30 Best Things to Do in Princeville: Kauai North Shore
Wondering about the best things to do in Princeville, Kauai? This comprehensive guide outlines the top activities to do in Princeville, from adventure to relaxation to stunning views on Kauai’s North Shore.
Staying in Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore and wondering what to add to your travel itinerary? Princeville is the perfect mix of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re into hiking, snorkeling, or just lounging on the beach, there’s something here for everyone.
From hidden gems to popular spots, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Princeville, Hawaii. You’ll find all the top activities and sights, with tips on what to see, where to eat, and how to have the best experiences. Let’s make sure you don’t miss a thing!
This post is all about the best things to do in Princeville, Kauai.
Top Things to Do in Princeville, Hawaii
Visit Hanalei Bay – The Largest Bay on Kauai’s North Shore
Hanalei Bay is an absolute must-visit when you’re on Kauai. It’s the largest bay on the North Shore and the views are just incredible. Start your adventure at Black Pot Beach and walk toward Hanalei Pier, a landmark made famous by the classic film, South Pacific. After checking out the pier, head toward Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. Find a perfect spot to set down your towel, have a picnic, kayak, or even snorkel if the waters are calm. Stick around until sunset for stunning views of Mount Makana.
Take in the View at Hanalei Valley Lookout
The Hanalei Valley Lookout is perfect for a quick stop to take in some amazing views. It’s right off the road, so it’s super easy to pull over and snap a few photos. The lookout gives you a stunning view of the valley and taro fields, and it’s definitely worth the stop!
Hike to Queen’s Bath – A Natural Tide Pool
Queen’s Bath is this amazing natural tide pool surrounded by lava rocks. Getting there is a bit of an adventure with a 15-minute hike over some slippery rocks, so definitely wear good shoes. The water is typically calm in the summer months, but be careful in the winter because the tides can get pretty wild. Always check the water conditions before heading out. If it’s safe, it’s an awesome spot to visit, and you might even see some sea turtles!
Shop and Dine at the Princeville Center
The Princeville Shopping Center is the hub for shopping and dining in Princeville. Whether you need groceries, gas, banking, or want to explore some local shops and restaurants, this is the place to go. On Saturday evenings, the food court usually has live music, making it a fun spot to visit! Just a heads-up—the grocery store can be a bit pricey, so you might want to stop at a different store in a less-touristy area on your way to Princeville to save some money.
Enjoy a Chocolate & Walking Tour at Princeville Botanical Gardens
If you love nature and chocolate, this 3-hour walking tour at Princeville Botanical Gardens is perfect for you! The guide shares interesting stories about the garden’s development and the plants. You’ll get to sample seasonal fruit and homemade honey. The tour also includes a chocolate-tasting session where you learn about the cacao tree and chocolate-making history while trying gourmet chocolates from around the world.
Play a Round of Golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club
If you’re into golf, the Princeville Makai Golf Club is absolutely a must-visit on the North Shore of Kauai. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course is known for its stunning views and excellent condition. Golf Digest even lists it among the greatest public golf courses, making it an ideal spot to check off your golf bucket list while enjoying the incredible views. I rode along with my husband while he golfed, and it was just as amazing to ride along as it was to play!
Sunset Golf Cart Tour at Princeville Makai Golf Club
Even if you’re not a golfer, the Sunset Golf Cart Tour at Princeville Makai Golf Club is a must-do. This had to be one of my FAVORITE things we did when visiting Princeville. This guided tour offers beautiful views of the North Shore and provides interesting information about the local plants, animals, and history. The highlight of this tour had to be the sunset view from the signature par-3 seventh hole. It’s such a unique experience.
Start Your Day with Sunrise Yoga at Princeville Makai Golf Club
Another top activity at the Makai Golf Course is the Sunrise Yoga Class. The session is held on the signature Tee Box of Hole 7, offering some of the most beautiful views on the North Shore. It’s a unique and peaceful way to start your morning and is one of the activities that everyone LOVES!
Learn Horseback Riding at Princeville Ranch
Princeville Ranch offers horseback riding lessons for all levels, surrounded by the gorgeous Hanalei mountains. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced rider, the lessons are tailored to your skill level. The ranch is known for its well-cared-for horses and friendly, knowledgeable instructors, making it a fantastic place to ride. It’s such a unique and memorable thing to do in Princeville!
Taste Local Flavors on a Walking Food Tour in Hanalei
If you love trying new foods, you have to check out this walking food tour in Hanalei. It’s such a fun way to explore the town. You’ll get to taste all sorts of delicious local dishes and learn a bit about Hanalei’s history and culture along the way. It’s like having a local friend show you all the best spots! You’ll discover some hidden gems and enjoy the local flavors.
Check Out the Princeville Night Market
If you’re around on the second Sunday of the month, you’ve got to visit the Princeville Night Market. It’s a super fun, family-friendly event with over 30 local artisans, live music, and food trucks. You can shop for unique handmade items and enjoy a fun evening out. Perfect for a relaxing night with great vibes!
Experience the Ahi Lele Fire Show
If you’re looking for a more intimate fire luau show, the Ahi Lele Fire Show is a fantastic alternative to the larger luaus. It’s just 10 minutes from Princeville and features amazing hula dancers and an hour-long fire performance. The setting is small, so you get an up-close experience. The food is delicious, and the performers are super talented. Luaus are always a highlight when visiting Hawaii, and this one is a must-see!
Stroll Through Historic Hanalei Town
Hanalei Town is packed with cool historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Waiʻoli Mission House to step back into Kauai’s history, or check out art galleries featuring local artists.
Hang Out with Sea Turtles at Anini Beach
Anini Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The waters are super calm, so it’s great for beginners. You can often spot sea turtles here, which makes it a really memorable experience. Just remember to be respectful of the sea turtles and admire them from a distance. Plus, the beach has plenty of shade and facilities, so you can easily spend the whole day there.
Snorkel at Hideaways Beach/Pali Ke Kua Beach
Hideaways Beach, also known as Pali Ke Kua Beach, is a hidden gem. The hike down is steep and a bit challenging, but the crystal-clear waters and stunning views make it totally worth it. It’s an awesome spot for snorkeling and enjoying some peace and quiet.
Have a Picnic at Pu’u Poa Beach
Pu’u Poa Beach is a secluded spot that’s perfect for sunbathing and sometimes snorkeling. You might even see some sea turtles here! It’s close to Hanalei Bay Resort, and you can grab food at Nourish Hanalei for a picnic while you watch the sunset.
Enjoy a Walk on The Princeville Path
The 2.1-mile paved path in Princeville is perfect for a morning run or a relaxing walk. It starts at Prince Albert Park and goes all the way to the end of Ka Haku Road. The path offers beautiful views and has benches where you can rest and enjoy the scenery.
Hike the Okolehao Trail to Okolehao Viewpoint
The Okolehao Trail is a moderately challenging hike, but the views at the top are totally worth it. The trail has lots of roots and inclines, and it can get pretty muddy, so make sure you wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. The views of Hanalei Bay and the surrounding mountains are absolutely beautiful!
Tour the Kauai Koa Farm
Kauai Koa Farm has a super cool tour where you can learn about native plants, Hawaiian culture, and sustainability. You’ll walk through the forest, visit the Koa trees, and even check out the wood shop. It’s a great educational experience, and you can buy some awesome handmade items like ukuleles and charcuterie boards.
Rent Gear for Ocean Activities from Kauai Surf Rentals
If you need gear for beach or water activities in the ocean, Kauai Surf Rentals has you covered. They rent out surfboards, paddleboards, bodyboards, and all your beach essentials. The best part? They deliver everything right to your doorstep, so it’s super convenient! You can grab your gear and head straight to the beach for a fun day in the ocean!
Unwind with a Spa Treatment or Massage in Princeville
Treat yourself to a spa day at one of the local spots. Princeville has a variety of local spa options like Aloha Massage Kauai, Hanalei Bay Massage Spa, and the more upscale Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of exploring!
Visit Turtle Cove (Turtle Cave)
Turtle Cove, also known as Turtle Cave, is a hidden gem in Princeville that’s all about seeing the sea turtles. Getting there takes a bit of effort—the hike down is steep and challenging, so wear good shoes and bring a flashlight. If the conditions are right, you might be able to swim or wade up to the beach and explore the cave. It’s one of the best spots to see sea turtles up close. Just remember to respect their space and enjoy watching them from a distance.
Explore the Maniniholo Dry Cave
The Maniniholo Dry Cave is a fantastic spot to visit, even on a rainy day. It’s just a short drive from Princeville and super easy to get to. The cave goes back pretty far, and you can walk right inside and explore. It’s a unique place to visit on the North Shore of Kauai, with plenty of photo ops and a great way to learn more about Kauai’s natural history. Definitely a must-see!
Take a Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Kayak Hanalei
You’ve got to try the Kayak Hanalei tour! It starts with a fun kayaking trip on the Hanalei River and Bay, and then you get to go snorkeling. The guides are awesome and might even serenade you with ukuleles, which totally adds to the fun. You’ll see all kinds of fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even swim with sea turtles. It’s an unforgettable experience!
Fly Over Kauai with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Hawaii vacations and helicopter rides just go hand in hand! On a tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, you’ll get an amazing aerial view of Kauai, flying over Hanapepe Valley, Manawaiopuna Falls (aka Jurassic Park Falls), and Waimea Canyon. It’s such a unique way to see the island’s different landscapes.
Cycle Around Princeville with a Bike Rental
Renting a bike from Biking in Paradise is such a fun way to explore Princeville! The 2.1-mile Princeville Path is perfect for biking and has some beautiful views along the way. The bikes come with racks, baskets, helmets, and locks, so you have everything you need to explore the area. It’s super convenient and a great way to explore the North Shore.
Play Pickleball or Basketball at Emmalani Park
Emmalani Park is a hidden gem in a peaceful neighborhood in Princeville, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. You can shoot some hoops on the full basketball court or play a game of pickleball on the outdoor courts. The huge lawn is awesome for soccer or frisbee. It’s a great spot to do some fun outdoor activities while you’re in Princeville.
Stop by the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge Viewpoint
Even though the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge itself is now closed, the viewpoint is still open and definitely worth a visit. The viewpoint is designed to be a self-guided experience with informative panels. You’ll learn about Hanalei, the refuge, and the National Wildlife Refuge System. You get stunning views of the refuge, and it’s a great spot to appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife of Kauai.
Wander Through Limahuli Garden and Preserve
Just a 30-minute drive from Princeville, Limahuli Garden and Preserve is an amazing spot to visit. You can learn all about Indigenous traditions and plants while exploring this beautiful place. You can join a guided tour for some insider info or wander around on your own with a self-guided tour. It’s a great way to discover the plants and history of the island and enjoy the gorgeous gardens.
Dine at Popular Restaurants in Princeville
You’ve got to check out the local restaurants while you’re here! Some of everyone’s favorite spots are Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, Tahiti Nui, Tiki Iniki, Bar Acuda, and The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant. P.S. How fun are these cocktails in parrot glasses from Tiki Iniki?!
