Located on Kauai’s north shore just past the luxury resort area of Princeville is the magnificent Hanalei, a tiny little town surrounded by endless natural beauty – from the crystalline turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay to the majestic mountains.
With a small one-lane bridge leading into town, and an unusual mix of shopping and dining options, the very small town – approximately 0.8 square miles – is full of old world charm. The town has a population of 450 and is home to stellar views of Kauai’s taro fields, various art galleries, and historic sites, as well as fresh air and the breathtaking Pacific Ocean.
The only way into town is via this one-lane bridge.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Once you make your way into town, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views wherever you turn.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Hanalei Bay is a near-perfect semi-circle of white sand - and is two miles long, 125 feet wide, and surrounded by majestic mountains. Can it get any more gorgeous?
Kory Westerhold/Flickrr
The bay is perfect for watersports of all kinds, and the stunning 300-foot-long Hanalei Pier is perfect for fishing – or jumping off for a nice swim.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
This old plantation town is surrounded by expansive fields that are almost as gorgeous as the nearby Pacific.
Alexander Rabb/Flickr Fun fact: In addition to the town’s plantation history, from 1817 to 1853, three Russian forts near Hanalei were part of the tsarist Russian America.
The Hanalei Lookout features an unobstructed view of the Hanalei River and expansive taro fields, flanked on either side by towering mountain peaks.
Alan Strakey/Flickr
The views from the Limahuli Garden are unparalled.
Ron Cogswell/Flickr Overlooking the ocean and Makana Mountain, and featuring lava rock terraces built by ancient Hawaiians in order to cultivate taro, this botanical garden is simply stunning.
Kauai is often referred to as the “Garden Isle,” and its easy to see why when you see pictures of the lush land on either side of the Hanalei River.
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
The beautiful town and neighboring Hanalei Bay have been featured in various films, including the 1958 musical classic, South Pacific.
Kory Westerhold/Flickr
If you’re able to, the aerial views of Hanalei absolutely cannot be beat.
Geordie Mott/Flickr Perhaps a helicopter tour should be on the agenda?
If you love the natural beauty surrounding Hanalei, we think you’ll fall head over heels for these 18 Hawaiian towns with the most picturesque scenery.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Kory Westerhold/Flickrr
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Alexander Rabb/Flickr
Fun fact: In addition to the town’s plantation history, from 1817 to 1853, three Russian forts near Hanalei were part of the tsarist Russian America.
Alan Strakey/Flickr
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
Overlooking the ocean and Makana Mountain, and featuring lava rock terraces built by ancient Hawaiians in order to cultivate taro, this botanical garden is simply stunning.
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
Kory Westerhold/Flickr
Geordie Mott/Flickr
Perhaps a helicopter tour should be on the agenda?
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