The Okolehao hike is a challenging 5-mile hike with some serious elevation gain. But if you just want to get out of the car for a quick walk, hike the first half mile of the trail until you reach an electric pole. There you will find an overlook of the Hanalei Valley.

Alltrails

The Kalalau Trail is one of the most ambitious hikes in Hawai'i. This 11-mile trail takes you along the steep cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. To do the entire hike, a permit is required, but for your tour today we recommend you hike the first half mile to the viewpoint of the Na Pali Coast. From there, you can turn around the way you came. 

Because the road to the Kalalau trailhead is closed, you'll have to hike from the Ke'e Beach overflow parking area to the trailhead--a total of 2 miles roundtrip. (No permit is required for the first section of the trail up to the Hanakapi'ai Valley.)

If you'd like a longer, more challenging hike, consider continuing on the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Beach, about a four mile RT. There are restrooms near this beach cove.

Alltrails - Hanakapi'ai Beach via the Kalalau Trail

Note: If you are taking the shuttle back, remember to keep an eye on the time. The last shuttle leaves Ha'ena State Park at 7 p.m.

Now, if you are not feeling up to a rugged hike on the Kalalau Trail, then perhaps you can consider a stroll in the Limahuli Garden & Preserve.This garden is a neat place to learn about Hawaiian culture and native plants with descriptive placards. There is even a little booklet they give with with numbered sections that you can follow around the park learning more about what you are seeing.

From personal experience, this garden is worth it, and by far the best botanical garden on the island. Plan on about 45 minutes to really see the whole gardens. Check it out if you have the time.

Hours: Open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Last check-in is at 2:15 p.m.

Fees: $30 entry fee for adults; it’s free for children under 13.

Note: Reservations for the self-guided tours are not required for those arriving by shuttle, however they are strongly encouraged if you are driving to ensure parking. Guided tours require advance reservations. Online reservations open 30 days in advance. Book here. 



Remember the 1963 show Gilligan’s Island? Well, this picturesque beach with its gorgeous white sand is where the first season was filmed! Take a stroll on Moloa'a Beach where Gilligan and his crew started it all.

Moloa'a Beach is great for a stroll or even a little swimming or boogie boarding if the ocean is calm. However, it's important to be aware of the ocean's condition. There are undercurrents that can pull you out to sea. And we don't recommend swimming here or at any of the other beaches on this tour during the winter. That's when the waters get rough and too dangerous for casual swimming. Leave that to the expert surfers!

Note: There are no lifeguards.

Time to take out that snorkel gear!

Anini Beach boasts the largest coral reef in Hawaii and is considered one of the best snorkel spots on Kaua'i. The beach is a little detour off the main road - but don’t worry, we’ll guide you there.

We recommend packing your own gear, but if you don’t have you can rent or buy nearby in Princeville.

Lumaha’i Beach is located just past Kahalahala Beach where the Lumaha'i Stream enters the ocean. There is a large parking area next to the road. Be careful not to drive too far towards the beach, unless your car has high clearance. The beach here is wide open and calm during the summer months. 

To find the tongue of Pilikua, the giant that I mention on the tour, go towards the left end of the beach where you will find a river mouth. The tongue is the flat black lava rock that enters the ocean right by the river.

Tunnels Beach is the quintessential snorkeling and diving beach. There's plenty to explore here with underwater lava tubes with an abundance of sea life. In fact, Tunnels is consistently listed as one of the best snorkel spots on the island.

Parking is extremely limited, so if you can’t find a spot, head to Ha’ena Beach nearby and walk over to Tunnels. Or come back later in the day and try again.

If you don’t have your own gear, the nearest place to rent is Hanalei.

Strong ocean currents make Ha’ena Beach not so much a place for casual swimming. In fact, you may even see surfers out in the water cutting it up on the waves. But do get out of the car and go for a stroll; Ha’ena Beach is beautiful, and there are restrooms, showers and lifeguards here at this beach.

Across the street there is a cave called Maniniholo. It’s the remains of an old lava tube, an evidence of Kauai’s fiery volcanic past!

Pull over for a look at the Kalalea Mountain Range. While you’re there, does the shape of the mountain remind you of anything? Look closely, and you’ll see its resemblance to King Kong.

The scenic Kilauea Point peninsula is home to the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge and the historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse.

The original 52-foot-tall lighthouse was built in 1913 to assist commercial shipping between Asia and Hawaii. For 63 years, this lighthouse served as a bright beacon in the vast Pacific Ocean. But years of exposure to the elements caused serious damage to the structure. After a much-needed renovation, the upgraded lighthouse was rededicated in 2013, just in time for its centennial. The structure was then renamed the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse–after the Hawaii senator who helped raise the needed funds for its restoration.

Refuge Hours: The refuge is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm - Advance reservations are required. Book here.

Note: If you don't have reservations, you can still take in this beautiful site from the overlook.

Hanalei Pier dates back to the late 1800s. This picturesque pier stretches into Hanalei Bay and has been featured in a handful of movies like Beachheads, South Pacific, and more recently, George Clooney’s The Descendants.

We recommend going for a leisurely stroll along the pier, and if you’re there at the right time, staying for sunset.

In 2018, record-breaking rains cause the nearby Hanalei River to flood, overturning cars in this parking lot and completely destroying the restrooms. Amid the scene of devastation, residents were stunned to see bison on the beach at Hanalei Bay!

Tune in to the bonus "Bison on the Beach" Press to Play story to hear about this surprising sight! 

As you drive to Hanalei, on your right you’ll see a little shopping center for Princeville, and to your left, a scenic area viewpoint. The scenic area has a breathtaking view of Hanalei Valley.

Stop for a quick photo of the lush mountains and a patchwork of taro fields in the valley.

Kahili Beach is also known as Rock Quarry Beach, because of a former rock quarry nearby. This is a remote, rural beach with no facilities, just lots of beauty. If you have the time, wade through the stream - if it's low enough - and check out the far left side of the beach. There is a huge rock to climb on for an epic view of the bay.

Just past Hanalei is a small beach called Kahalahala. The trail will go down into a forested area before emerging in front of a beautiful pristine beach. This is where Nellie Forebrush sang the song “I gotta wash that man right outta my hair” in the movie South Pacific.

Pro Tip! If you’re pressed for time skip this beach and the next and head to Tunnels for some incredible snorkeling.

Hanalei is a charming seaside town with a famous pier, restaurants and shopping. While you’re here, it’s a great spot to grab some lunch or pick up picnic supplies for lunch on the pier.

Please Note: If you're traveling past Hanalei towards Haena State Park - home to the Kalalau Trail - you'll need a reservation. In addition to a reservation to enter the park, you'll need a parking or shuttle reservation. Parking costs $10 per car and entry is $5 per person. Round trip shuttle service and entry costs $35 per person. You can make your reservations up to 30 days in advance at www.gohaena.com.