Hanalei is Kauai’s north shore’s core and entryway. Nestled around a crescent-shaped bay, Hanalei is a little seaside town surrounded by verdant mountains. Along with its chance for exciting adventures, it provides a peaceful, slow-paced environment, making it perfect for Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Though Hanalei town is primarily vacation rentals, it lacks many lodging options. Despite this, the town is still somewhat busy and hosts day trippers exploring the north shore as well as residents of the surrounding Princeville resort region.
First, what should one do in Hanalei? We have included a wide range of events and services below, all perfect for your Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Eat and drink
Hanalei is the ideal destination for food on Kauaʻi’s north coast. Hanalei’s numerous eateries and food trucks serve a variety of dishes, ranging from American classics to neighborhood plate lunches. Among our faves are Fresh Bite Kauaʻi, a food truck, Postcards, and naturally the Hanalei mainstays Kalypso Island Bar & Grill and Tahiti Nui. Dining here should definitely be part of the Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Farm Tour
Hanalei’s stunning, farm-filled lowlands that challenge the mountains define much of its attraction. Try some actual local products and visit a nearby farm to get a glimpse of local life. Experience the world of Hawaiian taro through Hanalei Taro’s farm tour, and don’t forget to visit their food truck, as previously mentioned. This farm tour is a must-add to Activities for Your Bucket List.
Golf
Princeville Makai Golf Club (makai meaning “seaside”) boasts an amazing, extremely beautiful seaside golf course right next to Princeville’s resort district. It has been ranked in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America, GolfWeek’s Top 3 Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii, and National Geographic’s Top 5 Great Golf Settings. Neither time nor money allow you to play a round. Instead, substitute the Sunset Golf Cart Tour. Golfing here is an excellent option for Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Hanalei Beach
One cannot emphasize the splendor of Hanalei Beach. Nestled amid verdant, rugged mountains (usually adorned with waterfalls), the crescent-shaped white-sand beach provides a peaceful view. You won’t regret stopping, whether you stay the day or just go for a walk. Additionally, a fantastic place to learn surfing is Hanalei Beach (seen below). Including a visit to Hanalei Beach in your Activities for Your Bucketlist is a no-brainer.
Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge
The Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, which spans more than 900 acres just outside of Hanalei, provides a secure refuge for native flora and fauna. Despite the public’s restriction on most of the area to aid in restoration, there are several ways to appreciate this pristine area: walking (see hiking below), kayaking (see kayaking below), or from observation points around its edge. As we write this, construction is nearly complete on a new viewing point from Hanalei. One also exists along Kūhiō Highway in Princeville. Visiting this refuge should definitely be included in your Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Hiking
From Hanalei, there are numerous decent walks that are easily reachable. Offering expansive views of the north shore, including Hanalei, Princeville, the Kīlauea Lighthouse, the lush agricultural fields, and the hilly surroundings, the Ōkolehao Trail is one of the few paths to reach the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Watching the following video by Hannah, Richard, and Paul from Wild and Growing will help you obtain a decent (and muddy) impression of this trail. Following the Kalalau Trail for two miles, then another two miles into the valley to the 300-foot falls, Hanakapiai Falls is another fantastic day trek. More daring people can hike the 11 miles of the Kalalau Trail for an overnight camping trip. These, as well as many more, are included in our list of the best simple, intermediate, and challenging treks in Kauaʻi. Hiking in Hanalei is a wonderful choice for Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Kayaking
For kayaking, Hanalei Bay is an excellent choice, as is the Hanalei River, which flows via the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. For beginners, we recommend starting inland and paddling downstream, following the Hanalei River into Hanalei Bay.
More experienced kayakers will like to head out of the bay and paddle beneath the Nāpali Coast’s cliffs. Summer brings these long-distance trips from Kayak Kauaʻi and Nāpali Kayak. Later, it will even assist with overnight camping. If your only goal is to cruise around, rent a kayak in Hanalei and then leisurely launch it in the bay. Kayaking is a top pick for Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve
Slightly outside of Hanalei, in a valley. It’s a great site to visit for anyone who enjoys tropical plants, natural beauty, or photography. Originally called the Best Natural Botanical Garden in the United States by the American Horticultural Society, the preserve had both conventional agricultural crops and vibrant flowers. Visit Hawaii to enjoy the vegetation and take in amazing views of the ocean and mountains. This garden and preserve is a serene addition to Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Nāpali Coast/North Shore
The Nāpali Coast and the north shore start here, Hanalei. Head west from Hanalei to find many beaches (Tunnels, Hāʻena, Keʻe) or trek the Kalalau Trail, all within some of the best scenery Hawaiʻi has to provide. The Napali Coast’s weathered erosion, one of the earliest sections of the modern-day chain, adds beauty to the sculpted and jagged mountains and lofty cliffs. This location can be easily accessed by car or bus from Hanalei. You can find information about parking, reservations, and shuttles here. The Nāpali Coast is undoubtedly a highlight of Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Snorkeling
Around Hanalei, there are several excellent places for snorkeling. Especially fascinating is Tunnels Beach, which features underwater lava fields containing subterranean caverns. One of the longest reefs off Kauaʻi, Hideaway’s, is teeming with coral and topographical canals, and Keʻe Beach (pictured below) presents an opportunity to view sea turtles and plenty of tropical fish. Snorkeling in these waters is a thrilling part of Activities for Your Bucketlist.
Surfing
Hanalei is a fantastic site to learn to surf, not just because of its picturesque appeal, but also because the bay provides natural protection and generates many beginner-friendly waves. Hanalei Surfing Adventures is our recommendation, but there are other surf shops in town. Should you already be a proficient surfer, just hire a board and start riding. Surfing in Hanalei is a must for Activities for Your Bucketlist.
