Are you from Hanalei, Hawaii, or are you just visiting and looking for fun things to do? Don’t look any further! You’re in the right place. This guide will help you make the most of your time in Hanalei, Hawaii by showing you the best and most fun things to do.

Hanalei is a small town in Kauai County, Hawaii. It is on the north shore of the island of Kauai and is known for its beautiful scenery, clean beaches, and easygoing vibe. This beautiful place offers both outdoor activities and culture experiences.

There is something for everyone to do in Hanalei. You can visit historic sites and learn about the local culture, surf and float in the clear waters, hike along beautiful trails, and eat fresh local food at cute restaurants.

19 Best And Fun Things To Do In Hanalei, HI (2024)

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1. Hanalei Pier

Start your trip around Hanalei by going to the Hanalei Pier. It’s one of the best free and fun things to do in Hanalei, Hawaii. This famous spot is the perfect place to get away from the busy city because it has places to relax, see, and the stunning beauty of Hanalei Bay.

From the pier, you can see mountains that are thick and green, the ocean that sparkles, and surfers riding the waves. At the end of the pier, there are picnic tables where you can eat while taking in the view.

You can enjoy a lunch, take in the beautiful scenery, or just relax to the sound of the ocean as you walk to the end of the pier. When the water is calm, the shallow water near the pier is a great place to cool off.

Address: Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

2. Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church

Established in 1843, stepping into the world of faith at the Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church, a beautiful and historic landmark in Hanalei, offers a list of unique things to do in Hanalei, HI, for everyone.

The Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church is on the National Register of Historic Places and is famous for its fine neoclassical design and important cultural role.

People who go to the Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church can look at its beautiful architecture, learn about its past as a place of worship for both Hawaiian royalty and regular people, and enjoy a peaceful and culturally significant setting.

Address:  5 Kuhio Hwy. #5363A, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States

3. Hanalei Beach

An interesting thing for everyone to do in Hanalei, Hawaii, during the summer is to walk along the crescent-shaped Hanalei beach.

This cute beach has soft white sand, stunning views of the lush green mountains that encircle Hanalei Bay, and calm water that is great for swimming and other water activities. People who know how to surf love going there in the winter, when the waves are bigger.

A lot of people like to do water sports at Hanalei Beach, like bodysurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. People who come to this beautiful beach can swim, lay out in the sun, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, bodysurf, have a meal, walk along the beach, or just take in the stunning views.

Address: Hanalei, HI, United States.

4. Hanalei Valley Lookout

When looking for the best and most fun things to do near Hanalei, Hawaii, the Hanalei Valley Lookout is a must-see. The Hanalei River carved out a rich basin that is visible from this location, which has a stunning view of the lush Hanalei Valley.

From the peak, you can see emerald-green mountains surrounded by lush taro fields, which are a traditional Hawaiian crop. Waterfalls flow down the hills, and on sunny days, rainbows can be seen, making the scenery even more dramatic.

Take a look at the beautiful views, especially at sunrise or dusk. You can also use binoculars to get a better look at the valley and see birds or other animals.

Address: Kuhio Hwy., Princeville, HI 96722, United States.

5. Na Pali Catamaran

Taking a boat tour with Na Pali Catamaran along Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali Coast is an exciting thing for everyone to do in Hanalei, Hawaii.

The Na Pali Catamaran has been around since 1972 and offers four different four-hour tours every day. These tours give early risers and photography fans access to the stunning Na Pali Coast, which has tall green cliffs, hidden sea caves, and waterfalls.

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People who go on this boat tour can look at beautiful natural scenery, swim, snorkel, and relax on the boat. During certain times of the year, they may also see dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales.

Address: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy # 1, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

6. Yellowfish Trading Co

Exploring Yellowfish Trading Co., a unique shop that offers a curated selection of vintage and modern Hawaiian memorabilia, should be on your bucket list of things to do in Hanalei, HI, for people of all ages.

This shop has been around since 1993 and is known for selling high-quality items instead of cheap visitor souvenirs. It has old aloha shirts, hula figurines, handcrafted jewelry, art by local artists, and other treasures.

People can look through the shop’s unusual collection of old things and crafts made in Hawaii, find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs, and feel like they’ve gone back in time.

Address: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Suite E104, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

7. Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park has beautiful emerald cliffs, lush valleys, hidden beaches, and waterfalls that make up this stunning scenery. It’s one of the best and most fun things to do near Hanalei, Hawaii.

The park covers an amazing 6,175 acres and has a 16-mile stretch of Kauai’s northwest shoreline. It has sea cliffs that reach heights of up to 4,000 feet, undiscovered sea caves, beaches that are only accessible by foot or boat, and lush valleys teeming with plants and animals.

Visit the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and hike the challenging 11-mile Kalalau trail through the park’s valleys and along the cliffs. You can also kayak or boat along the Na Pali Coast, camp in designated areas with permits, swim or snorkel in the clear waters, and see dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales, among other animals.

Address: Kauai Island, Hawaii, United States.

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Are you exploring other attractions in Hawaii?  Why not check out some fun things in Princeville, Kauai, HI?

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8. Havaiki Oceanic And Tribal Art

As an art enthusiast seeking fun and educational things to do in Hananlei, HI, a visit to the Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art promises an exhilarating art experience with its unique collection of art from various Pacific Island cultures.

Traditional art from Hawaii, Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, as well as other places in Oceania, is what this gallery is all about.

The gallery also has a wide range of items, including statues, carvings, textiles, masks, and objects used in ceremonies. The attention is on artifacts that show what the Pacific Islands are all about and their history.

This gallery has a unique collection of art from different Pacific Island cultures. You can look around, learn about the pieces’ cultural meanings and artistic customs, and maybe even find a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.

Address:  5-5161 Kuhio Hwy G, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States. 

9. Limahuli Garden & Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden

Among the outdoor activities for visitors and locals in Hanalei, exploring the Limahuli Garden & Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden boasts the most fun and educational things to do in Hanalei, HI, for people of all ages.

The botanical garden and nature preserve are spread out over 17 acres and 985 acres, respectively. They both have a native forest where you can see what Kauai looked like before the first Hawaiians came and a garden with plants that those first Hawaiians brought with them.

This site also has old terraces where kalo was grown and waterfalls that fall over rocks. People can walk to the top of the Whale Trail to see stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and Kauai’s famous Mt. Makana. They can also learn about the different plants, go on a guided tour, enjoy the waterfalls and streams, and take part in cultural events.

Address: 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

10. Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park

11. Waipa Farmer Market

A visit to the Waipa Farmers Market, a weekly market with an abundance of fresh, local, and in-season produce, is among the unique things to do in Hanalei, HI for everyone.

This market has a lot of different food and craft sellers selling fresh, local food, flowers, honey, and baked goods. It also has a lot of different souvenir and one-of-a-kind crafts made by local artists that show off Kauai’s rich agricultural offerings.

At the Waipa Farmers Market, you can buy fresh, high-quality food in a lively atmosphere. You can also look at seasonal specialties, talk to skilled artists, and eat meals made with local ingredients.

Address: 55785A Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

12. Kokeʻe State Park

Kokeʻe State Park is a huge green area known for its wildflowers, hiking trails, and beautiful overlooks. It’s one of the best family-friendly things to do near Hanalei, Hawaii, and people of all ages can enjoy it.

The park is made up of more than 4,345 acres of hilly land that is between 3,200 and 4,200 feet above sea level. It has many hiking trails, two campgrounds, native Hawaiian birds, and is close to the Kokeʻe Museum.

People who go to Kokeʻe State Park can do many things, like stargazing, birding, camping, hiking the different trails, or checking out the museum on State Road 550, which has displays about the park’s geology, plants, and animals.

Address: Hanapepe, HI 96716, United States.

13. Fun Factory

One of the family-friendly things near Hanalei is taking a 47-minute road trip to Fun Factory, a children’s amusement center offering a variety of exciting activities for kids.

This family entertainment center has been around since 1977 and has air hockey, classic video games, redemption games, and other games that you can play with. For birthday parties, it also has party packages that can include private party rooms, food, and entertainment.

Play a variety of video games with your family, pick out gifts from the large gallery of prizes after winning games, and check out the other fun things to do at the entertainment center.

Address:  3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States. 

14. Sweet Leilani’s Little Free Library

Another fun and free things to do in Hanalei, HI, is make a stop at Sweet Leilani’s Little Free Library, a charming and community-driven initiative that brings the joy of reading to locals and visitors alike.

This free library is right in the middle of Hanalei and has books for people of all ages and hobbies. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from books for kids to novels, non-fiction, and trip guides.

Sweet Leilani’s Little Free Library not only encourages reading and learning to read, but it also builds community by letting locals and visitors share books and talk to each other.

People who are in Hanalei can stop by and pick up a new book or leave a book they’ve already read for someone else to find.

Address: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

15. Reef Guides Hawaii

Reef Guides Hawaii is the best place to start exploring the underwater beauty of Hawaii’s Hanalei Island. They can help you find many eco-friendly and family-friendly things to do there.

This place lets you go diving with a guide right from the shore, so you don’t have to take a boat. Their main goal is to teach people about environmental duty and how to protect the fragile reef ecosystems.

Visitors can enjoy Kauai’s reefs safely and wisely by becoming Reef Guides. They can also learn useful things about marine life and help protect these important underwater habitats.

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Address: Hanalei, HI, United States.

16. Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge

The Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge has been around since 1972 and has a lot of educational things for people of all kinds to do close to Hanalei, Hawaii.

The refuge is made up of managed wetlands that look like natural Hawaiian wetland systems. Its goal is to protect rare and threatened waterbirds like the Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian coot, and Hawaiian stilt.

People who want to learn more about Hanalei’s wildlife can go to the viewpoint across from the Princeville Shopping Center, which has educational signs. From there, you can learn about the refuge and maybe even see some birds from afar.

Address: Kapaʻa, HI 96746, United States.

17. Waimea Canyon State Park

The Waimea Canyon State Park is on the western side of Kauai Island, Hawaii. It has a dramatic and colorful view and lots of fun things to do near Hanalei, Hawaii.

This beautiful park was created in 1911 and has dramatic, colorful gorges that go down up to 3,600 feet. There are many hiking trails that lead to beautiful views of the canyon and the island scenery around it. The lush green plants look fantastic next to the red dirt, which is a result of iron oxide washing away.

When you visit Waimea Canyon State Park, you can walk along one of the many trails, take in the stunning views of the canyon and the areas around it, learn about the geological history of the canyon, and enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area.

Address: Waimea, HI 96796, United States.

18. Infinite Art Gallery

People who love art and are in Hanalei, Hawaii, must check out the Infinite Art Gallery. Right in the middle of Hanalei, this shop lets you look at and buy original works of art and crafts made by local artists.

Max Lemaire’s beautiful landscape paintings, especially the dramatic Na Pali Coast, are on display in the studio. They show off the beauty of Kauai.

Originals, light collections, new works, landscapes, visionary and surreal pieces, figure works, and woodwork are just some of the types of art that visitors can enjoy. Look around the gallery and get ideas from the beautiful art that’s there.

Address: 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, HI 96714, United States.

19. Anaina Hou Playground

A 14-minute drive to Anaina Hou Playground is one of the best and most fun things to do with kids near Hanalei.

This playground has a unique design that includes parts of Hawaiian history and culture. It has slides, climbing walls, swings, places for pretend play, lots of open space for running around, and lots of picnic tables for a family get-together.

The themed platforms let kids use their imaginations while they climb, slide, and swing. Parents can take a break on nearby seats and enjoy the view. The park has a cafe, a mini-golf course, and a farmer’s market every Saturday, which makes it a great place for a family trip.

Address: 2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea, HI 96754, United States.

20. Kauai Backcountry Adventures

Explore the island’s lush rainforests, secret gems, and dramatic coastlines with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. This is one of the exciting things to do near Hanalei, Hawaii.

Visitors to Kauai Backcountry Adventures can enjoy a unique experience by floating down a lazy river on an inner tube while taking in the beautiful views of the Old Lihue Sugar Cane Plantation. You can really unwind and enjoy the lovely views this way.

You can also try the Backcountry Zipline from Kauai Backcountry Adventures, which has seven thrilling zip lines that take you across a lush hillside. Fly through the trees and take in the stunning views of Kauai’s scenery.

Address: 3-4131 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States.