Princeville in Northshore Kauai

If you've ever sung along to the folksong, "Puff the Magic Dragon" or watched the classic movie, "South Pacific", then you'll want to take a drive along the north shore, making Hanalei Bay one of your destinations. Expect rain here. Expect the lush tropical paradise that abundant rain brings. A shower in Hawaii is to be expected, but it never dampens the spirit or alters activities for long.

Sightseeing activities abound along the north shore. At the northeast corner of the island is Kilauea Lighthouse, a must-see destination. The sea birds (Frigate Birds, Boobies, Tropic Birds and Albatross) surrounding this lighthouse are amazing. And, if you love guavas like we love them, then you'll want to visit the Guava Kai Plantation near Kilauea Town.

Princeville, a large planned development, is renown for world-class golf courses restaurants, resorts and rugged scenery. One of our three island rental car pick-up sites is found at Princeville Airport (HPV), just east of the resorts. Situated at the west end of Princeville is the beautiful Hanalei Bay, where many "South Pacific" scenes were filmed. Zipline rides and kayak trips through lush rain forests are available in this area.

The road continues west down a hill and through taro fields to Hanalei Town. If you're hungry, a stop at the Hanalei Dolphin will not disappoint.

The north shore road narrows as it proceeds west from this point. For those who wish to continue, Lumahai Beach, Tunnels Beach, Ha`ena Beach Park, Maniniholo Dry Cave, lava tubes known as Waikanaloa and Waikapalae, National Botanical Gardens in Limahuli Valley, Ke`e Beach at Ha`ena State Park (end of the road) are all notable stops on a driving tour of the north shore.