While Kauai has its fair share of popular spots like Hanalei Bay and Wailua Falls, it most certainly has some incredible lesser-known locales that won’t be overrun with tourists. This ultimate Hawaii hidden gems road trip will take you around The Garden Island of Hawaii to some fascinating hidden gems and natural wonders. These are some must sees if you’re on the island, so make sure to gas up the car and get this road trip started.

Google Maps
This hidden gems road trip around Kauai will cover 101 miles with approximately 3 ½ hours of driving time. Use this interactive Google map to customize the trip to your needs. Let's hit the road!
1. Maniniholo Dry Cave, Kilauea
Maniniholo Dry Cave, 5-7878 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754, USA
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
If you love to explore caves, grab a flashlight and head to our first stop, Maniniholo Dry Cave. Located across from Haena Beach Park, this cave goes back over 100 feet and is fun and easy to explore.
Learn more about this Hawaii hidden gem by visiting this webpage. It’s a trip you absolutely won’t want to miss, and it’s the perfect first stop on our roadtrip.

Address: 5-7878 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754
2. Kaweonui Beach, Princeville
Kaweonui Road, Kaweonui Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
patrickmoos/Flickr
Tucked away below a bluff known as Kaweonui Point lies the secluded Kaweonui Beach, which is commonly referred to as 'Sealodge Beach.' This pristine slice of shoreline can be accessed via a trail that starts at the Sealodge Condos.
This little known place in Hawaii is an excellent place to get away from it all, and enjoy some peace and quiet! Pack a picnic for this second stop on our road trip itinerary. Address: Princeville, HI 96722
3. Princeville Botanical Gardens, Princeville
Princeville Botanical Gardens, 3840 Ahonui Pl, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
Walter T/TripAdvisor
Since Kauai is known as The Garden Island, you must stop at one of the many botanical gardens here. Tucked away in the jungles of the North Shore, Princeville Botanical Gardens is not just filled with exotic flowers and fruit trees but also organically grown chocolate. Come here and take a Walking and Chocolate Tasting Tour for a memorable experience.
Read more about why the tropical garden tour In Hawaii deserves a spot on our road trip!

Address: 3840 Ahonui Pl, Princeville, HI 96722
4. Kīlauea Lighthouse, Kilauea
Kilauea Lighthouse Trail, Kilauea Lighthouse Trl, Kalihiwai, HI 96754, USA
Deb Nystrom/Flickr
Located on the Kauai's northernmost point within a wildlife refuge is the picture-perfect Kīlauea Lighthouse which is a must-visit on the island. This lighthouse was first illuminated in 1913 with a beam that could be seen 90 miles out to sea.
To learn more about this Hawaii hidden gem, read about the northernmost point of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands.

Address: 3580 Kilauea Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754

Related Stories

Take This Road Trip Through Hawaii’s Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience

Take This Road Trip Through Hawaii’s Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience

 Explore Hawaii's Best Swimming Spots And Ice Cream Shops On This Multi-Day Road Trip

Explore Hawaii's Best Swimming Spots And Ice Cream Shops On This Multi-Day Road Trip

Paid Content Best Western
The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Hawaii That's Nothing Short Of Magical

The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Hawaii That's Nothing Short Of Magical
5. Paliku Beach, Kealia
Paliku Place, Paliku Pl, Hawaii 96751, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Paliku Beach is a secluded stretch of sand that was a nudist beach at one time. It is nicknamed 'Donkey Beach' due to the mules (not donkeys) that once resided in a nearby pasture. This beach is a perfect spot for sunbathing, but no swimming due to rough surf.
Get the scoop on Paliku Beach in Hawaii to learn more.

Address: Kealia, Hawaii 96751
6. Kauai's Hindu Monastery - Saiva Siddhanta Headquarters, Kapaʻa
Kauai's Hindu Monastery, 107 Kaholalele Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Anson Chappell/Flickr
Kauai Aadheenam, or Kauai Hindu Monastery, is a South-Indian monastery, spiritual sanctuary, and temple complex set on an otherworldly slice of property filled with lush vegetation. There's no other place like this.
Learn more about this fascinating hidden gem in Hawaii by visiting the website.

Address: 107 Kaholalele Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
7. Fern Grotto, Kapaʻa
Fern Grotto, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Tandy Penn/Flickr
Located within Wailua River State Park is a natural wonder known as the Fern Grotto. This grotto is a fern-covered cave surrounded by a tropical garden. One way to see it is by kayaking along the Wailea River which is a magical experience to say the least!
Learn more about kayaking to this hidden gem in Hawaii by reading our previous article.

Address: Wailua River State Park, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
8. Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, Hanapepe
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, 3857 Iona Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716, USA
Craig James/Flickr
The charming small town of Hanapepe is filled with plantation-style buildings, shops, restaurants, galleries, and a swinging bridge. The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge was built in the early 1900s as a way for its residents to cross the river. It has since been restored and reinforced, but it still swings the slightest bit when pedestrians cross.
Learn everything you need to know about this secret place in Hawaii by visiting this Kauai’s tourism website.

Address: 3857 Iona Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
9. Kalalau Lookout, Kapaʻa
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii 96746, USA
Michael Janke/Flickr
We end this road trip at a lookout that gives panoramic views of the ocean and Kalalau Valley. Take in the scenery and realize how lucky you are to bear witness to so much beauty! This little known place in Hawaii is a must see when you’re on Kauai.
Get all the details about the Kalalau Lookout on Kauai’s official webpage.

Address: Kokee Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

Are you ready for a road trip around Kauai? Which Hawaii hidden gems are you most excited to see? Is there any we left off this list? Let us know in the comments below!

If you love road trips, don’t forget to read more about the ultimate Kauai road trip.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hawaii Hidden Gems

Megan McDonald | May 20, 2022

What are the best local's spots on Kauai?

Anywhere where the crowds are sparse you may find a smaller concentration of locals. Look for local businesses, small restaurants without flashy signage, and quiet beaches. You’re guaranteed to find a Kauai local or two!

What are the best things to eat on Kauai?

Kauai is home to some seriously good food. If you’re ordering fruit, be sure to order something that’s grown on the islands, because it’s guaranteed to be fresh and delicious. Otherwise order any kind of local fish tacos, macadamia nuts, coconut shrimp, or even the classic and delicious shave ice. You can’t go wrong with any of those options!

How big is Kauai?

Kauai is a good sized island, although not the largest in the Hawaiian chain. Kauai is 552 square miles, and filled with dramatic cliffs and plenty of gorgeous rainforest. It’s actually nicknamed “the Garden Isle” due to it’s beautiful tropical landscape. This island definitely needs to be on your bucket list! It’s absolutely magical, and great to visit all year long.

Related Articles