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If you are looking for a quieter, less touristy side of Hawaii, the town of Hanalei deserves more attention and should be on your must-visit list. Tucked away on Kauai, one of Hawaii’s westernmost islands, this small town of just over 200 residents remains off the radar for many visitors, which is part of what makes it so special. With native plant gardens, long sandy beaches, and family-owned kayak outfitters, Hanalei offers a laid-back experience for those wanting to discover Hawaii at a slower pace.

Beaches

Travelers will have plenty of room to lounge on the golden sands of Hanalei's beaches. One of the main beaches is on Hanalei Bay. Situated in the middle of town, this crescent-shaped beach extends for nearly two miles and offers beautiful views of the green mountains and blue ocean waters. This beach is most popular for swimming, although it is not uncommon to spot kayakers, paddle boarders, and boaters in the area as well. If you are interested in paddling, this beach is the perfect place to start, as it is near the mouth of the mouth of the Hanalei River.

If you are looking for a calmer beach, consider heading over to Ke'e Beach, located about a 20-minute drive west of Hanalei. Thanks to a protective reef off the shore, the waves remain fairly calm, making this a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. Tall green cliffs frame the beach as well, making it an incredibly scenic spot to relax. Just slightly east of Ke'e Beach, visitors can also arrive at Ha'ena Beach, which offers views of Mount Makana from the sands and has a lifeguard on duty during peak hours for those traveling as a family.

Surfing and Kayaking

If you are eager to get out on the water, several spots around Hanalei offer rentals and lessons. Aspiring surfers can take a lesson at Hanalei Surf School, where expert instructors guide students through the basics on the shores of Hanalei Bay. The surf school offers 90-minute classes in both the morning and afternoon, guaranteeing that you will learn to surf by the end of the session.

If you prefer an afternoon of kayaking, consider arranging a tour or rental with Kayak Hanalei. This company is owned and operated by a Hawaiian family and offers completely personalized tours on the Hanalei Bay and Hanalei River. As they paddle down the river, a knowledgeable tour guide will share folklore, legends, and history with guests. Later, guests will have the chance to snorkel among Hanalei’s gorgeous reefs, spot green sea turtles, and enjoy lunch on a secluded beach.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve

The Limahuli Garden and Preserve perfectly blend the culture of Hanalei with the island's nature. The town considers this garden to be a place of refuge, where it preserves Indigenous traditions and native Hawaiian plants. Throughout the gardens, visitors can appreciate both endemic Hawaiian species that arrived with the early Polynesian travelers and culturally significant plants that the plantation era introduced in the mid-19th century.

Some of the native plants on display include rare and endangered species like the loulu, a fan palm, and the alula, a bell flower plant that was native to the island's sea cliffs. Many of the plantation-era plants in the collections include tropical fruits and colorful, fragrant flowers. The gardens are located in the beautiful Limahuli Valley, which has been a significant part of Hawaiian culture for 1,500 years. Today, the garden’s goal is to preserve the ecological and cultural aspects of the valley.

Dining

Hanalei's restaurants serve a diverse range of cuisines. Travelers who want to try some of the island's Hawaiian cuisine can enjoy a meal at Tahiti Nui, a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves Hawaiian dishes, pizzas, and seafood. Some of the delicious dishes include coconut shrimp, zesty coconut-crusted catch, and beef poke bowls. Kalypso Island Bar and Grill is another highly rated spot to grab a bite. This bar and grill serves a wide selection of tropical cocktails and specialty dishes like Mahi Mahi Tostada, Kalua Pork Sandwich, and Loco Moco.

If you are looking for a truly unique meal, consider dining at Bar Acuda. Situated along Hanalei's mountainside, this restaurant serves tapa-style dishes prepared by Chefs and owners Hanna and Kenny Uddifa. The chefs source many of the ingredients from local farms and island fishermen, ensuring that the ingredients are fresh and seasonal.

Hanalei makes a great vacation destination for travelers who are hoping to take things slow and relax. If you are searching for a calm and uncrowded beach, Ke'e Beach is the perfect place to visit. Travelers who enjoy strolling through biodiverse gardens will love the Limahuli Garden and Preserve, which is an important preservation of Hawaiian vegetation and culture. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to try as well, some of which, like Tahiti Nui, are family-owned. So don't be afraid to venture beyond Hawaii's most popular islands and discover what Hanalei, Kauai has to offer!