Hanalei: Taro Landscape, History and Local Culture

Hanalei is defined by taro fields at the foot of misty green mountains. The Hanalei Valley Lookout offers a good view of the taro fields in Hanalei Valley. This gives you two perspectives on the landscape: as farmland in the valley and as a panorama from the lookout. The taro farms are privately owned and may only be entered as part of an authorized farm tour.

Art, Music and Events

Hanalei has art galleries featuring art made on Kauaʻi, as well as carvings made from rare native Hawaiian woods. ʻUkulele concerts are regularly held at the Hanalei Community Center. If you plan to attend a particular concert, check the event date in advance. The Waipā Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday from 2 p.m. until dusk; check the date before your trip if you plan to visit the market. The Waipā Foundation holds the ʻAina Festival every May at Halulu Fish Pond on Hanalei Bay. Dates and venue may change, so check the current festival details if you are planning your trip around it.

History of the Waiʻoli Mission

The Waiʻoli Mission was founded in 1834 by American Christian missionaries; the Waiʻoli Mission House was completed in 1837. This chronology distinguishes the founding of the mission from the completion of the house. At the Waioli Mission House, visitors can learn about a historic mission station and historic residence. The story covers education in the 19th century, restoration in the 20th century and preservation in the 21st century. Booking details may change; confirm them before making plans. Waiʻoli Mission Hall is listed on the state and national registers of historic places.

Hanalei Pier and Film History

The historic Hanalei Pier was built in 1892 and is adjacent to Kauai County’s Black Pot County Park. It appeared in the film “South Pacific” and is used for fishing. For travelers interested in film history, this appearance offers an additional point of reference; its construction in 1892 places the pier in its historical context.

Wetland and Getting There

Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge provides wetland habitat for endangered ʻaeʻo (Hawaiian stilts) and koloa maoli (Hawaiian ducks). In Princeville, you can view the refuge from a lookout on Kūhiō Highway. The lookout is nearby, in Princeville rather than in Hanalei; it is intended as a self-guided experience. Hikers can drive along Ohiki Road through the refuge to the Okolehao Trail trailhead. Parking is limited. The lookout offers a view over the refuge; the drive along Ohiki Road, by contrast, leads to the trailhead.

The road into Hanalei crosses a one-lane bridge. Traffic from one direction crosses first, followed by traffic from the other direction. Observe this order and check current road conditions before driving.

Discover more destinations: Waimea, Kilauea, Anahola, Līhuʻe, Kapaa, Koloa, Kalaheo, Lawai

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