There’s a scenic alternate route (sort of) to the North Shore of Kauai that you may want to check out. If you’re wanting to see something new on your drive to the North Shore, try taking Kealia Road from Kealia to Anahola instead of the main Kuhio Highway 56. The trip on Highway 56 between Kealia and Anahola is 3.7 miles and takes about five minutes. The alternate route on Kealia Road from Kealia Beach to Anahola is 4.8 miles and takes about 16 minutes, but you’ll probably want to stop along the way to see the sights. The alternate route takes you into Kauai cowboy country and to the Kauai Ranch. You will see cane fields, rows of Norfolk pine trees, emerald mountains and contented cows on this drive, along with distant views of the ocean. At about the midway point you will see the Colonel Zaphian Spalding Monument, a tribute to the owner of the Makee Sugar Company in the 1800s. After the monument, the road becomes a little sketchy. Some parts are unpaved and the last time we traveled the road between the monument and Anahola there was an abandoned car shell on the side of the road. Nevertheless, tourists should be OK on this stretch of the road that is decidedly “locals” country.
Location at Google Maps
Kealia Road Photos
Kealia Road begins across the street from Kealia Beach. It is the road that angles off the main Highway 56. You will see Kealia Farm shortly after exiting the highway onto Kealia Road.
After Kealia Farm, you will gain elevation and the beautiful interior of Kauai comes into view. Look back and you can see the ocean at certain vantage points.
A row of Norfolk pine trees in the distance.
The Colonel Zaphian Spalding Monument
The entrance to Kauai Ranch
The route has great views of Kalalea Mountain (aka King Kong or the shark fin because the middle peak resembles both).
The road is unimproved after the monument.
Kealia Road ends very near Anahola.