Hideaways Beach Princeville Hawaii
A secluded North Shore gem accessed by a steep hike, offering pristine sands, vibrant coral reefs, and frequent sea turtle sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Hideaways Beach Princeville Hawaii
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded North Shore gem accessed by a steep hike, offering pristine sands, vibrant coral reefs, and frequent sea turtle sightings.
"It's paradise when you get down there and worth it. Probably my favorite beach on the island."
👟 Wear Supportive Shoes
Sturdy footwear is a must for the steep, potentially slippery trail. Leave the flip-flops at home!
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles gracefully swimming near the shore. They're a common and magical sight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine White Sand Beach
Princeville, North Shore Kauai
Discover a secluded paradise with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation.
Incredible Snorkeling
Offshore reef
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including frequent sea turtle sightings.
Secluded and Quiet Vibes
North Shore Kauai
Enjoy a peaceful escape from the crowds, often finding yourself with the beach almost to yourself.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Steep Descent: Prepare for the Hike
Parking is a Premium
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Supportive Shoes
Sturdy footwear is a must for the steep, potentially slippery trail. Leave the flip-flops at home! +1
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles gracefully swimming near the shore. They're a common and magical sight!
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a walk from alternative parking spots.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
The coral reef offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities right off the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Supportive Shoes
Sturdy footwear is a must for the steep, potentially slippery trail. Leave the flip-flops at home! +1
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles gracefully swimming near the shore. They're a common and magical sight!
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a walk from alternative parking spots.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
The coral reef offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities right off the beach.
🤫 Keep it a Secret?
Some visitors prefer to keep this gem a secret to preserve its tranquility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hideaways Beach's secluded beauty, pristine sands, and exceptional snorkeling, often calling it a favorite spot. However, the steep and challenging hike down, coupled with extremely limited parking, are significant drawbacks that require careful planning and physical ability. +1
"We stayed in an airbnb real close to this beach so we came here pretty much every day for a week. It was awesome!! Pretty secluded and often we were the only ones down here. The trail lots of people take down leads to the left side of the beach but you can also climb over some rocks or take a kinda hidden trail to get to the other side which typically has way less people.
ALSO my family used a paved trail down to this right side of the beach coming from a group of condos close by. This trail is technically private to residents but uh we used it anyway and were never bothered by anyone. It is pretty steep but was totally worth it. Also, the snorkeling off this beach is awesome!! We saw multiple turtles every time. There are also lots of crabs crawling around on rocks that were cool to see."
Olivia Nelson
"STEEP hike down. Parking lot only has 10 spots. Use the ropes and do not wear sandals you will slip. On the way up bare feet is better unless you have shoes/boots. It’s paradise when you get down there and worth it. Probably my favorite beach on the island."
Tej Naik
"Beautiful hidden beach just a short walk off the path. The climb down is pretty steep so make sure to have a free hand to grab onto the rail. The parking lot is also tiny so you either need to get lucky/wait or park at the golf course up the road and walk."
Kaden Cook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access Hideaways Beach via the Kaumumene Trail or Pali Ke Kua Trail, both requiring a steep, approximately 15-minute hike down a cliffside. Ropes are provided for assistance. +2
Parking is extremely limited, with only about 8-10 public spots. It's advisable to arrive very early or consider parking at the nearby golf course or 1 Hotel and walking.
No, you cannot drive directly to the beach. The access is via a hiking trail from the Princeville area.
The most common access is via the public beach access point off the Kaumumene Trail. Some reviews mention a private trail from nearby condos, but it's best to use the public access.
The hike is considered steep and requires careful footing. While ropes offer support, it may be challenging for those with mobility issues or if it's wet. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee or ticket required to visit Hideaways Beach. It is a public beach.
Hideaways Beach does not have official opening hours as it is a natural beach. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety on the trail.
While the beach itself is free, parking can be an issue. If you need to park at the golf course or 1 Hotel, there might be associated fees or restrictions.
No, spots cannot be reserved. Due to limited parking and beach space, it's a first-come, first-served situation.
Due to the steep and uneven trail, Hideaways Beach is generally not considered accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and simply relaxing on the beautiful sand. It's also a great spot for photography.
Yes, Hideaways Beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling. The coral reef is home to abundant marine life, including frequent sea turtle sightings.
There are no public restrooms or facilities directly at Hideaways Beach. It's recommended to use facilities before or after your visit.
While the water can be calm for swimming and snorkeling, some sources mention surfing, particularly for beginners or when conditions are right.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, your snorkeling gear, a towel, and wear appropriate footwear for the hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the beach from the trail overlooking the ocean, the shoreline with palm trees, and underwater scenes while snorkeling.
Yes, Hideaways Beach offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, making it a beautiful spot for sunset photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for underwater snorkeling shots.
Look for opportunities to photograph the sea turtles, the unique rock formations, and the lush tropical vegetation along the trail.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer people, while late afternoon provides a warm, golden glow for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
The main costs will be transportation to the area and any food or drinks you bring. The primary challenge is the limited free parking, which might necessitate a walk, saving you money on paid parking options. 💑 Couples Seeking Romance
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike Down: Navigating the Trail
Safety First: If you have any physical limitations, are traveling with very young children, or if the weather is inclement, reconsider attempting this hike. The steepness and potential for slipperiness are significant factors.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling at Hideaways
What to Expect: The reef is relatively shallow in many areas, making it accessible for snorkelers of all levels. However, as with any ocean activity, be aware of currents and conditions. It's advisable to check with locals or lifeguards if available about the day's ocean state. Bringing your own snorkel gear is recommended, as rentals may not be readily available nearby.
The Parking Predicament
Strategic Arrival: To maximize your chances of finding parking, aim to arrive before 9 AM, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you're staying in a nearby vacation rental, consider walking or using a ride-sharing service if available. The inconvenience of parking is a small price to pay for the secluded beauty that awaits, but it's a factor that requires planning.
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