Downtown Hanalei, a beautiful town on the North Shore of the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Editorial credit: bluestork / Shutterstock.com

This Small Hawaii Town Has The Best Downtown

There is nothing quite like the wonderful views on the Island of Kaua'i, with sun-soaked palm trees lining the streets and a fresh island breeze around every corner. Hanalei, located on Kaua'i's northern shore, has all of this and more, attracting visitors across the world to its downtown area. Hanalei is anchored by an incredible assortment of shops and restaurants like The Hanalei Dolphin, which has the freshest seafood, along with the profound history of the Wai'oli Hui'ia Church. This creates a beautiful blend of history and modern-day luxuries, making Hanalei downtown a fantastic destination.

Incredible Vacation Spots In HawaiiHawaii, known for its beautiful beaches and palm trees, offers an incredible mosaic of towns and cities, each with its own unique history.

Eat, Stay, Play

Downtown Hanalei, Kauai. Image credit bluestork via Shutterstock

Stay for the week just steps from the Hanalei Bay in The Hanalei Surfboard House. The rooms are adorned in collectable, eclectic vintage décor, and the vibes are immaculate. Fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean and wake up to rainbows visible from the windows of your room. Walk from the beach to the quaint downtown filled with shops and restaurants, less than a quarter mile from the hotel. Choose between the Elvis Suite or the Cowgirl Suite and experience an intimate setting on the beachfront with your own private patio flowing with tropical flowers, fountains, orchids, and vintage lawn ornaments. For another exclusive stay, the Hanalei Colony Resort offers visitors views of golden beaches and the island's most impressive sunrises and sunsets, set against mountainous backdrops. Views of Hanalei Bay and Kaua‘i’s lush mountain landscape can be seen just steps from the oceanfront property. Book the ocean view suite, oceanfront suite, garden view suite, or more.

Hanalei, Hawaii. (Editorial Photo Credit: bluestork via Shutterstock.)

Grab some unique, local cuisine at The Hanalei Dolphin, which has been serving customers the freshest cuts of seafood since the 1970s. Soak in the view of the Hanalei Heritage River while enjoying decadent sushi, fish, steaks, and seafood. Looking for the perfect burger on the island? Big Nick’s offers classic burgers and local favorites. Charboiled over a live flame, the caramelized edges collect the restaurant’s house-made sauces. Grab a classic burger, Hawaiian BBQ, or local comfort food.

Surf’s Up

Hanalei Bay Beach in Hanalei, Hawaii. Image credit Chase Clausen via Shutterstock

The shores of Hanalei Bay are renowned for being the largest bay on the north side of Kauaʻi. The 2-mile crescent-shaped bay attracts visitors for its ample water activities and its exhilarating views of waterfall-drenched mountain peaks, including Hihimanu, Namolokama, and Mamalahoa Mountains. The crashing waves are ideal for surfing, while the tranquil waters are preferred for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. While in the bay, be sure to visit the historical landmark, the Hanalei Pier. Originally built as a rice and sugar transportation hub, the pier has become a gathering place for island dwellers to enjoy the views, fish, picnic, or splash into the ocean. The iconic feature has become a symbol of Kaua'i’s laid-back charm.

Fishing and gathering at Hanalei Pier in Hanalei Bay, Hawaii.

Another attraction of Hanalei Bay is one of its connected beaches, Black Pot Beach. One of the only beaches on the island without a Hawaiian name, the beach was named for the big black pot that was kept there and used to cook fish for celebrations. One of the highlights of this particular beach is seeing the outline of the pier through the sunsets. Spend the day surfing, paddleboarding, or swimming, and spend the evening watching the sun slip down behind the mountain peaks in the distance.

Hawaiian History

Green Church in Hanalei, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

Appreciate the island's beauty not just in the form of natural scenery, but in the architecture and history connected to the buildings. The Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church, constructed in 1837, is the oldest surviving church on Hanalei. Visitors can appreciate the green spires, American Gothic architecture, and Roman Doric. With Mountains serving as the backdrop, even if you don’t come for a service, visitors can still appreciate the beauty of the church surroundings.

Metal girder and wood bridge on the road to Hanalei from Princeville in Kauai, Hawaii.

One of the most loved attractions in Hanalei is a landmark right on the city limits; in fact, it’s the gateway to the town. Enter by crossing over the Hanalei Bridge, a 113-foot manmade bridge that has seen visitors traversing across it since 1912. Venture across the Hanalei River and enjoy the ripple of the timber deck, which has been repaired and reinforced but still stands strong.

Live like a local for a while and surf in the Hanalei Bay, lounge at Black Pot Beach, cross the Hanalei Bridge, and feast on local cooking at Big Nicks. The island holds more than picturesque sites of mountains, waterfalls, rainbows, and beaches, but also history, activity, dining, and adventure. Known for its world-class surfing, paddling, and swimming, come see why Hanalei is the small Hawaii town with the best downtown.

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