Are you planning a trip to Kauai and want to know about some fun Kauai activities to add to your itinerary? Find the best things to do in Hanalei Bay, North Shore Kauai.
This list of the best fun things to do in Hanalei, Hawaii, was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
TL;DR: Hanalei Bay has the calmest swimming beach for kids on Kauai’s North Shore, taro donuts my kids beg for even when we’re 3,000 miles away, and the only historic rice mill left in Hawaii. Based on 40+ visits and 20 years hula dancing experience from a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist.
My parents drove me up to Hanalei when I was a kid so I could hula dance to “Hanalei Moon” right at sunset.
I still remember standing there watching the mountains turn pink and orange.
Now I’m the one driving my two boys to Hanalei, and they’re just as obsessed as I was.
My kids beg to play at Hanalei Beach because the water’s so calm they can actually swim without getting pounded by waves.
They walk out on the pier, play underneath it, build sandcastles for hours.
It’s the one beach on Kauai where I can relax instead of constantly scanning for rip currents.
Kauai welcomed 1.39 million visitors in 2024 who spent $2.85 billion (49% more than pre-pandemic).
Peak July 2024 brought 135,740 visitors to the island. But somehow Hanalei still feels quiet. Still feels like old Hawaii.
I’m sharing what we actually do when we’re here. Not every possible activity. The spots my family goes back to every single trip.
What Makes Hanalei Bay Different from Other Kauai Beaches?
Hanalei Bay stretches two miles in a perfect crescent backed by mountains that drop straight into the ocean.
The town itself has maybe five streets. You can walk the whole thing in 20 minutes.
But it packs in incredible food, perfect beaches, and some of the best sunsets in Hawaii.
The drive crosses a one-lane bridge that floods when it rains hard. When locals say “past the bridge,” they mean Hanalei and everything north. It’s like entering a different world where things slow way down.
Kauai has an average of 25,000-26,000 visitors on island at any given time. Most stay south side or east side. Hanalei gets a fraction of that.
Where Should You Stay Near Hanalei?
Most families stay in Princeville (5 minutes away) or Hanalei town itself. I cover this completely in episode 73 of my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast about the best areas to stay on Kauai.
Quick version: Princeville has hotels and resorts with pools. Hanalei town has vacation rentals where you’re walking distance to everything. Both work.
You can find hotels near Hanalei on Expedia and filter by family-friendly, pools, and beach access.
Best Things to Do in Hanalei
1. Spend All Day at Hanalei Bay Beach
This is why you came. My kids love this beach so much they ask to go back every single day.
The water’s incredibly calm compared to most Kauai beaches. My boys can actually swim without getting knocked over every three seconds.
They walk out on the long pier. They go underneath the pier, which they think is the absolute coolest.
They hunt for shells. They build elaborate sandcastles that actually stay standing because there’s no aggressive shore break destroying everything.
The beach stretches two miles. Even when the parking lot’s full, you can walk down and find your own quiet spot. There are clean bathrooms and outdoor showers at the pavilion. Lifeguards on duty. Shade under the ironwood trees.
Summer brings gentle waves perfect for kids. Winter brings big surf on the western end that pulls surfers from around the world (but that end gets dangerous for swimming).
Parking: Get there before 9am or after 3pm. The main parking lot fills up midday but spots open constantly as people leave. I’ve never NOT found parking, even on busy days. Just had to wait 10 minutes sometimes.
What to Bring: High-quality beach canopy from Amazon since there’s limited natural shade, reef-safe sunscreen, snacks, water.
2. Get Holey Grail Taro Donuts (My Kids Beg for These)
My kids beg for Holey Grail even when we aren’t anywhere near Kauai. They literally ask about it in Seattle.
These taro-based donuts are made to order, fried in coconut oil, topped with rotating weekly flavors. They have flavors like lilikoi passion fruit, salted maple, or their famous “Original Sin” with Hawaiian vanilla bean.
They’re naturally vegan (taro instead of dairy) but you’d never know it. They’re just ridiculously good.
The donuts started in a red food truck in Hanalei in 2018. Now they have multiple Hawaii locations plus LA. The Hanalei truck is still the original.
Location: 5-5100 Kuhio Highway in Hanalei (red food truck)
Hours: Daily 7am-1pm
Pro tip: Go right at 7am. By 9am on weekends you’re waiting 30 minutes.
3. Stop at Wishing Well Shave Ice (Best on the Island)
Every island has shave ice. But Wishing Well has been parked in that converted bus since 1983 for a reason.
They use organic syrups made from actual fruit. The ice is shaved ridiculously fine (not chunky like cheap shave ice). You absolutely need the macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom.
The first time I brought my kids to Wishing Well, they were blown away by how much better it tasted than other shave ice spots we’d tried. Now they beg us to stop anytime we drive past.
Location: 5-5080 Kuhio Highway (right at the entrance to Hanalei town)
Hours: Daily 9:30am-6pm (but they sometimes close randomly, so don’t make it your only plan)
Coffee Shop: Opens 6:30am if you need caffeine first
Bonus: The Slow Yourself Down boutique is on the property if you want to browse
4. Tour the Only Remaining Rice Mill in Hawaii
Haraguchi Rice Mill is the only one left in all of Hawaii. The Haraguchi family has farmed this land for six generations since 1924. Their tours take you into the actual taro fields in Hanalei Valley.
You learn about Hawaiian agriculture, why taro (kalo) is sacred culturally, how rice farming worked before everything closed down in the 1960s.
Kids love picking apple snails in the taro patches (they’re invasive and killing the crops, so you’re actually helping). The views from inside the valley with the mountains surrounding you are unreal.
It’s listed on the National Historic Register. This is real Hawaiian history, not the touristy version.
Booking: Reserve in advance at haraguchiricemill.org
Cost: Around $75 for adults
Duration: 90 minutes
After your tour, hit Hanalei Taro & Juice Co for lunch (same family runs it).
I had their kalua pork, poi, and lomi salmon bowl a few years ago and it’s still one of the best meals I’ve had in Hawaii. So flavorful. So fresh.
They also make taro veggie burgers, taro hummus, taro mochi cake. Everything’s made from their farm.
Location: 5-5070 Kuhio Highway (across from Postcards Cafe)
Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10am-3pm or 4pm (closed Monday-Wednesday, so plan accordingly)
Also at: KCC Farmers Market Saturdays 9:30am-1pm, Kapaa Sunshine Market Wednesdays 3-5pm
5. Take a Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
The Na Pali Coast is why most people come to Kauai. Those towering green cliffs dropping straight into the ocean.
You can’t drive there. Your options are hiking (hardcore), helicopter (expensive), or boat.
Boats leave from several locations, but Na Pali Coast tours from Hanalei are shorter and calmer than tours from the south side.
You’re also more likely to see spinner dolphins in Hanalei Bay before you even leave.
Summer months (May-September) have the calmest water. Winter can get seriously rough. I’ve been on winter tours where half the boat was throwing up.
If you get seasick, take Dramamine the night before AND the morning of.
Book through: Viator for family-friendly catamaran tours
6. Eat at Tahiti Nui (One of My Personal Favorites)
Tahiti Nui is one of my personal favorite restaurants on Kauai. The food is so flavorful!
It’s been around since May 1963 and still has that authentic old-school Hawaii feel.
The drinks are strong (their mai tais are famous). The fish is caught locally. There’s live music nightly 6:30-9pm.
George Clooney’s character hung out here in The Descendants.
Get the ahi carpaccio if it’s available. The fish tacos are solid. The pizza is surprisingly good for a Hawaiian bar. Their iTi wine bar is attached if you want something fancier.
Location: 5-5134 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei
Hours: Sunday-Friday 12pm-9pm (CLOSED Saturdays, so plan accordingly)
Luau: Wednesdays starting at 5pm check-in. Full buffet, mai tais, traditional Polynesian dancing. Around $80 adults. Way more intimate than those massive resort luaus.
7. Pull Over at Hanalei Valley Lookout
Before you even get to Hanalei, there’s a pullout on Highway 560 with the postcard view everyone thinks of.
The patchwork of taro fields, the river winding through, mountains covered in waterfalls on three sides.
There’s no hike. It’s literally just a parking area with a view. But you’ll want photos.
Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best light. After heavy rain, the waterfalls multiply and it’s absolutely stunning.
This is one of those “pull over for 5 minutes” stops that ends up being 20 because you can’t stop staring.
8. Snorkel at Tunnels Beach (No Reservations Required)
Here’s what nobody tells you: You do NOT need Ke’e Beach reservations to visit Tunnels Beach.
Ke’e Beach (at the very end of the road) requires reservations through Haena State Park. Tunnels Beach (about a mile before Ke’e) does not. Completely different beaches. People mix this up constantly.
Tunnels has some of the best snorkeling on Kauai when conditions are right.
You’re swimming over actual lava tube tunnels covered in coral. Green sea turtles everywhere. Reef fish in every color. The inner lagoon stays calmer than outer reef.
Summer (May-September) is best for snorkeling. Winter brings dangerous surf and strong currents. Check conditions before you go.
Parking: Park at Haena Beach Park (free public lot, no reservation required) and walk 5-10 minutes along the beach.
Get there before 8am because parking fills fast. Police actively ticket cars parked illegally on side streets.
What to Bring: Your own snorkel gear from Amazon (rentals are expensive and often don’t fit right), reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky entry.
9. Book a Flytographer Session at Hanalei Bay
I’ve done Flytographer photo shoots at Hanalei Bay twice and they’re so much fun.
You book a professional photographer for a minimum of 60 minutes ($425+ depending on season).
They know all the best spots at Hanalei Bay. They get shots of your family actually enjoying Hawaii instead of awkward selfies. You get 40-60 professionally edited photos delivered within a week.
It’s the one splurge I always recommend for Hawaii trips because you actually get photos of everyone together. Not just one parent holding the camera the whole time.
Use my link to save $20 on your session.
Best time: Late afternoon about an hour before sunset. The light is perfect and the beach is less crowded.
10. Browse the Toy Stores in Hanalei Town
There are a couple of cute toy stores in Hanalei Town that my kids beg to check out every single time we’re there.
They have beach toys, games, local-made stuff, Hawaiian books for kids. Nothing you desperately need, but it’s a fun stop when you’re walking through town. Good for rainy days or when kids need a break from the beach.
We usually hit these after lunch at Hanalei Bread Co or while getting shave ice.
11. Explore Limahuli Garden (Quick But Stunning)
I actually love Limahuli Garden. It’s stunning and can be a quick stop if you just do the self-guided walk (about 45 minutes).
It focuses on native Hawaiian plants and sits right against the mountains in a valley setting. The backdrop alone is worth the admission.
You learn about traditional Hawaiian agriculture and which plants are native versus invasive.
Kids might get bored if they’re not into plants, but it’s short enough that they can handle it. Plus there’s a stream running through that keeps their attention.
Location: End of Highway 560 before Ke’e Beach
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm (closed Sunday-Monday)
Cost: $30 adults, $15 students, kids under 12 free
12. Take the Kauai Food Tour
I love the Kauai Food Tour because they stop at some incredible spots and I always leave feeling super full.
The tours hit local favorites that tourists usually miss. You try poke, fresh fish, local desserts, Hawaiian specialties.
Guides explain Hawaiian food culture and history. They handle all the ordering and logistics so you just show up and eat.
It’s perfect for your first or second day on Kauai when you’re still figuring out where to eat. You discover spots you can go back to later in your trip.
Book through: Viator or Get Your Guide to compare different tour options
13. Stop at Hanalei Bread Co for Breakfast
Hanalei Bread Co bakes everything fresh daily. The bread smells amazing from outside. They make breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls, pastries, pizza by the slice after 11am.
Get there early (by 8am) for the best selection. By 10am on weekends, half the pastries are gone. Grab stuff for a beach picnic while you’re there.
The covered outdoor seating area is great for rainy mornings when you can’t hit the beach yet.
Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei Town Center
Hours: Daily 6:30am-8pm
14. Drive to Ke’e Beach and Kalalau Trailhead
Ke’e Beach at the very end of Highway 560 requires advance reservations through Haena State Park. You need to book at gohaena.com up to 30 days ahead.
Three options:
- Parking pass: $5 per person + $10 per vehicle (book 30 days out, sells out immediately)
- Shuttle: Runs from Waipa to Ke’e, includes entry ($35 per person)
- Entry only: If you’re walking or biking ($1 per person, but honestly where are you parking?)
Ke’e Beach itself is beautiful. Calm lagoon for snorkeling in summer. Dangerous in winter. It’s also the start of the famous Kalalau Trail (11 miles one-way, permits required for overnight).
Most families just go to the first 2 miles to Hanakapiai Beach (included in Haena State Park entry, no extra permit). It’s a gorgeous coastal hike but pretty strenuous for young kids.
15. Get Kauai Juice Co Kombucha
Kauai Juice Co started on Kauai and now has three locations. They make cold-pressed juices, kombucha on tap, fermented hot sauces all from local produce.
Their kombucha is legitimately good, not that weird health-store stuff. You can buy bottles to take back to your rental or refill at their locations for $4 (first bottle is $5, refills are $4).
They also sell at Hanalei Bread Co and other shops around the North Shore.
Kilauea Location: 2555 Ala Namahana Parkway
All Locations Hours: Daily 8am-5:30pm
Do You Need a Rental Car for Hanalei?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
There’s no Uber or Lyft that far north. The Haena shuttle only covers Haena State Park, not Hanalei. You need wheels to get to Hanalei and explore.
Discount Hawaii Car Rental compares prices across all major companies and usually finds the best rates. Book as early as possible because prices jump closer to your trip.
Quick Stats: Hanalei & North Shore Kauai
- Kauai visitors 2024: 1.39 million (1.32M domestic, 77.5K international)
- Visitor spending 2024: $2.85 billion (49% above 2019 pre-pandemic)
- Average visit: 7.45 days
- Average spending: ~$2,040 per trip
- Peak season: June-August (July 2024 hit 135,740 visitors)
- Best time: April-June, September-early November (great weather, fewer crowds)
- Hanalei population: Around 500 residents
- Distance from Lihue Airport: 32 miles, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
- Daily census: Average 25,000-26,000 visitors on Kauai at any given time
When’s the Best Time to Visit Hanalei Bay?
Summer (May-September) brings calm water, perfect swimming, consistent good weather. This is peak season. Traffic gets heavier, beaches fill faster, everything costs more.
Winter (November-March) means big surf (exciting to watch, dangerous to swim in), more rain, occasional road closures when rivers flood. But you’ll have fewer people and room to actually relax.
My sweet spot is April-May or September-October. Weather’s still great, water’s swimmable, you’re not competing with summer crowds.
Hanalei vs. Poipu vs. Kapaa: Which Is Best for Families?
| Feature | Hanalei (North Shore) | Poipu (South Shore) | Kapaa (East Side) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Quality | Excellent, dramatic | Excellent, calmest year-round | Good, rocky in spots |
| Weather | More rain, lush | Driest, sunniest | Moderate |
| Crowds | Low-Medium | High | Medium-High |
| Dining | Limited, casual, authentic | Many options, varied | Many options, local vibe |
| Activities | Beach, nature, farms | Beach, snorkeling, resorts | Central location, affordable |
| Airport Distance | 45-60 min | 25-30 min | 15-20 min |
| Vibe | Laid-back, old Hawaii | Resort-style, polished | Local, residential |
Each area works for families. Depends what you’re after. I break this down completely in episode 61 of Hawaii Travel Made Easy about how to plan a trip to Kauai.
FAQ: Hanalei Questions Answered
Which Hawaiian island is best for families with young kids?
Kauai works great for families because it’s less crowded than Oahu or Maui, has genuinely calm beaches, and plenty of easy outdoor activities.
Hanalei specifically offers gentle summer waves perfect for kids learning to swim in the ocean without getting constantly knocked down.
Do I need reservations for Hanalei Bay Beach?
No. Hanalei Bay Beach itself doesn’t require reservations or permits. It’s a public beach.
Ke’e Beach at the end of the road requires advance reservations through Haena State Park (book at gohaena.com). Tunnels Beach does not require reservations.
Can you swim at Hanalei Bay in winter?
Depends on the day. Winter brings big surf and strong currents. The eastern end near the pier stays calmer. The western end gets dangerous waves that can pull you out.
Check conditions daily and ask lifeguards before getting in. If you see nobody else swimming, there’s probably a good reason.
What’s the deal with the one-lane bridge to Hanalei?
Highway 560 crosses a historic one-lane bridge right before Hanalei town. Traffic alternates directions. It’s not a big deal, just be patient.
The bridge floods during heavy rain and closes, cutting off the entire North Shore. This happens a few times a year. Check road conditions if it’s been raining hard.
Where’s the best sunset spot in Hanalei?
Hanalei Bay Beach near the pier. The mountains to the west create this perfect frame as the sun sets behind them. Get there 30 minutes before sunset with a blanket.
The light show before the actual sunset is sometimes better than the sunset itself. Colors bounce off the mountains and turn everything pink and orange.
Is Hanalei too far from Lihue Airport for a week-long trip?
Not at all. It’s 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Totally manageable. Lots of families base themselves in Hanalei or Princeville for their entire Kauai vacation.
You have everything you need on the North Shore. You’re close to Na Pali Coast, best snorkeling, incredible beaches.
What should I pack for a day in Hanalei?
Reef-safe sunscreen (required by law in Hawaii), beach umbrella or sun tent, snorkel gear if you have it, water shoes for rocky entries, regular beach stuff (towels, toys, cooler), cash for food trucks that might not take cards, light rain jacket because Hanalei can get afternoon showers.
Can you still see sea turtles at Hanalei?
Yes. Green sea turtles show up at Hanalei Bay regularly, especially near the pier and eastern end. Tunnels Beach is even better for turtle sightings since they feed on the reef there.
Remember it’s illegal to touch or chase them. Keep at least 10 feet distance. Just watch and enjoy.
Ready to Plan Your Hanalei Trip?
Hanalei Bay is everything people say it is. Yes, it rains more than the south side. Yes, it’s farther from the airport. But it’s worth it for that old Hawaii feel that’s almost impossible to find anymore.
Start with the bay itself. Grab donuts from Holey Grail. Hit Wishing Well when you’re leaving. That’s your perfect Hanalei day.
Need help planning your whole Kauai trip? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I’ll map out your entire itinerary based on your family, budget, and travel style.
I’m a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist with over 40 Hawaii trips and 20+ years of hula dancing experience. I know these islands.
Or grab my complete guides:
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Free 7-Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to Kauai
- Free 5-Day Email Course: How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro
Hanalei isn’t going anywhere. It’s been this beautiful for centuries. Take your time. Don’t rush it. That’s the whole point of Hanalei anyway.