Kauai · Things to do

The west-side gorge, reached by a long climb up Waimea Canyon Drive from the coast, open daily during daylight. Non-residents pay $5 per person entry plus $10 per non-commercial vehicle to park; under-3s free. Lookouts, the ʻIliau Nature Loop and the steep Kukui Trail down into the canyon.

Continue past Waimea Canyon to 4,000ft, where the road ends above the Kalalau Valley — the only way to look into Nā Pali without a boat or a permit. Same fees as Waimea: $5 per non-resident, $10 to park. Seven main trails including the Alakaʻi Swamp and Awaʻawapuhi; clouds often shut the lookouts in by late morning.

The end of the north-shore road, and the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail. Entry is by advance reservation only through gohaena.com: a shuttle-plus-entry pass from Waipa Park & Ride in Hanalei or Princeville (shuttles every 20 minutes from 6:20am), or a very limited parking-plus-entry slot that sells out fast. Entry-only passes are for residents and those walking or cycling in.

5-8291 Kūhiō Highway at Hāʻena, run by the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Tuesday to Friday, 8:15am–4pm (Fridays from 8:45am), last check-in 2pm, closed Saturday to Monday. A 0.75-mile loop with about 200ft of climb and steps; self-guided, guided and traditional-medicine tours, booked online up to 30 days ahead. North Shore Shuttle riders get $5 off.

The northernmost point of the island, a 180ft headland with the 1913 Daniel K. Inouye lighthouse and one of Hawaiʻi's biggest seabird colonies — red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Laysan albatross and nēnē, with monk seals, turtles and humpbacks (October to April) offshore. Tickets are required and released up to two months ahead on Recreation.gov.