Princeville HawaiiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Princeville, Hawaii.
1. Princeville Botanical Gardens
FAMILY-OWNED GARDEN PARADISE
Princeville Botanical Gardens is a family-owned and operated garden paradise located on the magnificent north shore of Kauai. Visitors can explore lush landscapes featuring various tropical plants and flowers while learning about local flora. The gardens offer guided tours that often include chocolate tastings from cacao grown on the property.
2. Queen's Bath
NATURAL TIDAL POOL
Queen's Bath is a stunning natural pool that was once a bathing spot for Hawaiian royalty. Visitors need to take a 15-minute hike across slippery lava rocks to reach this popular summertime attraction, so proper footwear is recommended. Swimming is only advisable during calm summer conditions, as winter months can bring dangerous surf conditions.
3. Pali Ke Kua Beach
SECLUDED COASTAL HIDEAWAY
Pali Ke Kua Beach offers visitors a more secluded coastal experience in Princeville. Located at the end of the Puu Poa condos, this beach can be accessed via a small dirt path from a modest parking lot. The beach provides a quieter alternative to more crowded spots in the area.
4. Hanalei Valley Lookout
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Hanalei Valley Lookout is a convenient roadside stop offering panoramic views of a verdant valley, taro fields, and mountains. This lookout point provides the perfect opportunity for photographers to capture the lush landscape that makes Kauai famous. Nearby amenities make this an easily accessible scenic stop for visitors exploring the north shore.
5. Puu Poa Beach
SCENIC RESORT BEACHFRONT
Puu Poa Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline situated in front of the St. Regis Princeville Resort. Visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing with spectacular views of Bali Hai in the distance. The beach offers both resort amenities and natural beauty, making it popular with tourists and locals alike.
6. Princeville Makai Golf Club
OCEANFRONT GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Princeville Makai Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. The course has been recognized as one of the top golf courses in Hawaii, featuring well-maintained fairways and challenging holes. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the stunning landscape while playing a round at this premier destination.
7. Turtle Cove
HIDDEN MARINE SANCTUARY
Turtle Cove is a special geologic formation where visitors might spot Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. The cove offers excellent snorkeling opportunities during calm conditions, typically in summer months. Access requires some hiking, making the destination feel more secluded and rewarding for those who make the journey.
8. Hideaways Beach
SECLUDED SNORKELING SPOT
Hideaways Beach is a secluded coastal gem commonly recognized as an excellent snorkeling location during calm weather conditions. The beach is surrounded by scenic cliffs and lush palm trees, creating a picturesque tropical setting. Located just minutes from Princeville's center, this hidden treasure rewards visitors with stunning ocean views and relative privacy.
9. Princeville Center
UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Princeville Center offers a diverse collection of shopping, dining, and businesses showcasing local Kauai artisans and merchants. Located between Princeville Ranch and Kauai's sea cliffs, this center provides visitors with high-end dining experiences and opportunities to purchase island-style wares. Visitors can find perfect handmade souvenirs or stylish island apparel while enjoying the comfortable yet authentically Hawaiian atmosphere.
10. Hanalei Bay
ICONIC CRESCENT BEACH
Hanalei Bay is a picturesque crescent-shaped bay surrounded by lush green mountains just a short drive from Princeville. Visitors can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, surfing, or jumping off the historic pier that extends into the bay. The area also features nearby food vendors and shave ice shops, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying this iconic Hawaiian beach.
11. Na Pali Coast State Park
DRAMATIC COASTAL WILDERNESS
Na Pali Coast State Park features 17 miles of rugged coastline with towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls accessible from the Princeville area. Visitors can experience this dramatic landscape through hiking the Kalalau Trail, boat tours, or helicopter rides offering different perspectives of the breathtaking scenery. The park represents one of Hawaii's most pristine natural environments and has been featured in numerous films due to its extraordinary beauty.
12. Kilauea Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Kilauea Lighthouse stands on a scenic peninsula near Princeville, serving as both a historic landmark and wildlife refuge. Built in 1913, the lighthouse offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and opportunities for bird watching, including red-footed boobies, albatross, and other seabirds. Visitors can tour the restored lighthouse and learn about its important role in Hawaii's maritime history.
13. Tunnels Beach
PREMIER SNORKELING DESTINATION
Tunnels Beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities featuring a vast reef system just offshore from the beach. The underwater topography includes lava tubes and caves that create a haven for tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Named for its unique tunnel-like formations beneath the water, this beach offers stunning views of Mount Makana (Bali Hai) while providing one of the best snorkeling experiences on Kauai.
14. Limahuli Garden and Preserve
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN BOTANICAL GARDEN
Limahuli Garden and Preserve showcases native Hawaiian plants and ancient agricultural terraces in a stunning valley setting near Princeville. The garden demonstrates traditional Hawaiian land management practices and conservation efforts to preserve endangered species. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore the 1,000-acre preserve at their own pace while learning about Hawaiian culture and sustainable practices.
15. Wailua Falls
DRAMATIC TWIN WATERFALLS
Wailua Falls features spectacular twin cascades plunging approximately 80 feet into a deep pool below, making it one of Kauai's most accessible and impressive waterfalls. The falls gained fame after being featured in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island during the 1970s and 1980s. Easily viewable from a roadside lookout point, this natural wonder is especially magnificent in the morning when rainbows often form in the mist.