Video:Tips for Visiting Kauai's North Shore

Transcript:Tips for Visiting Kauai's North Shore

Aloha!  I’m Molly Wheeler for About.Com welcoming you to Kauai’s beautiful North Shore.

Historic Attractions on Kauai's North Shore

Our first stop is Kilauea, once a major plantation town. The Christ Memorial Episcopal Church was built in 1941 of cut lava rock.  On Keneke Street, the Kong Lung Historic Market Center was once the company store for a sugar plantation in the 1860s.

The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic viewpoint for Kauai’s North Shore. The historic Kilauea Lighthouse was built in 1913 and was in operation until 1976 when it was replaced by an automatic beacon. The refuge is open from 10-4 daily. Admission is $5. Children under 16 are free.

Beaches and Resort Communities in Kauai

Anini Beach has one of the most beautiful coastlines on Kauai.  Originally, the name was Wanini Beach meaning spilled water but somewhere along the line, the W was removed either by storms or vandalism and Anini has remained the name. The beach is protected by offshore reefs and is a safe place for summer swimming and snorkeling, but rip currents in winter make it more hazardous.

Next up is Princeville, a planned resort community on 11,000 acres between Anini Beach and Hanalei Bay. Named for Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, Princeville was intended to be the future home of the young prince.  Tragically, he died at age 4 and the king died a year later. 150 years later, Princeville still honors its royal heritage.   The St. Regis Princeville Resort opened in 2009 – views from the bar and terrace showcase the beauty of Kauai’s North Shore.

Popular Destinations in Kauai

The Hanalei Valley Overlook offers a tremendous view of the valley below with the Hanalei River crossing the taro fields. Over 70% of the taro grown in Hawaii comes from this valley.  In 1998, President Bill Clinton designated the Hanalei River as an American Heritage River, one of only 14 in the United States.

Crossing the bridge in the taro fields, you’ll enter Hanalei Town.  There are many films, both historic and recent that have been shot here.

The bay is also popular for surfing.

In Hanalei Town is an eclectic blend of vacationing rich and famous, surfers, old Hawaii, and hippies of the 60’s. You can find restaurants for every taste and budget. The Historic Ching Young Village has interesting shopping.

The Lumaha’I Beach at the far end of Hanalei Bay is too dangerous for swimming but great for viewing and remembering the scene from South Pacific when Mitzi Gaynor “washed that man right out of her hair.”

Tunnels Beach has little parking but wonderful snorkeling and is popular with surfers.  Nearby Ha’ena Beach opposite Maniniholo Dry Cave is a great place to picnic. Be aware though the surf can be dangerous with rip currents.  Also nearby is Ke’e Beach, safe for summer snorkeling. 

Limahuli Garden is one of five national Tropical Botanical Gardens. Open from Tuesday through Saturday, the park offers guided and self-guided tours through a spectacular series of trail side gardens including taro terraces and other culturally important plants. 

I hope you have enjoyed this brief tour of Kauai’s North Shore. Its beauty and diversified landscape is well worth being a vacation destination.

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