<p>One of Hawaii's most charming small towns, Hanalei is built around the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay with a backdrop of verdant mountains on the lush and tropical north shore. <br></p><p><br></p><p>This region has a timeless beauty with shimmering waterfalls cascading from the high peaks, and a large, relatively well-protected bay lined with golden sand beaches bordering aquamarine waters that create an ocean playground.<br></p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>Things To Do</b><br>Hanalei Bay is one of Hawaii's best locations for ocean activities including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, fishing and long beach walks.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Take a sunset sail or go on a whale watching adventure, or just relax on the beach taking in views of the distant Makana Mountain (Bali Hai) and the three prominent peaks of Hihimanu, Namolokama and Mamalahoa towering over Hanalei town.</p><p><br></p><p>As you arrive on the north shore your first glimpse of Hanalei will come at the Hanalei Valley Lookout which provides a picture postcard view of the meandering river amidst the green patchwork of taro fields at the foot of the mountains.</p><p><br></p><p>Driving down the hill takes you over the historic Hanalei Bridge which was built in 1912 and is the first of seven one-lane bridges on the north shore of Kauai. Just past the bridge are expansive fields of taro where you may catch a glimpse of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds including the black-necked stilt, moorhen and coot as well as the native Hawaiian duck known as koloa. Also keep an eye out for the nene, or Hawaiian goose, which is Hawaii's official state bird.</p><p><br></p><p>History buffs will enjoy a visit to Hanalei's Waioli Mission House which was built in 1836 and is now fully restored including historic furnishings from by-gone days. Located in front of the Mission House is the 1912 Waioli Hui'ia Church, a picturesque structure with beautiful stained-glass windows making it one of Kauai's mos…