Hi here are 10 things to do that are like hidden gems on the island of Kauai. These restaurants and secret places are in Princeville and Hanalei Bay area plus one special place right when you land in Hawaii that I will show you at the end of this video.
After 5 times visiting Kauai, we found some off the beaten path things to do around the north shore of Kauai.
Number One
The number one hidden gem is Secret Beach in Princeville. Some call it Hideaway Beach. Here is how you find the secret beach. Turn into Princeville at the main entrance fountain. Look up directions to Sea Lodge-it will be at the very back but it has free parking so be respectful! Park near Sea Lodge 1. On the sign you will see the sign pointing to the trail. I wore my Merrell sandals and would not wear flip flops. The path to Secret Beach is pretty worn in for you but there are some nails sticking out. And do not go alone. I would pack water. You have to climb around lava rocks to get to the beach part. The hike is maybe half a mile round trip. Took us 15 minutes to get there. Highly recommend my husbands newest Merrell shoes because of the heel protection instead of a strap like crocs have.
If you want to save these directions to the first hidden gem, here is how:
- Click on the words Save under the YouTube video and tap save to Watch Later.
- Then when you reopen YouTube you click on the left hand side where it says Watch Later to see saved videos.
If you go to Kauai with kids and you’re up at the crack of dawn with the roosters, head to the Princeville Public library. Let the kids play on the Playground with free parking for now. Please do not abuse it. You will see the sign as you near the fountain at Princeville.
Number Two
The second thing we like to do in Kauai is to visit 3 beaches on the road from Kapaa to the north shore. The scenery is beautiful on that drive and not crowded early in the morning. Every beach is public in Hawaii. These three have parking available on sand.
Anahola is where my husband vacationed several times as a child. It has a river that runs into the ocean. Websites now have to say that there could be rip current when a river does that but the river is shallow with an island.
Anini Beach is also not crowded and looks private. Take a nap with the windows down in the shade. And tunnels beach is another hidden gem.
Even in the middle of the day your family may be the only ones on the beach.
Number Three
One thing to do in the north shore of Kauai is to drive through Hanalei to the end of the road. The roads in Kauai do not go all the way around the island, but it’s beautiful driving on an island that has not changed much in 20 years since we honeymooned there. There are at least 11 one lane bridges. The local rule is to let 7 cars go and then let the other side of the bridge go across.
The ice cream store Lappert’s is very crowded at any time of day so venture down to Hanalei for this hidden gem.
Pink’s Grilled Cheese and Ice Cream has parking! We got a grilled cheese but came back for the ice cream. It melts in your mouth. One reason it is hidden gem is because it is behind the main road in Hanalei.
One tip for Kauai is that all restaurants are a 45 minute wait. Maybe give the kids ice cream while you are waiting to be called for a restaurant. All of the flavors were delicious.
Number Four
Months ahead of our 20th anniversary trip we thought of another thing to do…a couples massage on the beach-raw nature.
The sound is beautiful of waves crashing ashore. You are in an a-frame that you can undress in. Worth it! There is a nice breeze too. Remember cash tip like $20 per therapist.
Number Five
New Overlook of Hanalei Valley is now open.
There is new construction right across from the entrance into Princeville. This is one thing to do that is affordable. It will cost $5 if you do not have a Hawaii driver’s license. You will get the full scenic view of the Hanalei Valley. That is where the lush green mountains the fingerprints of God look like velvet. Beautiful!
Number Six
Check out Houlau Chocolate tour which is about a 2 hours , grown on Kauai and chocolate bars say the date when they were roasted and harvested.
We met the owner who is passionate about chocolate-correct authentic chocolate and started the farm out of his condo in Princeville while clearing the land. Their kitchen is solar-powered.
Number Seven
Kilauea Bakery and Pizza: This was our favorite hidden gem because it opens at 6 am.
Kilauea has spruced up their towns.
I loved their Sumatra coffee but they also have local coffee. Not many tourists there in the morning. Here is what you need to know:
- Cinnamon rolls will not be ready on Monday morning-maybe because we were there the day after Easter.
- The cream cheese icing is perfect against the completely soft not crispy cinnamon roll
- They have croissants and a bacon twist-cinnamon twist with bacon.
Plenty of shade for waiting in line at dinner.
They have clean bathrooms if you know the code with covered seating too.
There are so many hidden gems in Kilauea.
We went to the fish market there for lunch. Their Poke goes super fast! The clerk told me you could reserve it if that interests you. When we left from lunch they had just gotten a fresh batch so I took a tub home. There are only 3 tables covered but lots in the sun.
Kahlua pork and poke is what I could eat every day in Kauai with a side of cinnamon roll. We also ran into the grocery store that looks like a Whole Foods in the same plaza as the fish market and bought some Marlin, a tub of butter and a lemon to cook at our condo.
Java Kai who has local coffee just opened a coffee shop in Kilauea as well so not crowded.
Number Eight
One thing to do at night near Princeville is the Hanalei Bay Resort restaurant.
It’s owned separately from the resort. We honeymooned there 20 years ago. It’s not real hidden so be prepared to walk down by the resort pools in the shade and sit in the open air lobby while you wait.
The live music is not super loud and they have tons of seats! The site and signs say they close at 9, but we think that is when they stop seating people. Aloha vibes!
There is traffic around dinner.
Number Nine
One thing to do on the Garden Island is right when you land. You will be hungry. You will also be in awe of the perfect temperatures and lush breezes so you have the time.
When we land we drive in the perfect temperature up Highway 50 to Porky’s. It will have a line out the door so plan to wait 30-40 minutes for delicious Kahlua pork sandwich. They butter the bread, they can add cheese or you can eat it on top of delicious white rice! They also have a clean bathroom. We ate ours in the car along the side street. The main travel tip is to eat out on weekdays. They do close right after lunch.
Other Information to Consider
- Our return trip to airport from Princeville took 1 hour at 7:30 am. Volume is the cause of the traffic.
- It rains a little almost every day. I packed a 5 inch long umbrella instead of a jacket.
- Lines for restaurants will be around 30-45 minutes at least.
- Roosters and chickens are everywhere.
- Most places close after lunch or closed on Monday/Tuesday.
- Book months in advance if there is something you really want to see or do.