Hanalei Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. The pier is a highlight and a must-see when visiting the north shore. The pier is located on the eastern end of the beach and provides a great spot for taking photos of the expansive beach and bay. It’s also a good jumping off spot for an adventurous jump into the ocean during smaller swells.

When visiting during the summer, Queen’s Bath is another must see on the north shore.  It’s is a natural tide pool located in Princeville that offers stunning ocean views and diverse ocean life.  Exercise extreme caution before swimming in the pool. It’s surprisingly deep, and a rogue wave or sudden high surf has swept many swimmers out to sea. Access the path to Queen’s Bath off Kapiolani Loop in Princeville. Parking is extremely limited. We recommend you walk or ride a bike to the trailhead. You’ll have to scramble down a steep cliffside to get there, so be sure to wear good shoes. Note that Queen’s Bath is closed during the winter months. (Photo courtesy IHeartPrinceville.com)

Once known as the Princeville Hotel, 1 Hanalei boasts one of our favorite places to grab a coffee in the morning or to watch the sunset on a summer evening. The Walina Terrace overlooks Hanalei Bay with Makana (aka Bali Hai) in the distance. Of course, staying at the hotel gives you access, but that also comes with a hefty $1k per night price tag. Not in your price range? No worries. You can access it on foot easily if you’re staying in Princeville. Follow the walking path toward the end of Ka Haku Road. At the hotel gate, the path crosses the parking lot and continues through the trees. Cross the driveway and continue along the sidewalk into the hotel. Zigzag right and left to the bar with the terrace behind. In the morning the coffee shop is open on the east side of the terrace.

First-time visitors will enjoy a quick stop at the Kilauea Lighthouse, especially for it’s sweeping view of the north shore. It’s also a sanctuary for nene, the protected Hawaiian goose. Like the chickens, you’ll see plenty of nene around the island.

These falls are just a short, 15-minute drive out of Wailua, making them the most accessible waterfalls on Kauai. Turn onto Hwy 580 from Kuhio Hwy, just north of the bridge over the Wailua River. Continue up the road for about 2 miles to the lookout on the right.

The Kauai bike path runs for 8 miles along the eastern shore from just south of Kapa’a to nearly Anahola. The paved trail offers great way to see the Coconut Coast of Kauai. Access the trail from nearly any point in Kapa’a town. There are numerous bike rental shops in town as well. They usually cost around $25 for two hours, $40 for four. We find two hours is plenty of time.

These falls are about a 15-minute drive from Lihue and like the ‘Opaeka’a Falls, well worth the journey. They’re also among the most photographed falls on Kauai. Take Rt 583 from Kuhio Hwy in Lihue. Continue for about 4 miles to the lookout on the right.

Take the Kapa’a bypass off Kuhio Hwy and you’ll notice the giant who appears to be sleeping on his back, hands resting on his chest. You can see his face to the right in the photo. He rests alongside the Wailua River, some distance east of Mt. Wai’ale’ale, which you’ll see behind him on a clear day. If you’re a good hiker, check out the trail up Sleeping Giant.

Past Waimea Canyon and into Kokee State Park, you’ll nearly reach the end of the road before you arrive at the Kalalau Lookout. This view is among the most photographed places on Kauai and offers a stunning vista overlooking the Kalalau Valley, the same valley that serves as the destination for the full 11-mile Kalalau Trail (see best hikes). An absolute must-see!

Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the Waimea Canyon is an absolute must-see for visitors to Kauai. The colorful canyon was formed during the violent eruptions that gave birth to Kauai millions of years ago. To visit, you’ll need to pay a $10 per vehicle entrance fee, which is payable at either lookout along Kokee Rd. There are numerous pull-offs for pictures and excellent hiking trails. See our Best Hikes post for suggestions on which to add to your itinerary.

Poipu Beach is a favorite resting spot for honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles. Stop by the beach any time in the afternoon or evening and you’re bound to see them resting on the beach. But remember to keep your distance. The turtles are endangered, so you have to keep a distance of at least 10 feet, including in water. For a truly remarkable sight, stop by the beach after sunset. There are commonly well over 50 turtles on the beach to sleep overnight.

Spouting Horn is a natural blowhole located about three miles west on Lawa’i Road from Poipu Beach. The natural wonder is formed by waves crashing into a lava tube, causing water to spout as high as 50 feet in the air.