One Of Kauai's Best Towns Is A North Shore Gem With Amazing Beaches And Waterfalls

Considered a must-see destination on any Kauai vacation, Hanalei and its namesake bay offer a remote escape truly removed from the usual trappings of tourism, including overcrowded, man-made attractions, stale restaurant chains, and big-name resorts. With far fewer yearly visitors than the main towns on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, Hanalei Bay offers a slower and more authentic slice of Hawaii's untamed island paradise.

Framed by jungle-clad cliffs on three sides on the northern shore, the velvety sands of Hanalei Bay's stunningly dramatic coastline slowly give way to the lush, green forests that define the region's interior terrain. At the heart of this dramatic backdrop stands Nāmolokama Mountain, a 4,400-foot monolith draped in cascading waterfalls that pierce the surrounding jungles like the glistening giant trevally fish that dart through the cobalt-blue ocean waters below. Nearby Hanakoa Falls offers a challenging, 14.3-mile hike for avid adventurers who secure the proper permits and don't mind spending a night or two camping in Na Pali Coast's dense forests.

Like the trio of mountains that frame it, Hanalei Bay's three beaches form an essential part of the bay's breathtaking landscape. Black Pot Beach, also known as Hanalei Pier, is a popular spot to play in the waves during the day and then unwind beneath the amber glow of Kauai's breathtaking sunsets at night. While typically crowded, its warm, calm waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, with several surf shops in the area offering rentals for those who prefer to travel light. At the center of the bay, the area's namesake Hanalei Beach is considered one of the best in the country, while nearby Waiʻoli Beach draws experienced surfers eager to master its large, thundering waves.

Onolicious — the Hawaiian slang term for delicious — cuisine sits at the heart of Hanalei's food scene. Nowhere is that more apparent than at Tahiti Nui. A Hanalei Bay staple since 1963 and made famous by "The Descendants" starring George Clooney, the family-owned restaurant serves authentic Hawaiian and Tahitian cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Tahiti Nui is also celebrated for its custom cocktails, laid-back atmosphere, and live music. 

For more upscale vibes, Bar Acuda is just a quarter mile from Tahiti Nui on Kuhio Highway. This highly rated mountainside restaurant has almost 1,200 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor as of this writing and is the brainchild of married chef-owners Hanna and Kenny Uddifa. Celebrated for its Hawaiian twist on traditional Spanish tapas and inventive cocktails, Bar Acuda crafts each dish with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in partnership with island fishermen and organic farmers. Serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday, the spot consistently draws a full house, so securing a reservation well in advance is highly recommended. 

After an evening of onolicious food and drink, indulge in a quintessential Hanalei Bay breakfast. Taro has been a vital crop in Hanalei for over 1,000 years, and fittingly, Kauai staple Holey Grail has turned it into something deliciously modern. This made-to-order, taro-based donut shop champions sustainability by partnering with local farms and producers and using natural ingredients. Since starting in 2018, Holey Grail now has grown to include six locations across Hawaii and Los Angeles County, including its original Hanalei trailer.

Kauai is one of the wettest locations on Earth, with its highest peak averaging about 450 inches of rain per year. Because of this, April to October, Hawaii's dry season, is the best time to visit Hanalei Bay, with fall and spring typically offering better deals and fewer crowds. Summer's calm waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with winter's wild weather causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous swells. 

Many of the state parks and attractions in and around Hanalei Bay require reservations, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Parking near the beaches and Hanalei Pier is limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak hours. Additionally, not all sections of Hanalei's beaches are monitored by lifeguards, so water lovers should be aware of ocean conditions and closely monitor changing weather and tides.  

To visit Hanalei, first fly into Lihue Airport, then drive approximately 31 miles along Kauai's picturesque eastern coastline and into the dazzling, verdant jungles that make up much of the island's dense interior. As you make your way across Kauai's northern coast, make time for a few worthwhile stops. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, famed for its historic, cliff-hugging lighthouse, and the Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park are two that more than merit the required advanced planning and reservations.