Best Things to do in Princeville and on Kauai's North Shore

Princeville sits at the top of Kauai's North Shore, where cliffside trails lead to secret beaches and the Hanalei Valley unfolds below. Stay at a Gather Vacations property here and you're already close to it all, so start with what's right outside your door, then follow the coast toward Hanalei town and beyond. For the full range of what the island offers, browse our Kauai destination guide before you plan your stay.

Things to Do in Princeville

Discover Hideaway Beach and Pu'u Poa Beach

Two of the best beaches in Princeville are also two of the least crowded. Hideaway Beach is tucked below the cliffs near the St. Regis, reached by a short, steep trail through the trees. Pu'u Poa Beach sits along the river mouth and pairs a wide sandy stretch with easy access from Princeville's resort paths.

Play a Round at Makai Golf Club

Makai Golf Club remains one of Kauai's most scenic golf courses. Designed along the cliffs with ocean views from nearly every hole, it's a favorite among longtime Princeville visitors and residents alike.

Take in Hanalei Valley Lookout

Just a few minutes from Princeville's center, Hanalei Valley Lookout offers one of the most photographed views on the island. From the pullout, you'll see the Hanalei River winding through taro fields, with Namolokama Mountain rising behind it, often streaked with waterfalls after rain.

Browse Princeville Center and the Night Market

For shopping, dining, or a rainy-day detour, Princeville Center covers the basics with local shops, a grocery store, and a handful of restaurants. On the second Sunday of the month, the center hosts the Princeville Night Market, drawing local vendors, food trucks, and live music.

Visit Queen's Bath

Queen's Bath is one of Princeville's most photographed spots, a natural lava-rock pool carved into the coastline near the end of Punahele Road. The short trail passes a small waterfall before opening onto black rock and a pool that fills with each incoming swell.

Things to Do on Kauai's North Shore

Cross the One-Lane Hanalei Bridge

To reach Hanalei and everything beyond it, you'll cross the historic one-lane Hanalei Bridge, built in 1912 and still the only way in or out by car. Traffic alternates by unspoken courtesy rather than a signal, and the slower pace sets the tone for the rest of the drive. It's a small moment of connection, marking the shift into the North Shore.

Explore Hanalei Town

Hanalei Town holds boutiques, art galleries, and the historic Wai'oli Hui'ia Church, framed by mountains on one side and Hanalei Bay on the other.

Swim and Paddle in Hanalei Bay

Summer brings calm water to Hanalei Bay, suited to swimming and stand-up paddling, while winter swells turn the same bay into a surf destination. Rent a board in town or simply set up a beach chair and watch the waves roll in.

Snorkel at Anini Beach

Protected by the longest fringing reef in Hawaii, Anini Beach's shallow, reef-sheltered water makes it a reliable spot for snorkeling and a favorite for families. A grassy shoreline park adds shade and picnic space for a full day out.

Hike Toward Hanakapi'ai on the Kalalau Trail

About 30 minutes from Princeville, the Kalalau Trail marks the start of the Na Pali Coast. Most visitors hike the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach, tracing cliffside views of turquoise water before dropping into a secluded cove.

Dine Along the North Shore

From Princeville to Hanalei, the North Shore's restaurants lean toward fresh, local, and unhurried. And make sure to save room for shave ice, a Hawaii staple no visit is complete without!

Stay in the Middle of It All

With beaches, lookouts, and Hanalei town all within a short drive, Princeville makes an ideal base for exploring Kauai's North Shore. Browse Gather's Princeville vacation rentals to find a home that puts every stop on this list within easy reach.