Hanalei Travel Guide

Welcome to Hanalei!

Hanalei is a small historic surfing town with a very small population on the north shore of Kauai near the Hanalei River. Reminiscent of the 1960s era Hawaii, Hanalei Bay Beach is a scenic 2 mi (3 km) long crescent shaped bay, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or surfing. Appropriately, the name Hanalei means —crescent bay— as well as —lei making— in Hawaiian. The town is an ideal place to visit year-round, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Recreational activities include swimming, snorkeling, sailing and fishing. Kalalau Trail is a local recommended hiking trail just 7 mi (11 km) north of Hanalei. It is a difficult trail that covers 11 mi (17.7 km) of the island's north shore from Ke'e Beach to the Kalalau Valley. Fit, experienced hikers usually complete the trail in one day, while most people take two days, requiring them to camp along the trail. Hanalei also offers a variety of restaurants and shops. For those familiar with the 1958 movie South Pacific, it was filmed on adjoining Lumahai Beach.