Things to Do

Top 9 Things To Do In Princeville Kauai For An Unforgettable Experience

A golfer takes aim with a golf stick at the serene course at Princeville Makai Golf Club
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Things to do in Princeville Kauai are 1. Snorkeling at Hideaway Beach 2. Swimming at Queen's Bath 3. Sightseeing from Hanalei Valley Lookout and more.

Princeville is famous for its dramatic cliffsides with views of the Pacific. The place features a perfect balance of natural beauty and a master-planned community of upscale homes.

In this article, we have compiled nine fun activities to do at Princeville, the northernmost city on the island of Kauai.

1. Snorkeling At Hideaway Beach

Things to do in Princeville are snorkeling at the secluded and beautiful Hideaway Beach. This half-mile oceanfront is located on the northern side of Kauai.

Hideaway Beach lies in the Princeville Resort area stretched along the foot of Princeville's clifflines. The stunning beach with white sand and breezy shades is a perfect spot for water adventure.

Also known as Pali Ke Kua Beach, you need to hike for about 15 minutes down to the ocean to reach the place. The trail begins just outside the gatehouse to the St. Regis Hotel, at the end of Ka Haku Road.

Visitors laying down under the sun at the gorgeous Pali Ke Kua (Hideaways) Beach
Source : hawaii-guide

This place is excellent for experienced snorkelers, especially when the surfs are small and visibility is good. There are no lifeguards or facilities on site, so visitors need to be careful before getting in the water. 

Snorkel Gear Rentals near Princeville are:

  • Capt Andy's - Waialo Road
  • Surfboard Paddle Board Rental Kauai - Kauai County
  • Pedal & Paddle - Hanalei, Hawaii
  • Reef Guides Hawaii - Kilauea, Hawaii

2. Take A Dip At Queen's Bath

Things to do Princeville Kauai is to take a refreshing dip at Queen's Bath. This stunning natural pool is a famous summertime attraction in Princeville.

The unique tidal pool is a sinkhole surrounded by igneous rock. Located on the north shore of Kauai, this is a perfect spot to cool off during the summertime.

Queen's Bath, as the name suggests, this place was once a bathing spot for the royals. However, getting there is a bit challenging since you need to hike across slippery lava rocks for 15 minutes.

People taking a dip and cooling off at Queen's Bath in Princeville, Kauai
Source : tripadvisor

Some details about the Queen's Bath trail are listed below:

  • Length: 0.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 29 meters
  • Route Type: Out & Back

In summer, the tidal pool resembles a large hot tub, and the water around this time is calm and clear. During the winter, however, the water can be treacherous due to high surf.

Here, you might get a chance to spot vibrant marine life and a wide variety of fish. This includes Hawaiian sea urchins, Angelfish, and small critter locals known as "Ghost Fish".

3. Enjoy A Stunning View From Hanalei Valley Lookout

Hanalei Valley Lookout is a hidden treasure in Kauai that provides an enchanting sightseeing experience. This scenic lookout is located on the road between Hanalei Bay and Princeville.

Hanalei Lookout is a popular spot that offers a sweeping panoramic view of the surrounding valley and hillside. No wonder, it is one of the most photographed places on the northern shore of Kauai.

Princeville Kauai things to do is to book the Kauai Movie Adventure Tour for $151.83 per person. Polynesian Adventure offers a full-day movie-focused guided trip. 

A lush and scenic natural landscape of Kauai as observed from Hanalei Valley Lookout
Source : reddit

The Hanalei Valley boasts countless waterfalls, a wide field of taro and lush natural beauty that enchants every visitor. Set against the backdrop of the Namolokama mountain, this is a must-visit place.

This scenic spot is located on a turn as you travel down the hill from Princeville to Hanalei towards the Hanalei Bridge. 

  • Address: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
  • Open 24 hours daily

4. Shop At Princeville Center

Kauai Princeville things to do is shopping at Princeville Center located on the North Shore of Kauai. The famous mall features supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants and much more.

Princeville Center is famously known as the Gateway to the North Shore. For anyone traveling via Kuhio Highway, this is the best stop to gas up the car and grab a bite.

  • Address: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
  • Opening Hours: 6 am to 9 pm daily
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5 based on 114 reviews

The mall is a destination in itself and you might catch some live entertainment if the timing is right. The place has all kinds of shops from gifts to clothing and several eateries.

A beautiful shot of the one-stop Princeville Shopping Center in Kauai
Source : facebook

This one-stop place also features stores that offer services such as banking, salons, fitness, real estate, and the post office. Night Market occurs on the second Sunday of every month.

Directory of Princeville Center are listed below:

  • Apparel & Accessories 
  • Amenities
  • Casual Dining & Eateries
  • Financial Services
  • Gas Station
  • Gift, Art & Specialty Items
  • Health & Beauty
  • Foodland Supermarket
  • Real Estate & Property Management

5. Embark On A Food Tour

To do things in Princeville Kauai is to indulge in a self-guided food tour in the city. The buzzing city has fine restaurants that offer a variety of tropical and international dishes.

Kick start your day at Princeville with the best breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company. This locally owned and operated eatery is located at Hanalei Center.

The open-air coffee shop and bakery serves biscuits, sandwiches, and burritos for breakfast and lunch. There are a variety of toasts to choose from including:

  • Avocado Toast
  • Peanut Butter Toast
  • Apple Ricotta Toast

Wailele Bar and the open-air outdoor dining area at Nanea Restaurant and Bar
Source : facebook

For a full-course meal, Nanea Restaurant and Bar is one of the best options in Princeville. This fusion restaurant is located at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas.

This Westin Princeville's signature restaurant features outdoor seating with an ocean view. The eatery specializes in Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Some additional details are listed below:

  • Address: 3838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
  • Phone: 808 827-8700
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 7:45 pm

6. Go For A Swim At Anini Beach

To do things Princeville Kauai to go for a swim at the gorgeous Anini Beach on Kauai's north shore. This beautiful white sand beach stretches up to 2 miles.

The oceanfront area is protected by a coral reef and witnesses calm ocean conditions. This laid-back place is a perfect place to swim, snorkel and windsurf.

There are no lifeguards posted at this beachfront area but it is not something to worry about. The summer is calm while the conditions get a little rough during winter.

The secluded and picturesque Anini Beach at Princeville, Kauai with calm ocean conditions
Source : tripadvisor

Anini is one of the safest and best beaches in Kauai for swimming. The place boasts the longest and widest fringing reef in Hawaii, well-protected waters and consistent weather.

Apart from swimming, visitors can enjoy other water activities including snorkeling, paddleboarding and windsurfing. Families can have a good picnic experience here.

The place has multiple campsites, picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms and showers onsite.

  • Parking Lot
  • Pavilions with Picnic Tables
  • Public Showers 
  • Public Restrooms
  • Grassy lawns
  • Boat Ramps

7. Helicopter Tour Of Kauai From Princeville

Princeville things to do is to go on an awe-inspiring helicopter tour over the Garden Isle of Kauai. Experience the breathtaking aerial view of Hanapepe Valley.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Princeville offers a thrilling chopper ride of 45 minutes for $419 per person. The 400-foot-tall Manawaiopuna Falls also known as Jurassic Park is the main highlight of the trip.

You will fly over the magnificent Olokele Canyon and majestic Waimea Canyon also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This unique landmark was formed by erosion catastrophic collapse of the volcano millions of years ago.

An eye-catching view of a passenger chopper from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters flying over the Hawaiian waters
Source : facebook

  • Departure Location: Princeville Airport, Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
  • No. of Travelers: 4 per group (at max)
  •  One-hour prior check-in
  • Wheelchair accessible

As you board the chopper, you will pass by four major places on Kauai. These include Princeville, Manawaiopuna Falls, Na Pali Coast, and Waimea Canyon State Park.

8. Organize Camping At Anini Beach Park Campground

Anini Beach Park Campground is a beachfront camping site operated by the County of Kauai. The site is located at Kalihikai Park and lies on the western side of Anini Beach.

Campers seeking to visit the site must register for a permit before their arrival. After the process is completed, you can set up a tent on any available space.

  • Camping Permit cost: $3 per night per person
  • Children under 18 years are admitted for free
  • Total No. of Sites: 120
  • The campground stays closed from 10 am on Tuesday until 12 pm on Wednesday

A tent set up by the beachside at the exotic Anini Beach Park Campground
Source : outdoorproject

Vehicle parking is restricted to the designated parking area. Therefore, anyone hoping to camp near the ocean needs to walk some distance further from the parking lot.

There are several onsite amenities at Anini Beach Park Campground which makes it a camper-friendly spot. These consist of:

  • Public Restrooms
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Outdoor Sink
  • Drinking Fountains
  • Water Spigots
  • Shaded Picnic Tables
  • Trash and Recycle Bins

9. Take An Aim At Princeville Makai Golf Club

Princeville Makai Golf Club is one of the best golf courses on the island of Hawaii. Experience an immaculate golfing experience at the friendly Woods Course.

The acclaimed Princeville Makai Golf Course features 18 championship holes. These were originally designed by Mr. Robert Trent Jones Jr. in the late 1960s.

  • Address: 4080 Lei O Papa Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
  • Phone: 808 826-1912
  • Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
  • Price: $89 for Morning 9 holes

A beautiful shot of the golf course at Princeville Makai Golf Club with a rainbow on the background
Source : facebook

The new and improved course is a par-72 tipping out over 7,200 yards. This place has received numerous honors. National Geographic Traveler named it on the list of America's "Top 5 Great Golf Settings" in the world.

The six oceanfront holes at the Makai Golf Club and the pure Aloha Spirit offer a sense of true Hawaiian golf adventure. Sign up now and save with the Premium Loyalty Programs.

The golfing experience itself is unmatched at the Club. However, there are other options beyond the sport such as:

  • Wedding at Makai
  • Makai Grill (restaurant)
  • Makai Music & Art
  • Mauka Disc Golf course
  • Sunset Golf Cart Tours
  • Sunrise Yoga
  • Pool and Fitness