Top 4 Hanalei Attractions

The north coast of Kauai is known for its geographic beauty and dramatic weather, as seen in Lost and, of course, Jurassic Park.

A breathtaking 40-minute drive from our Waipouli Beach Resort rentals, Hanalei has it all: sandy beaches, rocky coastline, lush forests, and all kinds of natural wonders.

Even if you’re staying in the south, there are so many things to do in Hanalei you’ll want to make a day (or two) of it. The perfect place for those looking for an outdoor adventure or to absorb the beauty of the earth, there are Hanalei attractions for everyone.

Swim and Surf in Hanalei Bay

Famous for being the home of Puff the Magic Dragon, Hanalei is well known for its long stretches beaches and great surf, too.

For those looking to catch some rays or read a book, this pristine beach is the perfect place to relax. For those looking for adventure, Hanalei Bay is a great spot to learn to surf.

Check out family-run Hawaiian Surfing Adventures (5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day) or Kauai’s North Shore Surfing School (5-5080 Kuhio Hwy, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day) for lessons and surf and paddleboard rentals.

For more advanced surfers, Hanalei Bay area offers a number of breaks, both left and right, and swell sizes suitable for all levels. After a surf, take a warm shower and have a picnic under one of the beach’s pavilions by the pier.

Putter Around in the Charming Town of Hanalei

The town of Hanalei is exactly what you picture a laid-back Hawaiian beach town to look like. While you probably came to the north for the rugged nature, add this quaint town to your list of things to do.

Spend some time poking around tourist shops with an old Hawaiian feel, and have a cone or shave ice on the porch of an ice cream parlor. When you’re done in the sun, grab a bite at one of the casual restaurants that serve Hawaiian-inspired food and drinks.

Tahiti Nui (5-5134 Kuhio Hwy) is open for lunch and dinner, and specializes in seafood, Mai-Tais, and nightly live music. Bar Acuda (5-5161 Kuhio Hwy) is another hip spot with inventive tapas dishes and great desserts. Both have bars and are open into the evening.

Limahuli Garden

Location: 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI

The Limahuli Garden is a must-see for plant enthusiasts and those interested in a bit of botanical time travel. See what Hawaii was like centuries ago, before developments like resort rentals and hotels were built on the island.

On this 985-acre preserve, you’ll learn about Hawaii’s endemic botany and the ancient Hawaiian land division system of management, ahupua’a.

Take a self-guided tour (1.5 hours) or an in-depth guided tour (2.5 hours, ages 10 and up) among on a mile-long loop trail through lush gardens – about 120 different species of native and indigenous plants important to the island’s ecosystem grow here. The cost is $20 per adult, and includes an information booklet.

Napali Coast Boat Tour

Location: 4489 Aku Road, Hanalei

Of all the Hanalei attractions, this water tour of the dramatic, rugged Napali coastline is a must-do. Just 15 minutes from Hanalei, the Napali coast is home to dolphins and whales, secluded beaches, thousand-foot waterfalls, and ancient Hawaiian legends.

Movie buffs will love this tour, as the Napali Coast is the filming site for scenes from movies like South Pacific, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Descendant.

Check out Napali Coast Hanalei Tours, which offers three catamaran tours daily, snorkel trips, and sunset cruises – all including snacks and drinks. Napali Coast tours are four hours long (including a snorkel in the middle of the ocean!). Sunset cruises are two hours long.