Best things to do in Hanalei

Hanalei Beach stretches along 3.2 km (2 mi) of sand on the island's northern shore. The largest beach on the island, four separate areas combine to form the bay: Waikoko beach, Wai'oli Beach Park, Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, and Black Pot Beach Park. Coral reefs beckon people to both ends of the bay. While here, you can go swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, or boating. With waves up to 6 m (20 ft), the bay is also a great place for surfing. Camping is allowed on Black Pot Beach with a permit.

Enjoy spectacular views of crested buttes and rugged red cliffs while hiking the geological wonder that is Waimea Canyon State Park. Fondly known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the canyon stretches over 22.5 km (14 mi) and is 1,097 m (3,600 ft) deep. Hike along the deep valley gorge to the Waimea Overlook to admire the vivid red and green coloring of the volcanic canyon and for panoramic views of the Kaua’i interior. You can rent a car to explore the area or catch a tour bus to the top of the canyon. Be sure to carry a jacket, as the area tends to be very windy.

The rugged coastline of Hawaii's oldest inhabited island, Na Pali Coast State Park, can only be reached by hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding. If you're not feeling that adventurous, consider taking a guided boat tour or helicopter ride around the coast. However, this natural beauty is worth the hike (or kayak ride). The cliffs, or pali, jut straight out of the water and are marked with small, narrow valleys and caves formed by strong seawater. Camping on the beach overnight is also a popular option here; just remember that you need to pay for a permit to do so.

Set among the mountains and coastal terrain of Kauai, Limahuli Garden and Preserve is one of the National Tropical Botanical Garden's parks with waterfalls, cliffs, and plant life. Backed by the imposing Makana Mountain, the park's 7 ha (17 acres) of garden space contains distinctive biological zones and ecosystems stretching from oceanic to those in the rocky heights of the hills behind it. Don't forget to stop by the 240 m (800 ft) waterfall. Take a guided or self-guided tour to learn more about the history of the area and its people, as well as the park. Some terrain can be a little rough, so be sure to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes.

Steelgrass Farm is a Kauai family farm dedicated to sustainable diversified agriculture. We grow chocolate, vanilla, award winning honey, timber bamboo, tropical fruits and flowers, lettuces and market vegetables, ginger and turmeric on forty-six acres near Kapaa on Kauai's east side.

Hi, I'm Will Lydgate, co-owner of the farm with my sister Emily. We're the fifth generation of the Lydgate family on Kauai, and we're dedicated to sharing our knowledge, so ten years ago we started the Steelgrass Chocolate Farm Tour, the only chocolate tour and tasting on a genuine family farm on Kauai.

We're also growing our farm, expanding from our current thousand chocolate trees toward our goal of four thousand. We are already Kauai's largest chocolate grower, and reaching that goal will make our orchard one of the largest in the state -- which also means in the country, since Hawaii is the only state where chocolate trees will grow.

Visit Princeville Botanical Gardens to walk among exotic plants and flowers, beehives, and homegrown chocolate. The family-run botanical garden operates tours three days a week to educate visitors about native Hawaiian plants and their many useful purposes. The knowledgeable guides will lead you through the gardens, pointing out important species and teaching the group about each plant's origins. Along the way, enjoy delicious samples of lychee fruit, grapefruit, tangerines, papaya, and honey. Included in the tour is a half hour devoted to learning about the cacao tree and the process of making organic chocolate, as well as tasting chocolate samples from around the world.

Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, an historical lighthouse, and a diverse bird sanctuary when you visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Gaze at residents such as red-footed boobies, tropicbirds, Laysan albatross, great frigatebirds, and nene, and try to spot humpback whales and Hawaiian monk seals in the ocean. To learn about the historical significance of the lighthouse, and the wildlife that resides on the refuge, read informative displays at the visitor center and speak to staff there. There is also a small museum and volunteer center where you can educate yourself further.

Paddle your way around Hawaii's awe-inspiring scenery on a guided kayaking or canoeing tour from Kapaa. Providing you with necessary equipment and information, experienced guides will take you on a safe journey that'll help you see the region's landscape from a whole new perspective. With many options, you'll also be able to visit authentic Hawaiian villages, hike through the lush island vegetation, or snorkel among sea turtles. Depending on the difficulty level, these 4-to-13-hour tours may have various age restrictions.