Also consider 6 Hanalei luxury rentals


Each corner of Kauai reveals its own small charms and character through its guest's exploration, as does the surrounding areas near our Hanalei vacation rentals. Bay, bridge, and beach—multiple facets and activities of Hanalei await on Kauai's North Shore. Our Hanalei rentals are in an advantageous location, near Princeville's resort area, and accessible to many sights, shops, and eateries. The crescent-shaped bay is somewhat like an embrace, as is the town of Hanalei, with welcoming farms and artists in its inviting setting. Hanalei River is one of only 14 officially designated American Heritage Rivers and Hanalei Beach was honored as the second best beach among America's Best Beaches.

Things to Do

Our Hanalei bay rentals are heaven to outdoor enthusiasts, with swimming, sailing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, volleyball, walking, and the ultimate in scenic relaxation. Families find it ideal for long days of lazing because of the facilities available (lifeguards, restrooms, showers, pavilions for picnicking, etc. ). Make Hanalei Bridge part of the journey while driving in Hanalei. Built in 1912, it is the first of seven one-lane bridges to arrive at the Kalalau Trail.

Sacred temple, Ka Ulu o Laka Heiau, is worth a visit as it is the end of the road at the cliffs of the Napali Coast and a site where traditional Hawaiian dancers often rehearse for inspiration against the wild backdrop. A departure from a day at the beach includes tours of numerous art galleries, acres of gardens at Limahuli Gardens (part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden), and Hanalei taro farms that create the rich landscape of the community. Entrance is free to the cultural sight, Waioli Mission House The home, in the historical district in Hanalei, tells the story of early missionaries, through its architecture and interior furnishings.

Eat and Shop

Hawaiian, seafood, Thai, Italian, shave ice, and eclectic gourmet are all available in Hanalei. Popular plate lunches and plenty of coconut ice cream and sweets too. Visitors will enjoy a good mix of casual settings, nightlife, and upscale eateries. Grocery stores, both conventional and organic gourmet, plus a fish market, are available for picking up essentials and cooking at home. Ching Young Village is a third generation family-owned shopping center that has grown from its beginning as a store. Today, it is a central location for shops, restaurants, and services.

Art galleries galore, gift shops, a farmers' market, and places to buy everything from flowers to furnishings are entertaining in Hanalei. The shopkeepers, artists, and farmers enhance the experience.

Getting Around

Renting a car is best in Hanalei, to fully explore the town and its neighboring communities, including Princeville.

Kauai is an amazing island to visit. There are so many things to do you can be busy from sunrise to sunset and well into the night. Most people dont come to Kauai to stay busy though. Its much more laid back than the rest of the major islands. Its called the Garden Isle and is as relaxing as any of the most magnificent gardens around the world. In reality it is just one huge garden of some of the most exotic and wonderful plants. If you spent all of your time enjoying the nature of Kauai, that alone would be a most relaxing and invigorating vacation. There are many ways in which to see the island and its majestic natural environment.

If youre a water person you could see the spectacular underwater world through the eyes of a snorkeler. The water is relatively warm and clear. There are reefs to explore that are accessible to a snorkeler that you can get to in a number of ways. You can go with a tour and have everything included, the boat ride, the tour guide, a meal and the camaraderie of those joining you. This is a safe and fun way to see the water and recommended if you are not experienced. If you have more experience, you can find your own reefs and explore with a friend or a group of friends. If you want to spend more time under the water and go deeper than one can go holding their breath, scuba diving is the way to see even more under water nature. If you have dived before you know the wonderful feeling you get in warm water with an abundance of stunning creatures one can find in the underwater world. Hawaii has some impressive dive sites, some of them off the coast of Kauai.

Hanalei Bay is one of those places. The water is great during certain times of the year. Some of the best dives can be had simply by walking into the water and seeing whats near the shoreline. From octopus to dolphins and everything in between, youll have a diving experience like no other. During the winter months you may see whales off the coast of Kauai but you arent allowed to dive with them. Sea turtles are abundant in the Hawaiian Islands so you will most likely encounter one on one or more of your dives.

Another way to enjoy the natural wonder of Kauai is to see it by kayak. They are many places in Hanalei to rent kayaks and they will even give you lessons. If youd prefer to walk, you can take guided tours in most parts of the island. The Na Pali Coast is really close to Hanalei and is a must for those who like spectacular scenery and like to walk. If you prefer to camp, that can be arranged through tour outfitters in or near Hanalei. There are many more ways to see the island, any number of which may be just right for you and your group. Bicycle, helicopter, car, boat, and zip lines just to name a few more.

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