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Kūhiō Highway: Princeville to Hāʻena, North Shore, Kauaʻi, Hawaii
Photo: Michelle Maria · CC BY 3.0

Drives Hawaii Kauaʻi

Kūhiō Highway: Princeville to Hāʻena

HI 560 · Princeville → Hāʻena

Twisty8.8 mi30 min600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 200 ftOne way
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The drive

Kūhiō Highway, Route 560, is a roughly 10-mile scenic road on Kauaʻi's north shore. It starts at Princeville and descends toward the Hanalei River, passing lookouts, the town of Hanalei and Hanalei Bay. Hanalei is the only major town on the route.

The road has 11 one-lane bridges, and the first five were built in 1912. Drivers yield, and it's customary to let heavier traffic go first or alternate after five to seven cars. The road narrows as it nears the Nā Pali Coast and dead-ends at Hāʻena State Park.

Along the way

  1. Princeville
  2. Hanalei
  3. Hāʻena
Elevation
600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 200 ft
PrincevilleHāʻena
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
PrincevilleHāʻena
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Take turns on the one-lane bridges: yield, and alternate with oncoming traffic.
  • Many of the bridges have weight limits.
  • Parking along the highway outside Hāʻena State Park isn't allowed, and tickets start at $200.
  • Nonresidents need a reservation to enter Hāʻena State Park, either a shuttle ticket or parking and entry.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Hāʻena State Park reservations and updates.

Questions about this drive

How long is Kūhiō Highway from Princeville to Hāʻena?

The Kūhiō Highway drive from Princeville to Hāʻena is 8.8 miles and takes about 30 min, more if you wait at the one-lane bridges.

How many one-lane bridges are on Kūhiō Highway?

Route 560, Kūhiō Highway, has 11 one-lane bridges, and the first five were built in 1912.

Do I need a reservation at the end of Kūhiō Highway?

Yes for Hāʻena State Park: entry is by reservation, either a shuttle ticket or parking and entry. Parking along the highway outside the park isn't allowed.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Kūhiō Highway: Princeville to Hāʻena, from Princeville to Hāʻena