Hanalei & Princeville, North Shore

Hanalei and Princeville are neighboring gems on Kauai’s stunning North Shore—both offer lush tropical beauty, dramatic scenery, and that classic aloha vibe, but they feel quite different!

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Explore Hanalei
Crescent Bay

Hanalei, on Kauai’s stunning North Shore, is one of the most picturesque and laid-back spots in all of Hawaii. Often called a little slice of paradise, this small town (population under 300) sits beside the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay, framed by lush emerald mountains, cascading waterfalls, and vast taro fields. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty, Hawaiian culture, and chill island vibes.

Explore Princeville
The Cliffside Resort Area

Princeville, perched on dramatic cliffs on Kauai’s North Shore, is a luxurious, master-planned resort community offering epic ocean views, top-tier amenities, and easy access to nearby Hanalei. It’s more upscale and spread-out compared to the chill village vibe of Hanalei—just a quick 5-10 minute drive down the hill.

Hanalei: Good To Know…
  • Weather: Average highs: 78–84°F (26–29°C). Average lows: 68–75°F (20–24°C). Humidity: High (75–80%+), feeling muggy especially in summer. Wetter season (Oct–Mar): More frequent showers, stronger trade winds, perfect for lush valleys/waterfalls but can bring flash floods. Drier season (Apr–Sep): Sunnier, calmer waters for swimming/kayaking, fewer crowds in shoulder months.
  • Driving: Hanalei (on Kauai’s North Shore) is about 30-33 miles from Lihue Airport (LIH). Driving time is typically 50-60 minutes in normal traffic. It can stretch to 1 hour+ if there’s congestion (especially around Kapaa).
  • One-lane Hanalei Bridge: It’s still just one lane, so drivers take turns crossing with courtesy; about 5-8 cars at a time is the typical local etiquette. Quick check tip: For real-time status, call the bridge hotline at 808-241-1725 (recorded update) or check the Hawaii DOT Kauai roadwork page: hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/kauai. Flooding from heavy rain can cause temporary closures or one-lane restrictions—it’s common during wet spells!
  • Fun Fact: The name “Hanalei” translates to “crescent bay” in Hawaiian.
  • Fun Fact: Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on Kauai’s North Shore stretching nearly 2 miles of golden sand.
  • Fun Fact: Rainbows are basically a daily special. Thanks to the misty mountains and frequent showers, double rainbows are super common.
  • “Puff the Magic Dragon” Myth: The 1963 folk song by Peter, Paul and Mary describes Puff living “by the sea” in “Honah Lee”, frolicking in the autumn mist. Many believe the dragon-shaped mountains around Hanalei Bay (the Nounou Mountains, aka “Sleeping Giant”) inspired it, especially the ridge that curls like a dragon along the bay. Songwriter Peter Yarrow calls it a “serendipitous coincidence.” The lyrics stem from a poem about lost childhood innocence, and “Honah Lee” wasn’t intentionally referencing Hanalei.
  • Fish Market: The top spot for fresh fish, seafood, and poke is the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market. It’s attached to (and located behind) the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, right along the Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei River—super convenient if you’re heading into town or crossing the one-lane bridge.
Princeville: Good To Know…
  • Vibe: Elevated luxury—think cliffside condos, resorts like the historic St. Regis (now rebranded 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay), and stunning panoramic views. Quieter and more resort-like than Hanalei, with a strong sense of community and Hawaiian history (named after Prince Albert in 1860).
  • Best for: Golf lovers (world-class courses), sunsets, relaxation, and cliff views. The Princeville Makai Golf Club is a highlight—often ranked among Hawaii’s most scenic public courses with ocean holes and dramatic scenery.
  • Pu‘u Poa Beach (St. Regis/1 Hotel Hanalei Bay): Golden sand with shade trees, good for sunsets—however parking and access is limited, mostly via resort paths.
  • Hideaways (Pali Ke Kua Beach): A hidden gem with turquoise waters, excellent snorkeling, and golden sand. Access involves a steep, rocky trail with ropes/handrails (moderate difficulty—wear good shoes, not ideal for small kids or mobility issues). It’s secluded and less crowded.
  • Foodland Supermarket: In the Princeville Shopping Center at 5-4280 Kūhiō Highway. It’s super convenient if you’re staying in the area—open daily from around 6am to 9pm (hours can vary), with a pharmacy, bakery, fresh meat/seafood departments, deli (famous for excellent poke and local favorites like spam musubi), and a solid selection of everything.
  • Pro move: Grab the Foodland “Maui Bucks” or loyalty card for discounts—many visitors do this ahead or on arrival.
Families with Children – Hanalei


Hanalei is a fantastic spot for families with children. Its laid-back village vibe, stunning scenery, and mix of calm beaches make it feel magical for kids of all ages. From toddlers splashing in shallow waters to older children exploring tide pools, building sandcastles, or boogie boarding Hanalei offers gentle adventures that embrace the aloha spirit.
Check ocean conditions daily surf-forecast.com
Hanalei Bay can have currents in winter; opt for protected areas.

golden sand. Fun
Hanalei Bay Beach & Pavilion

The crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay is one of Kauai’s most beautiful beaches, golden sand, lush mountain backdrop. In summer, the waters are calm and shallow for safe swimming; in winter, head to the Pier/Hanalei Black Pot Beach Park for gentler waves and lifeguard presence, great for boogie boarding, sand play, or picnics.

Views. Fishing
Hanalei Pier & River Mouth

The famous Hanalei Pier (from South Pacific) is a kid magnet. Walk out for panoramic views, watch surfers, or dip toes in the river mouth (calmer and shallower than the open bay). Older kids enjoy jumping off the end (when conditions allow, check safety first), while little ones love spotting fish or playing in the river sand.

Fresh Produce
Hanalei Farmers Market

Stroll for fresh fruits, smoothies, shave ice, and kid-friendly treats; live music and crafts make it a fun outing. When: Every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Where: At Hanalei’s Cultural Community Center, Hanalei, right off the main road. Plenty of parking on the grassy lawn area. About 25 local farmers, many using organic methods, some certified.

Where-to-Eat in Hanalei


This tiny North Shore town packs a punch with fresh, local-focused spots that capture that authentic, laid-back Kauai vibe – from riverside seafood to inventive tapas and classic mai tais. Here are some of the recommendations. Many are casual—no big chains—and reservations are smart for dinner, especially in peak season!

casual. live music.
Tahiti Nui

Iconic family-run spot since 1963—think casual Hawaiian-Tahitian flair with live music most nights, epic mai tais, pizzas, fresh fish, and salads. It’s the heart of Hanalei: relaxed, fun, and full of local spirit (featured in The Descendants too!). Perfect for drinks, dinner, or catching a show. Popular with locals and tourists alike.

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taro. pork. poi bowls.
Hanalei Taro & Juice Company

Authentic Hawaiian plates from a multi-generational taro-farming family—think kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, poi bowls, and fresh taro smoothies. Super local, healthy, and satisfying—often sells out fast! Open only on THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS 10am-3pm,
SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS 10am – 4pm or sold out.

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shave ice. organic.
Wishing Well Shave Ice

A beloved spot since 1983 serving some of the island’s best shave ice. Located across Hanalei Taro & Juice Company truck. Offers organic, house-made syrups that taste like real fruit —fresh flavors like mango, lilikoi (passion fruit), ginger, coconut, lychee, and guava. They also offer acai bowls, smoothies & organic coffee.

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Hanalei & Princeville – Attractions, Info & Map

Just before town, stop at the Hanalei Valley Lookout for postcard-perfect views of the patchwork taro (kalo) fields below misty green peaks. These ancient Hawaiian farms produce the staple for poi and offer a serene glimpse into island heritage.

The historic Hanalei Pier (built in 1892) is a beloved landmark—featured in the classic film South Pacific—where locals fish, gather, and watch epic sunsets.

The one-lane bridge leads into a walkable village with art galleries, boutique shops, local eateries, and coffee spots. It’s got that authentic, unhurried Hawaiian feel—browse handmade crafts, catch live ‘ukulele music, or grab fresh poke and shave ice.

Often called the “Green Church” is one of Hanalei’s most iconic and photographed landmarks—a charming, emerald-green historic church nestled against the dramatic misty mountains and taro fields on Kauai’s North Shore. It’s a true symbol of old Hawaii, blending missionary history with the island’s lush natural beauty. Founded in 1834 by American Christian missionaries William and Mary Alexander, who arrived by double-hulled canoe from Waimea—making it the oldest established church on Kauai.

The famous one-lane Hanalei Bridge (also called the Hanalei River Bridge) is the historic, charming bottleneck that leads into Hanalei town and the North Shore beyond. Built in 1912 and listed on historic registers, it’s still just one lane, so drivers take turns crossing with courtesy.

The top spot for fresh fish, seafood, and poke. It’s attached to (and located behind) the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, right along the Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei River—super convenient if you’re heading into town or crossing the one-lane bridge.

Located in the Ching Young Village Shopping Center at 5-5172 Kuhio Highway. It’s a convenient and local favorite with good selection of groceries, fresh produce, meats, seafood, deli items (including plate lunches and sushi), bakery goods, and everyday essentials like snacks, drinks, and beach supplies. They carry Kauai-grown items such as Hanalei poi, fresh bananas, and shrimp—great for that island flavor! Typically open daily from around 7 AM to 8 PM.

Princeville’s bluffs offer some of Kauai’s best sunset views—grab a cocktail at a resort lanai or cliff-edge spot for pure magic.

The St. Regis Princeville Resort has been fully rebranded and renovated as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. It’s a 5-star resort with 252 rooms/suites, emphasizing wellness, local materials, indoor-outdoor flow, and stunning views over Hanalei Bay. It offers multiple pools, full-service spa, and yoga/meditation. Rates often start around $1,000+ per night (vary by season).

A natural lava-rock tide pool that’s legendary for soaking in calm summer conditions—ancient Hawaiians used similar spots as royal baths. Winter/high surf warning: Often closed for safety—check signs and conditions!

In the front of St. Regis/1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Golden sand with shade trees, good for sunsets—however parking and access is limited, mostly via resort paths.

A hidden gem with turquoise waters, excellent snorkeling (turtles galore in summer), and golden sand. Access involves a steep, rocky trail with ropes/handrails (moderate difficulty—wear good shoes, not ideal for small kids or mobility issues). It’s secluded and less crowded.

Princeville Makai Golf Club is one of the crown jewels of Kauai golf—perched on dramatic bluffs overlooking Hanalei Bay and the Pacific, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece (his first solo design, opened in 1971) delivers jaw-dropping scenery and championship play. 18-hole championship course (par 72, up to 7,233 yards from the tips), blending oceanfront drama with inland lakes and native woodlands.

In the Princeville Shopping Center at 5-4280 Kūhiō Highway. It’s super convenient if you’re staying in the area—open daily from around 6am to 9pm (hours can vary), with a pharmacy, bakery, fresh meat/seafood departments, deli (famous for excellent poke and local favorites like spam musubi), and a solid selection of everything.

Hanalei & Princeville Photos
(Double Click on Photo)
Kauaʻi, HI – Key Regions & Attractions
The Garden Isle
West of Hanalei, North Shore –
Anini, North Shore
Kilauea Area, North Shore
East Shore
Poʻipu to Waimea, South Shore

Coming Soon…

Waimea Canyon & West Shore

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Kauaʻi Activities/Attractions
Kauaʻi with Kids
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