Top 10 Things To Do in Princeville, North Shore Kauai

1. The Princeville Path

This 2.1-mile paved path starts at the Prince Albert Park and follows Ka Haku road all the way to the end near the 1 Hotel. Just before the hotel the benches overlooking Kenomene Bay and the Hidden Hideaways Beach provide a restful place to enjoy the breathtaking view and cool trade winds. Continuing on past the benches, you arrive at Fort Alexander overlooking Hanalei Bay and the majestic Mt. Makana. This is a great spot to end your day with a sunset picnic dinner on the grassy bluff. A tradition with my family is to get a takeout pizza from Hideaways Pizza Pub and enjoy the beautiful colors and sounds of the ocean.

Princeville Path

Fort Alexander

2. Amenities at Your Fingertips

If you are ready to take a break from the beaches you can enjoy the community center and the parks throughout Princeville.

1. Emmalani Park: Includes basketball, pickleball and large grass area to run and play.
2. Prince Albert Park: Includes the fitness circuit, playground, soccer field and paved path around the park perfect for the keiki riding bikes.
3. Community Center: Available to host educational, cultural, entertainment and business functions, including numerous yoga, dance and fitness classes.

Prince Albert Park

3. Princeville Farmers Market

Every Saturday at 9:30am local farmers and vendors greet the community with incredible goods and services. There is often music, dancing and great food available. There is also a night market on the second Sunday of every month from 4-8pm: Princeville Night Market

4. Makai Golf Course and Tennis Club

The Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is an absolute favorite for everyone who plays it. The fairways are wide and views of the ocean and mountains surround you. There is also a pool and fitness center as well as the outdoor Makai Grill to catch those big games on the 70” TV with a Happy Hour 7 days a week from 3-4:30. They also serve breakfast from 8-11:00 and you can order lunch anytime between 8-4pm: Makai Princeville

Hole #13 Makai Course

5. The Sunset Tour

This is a golf cart tour at the Makai Golf Club which takes you out on the course to learn all about the flora and fauna of the North Shore. You will also gain an understanding of the cultural and geographical components that make up the ‘aina (land) and moana (ocean): Sunset Cart Tour

6. Dining

There are so many great options in this community. At the main Princeville center you have one of my favorite breakfast spots suitably named The Spot. The Wake’ n Bacon bowl is my favorite and their signature Acai bowl with coconut cream is my wife’s go-to. You can order ahead on your phone as it is very popular and can get busy in the morning. For lunch you have a great option with the Sandwich Isle and it is convenient to eat there or grab and go to bring with you to the beach. If you want to keep it local check out the Loco Moco at the North Shore General Store.  Here is a link to all the shops and dining in the Princeville Center: PrincevilleCenter.com/shops

7. Queen’s Bath

This is a beautiful tide pool that is a sink hole surrounded by igneous rock opening up to the ocean. It can be very dangerous at times so make sure to look at the posted signs and check the surf advisory for conditions before you go. In the summertime when waves are calm it can be a fun adventure for the entire family. Be careful on the trail as the mud is very slippery and often referred to as “Kaui Ice.” Since parking is limited biking or walking to the trailhead is a great option: Queen’s Bath

8. Hideaway’s Beach

This is probably my favorite beach on the island. It is a short but steep hike down that can be slippery so use extra caution and make sure you have the ability to negotiate the trail. It is a great beach to snorkel during calm weather and best in the summer months when the ocean swell is down. The beach has my favorite view off to the west for the sunset and majestic Makana mountain. Parking is limited here as well so walking or biking to the trailhead is a great option: Hideaway’s Beach

Hideaways Beach

9. Live Music at Princeville Center Food Court

A favorite amongst our family is to celebrate Aloha Fridays at the food court. Uncle Michael Keale shares the Aloha spirit playing Hawaiian music Friday evenings from 6-8:30.  If you are lucky you might catch a guest appearance with young Holden Hanson from Anahola, who occasionally joins Uncle Michael for a few tunes.  Our families’ favorite is to order Red Hot Mama’s organic Mexican food and settle in for the show. Save some room for an island favorite, ice cream at Lappert’s. My favorite is the caramel coconut macadamia paired up with some Nene tracks.  Our kids go for the Ube Coconut flavor. If you can’t make it to see Uncle Michael on Aloha Friday check out his schedule for other venues: Michael Keale

10. Riding Bikes To Happy Talk

Pull out the beach cruiser bicycles and ride on over to the Happy Talk for one of the best views you will find dining on the North Shore of Kauai. Happy Talk is very casual and fun with nightly music from 6-9pm. They are open 6 days a week, closed on Wednesdays. This is another family favorite on the island: Happy Talk Lounge