It's hard to know what to say about Hanalei that hasn't already been said or written as it's truly one of the jewels of all the Hawaiian Islands. With a gorgeous bay encircled by majestic peaks and a ridgeline to the west, the white sands of Hanalei Bay are an invitation for unforgettable beach walks, swimming, surfing from sunrise to sunset. Hanalei town has a bustling and thriving commercial center with other shops strung along Kuhio Highway on the approach after the historic and iconic Hanalei Bridge. The Hanalei River itself is designated as an American Heritage River, flowing from the also federally designated Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge and through Hanalei's beautiful and much photographed taro fields. Kayak and standup paddleboard rentals are easily found and available to explore this amazing river. The newly renovated Black Pot area by the Hanalei Pier has restrooms, parking and easy beach access as do several other beach areas such as The Pavillion and Pine trees off beachfront Weke Road. Ching Young Village is in the heart of Hanalei with restaurants, coffee and shave ice stands, surf and beach equipment rental shops, a small supermarket, and some great food trucks sprinkled around. Events are a regular occurrence with a weekly Farmer's Market and monthly surfboard swap meet. To get above it all a great hike can be found on the 2.5 mile Okolehao Trail climbing to a 1250ft elevation, easily accessible by taking an immediate turn by the Hanalei Bridge through the taro fields to your immediate right. Last but not least, Hanalei is the gateway to the communities of Wainiha and Haena and the gateway to NaPali Coast State Wilderness park. Not enough can be said about this area, follow the Department of Land and Natural Resources link below for the latest information on how to access this area.