25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Princeville, Kauai

Are you a local or a visitor planning a trip to Princeville Kauai, Hawaii, and looking for fun and engaging activities to make your trip memorable? Look no further! You’re at the right place. Join us as we reveal an extensive list of the best and most fun things to do in Princeville, Kauai, in this guide to make the most of your time in this stunning Hawaiian paradise.

Nestled on the north shore of Kauai, Princeville is a 9,000-acre beautiful resort community located on the north shores of Kauai, Hawaii.  Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, lush landscapes, and luxury resorts, this city offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

As one of the most picturesque destinations in Hawaii, this charming community provides numerous fun, entertaining, and relaxing opportunities, from exploring the Queen’s Bath to hiking the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, ensuring everyone feels captivated and rejuvenated during their visit.

25 Best and Fun Things To Do In Princeville, Kauai, HI (2024)

1. Kauaʻi Museum

Begin your Princeville expedition with a visit to the Kauaʻi Museum, a treasure trove of Hawaiian history and culture that showcases the island’s journey through exhibits located just 45 minutes away from Princeville, offering fun and educational things to do near Princeville.

Established in 1960, the museum boasts a large collection of artifacts and displays on geology, early Native Hawaiian life, Captain Cook’s arrival, the Hawaiian Monarchy, and the influence of different cultures on Kauai. Also, displays the work of local artisans and sculptors.

On your visit to the Kauaʻi Museum, explore the various exhibits at your own pace or join a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff who can bring the stories of Kauai to life, or explore the museum gift shop.

Address: 4428 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766, United States.

2. Queen’s Bath

Exploring the Queen’s Bath, a natural tidal pool carved out of lava rock along the north shore of Kauai and a beautiful spot to relax in the ocean offers unique things to do in Princeville, Kauai, for nature lovers.

This natural attraction is accessible with slippery and uneven trail, so visitors are advised to take caution of the waves and the trail while exploring this site.  The water houses small fish and tiny sealife with green sea turtles as a common sight in the surrounding waters.

While at the Queen’s Bath, enjoy swimming in the pool or just sunbathing and admiring the surrounding waves.

Address: Kapiolani Loop, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

3. Hanalei Valley Lookout

One of the must-see attractions while exploring things to do in Princeville is the Hanalei Valley Lookout, a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush Hanalei Valley, a fertile basin carved by the Hanalei River.

This site features a verdant tapestry of taro fields, a traditional Hawaiian crop, nestled amidst emerald-green mountains,  waterfalls cascading down the slopes and the possibility of rainbows on sunny days add to the dramatic beauty.

Enjoy the views of this picturesque site, perfect during sunrise or sunset, or use binoculars to get a closer look at the valley and potentially spot some birds or other wildlife.

Address: Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

4. Princeville Center

Begin your adventure day at Princeville Center, a one-stop shop that offers a wide range of fun and exciting things to do in Princeville.

Located between the breathtaking emerald mountains and the deep blue Pacific, this complex features various shops selling clothing, souvenirs, gifts, and artwork, a grocery store, restaurants, a hardware store, a bank, a post office, and a gas station, making it a one-stop shop for errands and necessities.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, browse through the different department stores, or attend events like the Princeville Night Market on occasion, where you can find local crafts, food, and entertainment.

Address:  Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722, United States. 

5. Puu Poa Beach

Among the best things to do in Princeville during summer with family is to take a refreshing day at Puu Poa Beach, a beautiful golden sand beach located on Kauai’s northeast edge of Hanalei Bay. ‘

Located near the entrance of the St. Regis Princeville Resort, this beach offers generally calm waters for swimming and snorkeling in summer with large trees behind the beach providing shade in the afternoon.

During winter, the waves pick up making it a favorite spot for experienced surfers. Enjoy water activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, relaxing, and beachcombing. Or pack a picnic basket for a beach day out with family and friends. 

Address: Princeville, Kauai, United States.

6. Princeville Makai Golf Club

Scheduling a tee time at Princeville Makai Golf Club, a well-facilitated and standard golf course is among the fun things to do in Princeville, Kauai, this weekend.

Established in 1971, the golf course offers a fair challenge for seasoned and beginner golfers. Enclosed in an extensive area, the public and municipal 18-hole course spans 7,200 yards from the back tees, and playing to a par of 72.

Princeville Makai Golf Club also offers scenic vistas of the setting for relaxing and unwinding while awaiting your play turn, classes for players of all ages, non-golfers activities such as weddings, Mauka disc golf, pickleball and tennis, Makai music and art festival, pool and fitness center, and sunrise yoga.

What’s more, this Princeville Makai Golf Course also offers a sunset guided golf car tour of the golf course, flora, and fauna featuring cultural and geographical educational elements that will give you a greater understanding of the area.

Address: 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

7. Sealodge

Are looking for a comfortable vacation rental condo complex for a relaxed and scenic stay on Kauai’s north shore? Then head to Sealodge, a complex with a relaxed and low-key atmosphere perfect for visitors seeking a simple Kauai experience while exploring the best and most thrilling things to do in Princeville.

This complex features one and two-bedroom units, fully furnished full-size kitchens, living areas, private outdoor covered lanais, and basic amenities like cable TV, DVDs, VCRs, and phones ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Relax on your private lanai and take in the breathtaking ocean views, or head to the hidden beach for a secluded paradise or explore the nearby beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and exploring tide pools.

Address: 3700 Kamehameha Road, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

8. Princeville Farmers & Arts Market

A visit to the Princeville Farmers & Arts Market, a weekly market with an abundance of fresh, local, and in-season produce, is among the unique things to do in Princeville, Kauai,  this weekend.

The market presents a bustling variety of goods, including fruits and vegetables, handmade baked goods, honey,  farm-fresh eggs, meats, seafood, jams, and flowers. The market also offers a wide array of Kauai-designed and created products such as handcrafts, jewelry, clothing, photos, artwork, and more.

A trip to the Princeville Farmers & Arts Market allows you to purchase fresh, high-quality produce in a lively ambiance, explore special seasonal products, meet and chat with the Kauai talented artist, and enjoy meals made of local ingredients.

Address: 4334 Emmalani Drive, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

9. The old Club Med trailhead

Exploring the Old Club Med trailhead is one of the free things to do in Princeville for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Spanning 1.8 miles, this hike leads you through a scenic landscape above the Hanalei River offering a mix of forested areas and open pastures, with glimpses of the Pacific Ocean along the way.

Also, you will encounter a never-completed luxury resort project that began in the 1970s after the Club Med closure. These overgrown ruins are visible from the designated trail, but be mindful of safety warnings while exploring the ruins.

Address: 5210 Hanalei Plantation Road, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

10. Hideaways Beach

The Hideaways Beach is a secluded haven for those seeking peace and tranquility in their quest to explore the best things to do in Princeville, Kauai.

Nestled beneath the Princeville Resort, the Hideaways Beach offers a beautiful escape from the crowds featuring a white sand beach and clear waters suitable for relaxing, sunbathing, and snorkeling, offshore coral reefs teeming with colorful fish make it a delightful underwater world to explore.

Relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters, and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs. The secluded area of the beach offers a peaceful escape perfect for couples to hang out.  Sunbathing on the soft sand or exploring the tide pools during low tide are other ways to enjoy this beautiful beach.

Address: Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

11. The Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter

Unearth a plethora of adventurous things to do near Princeville, Kauai with a visit to the Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter, accessible within a 44-minute drive from Princeville to Lihue airport.

Established in 1985,  the attraction features panoramic views of Kauai’s dramatic coastlines, emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and hidden beaches inaccessible by land.

Visitors to the Kauai ECO Adventure Helicopter can expect a pleasing and exciting experience and appreciate the beautiful vistas of the islands on a relaxing and cozy flight.

Address: Lihue Airport, 3730 Ahukini Road #8, Lihue, HI 96766, United States.

12. Hanalei Pier

Visiting the Hanalei Pier a popular spot for relaxation, sightseeing, and enjoying the beauty of Hanalei Bay should make your bucket list of fun and free things to do near Princeville, Kauai as it promises a tranquil and breathtaking vista for people looking to escape the noise of the city.

The pier features stunning panoramic views of the lush green mountains, the sparkling ocean, surfers riding the waves, and,  picnic tables at the end of the pier.

Visitors can walk to the end of the pier and soak in the breathtaking views, watch surfers riding the waves enjoy a picnic at the tables, or relax and listen to the sound of the ocean.  During calm conditions, the shallow waters around the pier are suitable for a refreshing dip.

Address: Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

13. Tiki Iniki

Taking a stop at the Tiki Iniki, a classic bar that injects a bit of rock and roll spirit into the classic Tiki theme promises a plethora of fun and memorable things to do in Princeville, Kauai.

This vibrant hub offers a delicious combination of Hawaiian-inspired dishes and classic Tiki cocktails, Iniki Burger, a variety of beverages, and tropical cocktails to quench your thirst.

Unwind and relax in a lively atmosphere with a touch of rock and roll music, good food, and the best cocktails with family and friends.

Address: 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

14. Princeville Playground

One of the best things to do in Princeville with kids today is visit Princeville Playground, a scenic backdrop surrounded by lush tropical trees and plants perfect for a family day out.

Located near the Princeville shopping center, this playground boasts slides, swing climbing structures, and other equipment suitable for a range of ages and abilities.

This ensures all children can find something to enjoy and is a great place for kids to let loose and create lasting memories on their Kauai trip.

Address: 4334 Emmalani Drive, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

15. Princeville Ranch

Exploring the picturesque city of Princeville on horseback is one of the most exciting outdoor activities to do in Princeville, Kauai with family.

Princeville Ranch is a historic cattle ranch established in 1831. The ranch encompasses a sprawling area with rolling hills, lush valleys, and breathtaking mountain views.

This attraction offers a variety of activities for visitors interested in experiencing a bit of history, culture, and adventure. The ranch caters to all experience levels, from beginners to experienced riders.

On your visit to Princeville Ranch, learn horsemanship skills or embark on a guided trail ride through scenic pastures and hidden swim holes. Explore the ranch’s diverse landscapes and discover hidden waterfalls and secluded spots, learn about traditional Hawaiian practices and art forms, and enjoy a delicious meal featuring locally sourced ingredients at the ranch’s restaurant.

16. Kīlauea Lighthouse

Established in 1983, Kīlauea Lighthouse located at Kīlauea Point offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and scenic vistas making it an ideal location to explore for visitors and locals seeking fun things to do near Princeville, Kauai, today.

The surrounding Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge provides a sanctuary for various seabirds, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Visitors can explore the lighthouse grounds, learn about its history through exhibits and displays at the visitor center, and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Address: 3580 Kilauea Road, Kilauea, HI 96754, United States.

17. Kokeʻe State Park

An adventure to Kokeʻe State Park, an expansive green space known for its lush forests, wildflowers, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails, is among the family-friendly things to do near Princeville, Kauai for all ages.

Spanning over 4,345 acres of mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, this park features a variety of hiking trails,  two campgrounds,  a variety of native Hawaiian birds, and Kokeʻe Museum located a few meters from the park.

Visitors to Kokeʻe State Park can expect to enjoy activities such as stargazing, birdwatching, camping, hiking the different trails in the park, or exploring the museum on State Road 550 which has geology, plants, and animals of the park exhibits.

Address: Hanapepe, HI 96716, United States.

18. Kauai Backcountry Adventures

One of the adventurous things to do near Princeville, Kauai is to explore Kauai’s lush rainforests, hidden gems, and dramatic coastlines through the Kauai Backcountry Adventures.

Kauai Backcountry Adventures offers visitors a fun-filled experience as they float through the lazy river on an inner tube, soaking in the picturesque views of the Old Lihue Sugar Cane Plantation, this is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Also, you can enjoy the view through the Kauai Backcountry Adventures’ Backcountry Zipline, which traverses a lush mountainside via seven exhilarating zip lines. Soar through the trees and enjoy breathtaking views of the Kauai landscape.

Address: 3-4131 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States.

19. Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking for a beautiful beach with an excellent atmosphere and stunning scenery.

This beach boasts a crescent-shaped bay with golden sand and clear turquoise waters, snorkeling opportunities on Kauai’s north shore, and picturesque scenery of the lush green mountains and palm trees frame the beach, creating a picture-perfect tropical paradise.

Spend your day at this stunning beach, enjoy water activities, go sunbathing, or explore the lush mountains surrounding the beach.

Address: Kauai, HI, United States.

20. Fun Factory

Among the family-friendly things to do near Princeville is taking a 47-minute road trip to Fun Factory, a children’s amusement center offering a variety of thrilling activities for kids.

Established in 1977, this family entertainment center features classic video games, redemption games, air hockey, and other interactive games, and party packages for birthday celebrations, which may include dedicated party rooms, food options, and entertainment.

Have fun with your family playing diverse video games, select a prize from the hundreds of items on display at the prize gallery after winning a game, and catch other fun activities while at the entertainment center.

Address: 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States.

21. Reef Guides Hawaii

Unearth an array of eco and family-friendly things to do in Princeville, Kauai, at Reef Guides Hawaii, an abode for exploring Island underwater marvels.

This attraction specializes in guided snorkeling tours directly from the shore, eliminating the need for boats. Their focus lies on environmental responsibility and educating visitors about protecting the delicate reef ecosystems.

Visitors who join Reef Guides can experience the beauty of Kauai’s reefs in a safe and sustainable way, gain valuable knowledge about marine life, and contribute to the preservation of these precious underwater habitats.

Address: Kauai, HI, United States.

22. Haena Beach Park

Located on Kauai’s north shore is a picturesque beach renowned for its pristine beauty and calm waters during summer, Haena Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the surrounding natural wonders.

The Haena Beach Park is framed by lush green mountains and swaying palm trees and boasts a crescent-shaped shoreline with golden sand and a dramatic Mount Makana backdrop.

Unwind and relax at the beach soaking up the  Hawaiian sun, go swimming, listen to the sound of the waves, and enjoy the serenity of the location, or go snorkeling and explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and occasional sea turtles.

Address: Princeville, Kauai, United States.

23. Princeville Kauai library

One of the most educational things to do in Princeville, Kauai, for everyone,  is to visit the Princeville Kauai Library, a vibrant book community offering a variety of resources and programs for people of all ages

Princeville Kauai Library established in 1999, features an extensive collection of books and media, free Wi-Fi and public computers, children’s room, meeting and study rooms, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff to meet your needs and interests.

Moreover, visitors and locals can attend events like author talks, book clubs, and educational workshops hosted by the library all year round.

Address: 4343 Emmalani Drive, Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

24. Infinite Art Gallery

Exploring the Infinite Art Gallery, a great place to experience beautiful artwork while on your quest to explore things to do in Princeville, Kauai, offers a plethora of interesting things to do near Princeville for art enthusiasts.

Located 10 minutes away from Princeville, the gallery allows tourists and locals to browse the studio shop featuring authentic artwork and locally-made crafts by local artists, with an open opportunity to make purchases or support the artists directly.

25. Princeville Botanical Gardens

Established in 2010, the Princeville Botanical Gardens is an exciting destination for visitors and locals exploring things to do in Princeville, Kauai.

Spanning 9 acres, the gardens feature a variety of plants and flowers, including tropical blooms, orchids, bromeliads, and a variety of waterfalls, ponds, and streams throughout the gardens. The farms have chocolate, honey, and a variety of fruits, offering tours and tastings of these treats.

Visitors to the gardens can join tours that enlighten the public about the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar. You can also sample different types of chocolate made on-site, enjoy meals made with fresh and local ingredients at the garden cafe, and shop for souvenirs including chocolate, honey, and plants at the garden gift shop.

Address:  3840 Ahonui Pl, Princeville, HI 96722, United States. 

Plan your visit to Princeville, Kauai

Princeville, Kauai, offers exhilarating experiences and attractions that cater to all interests and ages. Ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing day out, this picturesque city has it all.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or laid-back relaxation, Princeville offers something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your bag and immerse yourself in the culture, relish the tastes, and allow Princeville to enchant your senses in its distinctive way.