Hawaiʻi Guide

KauaʻiNorth Shore (Hanalei & Hāʻena)

Sights on the North Shore

Kīlauea Point Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge

A 1913 lighthouse on a seabird-swirled promontory — albatross, boobies and nēnē.

<p>The national wildlife refuge at the island's northernmost point is the easiest world-class seabird watching in Hawaiʻi, with Laysan albatross nesting in season and spinner dolphins and whales offshore. Timed-entry reservations and a small fee; closed some days of the week.</p>
Time
1-1.5 hours
  • wildlife refuge
  • lighthouse
  • birds
  • reservation required
22.2310° N · 159.4020° W

Hanalei Valley Lookout

The postcard view: taro patches quilting the valley floor beneath waterfall-streaked peaks.

<p>A pull-off on the highway just past Princeville overlooks the wildlife refuge's taro loʻi — farmed here for centuries — with Namolokama's waterfalls behind. Thirty seconds from the car to one of Hawaiʻi's great views.</p>
Time
15 minutes