Breathtaking Hanalei faces a perfect crescent beach and is surrounded by craggy, green mountains. It also offers a slice of authentic Hawaiian culture. What a showoff.
It’ll be hard choosing what to do when visiting Kauai, so let’s make it a bit easier for you: whatever your itinerary, stop in Hanalei. Why? Well, for one, you’ll definitely want to see its spectacular beach. And for another, you’ll want to visit the town center for its shopping. And then there’s the history, which is quintessential Kauai.
Make Hanalei Beach your first stop in the town. This is Hawaiian coastal scenery at its most spectacular, complete with plunging, green mountains in the background contrasting with the shimmering, bright blue of the ocean. Recognize that pier? It’s an old one, from 1892, and most famous for featuring in the classic movie South Pacific. Stick around for sunset – you won’t regret it.
If you can tear yourself away from the beach – and you don’t have to do that, really – then you’ll encounter a town that’s bursting with history, culture, and natural beauty. The taro fields that lie outside the town provide a Hawaiian staple that’s been served in meals here for generations. The fields are private land so be a wise wanderer and only visit them on a tour. You can also head to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge for some excellent birdwatching.
The Hanalei Community Center is a local artistic hub – listen out for the familiar twangs of a ukulele playing in the hall. Visit the Waioli Mission House and Huiia Church, two 19th-century religious landmarks, or browse the art galleries to see carvings and paintings by Kauai locals.
You swiftly start to feel like you just belong in Hanalei. Amble around the farmers market on a Saturday morning, shopping for groceries and handmade produce. The problem of your itinerary then changes; it’s no longer about choosing where to go next in Kauai, it’s working out if you ever want to leave Hanalei.