With Love From Hanalei
Blog 5 - A Perfect day in Hanalei
Hanalei has something for everyone — whether you’re looking for pure relaxation or a bit of adventure. Here’s how I’d spend a perfect day in Hanalei.
Morning
Start with coffee! Hanalei has a few great spots to fuel up for the day:
Hanalei Market (Mon 8–12pm, Tues–Sun 8am–2pm) → My personal favorite. Their coffee is delicious, their syrups are handmade, and they usually have grab-and-go treats plus a bagel bar.
Hanalei Bread Company (Daily 7am–12:30pm) → Great pastries and breakfast, but get there early to beat the line.
Wishing Well Coffee (Daily 6:30am–6pm) → Open the latest! Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. They’ve got snacks and breakfast items, too.
Once you’ve got your coffee, take it to-go and head to Hanalei Bay for a walk. Start at the pier and wander along the 2-mile crescent-shaped shoreline — one of the most scenic beach walks on the island. If you’re feeling ambitious, go all the way down and back for a 4-mile round trip. Along the way, you’ll find bathrooms, shady spots to rest, and places to hop in the water if it gets too warm.
Late Morning Adventures
After your walk, spend some time exploring Hanalei Town.
Shopping & browsing: Local boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. Don’t miss our own Hawaiian Surfing Adventures boutique (with locally made items), Sway Hanalei, and Kokonut Kids.
Farmers Markets:
Tuesday → Waipā Farmers Market (2pm–dusk)
Saturday → Hanalei Farmers Market (9am–12pm)
Both are perfect for fresh produce, flowers, and unique gifts
Outdoor fun:
Rent a kayak from Kayak Hanalei and paddle up the Hanalei River. Or rent surfboards, paddleboards, or boogie boards from us at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures. New to surfing? Try a private family lesson — they’re always just your group, never combined with others. Book Yours Now!
Hiking: The Okolehao Trail rewards even a short 30-minute climb with sweeping views of Hanalei Bay.
Lunch
By now you’ve worked up an appetite! While I’ve shared my favorite gluten-free options in another blog, here are some extra picks worth checking out:
Pat’s Taqueria (food truck by Black Pot Beach) → Delicious tacos, quesadillas, and burritos.
Tiki Tzatziki (open daily except Sun & Wed, 11am–2:45pm) → Amazing Greek food — I love the lamb chop salad.
Hanalei Taro Food Truck (Thurs–Sun) → Authentic Hawaiian dishes in a shady, casual spot. Hours vary slightly by day, so check before you go.
Afternoon
After lunch, it’s time to relax or adventure a little more:
Beach time: Hanalei Bay is perfect for swimming — sandy bottom, no rocks or coral — but always check with lifeguards before going in. Bring your beach chairs and umbrella, and enjoy the water. Activities like bodyboarding, surfing, or paddleboarding are fun here too.
Cultural connection: If you’re in town on a Wednesday, book a tour of a local taro farm (9:45am–12:45pm). It’s a three-hour experience and well worth it. Book Here!
Sunset
Golden hour in Hanalei is unforgettable.
Grab your favorite drinks from Hanalei Liquor Store and head to the Hanalei Pier for classic sunset views, with Mount Makana as the backdrop.
If you skipped the morning walk, this is another magical time to stroll the bay.
When the sun dips, head to Tahiti Nui. They have live music nightly from 6:30–8:30pm (closed Saturdays). Reservations are recommended, but they also have an online waitlist.
Evening Wind Down
End your day with stargazing. Hanalei’s dark skies are breathtaking, and the bay at night has its own magic. Walk the pier under the moonlight — you might even see local fishermen casting lines into the water.
Our shop’s latest logo was inspired by the beauty of Hanalei by moonlight, and if you’ve experienced it, you’ll know why.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own perfect Hanalei day. Aloha! 🌺
Instructor Highlight
Meet Kawaihoa “Kawai” Nuhi, one of our youngest surf instructors at Hawaiian Surfing Adventures in Hanalei Bay, Kauai. Born and raised on the North Shore, Kawai has been surfing for 14 years and grew up surrounded by the beauty and power of the ocean.
About Kawai:
Age: 19
From: Hanalei, Kauai
Surfing Since: Age 5
Spirit Animal: Tiger Shark
Vibe in Three Words: Calm, collected, and patient
Why He Loves Teaching Surf Lessons in Kauai
For Kawai, the best part of teaching surf lessons is being in the water and making someone’s day. Whether it’s a student catching their very first wave or simply sharing a laugh between sets, he loves seeing people connect with the joy of surfing.
Life on the Garden Isle
When he’s not teaching, you’ll find Kawai surfing, golfing, working out, or mountain biking—anything that keeps him active outdoors. His tip for first-time visitors to Kauai? Surf as much as you can and explore the whole island. There’s always something new to discover.
Inspired by local legend Andy Irons, Kawai’s surf style reflects the heart of Kauai—strong, graceful, and deeply connected to nature. He says what he loves most about living here is “being in the water every day and the food.”
He describes the island best through the Hawaiian phrase: “Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono”—the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
A Moment to Remember
One of Kawai’s favorite surf memories is gliding down the Napali Coast with dolphins swimming beside him—an unforgettable reminder of how magical Kauai truly is.
Want to surf with Kawai? Book your next lesson with us by visiting the surf lessons page or click book a lesson at the top of your screen!
