for the perfect Haena vacation rental.
HISTORY
The oldest populated island in Hawaii is the Garden Isle Kauai, home of Haena Beach. Currently there are more than 50,000 residents living in Kauai, an island originally inhabited by the Marquesans from Polynesia who sailed over in 400 A.D. By 1000 A.D., the Garden Isle was discovered by the Tahitians who took over the island and brought over much of the plant life seen on Kauai today.
By the 1700s, the western world arrived at Kauai. The most famous arrival was Captain James Cook, who landed two large ships on the west coast in 1778. However, other historians believe that the first western arrival to Kauai took place in 1542 when the Spanish navigator Gaetan was blown off course during a journey to Mexico. While the Hawaiian islands were marked on his charts, Gaetan never came back because he found no silver or gold.
In 1846, missionaries Abner and Lucy Wilcox arrived in Kauai to teach Christianity. In 1921, their Waioli Mission House was restored and preserved and today the ground's caretakers offer an informative historical tour. In 1864, the Grove Farm Homestead was founded by one of Wilcox sons, George Wilcox who became a self-made millionaire and died a bachelor at the age of 94. Grove Farm was the earliest of the 86 sugar plantations in Hawaii and the 89 acre plantation in east Kauai was turned into a museum in 1978. By the beginning of the 20th century, many of the sugar plantations in Kauai were shut down.
In 1912, the Waioli Huiia Church was built and it still stands today with its incredible stained-glass windows and belfry shaded by green palm trees. Later in the 1900s, Haena became famous in films for the scene in South Pacific when Bloody Mary sang Bali Hai in this picturesque destination. In the 1960s, Elizabeth Taylor's brother started a hippie commune called Taylor Camp near Limahula Stream, but in a short time everyone was asked to leave because of improper waste disposal. While the hippie commune was evicted in the 1960s, many hippies still return to go camping and enjoy the relaxed vibe at Haena Beach.
Hula dancing is also a part of the ancient history of Haena as hula pahu (meaning drum dance) began on Kauai as the performing art that retells the rich history of the islands. One of the most popular hula platforms in the Hawaiian islands today is the Kaulu-O-Laka temple located above Kee Beach. Haena remains an unaffected tropical paradise with a rich history and lush surroundings.
PACKING
Haena Beach is a natural getaway, off the beaten track and away from the majority of island tourist trappings. You don't have to pack a lot of formal wear or dress to impress in Haena but having plenty of practical gear will serve you well.
Your Overnighter
Just like any other vacation, you should always have all your pertinent papers in your overnighter including reservations, airline tickets, drivers license, auto insurance cards, passports, health insurance cards and prescriptions. If you take medications, make sure to have them in your carry-on bag. Also pack a change of underwear, a swimsuit and sleep shirt in case your luggage is delayed.
Haena Clothing
The vibe is completely casual and laid-back with a few informal locations to dine in Haena. Bring along shorts,jeans, tees, a polo shirt and khakis. Women may like to have a sun dress if you go out to dinner but khakis and a polo shirt would suffice for more streamlined packing. You should bring at least two swimsuits because the majority of your time in Haena will be spent swimming, snorkeling and diving. Include a pair of sandals, a pair of sensible walking shoes or sneaker and hiking boots so you can forge some of the trails if you feel inspired. Finally, bring sleepwear, several changes of underwear and a light jacket for chilly evenings. Formal wear is not required at Haena Beach.
Basic Toiletries
Most of your time will be spent enjoy active waterfront adventures so bring along waterproof sunscreen to avoid a major sunburn. Pack travel size shampoo, lotion, conditioner, toothpaste and a toothbrush. A hairdryer is optional because you will be in and out of the water for the greater portion of your vacation. Make-up is minimal and can include waterproof mascara and color lip balm with sunscreen. Men will also want to bring along a lip balm with sunscreen to protect against serious chapping from the outdoor elements. Bring along very basic jewelry because you will only risk losing it during all the waterfront fun in the sun.
Get Your Gear First
There are no rental facilities along Haena Beach so you need to bring your gear for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and windsurfing with you. You can rent equipment at nearby tourist-friendly Hanalei rather than packing your own.
Remember the Memories
You will want to have a pictorial journal of the panoramic views at Haena so make sure to bring along your video camera, digital camera, waterproof camera and any necessary electrical components. If you are using another type of camera, bring film and batteries unless you intend to stop in Hanalei to do some shopping.
It's simple to pack for Haena because of the laid-back atmosphere where fussiness doesn't exist and everything you do will be close to nature.
ATTRACTIONS
The north shore of the Garden Isle Kauai is a scenic area running along 38 miles of Highway 56. With sea caves, trails, incredible surf and panoramic views, Haena is an idyllic oasis that provides a peaceful haven for beach bums, campers, hikers and water sports enthusiasts.
As you travel the main highway, right past Hanalei and the 6 mile marker you will find heavenly Haena. At the 8 mile marker along the highway, you will reach Tunnels Beach, one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Tunnels has a large protected reef with a variety of unusual seashells along the sand. Usually the area is fairly calm but on occasion the waves wash over the reef during high tide and warnings or prohibitions may be posted during these times. Visitors will appreciate the breathtaking views of Haena Beach Park and Bali Hai from Tunnels Beach.
Past Tunnels Beach at marker 9 is Haena State Park, an ideal location for summer swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving while the rough winter surf is a challenge for experienced surfers. There are showers, restrooms and a snack van at Haena State park but the beach is otherwise peaceful and remote with few signs of tourism.
There are several points of historical and cultural interest in the Haena area including the Limahula Garden with 17 alluring acres filled with gardens, rare native flora and fauna and rain forest. Located at marker 9, recently the Limahula Garden was voted the National Botanical Garden of the Year. There is also a fascinating ancient terrace system which is estimated to be almost 1,000 years old.
If you go a little bit down the road, you will discover Waikapalae Cove and Waikanaloa Cave, known as the Wet Caves. Made by ocean waves carving into the rock, the the Cave is accessible by a short trail and the Cove is located on the road.
Also in the Haena area is the Waioli Mission House, which was originally built of coral limestone blocks in 1837 and is now included on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby are the Waioli Huiia Church and Waioli Mission Hall as well as a total of five beautiful botanical gardens including Limahula.
When you get to the 10 mile marker, you are already at the end of the road were you will find captivating Kee Beach. Located within a lagoon with a protected reef, the swimming, snorkeling and diving are fantastic and usually quite safe. Kee Beach is also a hula haven and the point where the hiking NaPali Coast begins.
The four mile run from Haena to Kee Beach is a picturesque, peaceful stretch along Kauai's norths shore that offers unlimited opportunities for outdoor adventure without the interruptions of tourist traps.
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Haena Beach is a peaceful, remote getaway on Kauai's north shore where hippies camp out and water enthusiasts revel in the unpredictable surf. Off the beaten track, you won't find unlimited dining options or wild nightlife at Haena Beach and will do better down the road at tourist-friendly Hanalei Bay. If you prefer to stay in the quiet, natural environment of Haena Beach there are a few decent places to go for good food and fun.
Always a popular option at remote locations such as Heana, the Haena Beach Park lunch wagon is conveniently parked in the area seven days a week. If you forget to bring lunch, you can have an irresistible crab cake sandwich or a kalua pig sandwich and fresh island pineapple slices. The shave ice is a specialty at the lunch wagon and people line up for this frosty treat on the weekends. The prices are inexpensive, ranging from about $2 to 7 for a delicious lunch.
You can also grab your morning coffee or lunch at a local cafe. The NaPali Cafe is a coffee shop located on Kuhio Highway serving up hearty fare in Haena. For a tasty informal lunch or dinner, you can have some tasty pizza at Makai Pizza Pizza.
If you prefer a sit-down dinner and magnificent Mediterranean Cuisine, visit the Mediterranean Gourmet. In 2007, Honolulu Magazine voted this oceanfront restaurant Best New Restaurant on Kauai. Located at Hanalei Colony Resort, the Mediterranean Gourmet is run by a married couple Imad and Yarrow Beydoun, who settled on Kauai's north shore in 2005. Imad is a native of Beirut and he became renowned throughout the area for his homemade hummus and falafel sold at the local farmer's markets. Now the couple has their own restaurant and prepare a variety of irresistible appetizers and dishes including roasted eggplant and sesame seed, steak kabob, a veggie plate and grilled fresh fish. Seafood lovers will enjoy the seafood paella with clams, mussels, scallops, ahi, shrimp, waloo, crab and a lobster tail.
While nightlife is scarce in the immediate Haena Beach area, you can take a short ride down Kuhio Highway to the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa for some fun at Tradewinds, a bar with blues, classic rock and dancing on the weekends. If you would rather relax to blues and Hawaiian music, you can check out Amelia's in nearby Princeville. There are also a variety of local luaus and you can get tickets right at the beach for great native cuisine and an unforgettably good time near the shore.
Although Haena Beach is off the beaten track, that is the biggest part of its appeal. You can enjoy the natural privacy of Haena Beach and still appreciate some terrific local food and entertainment along the way.
The oldest populated island in Hawaii is the Garden Isle Kauai, home of Haena Beach. Currently there are more than 50,000 residents living in Kauai, an island originally inhabited by the Marquesans from Polynesia who sailed over in 400 A.D. By 1000 A.D., the Garden Isle was discovered by the Tahitians who took over the island and brought over much of the plant life seen on Kauai today.
By the 1700s, the western world arrived at Kauai. The most famous arrival was Captain James Cook, who landed two large ships on the west coast in 1778. However, other historians believe that the first western arrival to Kauai took place in 1542 when the Spanish navigator Gaetan was blown off course during a journey to Mexico. While the Hawaiian islands were marked on his charts, Gaetan never came back because he found no silver or gold.
In 1846, missionaries Abner and Lucy Wilcox arrived in Kauai to teach Christianity. In 1921, their Waioli Mission House was restored and preserved and today the ground's caretakers offer an informative historical tour. In 1864, the Grove Farm Homestead was founded by one of Wilcox sons, George Wilcox who became a self-made millionaire and died a bachelor at the age of 94. Grove Farm was the earliest of the 86 sugar plantations in Hawaii and the 89 acre plantation in east Kauai was turned into a museum in 1978. By the beginning of the 20th century, many of the sugar plantations in Kauai were shut down.
In 1912, the Waioli Huiia Church was built and it still stands today with its incredible stained-glass windows and belfry shaded by green palm trees. Later in the 1900s, Haena became famous in films for the scene in South Pacific when Bloody Mary sang Bali Hai in this picturesque destination. In the 1960s, Elizabeth Taylor's brother started a hippie commune called Taylor Camp near Limahula Stream, but in a short time everyone was asked to leave because of improper waste disposal. While the hippie commune was evicted in the 1960s, many hippies still return to go camping and enjoy the relaxed vibe at Haena Beach.
Hula dancing is also a part of the ancient history of Haena as hula pahu (meaning drum dance) began on Kauai as the performing art that retells the rich history of the islands. One of the most popular hula platforms in the Hawaiian islands today is the Kaulu-O-Laka temple located above Kee Beach. Haena remains an unaffected tropical paradise with a rich history and lush surroundings.
PACKING
Haena Beach is a natural getaway, off the beaten track and away from the majority of island tourist trappings. You don't have to pack a lot of formal wear or dress to impress in Haena but having plenty of practical gear will serve you well.
Your Overnighter
Just like any other vacation, you should always have all your pertinent papers in your overnighter including reservations, airline tickets, drivers license, auto insurance cards, passports, health insurance cards and prescriptions. If you take medications, make sure to have them in your carry-on bag. Also pack a change of underwear, a swimsuit and sleep shirt in case your luggage is delayed.
Haena Clothing
The vibe is completely casual and laid-back with a few informal locations to dine in Haena. Bring along shorts,jeans, tees, a polo shirt and khakis. Women may like to have a sun dress if you go out to dinner but khakis and a polo shirt would suffice for more streamlined packing. You should bring at least two swimsuits because the majority of your time in Haena will be spent swimming, snorkeling and diving. Include a pair of sandals, a pair of sensible walking shoes or sneaker and hiking boots so you can forge some of the trails if you feel inspired. Finally, bring sleepwear, several changes of underwear and a light jacket for chilly evenings. Formal wear is not required at Haena Beach.
Basic Toiletries
Most of your time will be spent enjoy active waterfront adventures so bring along waterproof sunscreen to avoid a major sunburn. Pack travel size shampoo, lotion, conditioner, toothpaste and a toothbrush. A hairdryer is optional because you will be in and out of the water for the greater portion of your vacation. Make-up is minimal and can include waterproof mascara and color lip balm with sunscreen. Men will also want to bring along a lip balm with sunscreen to protect against serious chapping from the outdoor elements. Bring along very basic jewelry because you will only risk losing it during all the waterfront fun in the sun.
Get Your Gear First
There are no rental facilities along Haena Beach so you need to bring your gear for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and windsurfing with you. You can rent equipment at nearby tourist-friendly Hanalei rather than packing your own.
Remember the Memories
You will want to have a pictorial journal of the panoramic views at Haena so make sure to bring along your video camera, digital camera, waterproof camera and any necessary electrical components. If you are using another type of camera, bring film and batteries unless you intend to stop in Hanalei to do some shopping.
It's simple to pack for Haena because of the laid-back atmosphere where fussiness doesn't exist and everything you do will be close to nature.
ATTRACTIONS
The north shore of the Garden Isle Kauai is a scenic area running along 38 miles of Highway 56. With sea caves, trails, incredible surf and panoramic views, Haena is an idyllic oasis that provides a peaceful haven for beach bums, campers, hikers and water sports enthusiasts.
As you travel the main highway, right past Hanalei and the 6 mile marker you will find heavenly Haena. At the 8 mile marker along the highway, you will reach Tunnels Beach, one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Tunnels has a large protected reef with a variety of unusual seashells along the sand. Usually the area is fairly calm but on occasion the waves wash over the reef during high tide and warnings or prohibitions may be posted during these times. Visitors will appreciate the breathtaking views of Haena Beach Park and Bali Hai from Tunnels Beach.
Past Tunnels Beach at marker 9 is Haena State Park, an ideal location for summer swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving while the rough winter surf is a challenge for experienced surfers. There are showers, restrooms and a snack van at Haena State park but the beach is otherwise peaceful and remote with few signs of tourism.
There are several points of historical and cultural interest in the Haena area including the Limahula Garden with 17 alluring acres filled with gardens, rare native flora and fauna and rain forest. Located at marker 9, recently the Limahula Garden was voted the National Botanical Garden of the Year. There is also a fascinating ancient terrace system which is estimated to be almost 1,000 years old.
If you go a little bit down the road, you will discover Waikapalae Cove and Waikanaloa Cave, known as the Wet Caves. Made by ocean waves carving into the rock, the the Cave is accessible by a short trail and the Cove is located on the road.
Also in the Haena area is the Waioli Mission House, which was originally built of coral limestone blocks in 1837 and is now included on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby are the Waioli Huiia Church and Waioli Mission Hall as well as a total of five beautiful botanical gardens including Limahula.
When you get to the 10 mile marker, you are already at the end of the road were you will find captivating Kee Beach. Located within a lagoon with a protected reef, the swimming, snorkeling and diving are fantastic and usually quite safe. Kee Beach is also a hula haven and the point where the hiking NaPali Coast begins.
The four mile run from Haena to Kee Beach is a picturesque, peaceful stretch along Kauai's norths shore that offers unlimited opportunities for outdoor adventure without the interruptions of tourist traps.
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Haena Beach is a peaceful, remote getaway on Kauai's north shore where hippies camp out and water enthusiasts revel in the unpredictable surf. Off the beaten track, you won't find unlimited dining options or wild nightlife at Haena Beach and will do better down the road at tourist-friendly Hanalei Bay. If you prefer to stay in the quiet, natural environment of Haena Beach there are a few decent places to go for good food and fun.
Always a popular option at remote locations such as Heana, the Haena Beach Park lunch wagon is conveniently parked in the area seven days a week. If you forget to bring lunch, you can have an irresistible crab cake sandwich or a kalua pig sandwich and fresh island pineapple slices. The shave ice is a specialty at the lunch wagon and people line up for this frosty treat on the weekends. The prices are inexpensive, ranging from about $2 to 7 for a delicious lunch.
You can also grab your morning coffee or lunch at a local cafe. The NaPali Cafe is a coffee shop located on Kuhio Highway serving up hearty fare in Haena. For a tasty informal lunch or dinner, you can have some tasty pizza at Makai Pizza Pizza.
If you prefer a sit-down dinner and magnificent Mediterranean Cuisine, visit the Mediterranean Gourmet. In 2007, Honolulu Magazine voted this oceanfront restaurant Best New Restaurant on Kauai. Located at Hanalei Colony Resort, the Mediterranean Gourmet is run by a married couple Imad and Yarrow Beydoun, who settled on Kauai's north shore in 2005. Imad is a native of Beirut and he became renowned throughout the area for his homemade hummus and falafel sold at the local farmer's markets. Now the couple has their own restaurant and prepare a variety of irresistible appetizers and dishes including roasted eggplant and sesame seed, steak kabob, a veggie plate and grilled fresh fish. Seafood lovers will enjoy the seafood paella with clams, mussels, scallops, ahi, shrimp, waloo, crab and a lobster tail.
While nightlife is scarce in the immediate Haena Beach area, you can take a short ride down Kuhio Highway to the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa for some fun at Tradewinds, a bar with blues, classic rock and dancing on the weekends. If you would rather relax to blues and Hawaiian music, you can check out Amelia's in nearby Princeville. There are also a variety of local luaus and you can get tickets right at the beach for great native cuisine and an unforgettably good time near the shore.
Although Haena Beach is off the beaten track, that is the biggest part of its appeal. You can enjoy the natural privacy of Haena Beach and still appreciate some terrific local food and entertainment along the way.
