Cross the iconic one-lane bridge connecting the remote town of Hanalei with the rest of the island and spend a day in paradise, taking in the area's charm and timeless beauty.

Hanalei Bread Company

Once you arrive in Hanalei, kickstart your morning with a delightful breakfast at Hanalei Bread Company, a charming local bakery and coffee shop in the Hanalei Center. Here, you can treat yourself to an array of freshly made pastries that change daily. Pair these delectable treats with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Choose from various coffee options, such as the lightly roasted 100% Kona coffee, the medium roasted Sunrise Blend and an assortment of espresso-based drinks like Americanos and lattes. If you're in the mood for a more substantial breakfast, be sure to try their popular Fancy Toast, featuring goat cheese, smoked salmon, arugula, cherry tomatoes, pickled shallots and garlic and thyme oil on freshly toasted bread. Additionally, you can indulge in their Waffles & Strawberries, served with whipped butter, maple syrup and sliced strawberries. Whether you decide to dine in their inviting open-air area or opt for takeout, you'll appreciate the vibrant flavors and colorful dishes at Hanalei Bread Company.

Hanalei Center

After breakfast, take some time to walk around Hanalei Center, a commercial hub in this small town. The center is in the old Hanalei Elementary School, where the former classrooms have been transformed into spaces that now house a diverse mix of shops, restaurants and services. One of the long-time residents of Hanalei Center is the Hanalei Surf Co., founded in 1982 by renowned surfer Charlie Cowden. In addition to surf apparel and beach accessories, the store also offers bodyboards, snorkels and surfing rentals to gear you up for a day at the beach. Hanalei Center provides a laid-back atmosphere where you can leisurely stroll and chat with local vendors.

Hanalei Farmers Market

As you continue your day, visit the Hanalei Farmers Market. It's a great opportunity to meet local farmers and craftspeople and try out the island's amazing produce. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. You can find various exceptional local products such as tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juices and locally harvested honey. To get to the market, head down Kūhiō Highway until you reach the intersection of Malolo Road. Turn left towards the mountains, and you'll see a grassy field on your left where the outdoor market is held. Approximately 50 local vendors showcase their products each week. You can find not only fresh produce but also fruit jams, compound butter and crafts made by skilled artisans. While you're there, be sure to grab an ice-cold coconut to refresh yourself before heading to your next destination.

Waipā Farmers Market

If you happen to be in Hanalei on a Tuesday afternoon, you must visit the farmers market hosted by the Waipā Foundation. It is located near the Waipā one-lane bridge, just one block away from Hanalei Bay. This farmers market focuses on organically grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. You will find farmers, artisans and an informational booth where you can purchase Waipā merchandise and learn more about how their foundation supports the ahupuaʻa (land division) of Waipā.

Waiʻoli Mission House

After enjoying breakfast and browsing through the markets, you might want to delve into the history of Hanalei. Situated between the Hanalei and Waipā Farmers Markets, just off Old School House Road, the Waiʻoli Mission House provides a glimpse into life during the early days of Christian missionaries on the island. Originally constructed by Reverend William Alexander of Kentucky, the house was inhabited by the missionary teachers Abner and Lucy Wilcox in 1846, where they raised their seven sons. The site was restored in the 1920s and now offers guided tours of the two-story, four-bedroom home. The tours showcase relics from the Wilcox family's life, including the original lava rock chimney, the couple’s koa bed and a clock installed in 1866 that still keeps perfect time today.

Hanalei Taro

After exploring the historic sites of Hanalei, make sure to visit Hanalei Taro, a farm that has been providing the island with fresh taro products for six generations. The W. T. Haraguchi farm has grown taro in the Hanalei region for over 100 years. In 2000, Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, the great-great-granddaughter of the farm founder, established Hanalei Taro to connect her family's farm with the present. You can join Farm Eco Tours on Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., where Lyndsey shares her family's methods for growing and harvesting taro as a fifth-generation taro farmer. You can also visit the farm's food truck and order products made using their hand-cultivated taro. Offerings include gluten-free Taro Mochi Cakes, specialty plate lunches served with poi (steamed and mashed taro), taro macaroni salad and a side taro dessert. Don't forget to try the refreshing ginger lemonade and a smoothie that blends fruits and steamed taro from their beverage menu.

Hanalei Bay

Don't forget to visit Hanalei Bay when you're in Hanalei. It's one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with two miles of crescent-shaped, golden sand and safe waters for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddling and surfing. Drive through Hanalei town and turn right at Aku Road to get there. Keep going until you reach Weke Road, then turn right again and follow the road until you reach the parking lot for Hanalei Bay. You can relax on the soft sand and take a dip in the clear blue waters. At the far end of the bay, you'll find Hanalei Pier, which was built in 1892. It used to be a key point for farmers to transport their produce from Hanalei Valley to the market. Nowadays, people of all ages enjoy jumping off the pier into the water below. There are also lifeguards, restrooms, showers and picnic tables available.

Pink’s Creamery

After a relaxing day at the beach, you might crave something sweet. Visit Pink’s Creamery, which is just a short drive from Hanalei Bay on Aku Road. At Pink’s, you can enjoy delicious scoops of Roselani ice cream, which has been made in Wailuku, Maui for over 80 years. Their slow-churned ice cream is rich with 16% butterfat, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture. You can choose from classic flavors like Hawaiian Vanilla Bean and Strawberry or try fun blends like Banana Mac Nut Brittle and Chocolate Macadamia Nut. In addition to ice cream, Pink’s offers handmade smoothies and shakes and their famous Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Original Grilled Cheese features pulled kalua pork, Muenster cheese and a piece of pineapple grilled between two pieces of bread and served with chips and a pickle.

Fresh Bite Kauai

At lunchtime in Hanalei, there are several dining options to choose from. One popular food truck in the area is Fresh Bite Kauai, which specializes in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food. Located just a short walk from Pink's Creamery, the food truck is usually parked in a small lot off Kūhiō Highway, next to the Hanalei Liquor Store. A standout item on their menu is the salad wraps, which can also be served as a bowl. One particularly refreshing wrap is the Buddha Wrap, made with organic salad greens, cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, green onions and chopped macadamia nuts, all tossed in a zesty lime macadamia nut satay sauce. Customers can add organic chicken breast, local and grass-fed steak or creamy avocado to the wrap. The menu also includes steak, chicken or veggie sandwiches served with homemade ranch, chipotle, honey mustard or chimichurri sauces. To complete your meal, consider ordering a side of hand-cut French fries made from russet potatoes or purple Okinawa sweet potatoes.

The Barn 808

Spend your afternoon exploring the shops and art galleries that Hanalei is famous for. Check out The Barn 808, which features a unique collection of home goods and clothing curated by the couple Petra and Donavon Frankenreiter. The couple travels the world due to Donavan's career as a singer, songwriter and guitarist, sourcing items that reflect their bohemian, beachy style. At their store, you can find cozy items like 100% cotton indigo throws and hand-pressed incense cones to bring comfort to your home. They also offer hand-dyed silk sleep masks for a luxurious sleep routine. In addition to home goods, they carry classic tanks, vintage shorts, platform sandals and woven bags to add a laid-back island vibe to your wardrobe.

Haleleʻa Gallery

A short three-minute walk up the street will bring you to Haleleʻa Gallery. There, you can explore their curated collection featuring some of the most unique and talented artists and designers from across the state. Anna and Chad Ulmer, the pair behind this gallery, first met as kids while living on the same street in Dillon Valley, Colorado. They later reconnected as adults at Anna's brother's wedding and immediately hit it off. The couple then moved to Kauaʻi to work on a fruit orchard but soon discovered their passion for the arts. Anna, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, and Chad, a music major who traveled the world to study African drumming, have created a one-of-a-kind environment at their gallery where visitors can view distinct art pieces. From captivating photographs to handcrafted rings, the offerings at Haleleʻa Gallery will enhance every aspect of your life.

Sway Hanalei

After seeing the gorgeous creations at Haleleʻa Gallery, head to Ching Young Village. This well-known shopping center is located on a former rice mill site and a mercantile store opened by a Chinese immigrant named Ching Yuk Hom in 1911. Today, the center has a collection of locally owned stores, including Sway Hanalei. Dedicated to offering clothing and housewares that reflect the coastal, modern lifestyle famous in the area, Sway Hanalei is the best spot to gather everything you need to outfit in a surf-inspired aesthetic. From breezy maxi dresses to structured bucket hats and gauzy button-up shirts for men, their clothing collection will make you feel cool and stylish in the warm island weather. Tie your looks together with pieces from their curated jewelry collection, including puka shell and pearl necklaces, pineapple textured statement rings and shark tooth necklaces that are perfect for layering. Don’t forget to check out their houseware section, which includes highly coveted hand-dyed bedding created on the island of Kauaʻi that will make your bedroom feel like a peaceful sanctuary.

JoJo’s Shave Ice

After you’ve logged a few hours browsing and shopping, you might be in the mood for something cool and refreshing. For some of the best shave ice on the North Shore, head to JoJo’s Shave Ice, located in a grouping of stores and restaurants next door to Ching Young Village. Opened in 1992, each location boasts using syrups made only from cane sugar. At this shave ice shop, you have several options to choose from. You can try one of their pre-made combos, such as the Tropical Breeze, featuring guava, lilikoʻi and mango syrups on top of the shave ice, along with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream and homemade haupia cream topping. Another option is JoJo’s Special, with chocolate and butterscotch syrups, vanilla ice cream, homemade vanilla cream topping and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you prefer, you can also create your own combination by choosing a scoop of ice cream and up to four flavors of syrups, including options like sweet lemon, root beer and tropical flavors like lychee and papaya.

Michal Art Studio

After enjoying your shave ice treat, head back to Aku Road, near Pink’s Creamery, and visit Michal’s Art Studio. Michal Abramovitz is the talented artist behind the bold and invigorating designs. She studied at the Sorbonne University in Paris, honing her skills and gaining a solid foundation in art history and theory. Michal's unique artistic style sets her apart in the Hawaiʻi art scene with her bold brushstrokes, rich textures and vibrant colors. You can view her stunning designs in her gallery, which have been adapted into everything from clothing to housewares. Each style has been crafted in her clothing collection for both style and comfort. This includes light and airy 100% Tencel dresses, Aloha shirts, sustainable and eco-friendly bathing suits and rash guards with SPF 50 protection. Additionally, you can explore Michal’s original art pieces or purchase a giclee print to hang in your home or office as a perfect souvenir of your Hawaiʻi vacation.

Kalypso Island Bar & Grill

As your afternoon turns to evening and hunger starts creeping up, consider dinner in one of the many restaurants located in Hanalei, all just mere minutes from each other. On the corner of Aku Road and Kūhiō Highway is Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, known for its laid-back atmosphere and classic bar food with an island twist. A favorite starter on their menu is the Mussels, one pound of clams and mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and herbed butter broth. Other popular starters are ahi poke lettuce wraps and mahi mahi sliders. Their dinner menu offers everything from kalua pork tacos to New York steak, but if you are in the mood for pasta, opt for the Kalypso Pasta. This dish features eight Tiger shrimp sauteed with herbs, olive oil and garlic with penne pasta tossed in fresh tomatoes, basil and their house cream sauce. In addition to great food, their drink menu is another fantastic temptation. From non-alcoholic drinks like refreshing Arnold Palmers to Horchata, you can also enjoy delicious tropical drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris—perfect to accompany your meal in paradise.

Tahiti Nui

Just one block away from Kalypso Island Bar & Grill, another restaurant and bar is known as "The Nui," which has been a popular spot for generations. The restaurant first opened in 1963 when Bruce T. Marston, a US Air Force Lt. Colonel, and his wife Louise, a native of Tahiti, moved to the island. Initially a small diner with a curio shop attached, The Nui has expanded its menu offerings and gained fame over the decades. Dinner entrées like Zesty Coconut Crusted Fish, Macadamia Crusted Chicken and Soy Wasabi Island Fish combine island flavors with international tastes. The personal pan pizzas, especially the Tiki Man loaded with kalua pig, pepperoni, chicken, garlic, red onion, mushrooms, pineapple, cilantro and a smoky BBQ sauce, are also a must-try. No meal at The Nui is complete without one of their specialty cocktails. While their Pele’s Passion and Wild Coco Rita will put you in a festive mood, many come here for a chance to drink their World-Famous Tahiti Nui Mai Tai. Years ago, founder Aunty Louise created her secret original recipe to make her friends from Tahiti say, "Mai Tai Roa Ae," which translates to "Out of this world! The best!"

AMA Restaurant

If you find yourself craving a satisfying bowl of ramen paired with expertly crafted cocktails, head to AMA Restaurant, a mainstay of the Hanalei region known for its Asian dishes brimming with comfort and flavor. One way to open your meal is with their Bao Buns, two steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled slaw, cucumbers, peanuts and bell peppers, drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce and yuzu aioli. Noodles are a main draw of their menu, and you can’t go wrong with the Braised Beef Laksa, which combines chewy ramen noodles topped with braised beef laksa, tofu, fried shallots, a soft-boiled egg, bean sprouts, cilantro and fresh lime. AMA also offers excellent donburi (rice bowls), including their AMA Ahi Bowl, which features pieces of seared ahi tuna, Bok choy, chilies, lime, scallions, bell pepper furikake, yuzu aioli and ponzu (soy citrus) dressing. Round your meal out with a handcrafted cocktail, non-alcoholic mocktail or glass of wine from their international and lengthy wine list.

Bar Acuda

Located within the same shopping center as AMA Restaurant is Bar Acuda, a tapas restaurant specializing in small, savory plates. Owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team Hanna and Kenny Uddifa, they have worked hard to establish relationships with local farmers and fishermen to ensure the freshest ingredients are used in their dishes. Start your meal by sharing plates of Mediterranean olives and housemade brioche buns served with hazelnut romesco butter and smoked sea salt. Try their Seared Sea Scallops served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, garlic, shallots and chili lemon crisp. Blending the flavors of the Mediterranean with ingredients from the islands is best exemplified in their Blackened Hawaiian Fish served with tomato and fennel pearl couscous, saffron aioli and True Leaf Farms sunflower sprouts. Complement your meal with a selection from their wine menu that reflects an enclave of passionate producers from Italy, France, Spain, Oregon and California. And don’t forget to check out the dessert menu that features stunners like their Cold Brew Pot de Crème and housemade Coconut Sorbet sprinkled with cardamom, dark chocolate magic shell and toasted coconut.

The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant
Popular since its opening in the 1970s is The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant. Located at the beginning of Hanalei Town, in the Hanalei Dolphin Center, this restaurant has become known for its fresh fish, unique sushi rolls and riverside dining options. Open your meal with a warm bowl of their Seafood Chowder brimming with shrimp, calamari, clams, bell peppers and onions in a creamy white sauce. Other classic appetizers are a Shrimp Cocktail served with homemade cocktail sauce and a 4 oz. serving of sashimi served with ponzu sauce and fresh wasabi. The Teriyaki Ahi entrée is always a good choice and has been the house specialty for over thirty years. A thick cut of ahi steak is marinated in homemade teriyaki (soy sugar) sauce, charbroiled until medium rare, and served with drawn butter. Beer-battered fresh fish, fried shrimp, scallops baked in wine and 12 oz. New York steaks are also stars on their consistently good menu. “Over the Top” sushi rolls bursting with flavor, shrimp and vegetable tempura and other Japanese dishes round out their menu.

From day to night, Hanalei offers a variety of activities, restaurants, and hidden gem shops to excite everyone.

Hanalei Bread Company; Hanalei Center, 5-5183 Kūhiō Hwy. C2, Hanalei; (808) 826-6717; hanaleibreadco.com; open daily from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hanalei Center; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-7677; hanaleicenter.com; open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hanalei Surf Co.; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-9000; hanaleisurf.com; open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hanalei Farmers Market; 5-5299 C Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-1011; halehalawai.org; held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Waipā Farmers Market, 55-785 A Kūhiō Hwy, Hanalei; (808) 826-9969; waipafoundation.org/farmers-market; held every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to dusk.

Waiʻoli Mission House, 5-5373 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 245-3202; waiolimissionhouse.org; tours are available Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Advance reservations are required.

Hanalei Taro; 5-5070 Kūhiō Hwy., Ste. B, Hanalei; (808) 651-3399, ext. 1 ; hanaleitaro.com; food truck is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until they sell out; tours are available Wednesday at 9:45 a.m.

Pink’s Creamery; 4489 Aku Road, Hanalei; (808) 212-9749; pinkscreamerykauai.com; open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fresh Bite Kauai; 5-5100 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 652-0744; freshbitekauai.com; open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Barn 808; 5080 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 320-3555; thebarn808.com; open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Haleleʻa Gallery; 5016 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-0001; haleleagallery.com; open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sway Hanalei; Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5190 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-7360; swayhanalei.com; open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

JoJo’s Shave Ice; Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5190 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 378-4612; jojosshaveice.com; open Monday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m.

Michal Art Studio; 4489 Aku Road, Hanalei; (585) 364-2425; michalarts.com; open Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Kalypso Island Bar & Grill; Ching Young Village Shopping Center, 5-5156 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-9700; kalypsokauai.com; open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Happy Hour daily from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tahiti Nui; 5122 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-6277; thenui.com; open Sunday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Live music nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

AMA Restaurant; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-9452; amahanalei.com; open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bar Acuda; 5-5161 Kūhiō Hwy., Hanalei; (808) 826-7081; cudahanalei.com; open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations required.

The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant; 5-5016 Kuhiō Hwy. C, Hanalei; (808) 826-6113; hanaleidolphin.com; open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. No reservations