17 Fun Things to do in Princeville, Kauai (And Nearby!)

Princeville, Kauai is situated at the beginning of Kauai’s breathtaking North Shore, close to the island’s famous Napali Coast, historic Hanaeli town, and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches.

If you’re curious about the best things to do in Princeville Kauai, you’re in luck! I stayed in Princeville on my most recent trip to Kauai and fell in love with the area. This Kauai travel guide includes all the best things to do in Princeville and nearby, including the best Princeville beaches, hidden gems like Princeville’s Queen’s Bath, things to do in neighboring Hanalei, and other fun things to do on Kauai’s North Shore—all within a 30 minute drive from Princeville.

3. See Queen’s Bath

Queen’s Bath is probably the most popular place to visit in Princeville, Kauai, but before you go you should know a few things! This natural pool is situated beside the ocean and is incredibly beautiful, but often incredibly dangerous.

The hike down to Queen’s Bath takes about 15 minutes and there are some beautiful little waterfalls along the way. The trail can get muddy and slippery if there was recent rain so wear proper shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Once you get to the cliffs you’ll see a waterfall to your right and a large pool below that opens into the ocean—this is NOT Queen’s Bath. You have to walk about 5 minutes further to the left to get to Queen’s Bath.

People have died here and many have been injured because bigger swells can slam you against the rocks if you’re swimming in the pool or standing beside it, and you can be swept out. The waves are typically smaller in the summertime, but I still recommend only going at low tide. In addition, do not swim in the pool alone and be sure to listen to advice from any locals you meet.

As with Hideaway Beach, the parking situation is tricky and it’s best to visit in the morning, or walk/bike over from your hotel in Princeville.

Even though I visited at low tide in the summer, I chose not to swim in the pool but there were half a dozen other people swimming when I was there. I wouldn’t advise swimming in the tide pool unless you’re 110% sure.

4. Go on a Helicopter Tour of the Napali Coast

I debated whether to include this one on my list of things to do in Princeville because you actually have to drive down to Lihue airport for this activity, but going on a helicopter tour allows you to see Princeville, Hanalei Bay, the Na Pali Coast, and all of the other best views in Kauai, from above!

There are a handful of helicopter tours to choose from, but my recommendation is this ECO Adventure Helicopter Tour which has over 1600 5-star reviews and includes a 50 minute flight over the rugged Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Mt. Waialeale, Princeville, Hanalei, and Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls).

You can choose from 7 different departure times everyday, but be sure to arrive at Lihue airport one hour before your flight. View current rates and/or book your Kauai helicopter tour.

5. Snorkel and Sunbathe at Tunnels Beach

Mākua Beach (also called Tunnels Beach) is just around 25 minutes down the North Shore from Princeville. Mākua is possibly the most beautiful beach on Kauai outside of the Napali Coast, with golden sand and picturesque mountains. It is one of the best places on Kauai to snorkel, and one of the best places to see sea turtles!

Be sure to bring your own snorkel gear and beach chair or towel so you can lounge on the golden sand comfortably. Many hotels and vacation rentals offer beach towels and/or chairs so be sure to ask. If you’re in the market for a great travel-friendly beach towel, this one is my favorite!

Note: Parking can be challenging at many popular beaches in Hawaii, including Tunnels. Arrive early to secure a spot in the parking lot and if you park outside the official parking lot, be certain you’re parking legally! Also, check out the cave right across the street from the parking lot.

Also Read: 15 BEST Things to do in Lihue, Kauai (And Nearby!)

6. Hike the Famous Kalalau Trail Along the Na Pali Coast

30 minutes from Princeville you end up at the beginning of the famous Napali Coast. The Kalalau Trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

The 10 mile trail climbs along the rugged Napali mountains overlooking the turquoise ocean below, with secluded beaches and waterfalls along the way. Most people only hike the first few miles along the coastline to Hanakapi’ai Beach, which has plenty of gorgeous views and is definitely worth doing!

Regardless of how long you hike along the trail, you’ll need a reservation which can be made in advance on Hāʻena State Park’s website. Visitors are encouraged to use the North Shore Shuttle Service which runs every 20 minutes between Waipā Park & Ride and Haena State park (where the Kalalau trailhead is located).

7. Enjoy Breakfast with a View at Nourish Hanalei

Nourish Hanalei is actually located in Princeville with an incredible view overlooking Hanaeli Valley, the river, mountains, and bay. It’s a food stand with a small menu of healthy and delicious food and drinks, including acai bowls, loaded bagel sandwiches, and nourish bowls. There are several vegan and gluten free options, plus cold brew coffee and matcha.

I’ve heard that the acai bowls aren’t as good as some other spots on the island, but I thoroughly enjoyed a bagel here and the view itself is worth it! Plus, I love visiting small locally owned businesses like this! As a bonus you can walk to Puu Poa Beach from the parking lot!

8. Taste Chocolate and Tour Princeville Botanical Gardens

Visiting Princeville Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Princeville, especially for those interested in tropical flora and fauna, and chocolate!

You can visit on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday at 9:30am for a full botanical garden tour and chocolate tasting, and you’ll want to make a reservation in advance.

You’ll get to explore the garden’s beautiful terraces and immerse in natural beauty before learning about how chocolate is made from scratch! And of course you’ll get to taste chocolate, too.

9. Take Photos at the Hanalei Valley Lookout

Just a few hundred feet down from Princeville Foodland grocery store there is a small turnout called the Hanalei Valley Lookout. You get a beautiful view of the mountains and taro fields in the valley below!

10. Birdwatch at Kīlauea Lighthouse

Kilauea Point Lighthouse is one of the best places on Kauai for birdwatching, especially with sea birds! It’s also just a lovely place to visit for the views of the Pacific Ocean, sea cliffs, and historic lighthouse.

The lighthouse is only open Wednesday through Saturday and you need to make a reservation on Recreation.gov and pay a $10 fee to visit. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, Kamaʻāina Pass, Federal Duck Stamp, or Golden Age Pass you don’t need to pay the fee but you still need to make a reservation!

11. Explore Historic Hanalei Town

Situated in picturesque Hanalei Valley between towering lush mountains and the turquoise bay, Hanaeli Town is one of the best places to visit in Hawaii! It is only about a 10 minute drive from Princeville, and has the best restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and shops on the Kauai North Shore. Some of the best things to do in Hanalei Town include:

🖌️ See a stunning collection of Pacific Islands tribal art at Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art
🛍️ Wander through the alleyways of the Ching Young Village Shopping Center
🥤 Order a coffee or smoothie at Wishing Well Coffee & Tea (always served in a reusable jar that you can take home as a souvenir!)
🌺 Attend the weekly luau at Tahiti Nui
🥡 Grab something to eat at a food truck like Fresh Bite Farm To Beach or Tiki Tzatziki
🧑‍🌾 Stroll through the Saturday farmer’s market
🍲 Eat at one of Hanaeli’s best dine-in restaurants like Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, Hanalei Bread Company, or Postcards

12. Dine With a View at Happy Talk

Located at Princeville’s Hanalei Bay Resort, Happy Talk Lounge is one of the best places to eat in Princeville. This open-air restaurant is situated at the top of a man-made waterfall with views of the mountains and bay in the distance.

Happy Talk does not take reservations, and it is open to anyone (even if you aren’t staying at the resort). I highly recommend trying to snag one of the tables right by the waterfall, but they are exposed in direct sunlight for a lot of the day.

Unlike most places in Princeville, parking is easy and free if you’re dining at the restaurant. And even if you don’t want something to eat, you could just come here for a drink and a view!

13. Snorkel at Anini Beach

Anini Beach is one of the most unique places for snorkeling in Kauai! The water is calm and shallow, and at first it does not seem like a good place for snorkeling, but once you find the right spots you’re in for a treat!

I loved snorkeling through the shallow underwater canyons here and I saw several sea turtles and a diversity of unique tropical fish. I noticed that the fish were a little more timid at Anini Beach compared to more popular snorkeling spots I’ve visited in Hawaii, so you have to move slowly and cautiously as to not scare them!

Getting to Anini Beach is a little confusing as there is another park you’ll pass called Anini Beach Campground, but you do want to keep driving until the end of the road to get to the actual Anini Beach park that’s so amazing for snorkeling!

There isn’t a parking lot, but there are plenty of spots to park along the road. There are several homes right beside the beach here so be sure not to block anyone’s driveway and respect the people who call this place home!

14. Walk to Puu Poa Beach

Like Hideaway Beach, Puu Poa Beach is another beautiful Princeville beach that you can only access via a trail. You can either walk to Puu Poa Beach from the trailhead by 1 Hotel Hanalei, or along Hanalei Plantation Road from Nourish Hanalei.

As with almost everywhere else in Princeville, parking is tricky and sometimes impossible, so I highly recommend walking/biking to the trailhead from wherever you’re staying in Princeville if possible. If you decide to hike from Nourish Hanalei, follow instructions on Alltrails.

The walk to Puu Poa Beach is longer and more confusing than the walk to Hideaway Beach so if you’re trying to choose between the two, I’d go with Hideaway Beach!

15. Hang Out at Hanalei Beach

This large crescent-shaped beach along Hanalei Bay is one of the most postcard-worthy sights in the area and its a favorite for snorkeling, surfing, and sunbathing for locals and visitors alike. And it is even more popular for sunset watching!

Parking at Hanalei Beach is much easier than trying to park and hike to a beach in Princeville — there are several parking areas and you can also easily walk to the beach from Hanalei Town.

16. Learn About Hawaiian Permaculture at the Limahuli Garden & Preserve

30 minutes away from Princeville you’ll arrive at the end of the road and find the gorgeous Limahuli Garden & Preserve, an expansive garden showcasing indigenous plants.

According to the National Tropical Botanical Garden website, Limahula Valley has been a Hawaiian garden for at least 1,500 years. Today it features intact archaeological complexes and native forest, all cared for by the descendants of the valley’s original inhabitants.

You need a reservation to visit this special place, and you can either book at self guided tour or a guided tour. Also, since parking is a very limited, you’re encouraged to use the North Shore Shuttle Service which runs every 20 minutes between the Waipā Park & Ride and Limahuli. Your shuttle reservation includes entry to Hā‘ena State Park, too!

17. Play Golf at Princeville Makai Golf Club

I couldn’t write a guide about Princeville Hawaii and not mention the Princeville golf course! I’m not a golfer myself but the large golf course located right in the heart of Princeville makes it an attractive destination for anyone who does love golf.

You can book tee times online here. Also, Makai Golf Club offers sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean several times a week for $25, details here.

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