Our Perfect Day in North Shore Kauai (free Kauai itinerary!) | 11 Things to Do on North Shore Kauai

Published 2020-07-24
Our top 11 things to do for a perfect day in North Shore Kauai, from Kileaua to Hanalei. We stayed in Princeville so this itinerary was a perfect first day on Kauai for our family. This Kauai itinerary was not hectic and gave us flexibility thanks to the close locations.

We highly recommend this list of things to do and where to eat in Kauai - North Shore. The itinerary is social distancing approved!

Kauai was quiet during our trip since inter-island travel opened up less than a month previously and the mandatory 14-day quarantine for trans-Pacific flights was still in effect. But that didn't stop us from having an amazing trip. Only a few things were closed like a coffee shop (their sister shop in Hanalei was open), a hiking trail, and a banana stand. Shops and sights are opening up across Kauai but with reduced hours or new guidelines like reservations required so check before you fly or call ahead.

Below are our Kauai itineraries - planned and the actual things we did on Kauai. We have no regrets.

Planned North Shore Kauai itinerary (Kileaua to Princeville to Hanalei):
1. Breakfast and Coffee: The Spot (Princeville)
2. Kilauea Lighthouse
3. Kilauea Town
4. Banana Joe’s Fruit Stand (on Kuhio Highway, right outside of Kilauea Town)
5. Easy Hike: Wai Koa Loop Trail is behind Banana Joe’s
6. Hanalei Valley Lookout (Princeville)
7. Hanalei Single-Lane Bridge
8. Hanalei Pier
9. Lunch: Frederico's Fresh Mex Cuisine or Pat's Taqueria food truck (Central Hanalei Town)
10. Shave Ice at Wishing Well Shave Ice (Hanalei Town)
11. Hanalei Beach Day!
12. Standup paddleboarding or kayaking in Hanalei Bay
13. Walk around Hanalei Town
14. Dinner at Kilauea Fish Market (Kileaua) or AMA Ramin Bar in Hanalei

Actual North Shore Kauai itinerary (Kileaua to Princeville to Hanalei):
0. (00:00) Intro
1. (00:53) Breakfast and Coffee: Trilogy Coffee and Tea Bar (Kilauea Town)
2. (02:49) Kilauea Lighthouse - easy walk with our toddler and a wildlife refuge!
3. (03:46) Kilauea Town - walked around and did some shopping
4. (04:10) Hanalei Valley Lookout (Princeville) for pictures and to take in the beauty. You can see the famous Hanalei Bridge if you look straight down!
5. (04:33) Hanalei Single-Lane Bridge
6. (04:39) Walked around Hanalei Town
7. (05:13) Shave Ice at Wishing Well Shave Ice (Hanalei Town) - we needed desert before lunch today!
8. (06:42) Hanalei Pier - should have jumped in from the end!
9. (07:17) Lunch: Frederico's Fresh Mex Cuisine (Central Hanalei Town)
10. (07:56) Hanalei Beach Day!
11. (08:46) Dinner at Kilauea Fish Market (Kileaua) (we went to AMA Ramin Bar on another night!)

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All Comments (21)
  • I just wanted to Say "thank you" guys for making these videos; I just discovered your videos Yesterday!!! You guys are a beautiful family and warms my heart to watch your guys, and your beautiful Smiles!!! The reason that I discovered your videos is because all of a sudden, I got an interest in visiting Hawaii, but in the process, I discovered Princeville, and developed an interest in the place, so I decided to go to YouTube and find some videos related to Kauai and Princeville, and that's how I came across your channel, and I repeat, I love your beautiful family (son) and Smiles. I've already watched some of your videos, and my favorite is when your Son is running back and forth on the pier, I too have a child. Thank you guys. Love, hugs, kisses, from Seattle, WA.
  • I’m going to Kauai in Nov 2024. It’s my 4th time there but my wife’s 1st time. I’ve been watching all the videos of Kauai just to get an idea of things to do that she’ll want to do.
  • @Angelaaa1015
    We’re staying in princeville for 2 weeks this summer and I’m so ready. We hopped over for a long weekend when we stayed on big island.
  • @Jeannified
    Beautiful! I definitely want to visit this island.
  • @johnsipple4113
    Thanks for mentioning the prices of the meals you purchased. I'm always curious about the cost of meals while vacationing in Hawaii. That's the one travel expense that can really creep up on you when look back at the total cost of the vacation.
  • @merietgenealogy
    Great vid, visited Hanalei Bay 3 times and most of east coast of Kauai, in 2014 we were fortunate to have a short impromptu concert by Uncle Larry.
  • LOVE THIS!!!!! so informative & taking notes! we are going with our 2 1/2 toddler and soooo excited!
  • @Cragozy
    I think Kauai is the next Island to visit! Looking forward to the next episode. Also, please adopt me.
  • @Scrapjoy2010
    This made my heart happy. We are missing Kauai big time! Can’t wait until we can come from the mainland.
  • Mahalo for watching! Click SUBSCRIBE for 2+ videos per week on vacationing in Hawaii. Our family videos are no substitute for your Hawaii vacation but at least it is something during this pandemic. Check out our Hawaii travel website for more tips on traveling to Hawaii: thehawaiivacationguide.com/
  • @TadTamura
    Thanks for sharing Kilauea town at the beginning of the video; The old stone walled buildings at the beginning was the old, original, Kilauea Dispensary and Managers office. We used to play football as kids in the grassy area in front. Last time I walked by during the holidays the lone pine tree had some x-mas decorations. Great video- shooting and editing.
  • @deipty222
    Thank you for the itinerary! We will be at the south for our trip but would definitely spend a day at the north shore.
  • @Surfer0210
    We live in San Diego but have spent a week in Maui every year for the past 30 years (Maui no ka oi). But we have also visited Kauai when we're in the mood for lush scenery and a more laid back stay. With COVID, our travels are on hold until probably next summer. But your video series is making it as though we are there ... walking every where we do and showing everything we like to see! Plus we're making a list of the restaurants, services and locations you feature for our next visit. Keep it up! This way we never have to leave! Aloha!