Hanalei Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Hanalei, located in the picturesque island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii, is a captivating census-designated place that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Nestled between majestic mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Hanalei is a tropical paradise that beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality.

One of the main attractions of Hanalei is its stunning coastline. Hanalei Bay, with its crescent-shaped golden sands, is a haven for beach lovers. Whether you want to bask in the sun, take a leisurely stroll along the shore, or try your hand at various water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, or snorkeling, Hanalei Bay has it all. The crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a popular spot for diving and exploring the underwater world.

Beyond the beaches, Hanalei is home to the enchanting Hanalei Valley. This lush valley is dotted with taro fields, which are an integral part of Hawaiian culture and cuisine. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the valley, learn about the traditional cultivation of taro, and even sample some authentic Hawaiian dishes made from this staple crop.

For those seeking adventure, Hanalei offers numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration. The nearby Na Pali Coast, with its towering sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and secluded beaches, is a must-visit for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Embark on a thrilling hike along the Kalalau Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and allows you to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the island.

In addition to its natural wonders, Hanalei also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and local eateries that showcase the unique heritage of the region. Experience the warm aloha spirit as you interact with the locals and savor traditional Hawaiian delicacies.

Alternative names: Area: 0.72 mi²Elevation: 30 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 22°12'13"N, 159°29'46"W

Location

HawaiiUnited States

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Hanalei Top Attractions

Hanalei Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hanalei offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Waioli Mission District, Albert Spencer Wilcox Beach House, Hanalei Pier, Wainiha. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Gothic Revival architecture
Waioli Mission District
The Waiʻoli Mission District at Hanalei Bay, on Route 560 along the north shore of the island of Kauaʻi, is the site of a historic mission. The first permanent missionaries to the area arrived in 1834, and the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
22°12'34"N • 159°29'44"W
Albert Spencer Wilcox Beach House
The Albert Spencer Wilcox Beach House was a home of Albert Spencer Wilcox. Located on Weke Road in Hanalei, Hawaii, it was listed on the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places in 1987 and on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
Piers and boardwalks
Hanalei Pier
Hanalei Pier is a pier built into Hanalei Bay on the northern shore of the island of Kauaʻi in the state of Hawaii.

22°12'39"N • 159°32'36"W
Wainiha
Wainiha is a community section in the Hanalei district of northern Kauai. With a total population of 419 people as of 2020 census.
22°12'52"N • 159°29'53"W
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The town of Hanalei is at the midpoint of the bay. Hanalei Bay consists of nearly two miles of beach, surrounded by mountains. In the summer, the bay offers excellent mooring for sailboats, stand up paddle boarding and swimming.
22°12'10"N • 159°29'49"W
Na Pali Catamaran
Boat tours • Scuba and snorkeling • Dolphin and whale watching

Day trips

Hanalei – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hanalei, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kilauea Light (Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge), Fern Grotto (Kauai), Makauwahi Cave (Koloa).

6.3 miE
Gear rental, Outdoor activities, Lighthouse
Kilauea Light, Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
Kīlauea Lighthouse is located on Kīlauea Point on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi in the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.
14 milesSE
Natural attraction, Cave, Park
Fern Grotto, Kauai
Fern Grotto is a fern covered, lava rock grotto located on the south fork of the Wailua River, which is on the eastern side of Kauai in the Hawaiian archipelago. Several boat companies give river tours which lead to the grotto.
22 milesS
Natural attraction, Park, Trail
Makauwahi Cave, Koloa
The Makauwahi Cave is the largest limestone cave found in Hawaii. It lies on the south coast of the island of Kauaʻi, in the Māhāʻulepū Valley close to Māhāʻulepū Beach, and is important for its paleoecological and archaeological values.
18 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Outdoor activities
Kipu Falls, Lihue
Kīpū Falls is a waterfall in East Kauaʻi, Hawaii. Kīpū Falls has a dangerous reputation due to drowning deaths of five people in a five-year span, as well as numerous other injuries.
6.5 miW
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Park
Hanakapiai Falls, Kauai
Hanakapiai Falls or Hanakapi'ai Falls is an approximately 300 feet high waterfall located in Hawaii, United States on the Na Pali side of the island of Kauai. It requires a hike of approximately 2 miles from Hanakapi'ai Beach. The waterfall is described as "gorgeous but challenging".