Hanalei town once the location for rice plantations has evolved to a Taro crop today that produces more Taro than any other place in the Hawaiian Islands. Taro is used to make poi and numerous other food products that were and still are the mainstay of many Hawaiian’s diet. The largest taro acreage in the district is within the boundary of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge and consists of approximately 125 acres. The fields are constantly irrigated with water and are grown in patches giving the valley floor the impression of a patchwork quilt.
One of the most adored areas on Kauai is the two mile crescent beach of Hanalei Bay. The idyllic town of Hanalei is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of 4,000 foot cliffs that are frequently draped in myriad waterfalls. The bay itself is home to some of the best swimming, surfing and paddle boarding on the island. The Hanalei River meanders along the only road that leads to Hanalei, passing below the one lane Hanalei bridge, the iconic entry way to this quaint island town.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
One of the perennial favorite eateries, a fixture
in Hanalei since the 1970’s is the Hanalei Dolphin restaurant and Fish
Market which rests at the rivers edge as one enters Hanalei. Patrons of
the restaurant and fish market can relax on the outdoor patio while
enjoying island favorites like fresh fish ceviche or the Dolphin’s
famous garlic croutons while watching the local canoe club paddlers,
kayakers and paddle boarders cruise the river.
During the
summer months sailboats make their way from all over the world to drop
anchor in picturesque Hanalei Bay. The historic Hanalei Pier reaches
into the pristine waters of the bay providing a gathering place for
visitors, fisherman, artists and photographers. Not a day goes by
without a pack of local children and “young at heart adults” poised for
their jump off this famous Kauai landmark. Due to the sandy bottom and
gentle waves Hanalei Bay is also the perfect place to learn how to
surf, surfing instructors and outfitters can be found near the pier. In
contrast to the idyllic summer conditions, winter time brings a
transformation from pristine and calm ocean conditions to huge and
dangerous surf that attract the big wave riders.
An evening
stroll along the soft warm sands of the Bay while the sun slowly sets
behind “Bali Hai” provides the perfect ending to an epic day spent in
Hanalei. While Hanalei Bay has the reputation for being one of the most
romantic settings on the Island and attracts many desiring simple beach
weddings, the town of Hanalei also provides another option for
picture-perfect weddings at the historic landmark, the Waioli Mission
church built in 1912.
The town itself is an eclectic mix of
salt of the earth farmers, new age artists, camera-toting vacationers,
laid-back locals, surfers, shop keepers and even an occasional resident
movie star. Shopping in Hanalei is as varied as the populace itself.
Surrounding Ching Young Village, the center of commerce in Hanalei
since 1906 and the adjacent Hanalei Town Center, one will find
everything from classy eateries to Taco stands, t-shirt shops to
high-end boutiques, local grocery to health food stores, Hawaiian
variety stores to fine art galleries as well as local real estate and
vacation rental offices and the ever-present beach rental and activity
huts. The town center provides sidewalk tables where visitors can take
a break and enjoy a refreshing local favorite of “shave ice” in a
rainbow of delectable flavors. Exotic tropical fruit and locally grown
produce are featured at the Hanalei farmers market at the far end of
town every Tuesday afternoon.
Getting to some of the beaches
beyond Hanalei can require a little more effort. Lumahai Beach for
example can be found at the end of a short, steep hike where Mitzi
Gaynor washed that man right out of her hair in the movie “South
Pacific”. In the summer, Lumahai Beach offers tide pools, a large white
sand beach for beachcombing and great swimming and coastal views,
however it can be treacherous during the winter months due to high surf
and rip currents.
One can easily spend a week just exploring
this small quaint town, enjoying the beaches, rivers, waterfalls and
jungles of this natural north shore playground or you can simply choose
to “do” nothing and just “be” in one of the most picturesque places on
the planet.
