Heading to Kauai and in search of some Kauai hidden gems? You’re in the right place! Kauai is known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforests, but there are also many secret spots on Kauai that are off the beaten path. These unique experiences offer a glimpse into the beauty and culture of Kauai, and I can’t wait for you to see these places for yourself.
Discovering Kauai’s lesser-known attractions is a great way to experience the island in a more authentic way. So let’s get into it! Here are my favorite Kauai hidden gems.
Nourish Hanalei
5225 Hanalei Plantation Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
Let’s start with food with a view! This family-owned orange food hut is home to one of the best views of Hanalei! Enjoy an açaí bowl, smoothie, or one of their savory treats while overlooking gorgeous Hanalei!
A bit more about this food stand: Nourish Hanalei is a family-run farm and farm stand on Kauai’s north shore at the end of Hanalei Plantation Road.
Their farm grows a variety of foods, including bananas, guava, acai, and cacao. But the best part is that you can partake in their yummy produce via their small cafe!
Here are some of the things you can get at Nourish Hanalei:
- Acai bowls: Their fresh and flavorful bowls are made with local ingredients, like fresh acai, granola, fruit, and nuts.
- Smoothies: We are a sucker for smoothies, especially when in Hawaii! Their smoothies are made with fresh fruit, vegetables, and yogurt.
- Salads: Their light and refreshing salads are made with fresh greens, vegetables, and grilled chicken or tofu.
- Sandwiches: For something more filling, their yummy sandwiches are made with fresh bread, deli meat, cheese, and vegetables.
- Coffee: They have a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos, to choose from.
Check out their full menu here! And check out these views you’ll get from the food stand:
A Family-Run and Sustainable Kauai Hidden Gem
One thing to note about them being a small family-run business is that they have limited hours. Be sure to check beforehand if they’ll be open when you plan to visit! At the time of writing, the cafe is open from Monday through Friday from 8am to 11am for breakfast and from 11am to 3pm for lunch. They’re closed on weekends!
Other than the view and the food, one of my favorite things about Nourish Hanalei is that they use sustainable practices and source their ingredients locally. They believe that food should be good for you and good for the planet.
So, if you are looking for healthy, delicious, sustainable food with the most epic views, I highly recommend Nourish Hanalei. It is a great place to support a local farm and enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t forget your camera, too!
Limahuli Botanical Garden
5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
This 17-acre botanical garden is located on a 985-acre nature preserve on Kauai’s north shore. This Kauai hidden gem is actually one of the five gardens that belong to the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
The Limahuli Botanical Garden is located in Limahuli Valley, one of the most biodiverse valleys in all of Hawaii! Dozens of endangered plants and birds found nowhere else on earth call this valley home. One of the coolest parts about the garden is how their tours revolve around these native and culturally significant species.
There are two ways to visit Limahuli Botanical Garden: self-guided tours and guided tours. Self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Guided tours are available Wednesday through Saturday at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
The self-guided tour takes about two hours to complete. That’s the tour we did, since we like to go at our own pace. As you follow the trail through the garden, you’ll get to see small waterfalls, streams, and native plants. You’ll find interpretive signs along the trail that educate you on the diverse native plants, the history of Limahuli Valley, and its importance to the Hawaiian people.
For a more in-depth experience, the guided tour takes you to some of the most interesting areas of the garden. You’ll also learn a whole lot more about the plants and animals here. The guided tour also stops at the Limahuli Stream, where you can see native Hawaiian fish and turtles.
Whether you choose a self-guided tour or a guided tour, Limahuli Botanical Garden is a great place to learn about the unique plants and animals of Kauai. Block out a few hours to explore the natural beauty here.
Also in the Area: Haena State Park
Also, while you’re here, this botanical garden is located right next to Haena State Park, which, if you haven’t heard of it, is a hidden gem in its own right!
Hike the lush (and strenuous!) Kalalau Trail for the opportunity to see a waterfall or captivating views of the NaPali Coast! Reservations are required, and while parking reservations are nearly impossible to get, you can usually swing a shuttle reservation.
We actually did the shuttle reservation to Haena State Park, then walked to Limahuli Botanical Garden from the shuttle’s drop-off point. It’s a short, flat walk that only takes about five minutes.
Queens Bath
3797 Punahele Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
Queen’s Bath is a gorgeous natural tide pool on Kauai’s north shore. It’s becoming more and more well-known due to social media, but if you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s an absolutely gorgeous place to visit.
While it is incredibly beautiful and fun for swimming, it can also be a really dangerous place to swim. Why? The waves around Queens Bath can be very strong and unpredictable. Combined with the jagged rocks that surround the tide pool, big waves have caused several drownings here.
Wintertime is considered the most dangerous time for swimming, while summertime is considered the best time. However, the most important thing to look at is the surf report and wave heights. If the waves are too high, you definitely should not visit.
We visited in January on our babymoon after checking the surf report and decided to check it out. It was incredibly beautiful but we did have a few waves crash into it while we were there. Since they weren’t very high, it was relatively harmless, but I could see how bigger waves would have a serious impact.
TLDR; The best time to visit Queen’s Bath is summertime when the waves are smaller. But always check the surf report before you go. In high tide and/or if the waves are too high, it is not safe to swim in the Queen’s Bath.
Details for Visiting Queens Bath
If you’ve deemed it safe to visit, here are the details of getting to Queens Bath:
- There is a small parking lot near the trailhead, but because it’s so small, it can fill up quickly. If it coincides with a good surf report, try to arrive in the early morning.
- The out-and-back hike to the tidepool is short but steep. At first, you’ll be traversing a bumpy downhill terrain with a lot of tree roots and possibly mud. You’ll pass a beautiful little waterfall and then walk along the coast for the last portion to the tide pool. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
- As always, leave this beautiful slice of nature as you found it, and don’t leave anything (trash or otherwise) behind.
Queen’s Bath is an incredibly beautiful natural hidden gem in Kauai, but know the risks before you visit. And always check the surf report!
‘Aliomanu Beach
5456 Kalalea View Dr, Anahola, HI 96703
It’s time to include a beach on this list of Kauai hidden gems!
This beach is pretty secluded and quiet in the mornings, giving you your own slice of Kauai paradise. There’s a designated parking area with a short hiking path that goes down through the forest until you reach the beach.
Keep in mind that if you simply plug ‘Aliomanu Beach into Google Maps, it’ll take you to the wrong spot. Instead, either enter the address above (which takes you directly to the parking lot) or pay attention to signs pointing you the right way!
Another thing to note on Google Maps is that this beach is marked as Anahola Beach! Confusing, I know!
Whether you call it ‘Aliomanu or Anahola, something to know is that there are two sections. The parking lot address takes you to the northern section.
North Aliomanu Beach is the more popular section of the beach with a long, sandy shoreline. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The water is generally calm and clear in this area, making it great for snorkeling, too! It’s right by the ‘Aliomanu Reef.
Meanwhile, South Aliomanu Beach is less developed and a popular spot for local fishermen. It’s also used for limu (seaweed) harvesting. Combine that with the fact that the water here can be choppy, and you see why it’s the less popular option.
Anyway, ‘Aliomanu Beach is such a beautiful Kauai hidden gem- and on that note, there are no lifeguards or facilities at this beach, so be prepared for that!
Tip: Go early for a shot of having this paradise all to yourself! When we visited in the morning, it was completely empty. Add some epic sunrise colors and it truly felt like the most dreamy secret spot in Kauai that we had all to ourselves.
Epic Views of Kalalea from the Road
Here are two picture-perfect views of the Kalalea Mountain Range that are perfect for photography or simply to enjoy from the road.
(If you’re looking for more great Kauai photo spots, check out this list!)
Kalalea View Road
Kalalea View Dr, Anahola, HI 96703
GPS Coordinates: 22.169865, -159.313526
We just discussed ‘Aliomanu Beach, and this spot is just next door! It’s actually the road you’ll take to the ‘Aliomanu Beach parking lot, and it has stunning and dramatic views! You’ll get to see the gorgeous Kalalea mountains from the road. Another great thing about this view is that this road is not highly trafficked since it pretty much dead-ends into the small dirt parking lot for the beach.
Hokualele Road
Hokaulele Road, Anahola, HI 96703
GPS Coordinates: 22°09’04.1″N 159°19’08.6″W
For another low-traffic road with incredible views, try Hokualele Road! I love a road with a view and this one in Kauai is no exception! I saw this spot as we were driving south from Hanalei Bay ahind asked Harrison to backtrack so I could get another look. I’m glad we did because we were able to get some cute maternity photos here!
Farm at Hokuala
3351 Ho’Olaulea Wy, Lihue, HI 96766
The Farm at Hokuala is a 16.5-acre fruit orchard and organic vegetable garden. You’ll find it at the beautiful Timbers Kauai Resort in Lihue, a luxury resort committed to sustainability.
We got a tour of this beautiful farm on our last visit to Kauai and it’s such a hidden gem! The best-kept secret is that anyone can visit the farm- you’ll sometimes find locals in the neighborhood walking its paths and admiring the rich produce.
It’s home to a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and a number of traditional Hawaiian canoe plants, such as kalo (taro), noni, and breadfruit.
Experienced farmers manage the farm and hold it to the highest standards of sustainability. You won’t find any pesticides or herbicides here- only organic growing methods. The farm also recycles its water and composts its food scraps.
Best of all, anyone can actually try the produce by dining at the resort’s restaurant, Hualani. Make a reservation ahead of time to make sure you get a table. My favorite thing there is their Hanalei Bay cocktail- it’s kind of like a pina colada, but even tastier! I ordered it virgin since I was pregnant and it was so ridiculously good that I got two.
The farm also offers educational programs about sustainable agriculture to the public. And if you stay at the resort, you can get a guided tour of the farm where you can really connect with the land and learn all about the history, culture, and cultivation of traditional crops.
Fun fact: There’s even an on-property apiary that produces over one hundred gallons of honey each year!
Koke’e State Park
3600 Kokee Rd, Kekaha, HI 96752
You may have heard of Waimea Canyon State Park, but this lesser-known state park is definitely worth a visit! (Oh, and if you haven’t heard of Waimea Canyon State Park, don’t worry, you’ll actually drive through it to get to this Kauai hidden gem!)
Koke’e State Park is a 4,345-acre park that offers breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast and the surrounding mountains. The park is also home to the Koke’e Natural History Museum, which is free to enter and is open from 9am to 4:30pm. You can learn about the park’s natural history and culture here.
While there are easy pull-offs with great views in Koke’e State Park, there are also several hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
The easiest and most epic view, in my opinion, is at the end of Highway 550, at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout. It’s where we got the first photo you see under the Koke’e State Park heading.
You’ll get stunning panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast as you gaze down the Honopu and Kalepa ridges into the dramatic valley thousands of feet below you. It’s a sight to behold!
While the weather is always changing here and weather forecasts aren’t entirely reliable, you may still want to check the weather before coming. At an elevation of 3,200 to 4,200 feet, it can be cool and wet, and clouds may cover the epic views of the NaPali Coast. (Additionally, the park might close if there is really bad weather.)
Tip: If you try to arrive at the lookout before 9:30am, you’ll have a better chance of getting a cloud-free view. Once the clouds come in, they catch on the mountain ridge and then make their way into the valley. However, don’t be deterred if a morning visit doesn’t fit into your schedule. We visited in the late afternoon and had glorious views!
Explore Waimea Canyon State Park, Too!
Also, as I mentioned earlier, when you drive to Kokee State Park, you’ll actually pass through Waimea Canyon State Park. If you’re not familiar, make sure you stop at the Waimea Canyon Overlook as well, pictured above. You’ll be treated to epic views of the Waimea Canyon, which has also been dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific!
The Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park duo are some of my favorite things we did in Kauai.
And if you want to see more of what we did in Kauai, you can see it on my Kauai itinerary!
Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company
2-2560 Kaumualii Hwy, Kalaheo, HI 96741
When it comes to Kauai hidden gems, this one is so yummy! This casual cafe is the perfect stop to or from Waimea Canyon State Park.
They’re located in the lush mountains of upcountry Kalaheo and have been open since May 1994! It’s a testament to how good this place is.
Known for its delicious coffee- which is roasted on-site using beans from the Kauai Coffee Company- you’ll definitely want to stop here for breakfast.
Besides breakfast, the cafe also serves up a fantastic lunch and dinner. And their food is made with locally sourced ingredients; you’ll find grass-fed beef, local produce, Kauai coffee beans, and so much more! We stopped here for lunch on a whim and ended up going through the order line twice because the first time was that tasty! Their Cafe Burger, a burger made with grass-fed beef from Medeiros Farms, is so good.
When visiting, keep in mind that they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They’re open Wednesdays through Sundays for breakfast and lunch and serve dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 5pm.
All in all, the Kalaheo Cafe & Coffee Company is a great spot that draws in both locals and tourists. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, a delicious meal, and the friendly atmosphere of upcountry Kauai!
Jurassic Falls
This Kauai hidden gem is hidden for a reason- you can only reach it with a helicopter tour!
Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurassic Falls, is a 400-foot waterfall in the Hanapepe Valley. It’s a privately owned waterfall made famous by the 1993 film Jurassic Park. When watching the movie, you see this waterfall when the group arrives to the (fictional) island of Isla Nublar.
Only one helicopter tour company makes a landing at this waterfall: Island Helicopters. We did their Jurassic Falls Landing tour and got to see these stunning falls up close!
However, if you expect to splash around here, I need to temper those expectations. The landing is about 15 minutes long and you have to stay on a platform and designated walking area.
The falls are beautiful though and the helicopter tour itself is SO worth it!
Island Helicopters makes sure you have the best experience possible, and they request that guests wear black to minimize reflections in the windows. (It’s a game changer, trust me!)
If you’re shooting with a DSLR, make sure you bring a polarized lens filter! It makes a huge difference when shooting through a window because you can rotate it to minimize glare!
And if you’re really obsessive with your photography like I am, you can even take it one step further and wear black gloves. I know, pack gloves for Hawaii… said no one ever!
Jurassic Falls is a beautiful and iconic waterfall that is sure to leave a lasting impression. If you are planning a trip to Kauai and the budget allows it, book an Island Helicopters tour to see it up close.
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
Parking at the end of Ainakoa Street, Koloa, HI 96756
Head to Poipu for this scenic hiking trail! It winds its way through a rainforest and gives you stunning views of the Makawena Trail Bluffs and the Pacific Ocean.
While the trail is 2 miles long (aka 4 miles out-and-back), you can do as much as you want and turn back for a shorter hike. If you do the full trail, it starts at Shipwreck Beach and ends at Mahaulepu Beach. You’ll find yourself walking along the rugged coastline with views of the ocean, cliffs, and beaches.
The cliffs you’ll see are the Makawena Bluffs and, to me, they are what make this such a Kauai hidden gem- there aren’t many places in Kauai where you see a landscape like this! And along the way, keep your eyes peeled for tide pools, whales (during whale season, around the winter months) and petroglyphs!
Things to know: I recommend visiting during the morning or evening hours to avoid the heat, a lot of the trail is open to the sun with no shade. There are some steep sections of the trail, so wear sturdy shoes.
All in all, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is a great place to enjoy the beauty of Kauai’s natural landscape. If you are looking for a scenic hike that is not too challenging, this is a great option.
And while you’re here, don’t miss Poipu Beach, a great place to relax and swim. My favorite thing, however, is its frequent sea turtle sightings!
Allerton Beach
Parking at the end of Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
GPS Coordinates: 21.884845, -159.499870
I’m saving the best for last; this is genuinely a Kauai hidden gem.
This small, secluded beach is a little slice of paradise located on Kauai’s south shore. It has white sand, clear waters, and lush vegetation. When we visited, there was only one other couple on the whole beach!
So, why is it usually so empty? Well, it’s truly a secret spot in Kauai because of its unique location. Here’s the thing… it’s surrounded by private property. And as such, it’s a bit questionable whether or not you can hike here legally.
The beach is part of the Allerton Garden, a National Tropical Botanical Garden. While all Hawaiian beaches are public (with the exception of certain Federal Government areas), the land around it is privately owned by the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
That means the only fully above-board ways to get to the beach are by kayak, boat, or by taking a guided tour of Allerton Garden.
TLDR; The beach is public, but the hike to the beach cuts through private property.
However, there is a trail, so you’re not just blindly charging through a jungle to get here. If you don’t want to kayak or take a tour of the Allerton Garden to get here and are okay with skirting the rules, here are the details of hiking to the beach:
Details of hiking to Allerton Beach
First, park at the end of the road. You’ll know it’s the end of the road because there’s a big closed gate that says “private property” on it. But before that gate, you’ll see ample room to park along the side of the road. Make sure you bring everything you’ll need for your beach time because it’ll be a big pain to return to your car if you forget something!
Next, take the walking path to the left of the gate. You’ll follow the road until you see a fork; take the left fork.
Follow that narrow path down until you reach the beach (you’ll have to duck at points since there are low-hanging branches and tree tunnels).
Despite the challenges of getting here, Allerton Beach is worth it if you’re looking for a secluded and beautiful beach experience. You’ll get to enjoy Kauai off the beaten path as it’s one of Kauai’s best-kept secrets.
For us, it really felt like our own slice of paradise. The fact that the beach is often empty, even during peak tourist season, makes it an especially great place to relax and enjoy Kauai’s natural beauty.
And while you’re here, remember that the beach is located within a botanical garden, so be respectful of the plants and animals! Hopefully, that goes without saying.
Lastly, keep in mind that there are no facilities here, so bring everything you need with you, especially water! And since Allerton Beach is not accessible by road and is not patrolled by lifeguards, make sure you’re extra careful when swimming here. Be sure to plan ahead and be aware of the risks (or rather, riskiness) before you go.
PS. One more thing worth mentioning- the parking area for this hike is just a short drive past Spouting Horn, which is another cool thing to see in the area! It’s a blow hole that shoots water as high as 50 feet in the air!
In conclusion…
I hope this list of Kauai hidden gems gives you an idea of just how magical this island is. Kauai is known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforests- it’s the Garden Isle after all!- but there are plenty of lesser-known attractions worth visiting here.
These hidden gems offer a unique glimpse into the beauty and culture of Kauai and are a fun way to experience Kauai off the beaten path!
If you are heading to Hawaii and want to learn more, here are some more articles you might enjoy:
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Kauai
- Our Ultimate Kauai Itinerary
- Which Hawaiin Island is Best For You?
- What to Pack for Hawaii to Make Your Trip a Success
Safe travels!
Jasmine
