below…the first two miles of Kalalau, while strenuous, are very doable.

Most day hikers will hike to Hanakapiai Beach (2 miles in) but don’t forget you’ve got to turn around and go back the way you came so it’s really 4 miles.  

If that’s not doable, you’ll come to the first lookout down the Napali Coast about half a mile into the hike making for a challenging, but very doable one mile hike. 

Unless you have a physical limitation (knee problems, etc.), I strongly strongly strongly recommend powering through and doing the four mile round trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach and back. 

I’ve hiked this stretch a few times now and I won’t lie…time always fades the pain for me haha. After a few days I’m usually left remembering the epic views and adventure of it all and minimizing how hard it actually was. 

Well this last time I hiked it, I vowed I would remember exactly what it felt like when I was on  the hike. I’m not going to lie…it’s TOUGH. But a doable tough. 

There is a lot of elevation gain coming both ways and the trail is mostly rocky and uneven. 

But you will pass ALL KINDS of people doing this hike. Locals who sprint through it barefoot, pro hikers with all the gear, parents trying to keep up with their kids, and older folks who are determined and willing to go slow to take part. I’ve personally hiked it with multiple “active seniors” who powered through just fine (although maybe they didn’t feel like it at the time ; ) 

Right before you reach Hanakapiai Beach, there’s a pretty big stream you’ll have to cross. It always makes me nervous hopping across slippery rocks, so I like to wear shoes where I can just wade through the water. 

Plan some time to sit and take a rest at the beach, but admire the water from a distance. This is NOT a swimming beach and almost 100 people have lost their lives here. The waves are rough, the currents are strong, and a rogue wave can come out of nowhere so stay away from the water!! Even when it looks calm. 

From the beach it’s about a mile up the valley to Hanakapiai Falls (this is an offshoot of the Kalalau Trail, not a continuation). I’ve read that the trail can be tricky to stick to and is pretty strenuous. I haven’t done that bit yet, and honestly I don’t know if I ever will. But if you want to extend the hike to 6 miles to see the waterfall, more power to you!

The first ½ mile or so of the return was probably the toughest for me. It’s a pretty quick ascent back up from the beach and I was huffing and puffing! It’s hotter in the day and psychologically, it’s just less exciting when you know you’re just retracing your steps. 

Getting Reservations to Hike the Kalalau Trail 

YOU HAVE TO HAVE RESERVATIONS FOR PARKING AND HIKING. This is new. In an effort to control crowds at Haena State Park (Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trailhead) after the historic flooding of April 2018, parking reservations are now required. You can make them online 30 days in advance at midnight Hawaiian Standard Time. And they usually sell out in less than a minute. 

There are three different time slots (7AM-12PM, 12PM-4PM, 4PM-7PM). You can reserve multiple time slots if you want to stay all day or you think you’ll get there later (if you’re driving from Poipu). For four adults, it cost $40 for all of us to reserve the first two slots of the day. And we ended up needing them. We got started about 10AM and wrapped up about 1:30PM. 

If parking reservations sell out, there is a shuttle options, although I’m going to level with you…it’s not ideal. During busy seasons, the shuttle still sells out in advance (as I’m writing this it’s booked out a solid two weeks with only limited times available) and it’s $35/person. It leaves from Hanalei about every 30 minutes. Here’s more info on the shuttle.

It’s better than not being able to go at all, but I highly recommend being on top of the drop times for the parking permits and snagging one of those. Also, you’ll need to register every person in your party and they do check your IDs when you arrive. 

Things to Know about the Hike

The trail starts at Ke’e Beach, which is as far as the road goes past Hanalei. From Hanalei, it’s still about 30 minutes west. 

There are facilities at Ke’e Beach where you can use the restroom and fill up on water before you start. There’s an info station at the trailhead and an attendant making sure hikers have permits. 

Take plenty of water with you! I usually drink two bottles of water on the hike and then fill up in the parking lot headed back to the car. 

This 4-mile hike takes most people 3-4 hours to complete so plan accordingly.

Parts of the trail can get pretty muddy and slippery (plus there’s the stream crossing at the end) so I like to wear Tevas or Keens that strap onto your feet but can easily be washed off. But if you’re a fast hiker, or need extra stability then wearing actual athletic/hiking shoes can be an advantage. The last time I hiked this, we went a lot faster on the final descent then I usually do and my ankles were pretty sore. 

The first viewing point of the Napali Coast you come to (half a mile in) is always pretty crowded with people. It’s a great spot, but there are many more spots where the view opens up later in the trail for photos. 

Ke’e Beach (at the bottom of the Kalalau Trailhead) is the perfect place for a swim, some snorkeling, and picnic lunch whether or not you hike the Kalalau (but you’ll still need parking reservations to come here).  I suggest grabbing a lunch to go at Hanalei Gourmet and throwing it in a cooler for after (or during) your hike. Ke’e is very protected and one of the few good swimming spots on the north shore. It’s also an excellent snorkeling spot for beginners. It’s practically a swimming pool.

For dinner, you’ve earned something really special. Head to the Dolphin for fresh fish and some of the island’s best sushi. Their teriyaki ahi is one of my favorite dinners on the island!

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip!

Day 4: Beach Day & Sunset Golf Course Tour

Start your last full day on the island off with coffee and breakfast at Kilauea Bakery. 

You’ve got two options for morning (or you can do both!):

Anini Beach

If you want to take it easy, spend the morning at Anini Beach. This is probably the best overall beach on the north shore, especially for families. It’s very accessible (plenty of parking and good facilities) and the large reef leaves the wide beach pretty protected for swimming, even when there’s large waves on the north shore.

Queen’s Bath

If you’re up for a little hike, you might want to check out Queen’s Bath. 

If you’ve done much research about top things to do in Kauai, you’ve likely heard of Queen’s Bath. It’s a sinkhole in the lava along the coast in the Princeville area that creates a natural swimming pool during calm ocean days. 

Unfortunately, during high surf times (which can be unpredictable), it can be extremely dangerous. Numerous deaths have occurred here, however it doesn’t stop people from attempting it. 

I can’t recommend swimming in the pool under any conditions, BUT if you’d like to see it, the hike down to the pools is very pretty. In the Princeville resort area, there’s a small parking lot on Punahele Road. If there’s no parking available, you can pay to park at the golf course up the road. It’s a short (but often muddy and slippery) hike down where you’ll even pass a waterfall. 

I’d stay well away from the pools as even in calm weather, rogue waves can come out of nowhere. When I’m entering any area near the ocean, I like to hang back and watch the conditions for 15-20 minutes before deciding what a safe distance is. 

During high surf advisories, the trailhead will often be gated. Of course, many people will climb around the gates, but know that if you choose to do so you’re officially breaking the law and may be subject to fines.

Princeville Makai Golf Club Sunset Cart Tour

This tour just popped up on my radar a few weeks ago and now it’s top of my list next time I’m on Kauai. I love a good tour, and this one sounds so unique!

Start off at the Makai Grill for drinks before hopping on a golf cart to cruise around the Princeville Makai course, regularly named one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The tour is limited to 12 carts per night so you’ll get plenty of time with your guide as you learn about local culture, flora and fauna, and see some of the course’s most beautiful holes. 

The grand finale is a stop at the course’s legendary 7th hole, which offers one of the best sunset views on the island. 

If you love a unique sunset experience, this is for you. If you love a good guided tour, double whammy. And if you’re also into golf, it’s a no brainer! Can’t wait to do this on my next trip. 

Book your tour here. 

Make reservations for dinner at Bar Acuda in Hanalei. This tapas restaurant is a favorite spot on the north shore and serves up both traditional small plates and unique combinations inspired by the island.

Want to read more posts about Kauai? I’ve got plenty!

Things You Can ONLY Do on Kauai // Things to Do in Poipu (South Side) // 5 Day Kauai Itinerary // 4 Day Kauai Itinerary (North Shore) // 3 Day Kauai Itinerary //

Where to Stay on Kauai: Princeville vs Poipu // Grand Hyatt Kauai Review // My Favorite Restaurants in Poipu

Kauai Travel Tips (Things to Know Before You Go) // Napali Coast: Boat Tour vs Helicopter // Kauai Helicopter Tour FAQs

Maui vs Kauai

Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii so a lot of state and national parks used the closure and reopening to institute reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to make things a little more sustainable. 

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan. 

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too. 

P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here. I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!

Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! Your support really helps me keep this blog running!