The eight main Hawaiian Islands are not only wildly diverse and different from one another, but one side of an island can be in stark contrast to the other. Nowhere is this more true than on the island of Kauai, where the legendary north shore is unlike anything you’ll find across Kauai, throughout the islands as a whole, and even the world. The landscapes and hidden gems you’ll find here are simply surreal, and there is one beach so incredible, you might think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

Located in Haena State Park, Ke'e Beach marks the end of the Kuhio Highway, the furthest you can drive on Kauai's north shore. Serving as the gateway to Kauai’s infamous Na Pali Coast, this stunning beach is truly second to none.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Views of the entire Na Pali Coast stretch westward from this scenic spot and the contrast between the turquoise waters and the lush, green mountains will make you feel as though you’ve made it to a tropical utopia of sorts.
Gary Eyring/Flickr
This mostly sandy shoreline is home to a picturesque rocky point...
Pete Labrozzi/Flickr
...the clearest water you’ve ever seen…
djfrantic/Flickr

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...resting Hawaiian monk seals...
Jeff/Flickr
…and some positively stunning scenery to the rear.
Nils Merker/Flickr
Did we mention that the sunsets are simply surreal? Because the orange glow of the sun setting behind the mountains is positively ethereal.
Alex Schwab/Flickr
Jay Bergesen/Flickr
A protected reef, shown below, makes this gentle ocean lagoon an idyllic spot for snorkeling and swimming during the summer, but during the winter months, swimming here is extremely difficult due to strong ocean currents and a dangerous shore break. Please be careful and heed posted warnings.
SkandyQC/Flickr
You should also know that cell reception is spotty at best, though I’ve heard you will find a payphone here for emergency calls.

Have you ever visited this dreamy slice of paradise? Surreal landscapes abound throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but Mount Haleakala, Mauna Kea, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are our ultimate favorites.

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