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Waimea Canyon & the Westside
Shortly before the end of the highway, the Kalalau Lookout commands a fabulous overview of Kalalau Valley, sweeping around its towering green-swathed walls and down to the ocean. Conditions tend to be clearest in early morning. Even if the valley is concealed by clouds, stick around; at any moment the mists may swirl away, unveiling mighty waterfalls and splendid rainbows.
Rather incongruously, the parking lot is overlooked by a ‘golf ball’ installation belonging to the Pacific Missile Range.
9.82 MILES
Hanalei Bay is Kauaʻi's postcard-perfect beach, embracing surfers, paddlers, bodyboarders and beach bums alike. It's a perfect crescent of golden sand…
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
16.55 MILES
The gloriously scenic wildlife refuge that marks the northernmost tip of the major Hawaiian islands protects both nesting seabirds on the coastal cliffs…
6.45 MILES
Perhaps the most beautiful spot on an island of unsurpassed beauty, this magnificent garden is a must-see stop on any North Shore itinerary. Besides…
6.24 MILES
Long renowned as one of the North Shore’s most glorious beaches, lovely Ke‘e Beach, beside the Kalalau trailhead at the end of Kuhio Hwy, has been given a…
National Tropical Botanical Garden
20.67 MILES
Two superb gardens in lush Lawa‘i Valley, run by the National Tropical Botanical Garden, are open to visitors. Allerton Garden, spreading back from a…
2.63 MILES
Besides the two Na Pali lookouts at the end of the paved highway, Koke‘e State Park is the starting point for almost 50 miles of outstanding hiking trails…
5.58 MILES
This magnificent scenic drive traces the entire length of Waimea Canyon’s western rim and continues into Kokeʻe State Park, climbing 19 miles from the…
Black Pot Beach Park (Hanalei Pier)
10.42 MILES
The short easternmost stretch of Hanalei Bay, alongside the rivermouth, usually offers the calmest surf among the wild North Shore swells, and is popular…
0.94 MILES
A mile beyond the Kalalau Lookout, the paved park road dead-ends at the Pu‘u o Kila Lookout. The views of Kalalau Valley, plummeting 4000ft below, are…
2. Koke‘e Natural History Museum
1.63 MILES
This two-room museum doubles as the visitor center for Koke‘e State Park. Helpful staff provide detailed current hiking advice, and sell useful, albeit…
1.83 MILES
Sitting at 4284ft, atop a ludicrously steep and slippery little hillock, this high-arching lookout provides great views down across the valleys. To reach…
2.09 MILES
This overlook marks the end of the Canyon Trail. Enjoy epic canyon and waterfall views as you rest at the picnic table.
2.24 MILES
Right at the end of the 3.1-mile Awa‘awapuhi Trail, this incredible overlook affords hard-earned views over a tortuous, sheer-walled valley that snakes…
2.63 MILES
Besides the two Na Pali lookouts at the end of the paved highway, Koke‘e State Park is the starting point for almost 50 miles of outstanding hiking trails…
3.27 MILES
This staggering viewpoint perches high above the Na Pali Coast at the far end of the 3.8-mile Nu‘alolo Trail. The last few hundred yards of the hike run…
3.35 MILES
The reward for hikers who make it all the way through bog and forest to the far end of the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail, the Kilohana Lookout (4022ft) commands…