North Shore Kauai Vacation Rentals

Kauai, or better known as the “Garden Isle”, is home to the most breathtaking beaches, picturesque sunsets, and serene estates. Perfect for family vacations, honeymoons, or a weekend getaway to recharge, you’re sure to find the perfect fit as there is a wide range of Kauai vacation rentals including lavish oceanfront villas, cozy cottages, private estates, and luxurious condos.

Before choosing a vacation rental on Kauai, it’s important to first understand the layout of the island. Kauai’s North Shore is filled with white sandy beaches, remote hiking trails, peaceful waterfalls, and the postcard-perfect turquoise-waters of Hanalei Bay. The South Shore is sunny year-round and features Poipu Beach, which has been rated the Best Beach in America. Featuring some of the islands best restaurants, Kauai’s South Shore is a popular destination to book luxury vacation rentals or private estates on the ocean.

Things to Do on Kauai

Kauai is filled with the most beautiful beaches, laid-back locals, scenic hiking trails, and smoldering volcanic mountains you’ll find anywhere in the world. A quick drive around the island is sure to leave you in awe of the tropical rainforest covered valleys and hidden beaches with waves that break just right. But we’ll warn you, spend a few afternoons exploring the island and it might even convince you to leave the mainland behind.

Here are a few landmarks to include in your island itinerary:

Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast truly is a national treasure as it is untouched and serene while displaying the jagged cliffs, secluded beaches, and bright green rainforest. Accessing the coastline by land is difficult – a challenging 11-mile Kalalau Trail trek – so plan on a boat ride or sightseeing flight or helicopter tour to truly take in the beauty of the Na Pali Coast.

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, is located in West Kauai and offers spectacular scenic views of red cliffsides filled with evergreen rainforest. Waterfalls and distant rivers spill to the bottom of the 3,600-mile-deep canyon. There are multiple lookout points just off of Koke’s Road including Waimea Canyon and Puu Hinahina; however, others choose to Koke’e State Park.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the north shore. Known as a favorite surf location during the winter, the soft, white sandy beach is accented by distant mountains on one side and sailboats enjoying the rolling waves on the other. Stop by a local market on your way, as Hanalei Beach is ideal for picnics, swimming, and paddle boarding.  

Kalalau Trail

For an adventure off the beaten path, Kalalau Trail is a popular 11-mile hiking trail for avid hikers that leads to the secluded Kalalau Beach. It provides jaw-dropping views as you make the long, rugged trek. The reward, a beautiful waterfall, and a great beach.

Wailua Falls

There are many ways to see the beauty of Wailua Falls. It boasts a spectacular 173-foot waterfall that feeds into the Wailua River. Most visitors choose one of the overlooks, however, to see them up close you can kayak or hike as the twin falls pour into a lake at the bottom.